A recent 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 2 ½ 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. Another thing to encourage seniors to exercise is experts consider the ability to walk on one’s own without assistance the key to their independence. 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. Visit the MorningStar of Beaverton website to learn more about our loving senior living community. Here we have direct links for pricing and availability as well as floor plans, a list of amenities and services, and information on MorningStar’s commitment to providing seniors trusted assisted living and memory care. MorningStar of Beaverton’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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, we provide exceptional assisted living and memory care in Beaverton, OR. Source:health.harvard.edu/blog/walking-exercise-helps-seniors-stay-mobile-independent-201405287173
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Medical experts say there are things we can do before and after that may help encourage our recovery from surgery. One of the first things says Dr. Charla Fischer, an orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone Spine Center in New York City, is to think of surgery not as a sprint but rather as a full marathon or race. She explains, "The surgery itself is just the first part of the race – there is also the recovery after. You want your body to be as prepared as possible, and exercise and good nutrition before and after surgery are part of this."
Before your surgery, your doctor may have you screened for a series of health problems including malnutrition, anemia, diabetes and pain, and then take steps to address them. As exercise is another important part of getting in shape, you should talk to your surgeon about what is safe for you to do. If you feel you need more guidance, ask if you are a candidate for a pre-habilitation program as it can show you the best type of exercise to safely strengthen your body in readiness for surgery. Also be sure to ask about what kind of exercise is safe to do after the surgery. Doctors say typically the quicker you are to move, the quicker you get your strength back. If you find yourself suffering from preoperative anxiety, ask your surgeon to walk you through the experience so you know what to expect including “pre-surgery, during surgery, the hospital stay and recovery after surgery," Dr. Fisher explains. Your post-surgery diet should be rich in protein, and avoid sugary and processed foods. Also stay hydrated. Quitting smoking is another thing that offers big benefits in post-surgical outcomes as “smoking increases the risk of blood clots, reduces the ability of blood to carry oxygen to the tissues that need it and increases stress on the heart.” Finally if something doesn’t seem right about your recovery, contact your surgeon. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about the most trusted assisted living and independent living in Peoria, AZ. Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/tips-for-recovering-from-surgery If you are the main caregiver for an elderly family member who requires help with the activities of daily living (ADLs), it may be the job is becoming too much for you. The Nov/Dec issue of Today’s Geriatric Medicine cites a study by the “National Alliance for Caregiving and Caring Across Generations,” which states that more than 11 million American adults are considered sandwich generation caregivers and bear the responsibility of simultaneously caring for their children as well as an aging family member. In total it is believed there are approximately 40.4 million unpaid caregivers for adults 65 years and older in the United States consisting of adult children, spouses, relatives or friends. In addition 61 percent of those caregivers are employed, including nearly half who work full-time and juggle their own family responsibilities.
While for most, caregiving is a labor of love but there is no denying it can be challenging. Whether you are an adult child with your own children, a spouse, or another relative, you may feel it is time ask for help. This decision may lead you to an assisted living community where mom or dad will receive all the care they need and you can go back to being their loving child. If you are a spouse who has been responsible for the caregiving duties, senior living communities such as MorningStar at Golden Ridge warmly welcome married couples to live together in their own suite, surrounded by their own treasured possessions. We are pleased to give residents and their families peace of mind knowing that trained care managers are there to help navigate changes in health, and that transportation is available for doctor visits and other errands. It is also a relief to know mom or dad will have nutritional, daily meals prepared by our own Executive Chef, built-in companionship, and the comfort of knowing someone is always around to lend a hand if needed. The MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community has a team of caregivers who feel it is a privilege to serve seniors and understand that residents deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Our community has 38 Casitas for independent living, 65 suites for assisted living, and 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in Peoria, AZ. Source: viewer.zmags.com/publication/d04ca42b#/d04ca42b/9 pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/11/18/5-facts-about-family-caregivers/ As we age, socializing opportunities often start to diminish. Many seniors no longer go into an office daily; while others start to feel uncomfortable driving, have mobility issues or physical ailments, have experienced the recent loss of a spouse, or other factors that limits their ability to socialize. Now add in the fact that many seniors are refraining from joining family activities due to COVID-19, it can be a lonely time for many older adults.
Lack of socialization in the elderly has many downsides. Seniors who say they feel isolated and lonely have been found to have higher rates of depression, more anxiety, lower sense of self-esteem, and shorter life-spans. Conversely older adults with a more robust social network appear to benefit from better physical, mental and cognitive health. Studies show socially active seniors handle stress better, which in turn leads to better cardio health and improved immune systems. While many senior communities may not be as open to the public as they were before the start of the pandemic; nonetheless community living provides peace of mind to residents knowing someone is always around. At the MorningStar Senior Living communities, we adhere to the various states’ guidelines in which a particular community is located to keep residents as safe as possible. At MorningStar of Beaverton, we proudly announce we are “OPEN to LIFE WHAT EVER the SEASON” and that “COVID-19 HAD NO POWER TO CANCEL LOVE!” And we practice that philosophy every day. We continue to offer opportunities to socialize and connect with others while still remaining safe. With 66 bright suites for assisted living, MorningStar apartments are true homes that offer residents privacy, comfort, and ease. Please see our website to discover why MorningStar of Beaverton is a step above an ordinary assisted living facility. MorningStar of Beaverton proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “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. Please visit our website to discover why MorningStar is a step above an ordinary assisted living facility. An interesting study from geneticists at Stanford University’s School of Medicine is discovering distinct patterns in how people age and say it may offer a path to better navigate the aging process. As one of the lead researchers, Dr. Michael Snyder explains, staying healthy isn’t just about how old you get to, but rather “how you get old.”
Snyder’s team has discovered what they call body “ageotypes” that offer specific clues to how we experience aging through the course of our lifetime that result in “very distinct patterns” within these various groups. Moreover scientists hope that it may give people information to how they can better take care of themselves to improve their own aging journey. The study looked at the differences between biological age and chronological age of the participants and attributes some of it to lifestyle choices such as a smoker’s lungs or the health of the heart in a chronically obese person. In addition, researchers explain this is not the only factor that influences aging but that different ageotypes may actually define how a person’s body ages, with certain parts aging faster or slower. So far the team has identified four distinct ageotypes: metabolic agers, people whose immune systems age fastest; immune agers; liver agers; kidney agers; and say there will eventually be more types. Right now they believe that once doctors have use of this type of information, they can help their patients make actionably plans tailored to their specific needs to not only live longer but better. For instance if your doctor identified you as a metabolic ager, he could suggest a plan that included eating healthier and exercising. Providing unrivalled senior living in the Peoria area, MorningStar at Golden Ridge is designed to fully support our residents’ to help them live life to the fullest. We offer independent living, assisted living and memory care, and encourage you to visit our website for more information. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted, loving assisted living and independent living in Peoria, AZ. Every fall, many of us treat ourselves to a variety of pumpkin dishes from spicy lattes to breads and pies. However this time of year many of our seasonal foods are not only tasty but healthy. The cranberry is one of these foods, which has medical experts giving it at a “super food” status. The Medical News Today website explains that cranberries are high in nutrients as well as antioxidants.
In fact “research has linked the nutrients in cranberries to a lower risk of urinary tract infection (UTI), the prevention of certain types of cancer, improved immune function, and decreased blood pressure.” Other studies have found cranberry supplements to be beneficial in reducing a person’s body mass index (BMI) as well as improve HDL (high density lipoprotein) levels (good cholesterol). There are also tasty substitutes to help flavor food rather than using salt or sugar. Fresh garlic is one of these. The National Cancer Institute lists garlic “as food that may help fight stomach and colon cancers in some folks.” Other studies have found it may have a small effect on lowering the body’s blood cholesterol. Cinnamon is another seasoning that adds lots of favor to fall dishes. Beyond its good taste, several recent studies show it may help to lower blood glucose levels for people with Type 2 diabetes, which would be great news for the almost 85 million prediabetes in the country. Adding cinnamon to our diet is as easy as putting a dash in a cup of coffee, tea or cider or sprinkling it on apple slices. Ginger is another food easy to incorporate into many different dishes and medical experts say it great for the digestive system and helps lessen nausea and motion sickness. Great in Asian dishes and can be added to salad dressings or used in a sauce over grilled fish. Also if you haven’t yet discovered the benefits of turmeric, now would be a good time to do so. Containing curcumin, it has been shown to offer “potential anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antioxidant properties in animal and laboratory studies.” At the MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community, we pride ourselves on providing residents with a lifestyle of comfort and wellness including our 5-star food service. Meals are prepared largely from scratch and contain fresh foods and seasoning of which some are locally sourced. We encourage you to visit our website to learn more about our 38 Casitas designed for independent living, 65 private suites for assisted living, and 35 secure suites devoted to caring for seniors with memory impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Peoria area. Source:medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269142#:~:text=Many%20people%20consider%20cranberries%20to,function%2C%20and%20decreased%20blood%20pressure.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/articles/2018-10-22/6-healthy-fall-ingredients-and-how-to-use-them?src=usn_nl_yourhealth To provide the utmost comfort, wellness and community to all of our residents, MorningStar of Arvada not only provides resort-style amenities, life enrichment programs, and a full range of care services but also has a staff that feels it is a privilege to serve seniors. This has helped us to distinguish ourselves from other senior living communities and to create a sense of family and a true home for our residents.
Each MorningStar of Arvada’s employee is hired for their character and kindness and is the type of person who will routinely go the extra mile to meet our residents expressed needs as well as unexpressed ones; and understand that senior living at its best is love in action. From our care managers to management, concierges, food servers, nurses and others, our team makes a point to get to know our residents and love hearing their fascinating life stories. When a team member is hired, regardless of position, they receive training in Radiance, our service excellence initiative that is much more than a customer service program but rather an attitude of the heart. Radiance guides the way we dispense our service - with sincerity, depth of purpose, and warmth. While visiting our website, also take a look at the video series we call Twice the Story. Showcasing the tender relationships that spring up between residents and team members throughout MorningStar communities, it testifies to the fact that we need to lean upon and lean into each other regardless of where we are in life and what our differences may be. Our beautiful community offers lots of choices for seniors interested in independent living or assisted living with 112 bright suites that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. We also provide 29 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn about availability and pricing. MorningStar of Arvada offers the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “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 as we work toward creating a true home for residents amidst a serene setting. Visit our website for more information on the area’s most compassionate assisted living and memory care as well as independent living in Arvada, CO. Hopefully you have had or are planning to shortly get your annual flu shot, but even if you have had yours, you may still want to know the difference between the flu and COVID-19. Doctors say in order to know for certain, you need to get tested. While symptoms are similar and include fever, aching muscles, sore throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, and headache, the biggest differences is in the case of the flu. a person typically feels the sickest in the first week of the illness. COVID-19 is characterized by feeling much worst in the second or third week of the disease and can take much longer to recover from.
One symptom unique to COVID is the loss of smell and taste. While not everyone experiences this symptom, it is one of the unique features of the disease. With the flu, the incubation period is much shorter as a person can begin to feel sick within one to four days after contracting the virus. The coronavirus can take anywhere from two to 14 days from infection to begin to feel symptomatic and is a much more contagious disease. Another concern of doctors is that someone could become infected with both viruses at the same time. However health experts hope that with the type of precautions we are taking to prevent the spread of the coronavirus such as mask wearing, handwashing and social distancing, it will also help to prevent the spread of the flu. The MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community has 65 private assisted living suites and another 35 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other memory impairments. Additionally tucked into their own private neighborhood, our 38 independent living Casitas are designed to meet the needs of active seniors. To keep all those beneath our roof safe from disease, we have rigorous protocols in place throughout every phase of our operation as well as follow safety measures for accepting new residents. For complete information regarding our loving community please visit our website. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted assisted living and independent living in Peoria, AZ. Source: cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm As many of us are spending more time at home, we are also searching for new, interesting things to do. Along with the satisfaction and fun we derive from learning and improving our skills in any number of activities, did you know it may also benefit our health? In fact studies have shown that cultivating hobbies isn’t just a relaxing break from day-to-day responsibilities and chores, but can provide both mental and physical health benefits. One such study found participants engaging in leisure activities had “immediate stress relief, as well as lower stress and depression in the longer term.” Other studies found participants who enjoyed leisure activities experienced lower blood pressure and had a more positive picture of their overall health.
One thoroughly enjoyable activity is to read. Reading not only opens doors to new places and new ideas but introduces us to people that are not the same as us. If you need ideas on what to read, just google best books of 2020 and you will have a whole range of ideas. Moreover if you have a tablet or e-reader such as a Kindle or Nook, you can easily download books from a number of book sellers. If you would like to get more social, start a virtual book club or join one already online. One interesting website that may help you become a lifelong learning and expand your horizons is Great Courses Plus. By partnering with renowned organizations such as the National Geographic, History®, Smithsonian, Mayo Clinic, and The Culinary Institute of America, they are able to offer a course on most any topic you can think of. Other fun activities may include joining an online choral group if you love to sing or to take look at the many YouTube exercise videos to keep you moving. Now is also a good time to start an indoor garden, learn to make jewelry or learn calligraphy and personalize birthday and holiday cards. If you have always wanted to be a better cook, arrange flowers, or finally start that scrapbook, what’s stopping you? This summer I spent a couple of days watching YouTube videos with my grandson as we tried to learn new card tricks. The list goes on and on so why not get started improving your skills, broadening your interest, and having fun? The MorningStar at Golden Ridge community has a distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities, seniors are proud to call us home. Please visit our website to learn more about unsurpassed independent living & assisted living. Source: goodhousekeeping.com/life/g30246497/best-hobbies-for-women/ Most of us have heard the CDC and other health professionals stress the importance of everyone getting a flu shot this year. However you may not have heard about another important vaccine recommended for anyone over the age of 50. Shingrix is a vaccine designed to prevent shingles and was introduced to the public in 2017. The CDC reports Shingrix is the preferred shingles vaccine as it offers more than a 90 percent success in preventing shingles. However for the last couple of years, there have been shortages of the vaccine and it was not available to many older adults.
While you should always check with your healthcare provider before getting any vaccine including the shingles’ vaccine, as of July 2020, a company’s spokesman said GSK's Shingrix is no longer on the CDC's shortages list, and there is now a supply “available to meet demand across all distribution channels.” They still suggest you check with your drugstore or doctor to make sure they have the vaccine available. The CDC says the reason so many older adults are eager to get the vaccine is that “nearly one in three people in the U.S. develops shingles at some point.” They add that symptoms include pain, rash, itching, and first fluid-filled, then eventually crusting blisters that can lead to permanent scarring. It is recommended that anyone over the age of 50 gets the Shingrix vaccine even if they are uncertain whether they have had chickenpox in the past or have a history of shingles. The CDC also says you should get the Shingrix vaccine even if you got the Zostavax vaccine in the past. Zostavax is a live vaccine and is only about 51 percent effective toward preventing shingles. Medical experts explain that the Shingrix vaccine is a recombinant vaccine. “This means vaccine manufacturers created it by altering and purifying DNA that codes for an antigen to produce an immune response to fight the virus.” Shingrix requires two shots taken at least two to six months apart. Common side effects from the vaccine include pain, swelling, itching and soreness at the site of the shot, and a small number of people report headaches. The CDC says to consult your healthcare provider to learn whether a Shingrix vaccine is the right treatment option for you. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s senior living community has a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We are set in a warm, loving environment with exceptional architecture and resort-style amenities. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living & assisted living in the Peoria area. Source: healthline.com/health/shingles-vaccine-side-effects#who-should-get-it |
At MorningStar Senior Living we strive to create a true home where you can enjoy your retirement years as carefree as possible. Offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, our care team is committed to giving residents a quality of life that other senior living communities simply cannot match. Archives
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