Do You Want to Remain Mobile in Old Age?

 

A study from the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) trial concluded that if you want to remain mobile and healthy in old age, you should start walking. Furthermore, it says even if you are already well into old age, it is not too late to reap the benefits.

The 2½ year trial included more than 1,600 men and women between the ages of 70 and 89, of whom none had exercised regularly; and all were relatively frail. The study authors say half of the participants took part in a daily exercise plan that included walking in addition to strength and balance exercises. The other half of the group did some gentle stretching routines and took part in healthy aging educational workshops.

Researchers found that those who were assigned to the exercise group were “28% less likely to have become disabled (defined by the inability to walk about 400 yards without help) compared to those in the education group. They were also 18% less likely to have had any episode of physical disability.” The study’s authors believe the results would be even more marked if those in the “healthy aging workshops” had not discovered the benefits of exercising on their own.

Walking is easy to do and does not require special equipment other than a pair of good walking shoes. If you are a senior who wants to start exercising, medical professionals say consult your healthcare provider, and slowly and gradually work your way toward longer distances.

At MorningStar Memory Care at Bear Creek, we understand how devastating it is when a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another memory loss disease, and we want you to know we are here to help. MorningStar leverages the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy in order to heal and comfort, and provides meaningful wellness programs and activities that engage our residents. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other memory care Colorado Springs offers.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal setting and encourage you to learn more about the finest memory care Colorado Springs offers.

Source:

health.harvard.edu/blog/walking-exercise-helps-seniors-stay-mobile-independent-201405287173

Pets are a Great Benefit to Seniors

 

Several studies over the last couple of decades have provided evidence suggesting pet ownership offers a range of health benefits for seniors. One of the most consistent findings is the fact that owning and caring for a pet may help seniors feel less lonesome, and with almost 1/3 of all seniors saying they are lonely, this is a good thing. In one study of pet owners ages 50 to 80: “88% said their pets help them enjoy life; 86% said their pets make them feel loved; and 79% said their pets help reduce stress.”

In addition to a pet’s unconditionally love, caring for the animal provides an older person with a sense of purpose as their pet needs to be feed and cared for daily. For example, a dog encourages seniors to get outside and exercise both themselves and the animal. Studies show pets can help improve seniors’ cardiovascular health and their mental and emotional health. Other studies have shown benefits such as improved mobility, a longer life span, pain relief and a better heart attack recovery.

While a pet can be a loving companion, it is important to pick one suited to the person’s physical health and their budget as vet bills can be costly. Cats and dogs make loyal friends but you may enjoy putting together and caring for an aquarium of exotic fish or raising songbirds. Whatever the choice, a pet is sure to bring a smile to the person’s face and help to keep them engaged on a daily basis.

MorningStar of Billings’ various senior living options meet the needs of area seniors with 5-star amenities, wellness programs and activities. In addition to compassionate assisted living and memory care, we are the area’s top choice for independent living. Our community is situated on a beautiful, park-like campus but near shopping centers and medical facilities. Please visit our website for more information regarding trusted assisted living and memory care as well as independent living Billings’ active seniors’ love.

Source: aplaceformom.com/resources/pets-for-seniors

Atrial Fibrillation

 

The Mayo Clinic explains atrial fibrillation or a-fib is “an irregular and often rapid heart rate that occurs when the two upper chambers of your heart experience chaotic electrical signals. The result is a fast and irregular heart rhythm. The heart rate in atrial fibrillation may range from 100 to 175 beats a minute.” The danger of a-fib is it can increase your risk for heart failure, stroke and other heart-related diseases. Symptoms of a-fib include shortness of breath, heart palpations, fatigue and weakness, dizziness and lightheadedness.

A person with the condition may experience episodes that come and go, while others have it on-going. Medical experts say a-fib is not generally life threatening but it is a serious condition and sometimes requires emergency medical treatment. One such emergency is the potential to develop blood clots in the upper chambers of the heart. These type of blood clots can circulate to other organs and cause ischemia (an inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body, especially the heart muscles).

Doctors say along with medications and treatments, patients should try to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Recommendations include quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight and consuming alcohol in moderation or not at all. They also say if you have sleep apnea get treatment for it and to exercise regularly. It is important to keep cholesterol and triglycerides in a healthy range, and be sure to get recommended vaccinations especially if you have heart disease.

At MorningStar of Billings, we are honored to provide the area with independent living, assisted living and memory care. As the pandemic is waning, we are back to all-day, restaurant-style dining with increased room capacity and greater accessibility to all amenities and common areas. Residents now enjoy in-person family visits with fewer restrictions, a calendar of activities and engagement (including entertainers and group outings) and same-day personal outings without strict quarantine protocols. We expect to continue in the same forward-moving direction over the next few months. Please visit our website to learn more about one of the most trusted senior living facilities in Billings.

Can Lifestyle Intervention Protect Brain Health?

 

The Alzheimer’s Association is partnering with the Wake Forest School of Medicine in a first-of-its-kind intervention trial called the U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER). The two-year clinical trial wants to learn if lifestyle interventions that simultaneously target multiple risk factors can protect cognitive function in older adults between the ages of 60-79 who are at increased risk for cognitive decline.

The national study hopes to “create a new and healthier ‘normal’ through lifestyle changes.” While research has already shown that a healthier lifestyle protects our bodies’ overall health, scientists now want to know if it can also protect the health of the brain from future memory problems such as Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

The U.S. Pointer study is currently being conducted at sites in North Carolina, California, Illinois, Texas and Rhode Island, and is the first study of its kind to be done on such a large group of participants from across the United States. Additionally, it is part of a worldwide consortium of other similar research including the 2014 Finland study of healthy older adults at increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The “FINGER Study” (Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability) reports that “a two-year combination therapy simultaneously targeting physical exercise, a healthy diet, cognitive stimulation, and self-monitoring of heart health risk factors had a protective effect on cognitive function.”

MorningStar at Bear Creek offers 48 memory care assisted living suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our loving community is staffed by a team of individuals who understands the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness. Please visit our website or contact us for more information.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. Please contact us for more information about Colorado Springs’ finest memory care assisted living.

Source: alz.org/us-pointer/overview.asp

Looking for Assisted Living in Glendale, AZ?

 

If you are looking at retirement communities in Glendale that offer assisted living, we encourage you to consider MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead.

MorningStar at Arrowhead provides residents a full range of care services, wellness programs and activities designed to support the whole person – body, mind and spirit. Our home’s décor is a credit to the work of the award-winning specialist in senior living interiors, Thoma-Holec Design. Filled with spacious, beautifully-appointed common areas both inside and out, amenities include a cozy fireside patio and porches, bistro, fitness room, general store, chapel/theatre, and library. Chef prepared meals are served restaurant-style in our bright, airy dining room.

However, our stylish design does not stop at the door of our private suites. Each one offers a range of features including lots of lighting, wall to wall carpeting, high ceilings, and large windows as well a kitchenette. For residents’ peace of mind and safety, our suites are also equipped with an emergency call system to ensure help is there if the need arises as well as handicap-accessible bathrooms. Cable TV and utilities are included in your monthly fee as well as weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services, and daily spot cleaning and trash removal.

All assisted living residents are provided with 24/7 care managers who help assist them with the Activities of Daily Living (dressing, bathing, grooming, eating, transferring and more). Access to a licensed nurse is available onsite throughout the week and on-call around-the-clock. We also offer medication management by Certified Med Care Managers. Moreover, we want to reassure you and your family that we periodically re-evaluate care plans and make changes as needed.

Other clinical care services provided by MorningStar include mechanical lift assistance, diabetic management, oxygen administration, catheter and colostomy care and more. We provide scheduled physician visits, a choice of physicians, pharmacy services, and onsite dental and podiatry services.

At the heart of our community, and what we are most proud of, is our team of loving, responsive caregivers who feel privileged to serve. Please visit our website for contact information. We are happy to answer any questions and look forward to hearing from you.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement communities Glendale, AZ offers. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arrowhead provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Are You Concerned About Your Elderly Parent Who Lives Alone?

 

 

If you are worried about an elderly parent who lives alone and may not be getting the kind of personal daily care, meals, or company they need; it may be time to consider assisted living. At MorningStar at Arrowhead, we specialize in providing care for seniors who need a little help with their day-to-day personal care activities but do not require 24-hour medical care.

We have seen first-hand how the transition to assisted living eases the stress of either or both the senior’s life or the family caregiver’s life. Moreover, we recognize that senior living at its best allows residents to not only survive but to thrive. We achieve this with a wide range of care services, fine dining, and meaningful wellness programs and activities. In addition, residents enjoy built-in companionship as they make new friends with fellow residents and our truly loving staff.

To give families a good idea of what services are provided with assisted living, we are happy to answer questions. Also, we suggest you take a look at our website where you will find a lot of information. A good place to start is our Decision Guide under the “First Steps” tab. Here we go over things to look for that may indicate your parent needs more help such as recent falls, unexplained weight loss, poor balance, and/or poor personal hygiene. From there, take a look at our FAQs for more details.

Under our “Wellness” tab we go over our dining services, life enrichment programs, and clinical care services. We also like to direct interested families to “Our Heart” to read a little background on how MorningStar Senior Living began and what its mission and precepts are all about.

While you will discover our company was founded on Judeo-Christian tradition, we honor all faith systems and worldviews as we believe it is our responsibility to respect residents’ spiritual preferences. In fact, our goal is to meet a resident’s social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs as part of creating a comfortable home and compassionate care.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement communities Glendale, AZ offers. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arrowhead provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Why Does Our Hair Turn Gray?

 

 

While some people seem to not turn gray until an advanced age, most of us see our first gray hair sometime in our thirties. Experts say in time, everyone’s hair will turn gray, and with each decade after age 30, your chance of going gray increases by 10 to 20 percent. For those blessed with a very long lifespan, their hair will most-likely go completely white.

The process is gradual as each strand of hair a follicle produces remains the same color it starts out as. For instance a strand of blond hair stays blonde regardless of how long it grows (we typically keep a strand for up to 3 ½ years). Gray hair and eventually white hair is caused as our follicles produce less and less color as we age.

However, not all gray hair is a result of “age-related graying.” In some cases, experts say stress may play a role in how quickly someone grays. They point out that most likely it is not the stress itself that makes hair go gray but rather it triggers “a common condition called telogen effluvium, which causes hair to shed about three times faster than normal.” So if you are the right age, many of the new hairs that grow in may be gray.

When very young people start to turn gray, it can be a cause for concern. Premature hair graying (PHG) can be from a vitamin B12deficiency, thyroid disease, or smoking as well as vitiligo, which causes melanocytes (cells at the base of hair follicles that produce the hair’s color) to be lost or destroyed. Still researchers say turning gray is mostly influenced by the genes we inherit from our parents and we can get a better idea of when we will turn gray by looking at past generations.

MorningStar at Arrowhead is dedicated to providing one of the finest retirement communities Glendale, AZ offers, and we know the best care starts from the heart. Our loving home promotes a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community and offers an array of comprehensive care services and amenities. From scheduled transportation, 5-Star dining to routine care planning reviews, activities and wellness programs, we are building a MorningStar family. Visit our website to learn more.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale, AZ has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Arrowhead provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2021/causes-gray-hair