Older drivers can still be good, safe drivers, but there are some things to consider both for your safety and the safety of others. The Mayo Clinic recommends that seniors stay as active as possible in their day-to-day life which helps to maintain overall strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Drivers need to be able to turn and look over their shoulder and move their head with ease. They must be able to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and legs need to be strong enough to apply pressure to the gas pedal or brake.
A senior’s peripheral vision can decrease with age or from certain medications and other eye problems may cause drivers to have trouble seeing in the dark or experience blurred vision. Hearing problems can interfere with detecting sounds of sirens from emergency vehicles or approaching cars. Be vigilant about scheduling vision and hearing tests regularly as part of your wellness care and follow your doctor’s advice as to how often they should be done. Remember that certain medications can cause drowsiness; review the side effects of your prescription drugs and do not drive if you are feeling sleepy. It may be a good idea to limit trips in the car to daylight hours and when the weather is good. Keep in mind that a person’s reaction time slows with age as do their motor skills. You may need to re-evaluate your driving every so few months, especially if you find yourself having incidents of accidents that almost happened. The MedicineNet website has some safe driving tips for seniors: Planning before you leave:
While you are driving:
At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we are happy to offer residents scheduled transportation along with many other amenities, wellness programs and activities. Our transportation services ensure residents get to doctor appointments and other errands safely. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living in Peoria, AZ and why MorningStar is a great place to call home. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.
0 Comments
The National Institute on Aging explains that while eating healthy and exercising is important for seniors, socializing and participating in activities you enjoy can be just as beneficial. Being lonely or feeling isolated is not good for our health and well-being; and can lead to depression or anxiety, neither of which is good for our health.
Taking part in social activities can increase a person’s sense of purpose and give more meaning to their life. Whether it is starting a new hobby, renewing an old interest, or making the effort to spend more time with family or friends, being social and having an active lifestyle can benefit the mind, body and spirit. The NIA reports on various studies that find seniors who participate in hobbies and other social activities may lower their risk for developing some health problems “including dementia, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.” A longer lifespan is linked to those who say they are satisfied with life; and other studies show staying physically active and having purpose appears to keep seniors happier and less depressed. Experts say when seniors are happier; they are more resilient and better able to cope with life’s various challenges. More research suggests seniors who routinely participate in physical or mental activities may have fewer memory problems; while other data finds creative activities such as dancing or listening to music may help with memory problems or dementia. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our residents joyfully participate in meaningful activities and wellness programs. We have something for everyone and our calendar includes activities to mentally, physically, socially and spiritually stimulate and engage. We also encourage residents to tap into their unique talents and experiences to lead special interest clubs themselves. Located northwest of downtown Phoenix, we offer 38 Casitas for independent living and 65 assisted living suites in a variety of configurations and floorplans. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we provide compassionate, all-inclusive services. Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar’s senior living in Peoria, AZ and to schedule a tour to experience our beautiful community firsthand. MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us for more information about independent living, assisted living or memory care in Peoria, AZ. If you are a senior who wants to start exercising again, you may not know how to begin. For one thing, you probably realize you are not as fit as you used to be, and are not up to the same degree of physical activity that you once did. And of course, before you begin any new form of exercise, you will need to check with your doctor to make sure you are fit enough, especially if you have osteoporosis, an injury, or balance issues.
Once you get the go ahead from your healthcare provider, stretching is a good place to begin. In fact, studies show that as we grow older our flexibility decreases by up to 50 percent in some joints. Another good thing about stretching is many exercises are appropriate for any level of fitness including ones that can be done sitting in a chair. Stretching can help you maintain your flexibility and mobility as well as loosen up some of your stiffness in your back, neck and shoulder muscles. Another plus about stretching exercises is that most of them do not require special equipment and can be done anywhere. The Silver Sneakers website recommends that as you stretch, “to breathe deeply, and go slowly. Listen to your body, and never force a movement that causes pain.” They remind seniors it is okay if they cannot bend very far as over time they will loosen up some. Safety is always important and you do not want to hurt yourself. Other exercises especially good for seniors include chair yoga, resistance band workouts, walking, and dumbbell strength training. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we offer independent and assisted living in Peoria, AZ with a wide range of amenities and wellness programs that include exercise classes. Our beautiful community is in a friendly residential area, but still convenient to quality medical facilities, shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Contact us or visit our website to learn more about luxury senior living at MorningStar. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. Source: silversneakers.com/blog/stretching-for-seniors-7-simple-moves-for-the-not-so-flexible/ Research suggests diet plays an important role in protecting seniors’ cognitive health. A Rush University Medical Center study reports older adults may benefit from following the MIND diet even when they develop abnormal clumps of proteins, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, known as amyloid plaques and tangles.
The MIND diet is a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets. The Mediterranean diet is based on regions around the Mediterranean Sea and relies on plant-based foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices and olive oil. DASH is a heart-healthy diet based on whole grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils. It limits sugars and foods high in saturated fats. The Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center’s ongoing Memory and Aging Project began in 1997 and has followed 569 participants for several decades. In 2004, participants were asked to include the foods they consumed from the MIND’s 15 dietary components, such as 10 “brain-healthy food groups” and five unhealthy groups. Annual evaluations and cognitive tests were administered to assess memory and cognitive problems. Klodian Dhana, MD, PhD, lead author of the study, says, “Some people have enough plaques and tangles in their brains to have a postmortem diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, but they do not develop clinical dementia in their lifetime.” He adds that our study suggests the “MIND diet is associated with better cognitive functions independently of brain pathologies related to Alzheimer’s disease.” MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s goal is to provide the best in senior living, which is why mealtime is both a social event as well as the opportunity to eat healthy, delicious foods. We recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors, which is why meals are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible. In addition, we are committed to using BrainWise foods which have been recognized as supporting brain health by their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ. MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us for more information about independent living, assisted living or memory care in Peoria, AZ. Source: sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210921172721.htm If you are dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, you most likely understand the challenge of introducing changes into their day-to-day routine. One big change, which can be stressful for all involved, is when a family decides it is time to move a parent or another loved one into a senior living community offering memory care.
A Place for Mom’s website warns families it can take a while for a loved one to adapt. They encourage the family to take an optimistic view about the move, and help the person focus on the positive aspects of the community, talking up the programs and activities, quality of care, and the social interactions. Moreover, rather than spending time second-guessing your decision, remember you carefully searched for the best place for your loved one and now you need to trust the experts in the community. A few of the tips to help your loved one’s transition is to fix up the suite much like their old home, adding family photos and other favorite mementos. In addition, while you need to give the person time to adapt, this doesn’t mean you cannot add your input regarding their care. During the intake process, the staff will look to the family to provide details regarding the person’s day-to-day routine, their background and likes and dislikes. Visit regularly in person or virtually but don’t get upset if they tell you they want you to go. Avoid arguing but reassure them they are safe, and offer to take them for a walk, listen to music or something else you know they will enjoy. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria, AZ, our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to providing loving, compassionate memory care and we help families transition their loved one into our welcoming home. Every aspect of our care caters to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia including purposeful activities, trained caregivers, food service, security and more. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ. Source:aplaceformom.com/alzheimers-care#how-do-i-ease-my-loved-ones-transition-to-a-memory-care-facility There is a lot of planning that goes into setting up a retirement goal. Many seniors know what they would like to do in their retirement, such as moving into a senior living community, traveling, selling their home, studying a new skill, saving for the future, the list goes on. But what if there is something that doesn’t go as planned? Memory impairment diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia cannot be detected before they begin. A memory loss diagnosis impedes a senior’s retirement plan if not thoughtfully considered. If the time comes when memory care is necessary, it’s important to know your options.
All-inclusive memory care provides a range of benefits, services, and amenities to a senior experiencing Alzheimer’s or dementia. Some of the major benefits include:
Find Holistic Memory Care and Senior Living Near You Contact us today If you love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security of residing in an independent living community. MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Beaverton, OR, take care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you. The unique mission statement of MorningStar Sparks “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. As part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, MorningStar at Golden Ridge was designed from the ground up to meet the needs of our residents. Each aspect of our home is intended to allow residents to enjoy their retirement years to the fullest with an array of luxury amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities.
Our gracious living extends to our dining service that offers an upscale experience inspired by the belief that dining is the centerpiece of personal wellness. It is through a proper diet of healthy choices that food becomes a healing medicine unlike any other. When it is enjoyed as a community, it helps to bond us as a family. MorningStar’s trained Executive Chef has been instructed in culinary skills and menu creation, along with the soft skills of being a servant-leader. As we recognize today’s seniors have more sophisticated culinary tastes, we balance a blend of world foods and flavors with nostalgic comfort foods. One of our special interests is a focus on developing delicious meals around foods known to support brain health. Containing a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, they include “Super Foods” like acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate, and dark greens. So, our meals not only delight the eye and palate, but contain the ingredients to help recharge our bodies. Along with our delicious meals tailored to the changing health needs of older adults, we offer beautiful gathering areas for residents to enjoy spending time with friends and family. Other amenities include a bistro bar, fitness centers, saline swimming pool with hot tub, theater/chapel, and scheduled transportation. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s independent living, assisted living or memory care in Peoria, AZ. MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care. Please contact us to discover why MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a great place to call home. Senior living options have greatly improved, creating modern, luxury-style senior retirement community options. With that, our expanding knowledge on memory loss has given senior care providers the skills to create improved memory care and assisted living that advocates for senior wellness by adding to their overall health and enjoyment, not diminishing it. If you are looking to better understand the senior living choices you have, keep reading to better understand the difference between independent senior living, assisted living, and memory care.
What is Independent Senior Living? When you think of a retirement community, that idea is very much in line with the definition of independent senior living. This type of senior care often incorporates a walkable and easily accessible community with senior-friendly amenities, dining options, and ample activities. These modern senior living communities with apartment living options are great for single seniors and those with a partner or best friend. Independent senior living is designed for seniors who want to retire and be surrounded by like-minded individuals in the same age range. These seniors need little to no help with daily living activities and can freely come and go from the community via public transport or their cars. Assisted Living Explained Assisted living communities often offer very similar amenities and activities as independent senior living. Seniors in assisted living can still experience their community, have roommates, pets, and explore new hobbies and old passions while obtaining extra help and management. Depending on the need, seniors in assisted living may receive help in everyday daily activities like getting out of bed, cleaning themselves, completing some tasks, and other issues surrounding mobility. Usually, seniors in assisted living have medical conditions that inhibit them from living independently. Memory Care Senior Communities Memory care is specifically designed for seniors who struggle with Alzheimer’s or another memory loss diagnosis. Memory care offers more support for seniors with memory impairment, including specialized staff, holistic healthcare methods, dementia-friendly activities, and increased safety and security. Find Holistic Memory Care and Senior Living Near You Contact us today If you love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and the security of residing in an independent living community. MorningStar Senior Living retirement homes in Beaverton, OR, take care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our community near you. The unique mission statement of MorningStar Sparks “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. JAMA Neurology added to the growing body of evidence showing a link between hearing loss and cognitive impairment. The study found treating hearing loss with hearing aids may reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 19%. In fact, researchers say hearing loss may be the biggest treatable factor for dementia. An article in AARP explains what may cause the link between hearing loss and dementia.
The first theory regards socialization. Scientists say once a person starts having more difficulty being in a group of people and following the conversation, they may avoid such social gatherings. This in turn can lead to isolation, which is problematic as less social engagement as well as less cognitively stimulating activities and depression are risk factors for dementia. Secondly, coping with hearing loss means the person is constantly working to sort out sounds and make sense of what is being said. The brain now may have “fewer resources (brain power) to help preserve thinking and memory abilities.” Scientists also believe hearing loss causes the brain to be less stimulated with sound information, which is linked with parts of the brain shrinking and atrophying faster with chronic deprivation. While experts agree we still need more studies regarding the link between hearing loss and a higher risk for dementia, they do know that addressing a hearing issue with hearing aids is beneficial for the person’s overall quality of life. Moreover, there are no negative medical issues associated with the devices. MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a senior community offering independent living and assisted living residents a broad range of luxury amenities and services. In addition, we provide care to those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Our memory care is designed around the needs of residents through Lavender Sky, MorningStar’s signature philosophy and approach to dementia care, which incorporates Montessori-based therapies to help elevate and celebrate life. For trusted senior living in Peoria, AZ, please contact us for more information. MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ. You may have found that there are many senior living communities in and around Peoria, AZ and may be wondering what sets MorningStar at Golden Ridge apart from all the others. To start with, we offer seniors a wide range of senior living options that start with our comfortable independent living Casitas with attached garages in their own private neighborhood with a clubhouse and swimming pool.
Our assisted living is designed for those who want to maintain their independence but require some help with their day-to-day personal care activities. Care services include compassionate caregivers available 24/7, access to a licensed nurse and medication management. Residents have a choice of spacious suites in a variety of floor plans. MorningStar is also proud to have earned a reputation as dementia care specialists in our 30+ communities offering memory care. The Reflections Neighborhood at MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers a holistic approach to caring for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. However, the thing that really sets us apart from other area senior communities is our unique mission statement. MorningStar Senior Living was founded by Ken Jaeger, whose intention has always been to provide senior housing that feels like a loving home (just like his grandmother’s) and offers a sense of “family.” Our three-pillared mission statement is to honor God in our business practices and relationships; value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and invest generously in our teams’ ability to serve well. MorningStar’s extraordinary team is another reason we stand out from the rest. Our team selection starts with heart, and we specifically seek out individuals who have a felt calling to serve and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure residents receive first-class care and services. Furthermore, we train our entire team in our culture we call Radiance, which lovingly guides the way we deliver service. Please visit our website for more information about independent living, assisted living and memory care at MorningStar at Golden Ridge. While you are there, use our Community Assistant (lower right-hand corner) to set up a tour to see firsthand our beautiful home. MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Contact us or visit our website for more information. |
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
September 2023
Categories
All
|