While practitioners have known for centuries the calmness and peace yoga brings into their lives, science has finally caught up with real evidence of its benefits to our brains. Studies show yoga elevates levels of the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GAGA), which helps regulate nerve activity and is associated with better mood and decreased anxiety.
The Harvard Medical School journal writes, “Yoga strengthens parts of the brain that play a key role in memory, attention, awareness, thought, and language. Think of it as weightlifting for the brain.” Their evidence comes from several studies that used MRI and other brain imaging technology. Researchers found participants who practiced yoga regularly had a thicker cerebral cortex, the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory, than participants who did not practice yoga. This could be significant because as people age, this is one of the areas in the brain that typically shrinks. As the older yoga practitioners had less shrinkage than non-practitioners, researchers say it suggests yoga can “counteract age-related declines in memory and other cognitive skills.” Other benefits of yoga include helping individuals lose weight, sleep better, lower blood pressure and lower blood sugar levels to improve diabetes. It also helps people gain flexibility and muscle strength around arthritic joints and reduces the pain associated with the condition. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our vibrant 55+ senior living community offers a whole host of amenities and care services as well as wellness programs that include exercises geared toward our residents. We are committed to providing the best senior living in Peoria, AZ, which includes exemplary service to our residents to ensure their utmost comfort, wellbeing and safety. For more information, please contact us or visit our website. Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our community as well as our company’s history, vision, and mission. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ.
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Although it is first-hand, it is not always easy to describe to a doctor what is going on regarding medical problems. Describing various symptoms is quite all-together different from getting the results of actual lab tests or a doctor’s opinion after a physical exam.
Relating symptoms clearly can help narrow down the problem, and medical experts share some advice on how to best do it. They start by telling patients to skip the medical jargon and just use their own words to describe what they are feeling. Dr. Lisa Ravindra, an assistant professor in the department of internal medicine and a primary care physician at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, says, "Avoid using vague terms for timing like 'for a while' or stating that a symptom occurs 'once in a while' since these mean different things to different people." She explains it is helpful to be as precise as possible when talking about symptoms including the amount of time you have had them for such as three days, or on and off for a week. Doctors say it is helpful to rate your pain from one to ten. Other helpful things you can do include using a blood pressure monitor to chart your blood pressure, and if you feel feverish, take your temperature. Keep track of other important symptoms such as sore throat, earache, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Be sure to mention unexpected weight loss, fatigue when doing things you typically do, or specific type and location of pain, i.e. a constant, sharp pain in the front of the right knee. If you have a chronic condition, doctors say it helps to keep a journal of symptoms to discuss with your doctor during your next visit. MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a senior living community in Peoria, AZ offering older adults a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. Amenities include fitness centers, healthy meals served restaurant-style, enrichment activities, and more. Remarkable for our beautiful surroundings and luxury amenities, we are most proud of our dedicated team who understand it is a privilege to serve seniors. Please contact us for more information about assisted living. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living in Peoria, AZ. Source:health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/slideshows/how-to-describe-medical-symptoms-to-your-doctor Located in Peoria, AZ, a suburb northwest of Phoenix, MorningStar at Golden Ridge is dedicated to making your retirement years carefree. Our home is distinguished by comfort, wellness and love; made possible through a dedicated team who understand how to provide residents with a quality-of-life other senior living communities simply cannot match.
MorningStar Senior Living considers it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our mission: to honor God in our business practices and relationships; to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and to invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. To achieve our mission, we start by hiring individuals with big hearts and virtues such as kindness, character and compassion. Every person on our staff, regardless of position, receives training in “Radiance,” our brand standard of Service Excellence, which guides the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. While MorningStar was founded on Judeo-Christian traditions, we honor all faith systems and worldviews at our homes among our residents as well as team members. For the most active seniors, MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s 38 Casitas for independent living offer seniors a refreshing change of lifestyle with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, activities and programming, and tasty meals they no longer need to cook. It also provides peace of mind knowing that if you ever find yourself needing help with daily personal care; we can make sure you get it. Our assisted living suites are specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors who wish to retain their independence but require some help each day. Some of the services we provide include help with daily personal activities such as bathing and grooming, 24-hour care managers and a licensed nurse available 24/7. We also provide regular care plan reviews, medication management, scheduled health and wellness evaluations, pharmacy services and more. Finally, we proudly provide comprehensive memory care families trust with 35 secure suites dedicated to caring for our most tender residents. To accomplish this, our staff is trained in the precepts of Lavender Sky, our thoughtfully considered philosophy and approach to dementia care. In fact, every aspect of our memory care is designed around the needs of each resident from our physical environment, meals, activities and programs. Contact us or visit our website for more information. MorningStar Senior Living’s independent and assisted living communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Please contact us for more information about exceptional senior living in Peoria, AZ. We look forward to hearing from you. If you noticed a change in mom or dad or another loved one after a recent visit from out of town, you are not alone. Experts say when families spend time together after a prolonged separation many adult children realize their parent is not doing as well as they thought they were living on their own.
Some of the most obvious signs a parent is having problems caring for him or herself is an unintended loss of weight, change in grooming habits or signs of a fall. The ADLs or Activities of Daily Living are used by experts to evaluate the needs of a person and include personal care such as bathing, dressing and toileting as well as transferring (ability to get in and out of bed, continence and eating. Other important signs a person is no longer doing well on their own and could benefit from some sort of assistance are based on what experts call the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). These include things like paying bills, taking care of their home, preparing and cooking meals, being able to get out of the home, and socializing. At senior living communities like MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we offer both independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our assisted living is designed to provide the services residents need to maintain their independence with 24/7 care managers, medication management, access to licensed nurses and more. Moreover, all residents are treated to a delicious, healthy restaurant-style dining service, wellness programs and activities, and sponsored community outings and events. MorningStar at Golden Ridge has stylish Casitas and suites in a range of floor plans including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom. In addition, we offer respite care, (short recuperative stays) or trial stays from one week up to a full month to see if we are a good fit. For trusted senior living in Peoria, AZ, we encourage you to consider MorningStar, the perfect community to comfortably and safely age in place. 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. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we want you to know independent living means much more than simply a change in your housing. We think of it as a chance to begin new adventures, meet a broader community of like-minded individuals, and to get down to the business of really enjoying your precious retirement years. Our 38 Casitas for independent living are tucked into their own private neighborhood and feature high-end finishes and an attached garage. And in case you were wondering, MorningStar is pet friendly.
Our community in Peoria, AZ specializes in offering a full range of hospitality services that free you from the drudgery of daily chores and obligations. We provide housekeeping services and take care of maintenance, inside and out. In addition, residents will enjoy chef-inspired, all-day dining and enrichment activities to engage the mind, body, spirit and social connections. Imagine all the time you will have in a maintenance-free environment to pursue your own interests. Maybe it is time to improve your golf game, start or renew a hobby, or volunteer in your community. Along with beautifully landscaped grounds, we have relaxing courtyards and an outdoor dining patio. Fitness centers and a saline swimming pool make it easy to get in your workout, and our full-service salon is convenient for pampering yourself. A group activity in the life enrichment room is a lovely way to spend an afternoon, and our bistro bar is a wonderful place to gather with friends. We have an onsite theater for fun movie nights that doubles as a chapel for religious services as well as private dining rooms for intimate dinners. Unlike many other senior communities in the area, MorningStar at Golden Ridge also provides assisted living and memory care so if your needs change, we are here to help. While you will find our website highlights pictures of our beautiful community, it does not show the warm atmosphere that permeates throughout our home. We attribute this to our exceptional team that feels honored to serve seniors, and works hard every day to provide residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ. It is never too late to improve our health and making changes in our behaviors and attitudes can mean living a happier, longer life. Doctors say getting your weight under control, quitting smoking, eating more fruits and vegetables, and exercising can all significantly improve your health and longevity at any age.
Remember taking care of our health also includes our brains. Experts used to believe the brain could not make new neuron connections as we aged but research now shows the “brain remains nimble and capable of physical change and growth throughout life.” In fact, studies find people who step out of their comfort zone and try new hobbies and interests can improve their cognitive health. Another misconception is thinking it is too late to start exercising or to lose weight. A meta-analysis of 39 studies on aging and resistance-type exercises such as lifting weights or using exercise bands, found it is possible to build muscle mass no matter what age. In the studies, “1,300 adults over the age of 50 who did some form of this kind of training, muscle mass increased by an average of nearly 2.5 pounds in just five months.” Being positive is a trait that helps people deal more effectively with stress and worry and is linked to longevity. Researchers also find it is better for us to be in charge of our own medical care. One way to do this is to stay up-to-date on medical research and advice regarding care options as well as asking pertinent questions of our healthcare providers. Other things we can do to protect our health are to get appropriate screenings and tests, use our time productively and stay socially engaged. MorningStar at Golden Ridge is a 55+ community that offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and as much or as little social engagement as you want. Our range of onsite amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities are designed for stress-free retirement years. Please visit our website for pricing and availability on unsurpassed senior living in Peoria, AZ. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ. Source: verywellhealth.com/boost-longevity-in-your-60s-2223714 Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers studio and one-bedroom suites for the comprehensive care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our home in Peoria, AZ is honored to provide individualized, compassionate care for senior living residents from the earliest stages of the disease to the most advanced.
The Reflections Neighborhood is meticulously designed to accommodate the special needs of memory care residents. As such, it means we can encourage and support independence as much as possible and let residents move freely about their environment including an enclosed courtyard. In fact, every aspect of our community from physical design to a range of purposeful activities, food service, security and more offers residents a comfortable, stress-free lifestyle. MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care involves treating each of our senior living residents with the respect and dignity they deserve. Even before a resident joins our community, we meet with them and their family to find out as much as we can about their background and interests as well as personal preferences. From there, we create an individualized care plan that takes all of this into consideration. Most importantly we are blessed to have a team of individuals with big hearts who recognize it is a privilege to serve seniors. They enjoy listening to life stories, viewing family photos and making sure each one feels loved, safe, and respected. All team members, regardless of position, receive training in Radiance, which is much more than a customer service program. It is how we build a culture of consistency, authenticity and genuine concern for the needs of others and guides the way we dispense service – with sincerity, warmth and depth of purpose. If a parent, spouse or another loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, the MorningStar at Golden Ridge team is here to help. Our loving care is designed to meet their social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Please visit our website or contact us for more information. MorningStar Senior Living’s communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for outstanding independent living, assisted living or memory care, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria, AZ. Have you noticed you are no longer as flexible as you used to be and the movements of your limbs and joints feel more restricted? If it is harder to do things like turning your neck to look behind you when driving or getting up from a low chair, you would probably benefit from incorporating stretches into your routine. Experts say daily stretching can make significant improvement in flexibility, the ability of the muscles and tendons to lengthen and stretch in response to movement, and allow a joint to move through its range of motion.
In addition, being more flexible improves balance and lowers the risk for a fall. Stretching increases the range of movement in the joints, improves posture and eases muscle tension and soreness as well as increases circulation. Along with dedicated stretching exercises, seniors can increase flexibility with yoga, Pilates, swimming, tai chi, dancing and massage. A study on a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults reported by the Journal of Gerontology found “participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also experienced a decrease in pain.” It is easy to do stretching exercises as they do not require special equipment and can be done anywhere. However, before beginning any new exercise routine including stretching, consult with your healthcare provider regarding your fitness level. Experts say you should warm up before stretching such as taking a walk around the block, which in itself helps to stretch muscles and tendons. Also, don’t stretch to the point of pain, only to the point of tension; or bounce when stretching. Typically hold the stretch for no more than 30 seconds. At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we offer 38 Casitas for independent living and 65 assisted living suites for those who need help with the activities of daily living. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 35 secure suites devoted to the personalized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community with resort-style amenities, care services and a range of programs including exercise classes tailored to seniors’ needs. Visit our website for more information about our beautiful senior living community in Peoria, AZ. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Golden Ridge “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 outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source: healthline.com/health/senior-health/stretching-exercises#Benefits-of-stretching- morelifehealth.com/articles/regaining-flexibility-guide If an elderly parent is in a senior living community and has limited mobility, you may feel it is difficult to think of things to talk about or to do when you visit. Scrapbooking is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Also, it can be more than just a means to pass the time and preserve memories for seniors but can be beneficial to them as well.
By organizing an activity such as scrapbooking, it can help to keep everyone engaged as well as inspire your loved one to start sharing stories about the “good old days.” As you start documenting their life story, it will likely bring back memories they may have forgotten and/or ones the rest of the family knows nothing about. Along with exercising the brain with recollections of the past, scrapbooking can boost self-esteem, improve one’s dexterity and increase socialization by introducing new topics of conversation. To get started, visit your local craft store or shop on the Internet for scrapbooking supplies that will help you create a book that is uniquely your parent’s. Your next step is to help gather and organize the photos and materials in chronological order that will go into the scrapbook. If the project seems too overwhelming for your parents, have them pick a theme such as family vacations or weddings through the years, or do one that focuses on their childhood and early years. Before you start to glue things in, take the time to layout the photos and mementos for each page; and most importantly, encourage and enjoy the stories and memories shared by your loved one. At MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge, our beautiful community offers a host of amenities, care services and wellness programs as well as activities that include arts and crafts projects. Residents enjoy a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, and a hospitality and care team who feel called and honored to serve seniors. Please visit our website for more information and to inquire about pricing and availability. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about the finest senior living in Peoria, AZ. Many of us, especially seniors, have heard or known someone with Alzheimer’s disease and have an idea of the devastation it causes. While there are other types of diseases categorized as dementia, Alzheimer’s is by far the most common form of dementia accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. You should know dementia is not actually a specific disease but refers to a decline in a person’s mental ability to such a degree it interferes with their daily life.
It is also important to understand dementia is not a normal condition of aging but rather caused by damage to brain cells that affect a person’s memory, reasoning and other cognitive skills including an ability to communicate. There are several types of clinical dementia including: Alzheimer’s disease; vascular dementia; dementia with Lewy Body; and frontotemporal dementia. Mixed dementia is the term used when a person has both Alzheimer’s and another form of dementia, which is causing their mental decline. The Alzheimer’s Association says the “most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s is trouble remembering new information because the disease typically impacts the part of the brain associated with learning first.” As the disease progresses, the person is robbed of many other abilities such as speaking, swallowing and walking. To help get the proper diagnosis and rule out other causes that may be treatable such as side effects from a medication, it is important to see your doctor. If warranted, they may have you see a specialist that can do further testing. Along with independent and assisted living, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers care to those with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We are a team of compassionate, professionals who feel privileged to serve our most “tender residents.” We also consider supporting family members as part of our job and recognize that a diagnosis of dementia is traumatizing for all involved. Contact us or visit our website for availability, pricing information and to schedule a tour. MorningStar at Golden Ridge’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 outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care. Source: alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/difference-between-dementia-and-alzheimer-s |
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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