There are many examples of how the power of positive thinking has changed people’s lives for the better. When we take a positive attitude, it helps us to be more successful in most every aspect of our lives; and experts say it can be even more important as we age.
Tom Caklos, founder of the www.positivecreators.com website, explains that positive thinking “is a critical ingredient for the well-being and health when a person is on the last leg of his or her life after completing all responsibilities and fulfilling all goals.” He adds it is an important tool to help the elderly transform their lives and fill it with passion, energy and joy.” So how can a senior who may be experiencing the loss of independence or a loved one, challenging health problems, and/or chronic pain cultivate positive thinking? Experts suggest getting into the habit of using positive affirmation to change negative thinking into positive thoughts. Moreover, when we focus on the changes we wish to make in our lives, it can help boost self-esteem and confidence. Positive affirmations can be simple and include things like giving thanks each day for your longevity and for all of the people in your life who you love and who love you. Be grateful for the wisdom you have learned in life and recognize your ability to contribute. Affirm that these are the best years of your life, that you have the right to good health, and the right to live with joy and purpose. At MorningStar at Arcadia, we value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals and are committed to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence. We have 80 stylish assisted living suites, with another 30 secure suites in our Reflections’ wing devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living Phoenix offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.” The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Arcadia, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer. Source: seniorslifestylemag.com/health-well-being/the-hidden-power-of-positive-affirmations/
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Not only do flu shots NOT make a person more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease, a myth that has been around for years, but recent research has found evidence that flu and pneumonia vaccines may actually protect you from Alzheimer’s. This year’s 2020 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference presented two studies that dealt with this very idea.
The first study was from the University of Texas where they went through millions of medical records in a national database with the goal of finding factors that appeared to affect a person’s risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Albert Amran, a medical student of the McGovern Medical School at the university’s Health Science Center in Houston and an author of the study, relates that one of the commonalities was getting a flu shot. Researchers took into account other risk factors for Alzheimer’s such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, education, and income as well as the number of prescriptions a person filled as a way to check their overall health. Even after all that, Amran explained they found that “People who got at least one flu shot had a 17% reduction in risk, and people who got regular vaccinations saw their risk drop another 13%. The other study presented at the conference was by a team of researchers from Duke University and the University of North Carolina. Svetlana Ukraintseva, an associate research professor in the Biodemography of Aging Research Unit at Duke's Social Science Research Institute of Medical Records, said the team studied the medical records of more than 5,000 people at least 65 years and older. In her presentation to the Conference, she stated they discovered individuals who had a “pneumonia vaccine before the age of 75 was at least 25% less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's.” While scientists are uncertain why flu and pneumonia vaccinations appear to protect seniors from Alzheimer’s, they have some theories. One may be the fact that flu and pneumonia adversely affect the brain so protecting a person from the disease protects their brain from damage. Another theory is that getting the flu or pneumonia can result in a general weakening of the immune system and ultimately allow more bacteria and viruses into the brain, putting them more at risk for Alzheimer’s. MorningStar of Albuquerque’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer. Source:npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/07/27/894731147/flu-shot-and-pneumonia-vaccine-might-reduce-alzheimers-risk-research-shows The Mayo Clinic defines cataracts as a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye and explains it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. While they develop slowly and do not affect our vision much early-on, as the condition progresses, people find it is difficult to read and drive a car, especially at night. Symptoms also include hazy or less colorful vision; sensitivity to light and glare, double vision in one eye, and the need for brighter lights for reading and other activities.
About half of Americans will have cataracts by the age of 75 but they can also be the result of an injury or certain genetic disorders. In addition diabetes, the long-term use of a steroid medication, or past eye surgery can cause cataracts to develop. Doctor say when cataracts start interfering with your vision as the “clouding becomes denser and involves a bigger part of the lens, to the point your vision becomes blurred,” it is time to think about cataract surgery. The good news is that the surgery is typically very safe and effective. Cataracts and other eye problems are more common in seniors and is why the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends adults over the age of 65 get a complete eye exam every year or two. During your exam, your ophthalmologist will check not only for cataracts but age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma as well as help to identify certain health conditions such as diabetes or stroke. They also recommend wearing sunglasses to screen out the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light rays or wear regular eyeglasses with a clear anti-UV coating to slow down the formation of cataracts. Please visit MorningStar of Sparks to learn about beautiful, vibrant senior living in Reno. Our community has 128 bright suites for independent living and another 80 for assisted living. Our Reflections’ wing has 32 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our website has contact information as well as a link to inquire about pricing and availability. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Contact us for more regarding unsurpassed independent and assisted living in Reno. Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790 As we come to the end of a very different, difficult year, it is important to take time to think about the things we are thankful for in our own lives. While many people are feeling depressed, isolated, or a sense of loss, behavioral scientists have found that expressing gratitude can be good for us. When we express gratitude, we acknowledge what is good in our lives and give thanks to both tangible and intangible gifts bestowed upon us.
One recent study focusing on the benefits of gratitude from psychologists, Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami, found people who expressed gratitude felt more positive emotions and even improved their health. During the 10-week study, one group of participants wrote down everything that had happened during each week that they were grateful for. The other group was told to record everything that had irritated them throughout the week. At the end of the study, participants were interviewed and researchers found that the group that wrote about gratitude was more optimistic and felt better about their lives. “Surprisingly, they also exercised more and had fewer visits to physicians than those who focused on sources of aggravation.” In another study, couples were asked to take the time each day to express their gratitude to their partner. Participants said they felt more positive toward their partner as well as more comfortable discussing things that were upsetting to them about the relationship. While it is hard to categorically say expressing gratitude will make us feel better about ourselves, most of the studies done on gratitude appear to support the premise. We know that at the MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community, we all try to be thankful for our many blessings. For compassionate senior living, Santa Fe, NM’s families trust, we are their top choice. We are grateful for our team of dedicated individuals who understand the intrinsic value of serving others, especially seniors. Please contact us! MorningStar of Santa Fe offers the very best in senior living with our distinct 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 to create a true “home” for residents. Please visit our website to learn more about pricing and availability for the most exceptional senior living Santa Fe, NM offers. Source: health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier#:~:text=Gratitude%20is%20a%20thankful%20appreciation,the%20goodness%20in%20their%20lives.&text=Gratitude%20helps%20people%20feel%20more,adversity%2C%20and%20build%20strong%20relationships. Now that the decision has been made to move mom or dad into memory care, you may be worrying about how they will handle the change. This is a common concern of families but experts have some tips to help ease the transition for both you and your loved one.
While realistically you understood the need for change, and knew your parent was not getting the care they needed to ensure their wellbeing and safety; it is still unsettling to think of them being subjected to such a big change. However, please remember you did your homework and wisely selected the community you thought was the best option. You also recognize the community is able and ready to provide the level of care you want for your loved one. So take a deep breath, and read some of the following advice. First, remember that typically when families finally make the move to memory care, the person is no longer their self and most likely does not realize the extent of the problem. Thus it is unproductive to try and tell them you are doing this because they need help. Along the same lines, experts say it is best to not include them in the planning or packing process, it can be too upsetting for them. If you can, schedule the move for the time of day the person is at their best and don’t over pack as too much stuff is just confusing to someone with dementia. Enlist the help of the home’s staff to aid you and your loved one in coping with the change. While COVID-19 may hinder some of your access to the new home, take advantage of any move-in programs and assistance offered including letting the Wellness Director explain to your parent why memory care is necessary. In addition, you may want to take a few days off from work in case you are needed at the community. And while it may seem unfair, experts suggest you do not tell the person in advance about the move. Also remember with time it will get easier, and be sure to give them some time to adjust on their own. MorningStar at Arcadia’s goal is to provide the best senior living Phoenix offers, which includes loving memory care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia diseases. Our compassionate, experienced team feels privileged to serve our special residents. We consider the care and support of residents’ family members to be part of our job, and we are here for them as well. Visit our website for contact information. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Arcadia, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about the finest senior living Phoenix has to offer. |
MorningStar
MorningStar Senior Living offers assisted living, memory care and respite (short-term) care. Our communities have graciously-appointed assisted living suites, as well as beautiful and spacious private suites for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Morningstar Senior Living's award-winning architecture, together with amenities that foster a lifestyle of comfort and wellness, make our residents’ retirement years as carefree as possible. Our activities and programs are enriching, and our care services first-class, but what truly sets us apart from other senior living communities is the love beneath our roof. To experience firsthand the finest senior living in your area, contact us to schedule a tour. Archives
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