If you are a senior who is having difficulty turning your neck to look behind you when driving, having problems getting up from a low chair or difficulty picking something up from the floor, you may find adding stretches to your routine can really improve these types of motions. Stretching exercises also help seniors improve flexibility and balance, both of which lower a person’s risk for falls and injuries. Experts explain stretching gives seniors a better range of movement in their joints, helps improve posture, increases circulation and releases muscle tension and soreness.
The Journal of Gerontology recently reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults. It found “participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also experienced a decrease in pain.” Along with the favorable benefits stretching provides, it can be done anywhere and does not require any special equipment. However, before beginning any new exercise routine, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider regarding your fitness level and the type of stretches most appropriate for you. Another thing to remember is it is important to warm up before stretching. Experts say it can be doing something as simple as a walk around the block. Additionally, they warn not to stretch to the point of pain, only to the point of tension. A stretch can typically be held for 30 seconds, but do not bounce when you stretch. MorningStar of Santa Fe is a senior living community providing 56 private assisted living suites and another 29 secure suites devoted to specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our goal is to enhance quality of life for our residents and we do this through a full range of care and hospitality services, amenities, and a component of wellness programs and activities. If you are looking for the finest senior housing Santa Fe, NM has to offer, we encourage you to contact us for more information. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Santa Fe, NM 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 of Santa Fe provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.
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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 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published a report that found almost 41% of US adults have avoided getting medical care because of concerns about COVID-19. The survey, which was conducted online during the last week of June reports that even 12% avoided urgent or emergency care. Doctors say the decline in getting proper healthcare since the start of the pandemic has resulted in increased deaths.
While delaying or avoiding routine medical care may not directly have the same negative impact of not getting emergency care, medical experts explain that it interferes with managing chronic conditions as well as detecting new conditions. It also interrupts routine care such as vaccinations. Moreover, the group that most often postponed routine or urgent care were those most at risk for complications from COVID-19 due to preexisting conditions, and would have greatly benefitted from care for those conditions. After learning a lot about dispensing care in the time of COVID-19, many doctors have gone back to in-office visits along with telemedicine visits. In fact, medical providers around the country are trying to determine the right balance of being seen in person or seen remotely, and how it may vary from one specialty to the next. For instance, Robert Bart, a physician and chief medical information officer at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, says the Center is working “with our specialists and primary care physicians along disease states to figure out how care should be delivered for patients who have diabetes or lupus.” However right now, doctors stress the most important thing for patients to remember is to continue routine care and to take the proper steps to deal with medical emergencies. MorningStar at Arcadia is a beautiful senior community that offers Phoenix assisted living as well as memory care. Our community was designed from the ground up to compassionately and professionally serve seniors, and we help residents get the care they need when they need it. Please see our website for more information. MorningStar at Arcadia proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about our Phoenix assisted living and memory care community. Sources: cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6936a4.htm statnews.com/2020/09/01/telehealth-visits-decline-covid19-hospitals/ As we age, many of us unfortunately start to have problems with our eyesight but medical experts say certain foods may help to keep our eyes healthy. Most of the recommended foods are readily available and tasty as well as good for our overall health. One of these foods is blueberries, which are rich in anthocyanins, “potent antioxidants that bolster collagen structure in the retina and provide extra vision protection.”
Another healthy eye food (not a hardship for many of us to eat) is dark chocolate. In a 2018 study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, it found adult participants who ate a bar of dark chocolate experienced greater improvement with visual clarity and contrast sensitivity about two hours later than those participants who ate a bar of milk chocolate. Experts explain it is the flavonoids found in dark chocolate that may help improve the vision of people with glaucoma as well as reduce the risk for macular degeneration. To protect your eyes against the damaging rays of the sun, it is recommended you eat foods high in zinc. Oysters are one of the best sources of mineral zinc but you can also get zinc from lean red meat, poultry, beans, legumes and fortified cereals. Moreover a list of foods good for the eyes would not be complete without mentioning carrots. A rich source of beta-carotene, carrots contain “an antioxidant carotenoid that your body converts to vitamin A, which is essential for good vision.” Other orange and red veggies and fruits with beta-carotene include winter squash, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, apricots as well as spinach and kale. Doctors also say almonds are good for eye health as they are a good source of vitamin E. Studies show “people who have relatively high dietary intakes of vitamin E have a 20 percent lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.” Foods other than almonds with high amounts of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, peanuts, and vegetable oils. Other healthy eye foods to include in your diet are eggs, tomatoes, kale and salmon. 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. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about exceptional independent living and assisted living in Reno. Source: aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/superfoods-for-eyes.html A number of studies show that older adults may be at risk for both dehydration and over-hydration according to a recent article from Medical News Today. It reports this may be due to a number of reasons including the person’s medical conditions, medications they take, loss of muscle mass, a reduction in kidney function, and other factors.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states while recommendations regarding a person’s daily water intake have changed over the last several decades, the amount of fluid seniors require is not much different than it is for younger people but should be evaluated on a person-to-person basis. Current U.S. Dietary Guidelines do not actually recommend a specific daily water or fluid intake, but rather include the daily amount of water consumed form foods, plain drinking water and other beverages. That being said older adults should typically consume at least 6 to 8 cups of fluids per day, which should be taken throughout the day. The health benefits of older adults staying hydrated include fewer falls, less constipation, and in men, a lower risk of bladder cancer. On the other hand, dehydration in seniors can lead to everything from urinary infections to confusion, kidney failure and slower wound healing. In addition one study found that “dehydrated people hospitalized with a stroke are more than twice as likely to experience impairment afterward.” Over-hydration can result in mild to life-threatening conditions and include congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema, confusion, high blood pressure, seizure, and more. At the MorningStar of Sparks senior living community, we are committed to our residents comfort and wellbeing. Among our many amenities and services, we provide three delicious, nutritional daily meals and additionally have an onsite bistro to serve residents’ needs. Our large community offers 128 bright suites for independent living and 80 assisted living suites. We also have 32 secure suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please visit our website to learn more. 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. Visit our website for pricing and availability regarding the finest senior living Reno offers. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306638 medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327349 While there is no cure or medical treatment to prevent Alzheimer’s disease there is some encouraging news on how we can slow down the risk of the disease in our own life, even if we have a higher genetic risk. Presented last July at the 2019 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, researchers say that several studies indicate that by following a combination of healthy lifestyle habits we lower our risk of cognitive decline, and the more of them we adopt, the better it is for us.
The main health habits linked to slowing down the onset of Alzheimer’s include regular exercise, cognitive stimulation, a brain-healthy diet, light to moderate alcohol consumption and not smoking. In fact in one study, researchers from Rush University in Chicago found that participants who “followed four out of five lifestyle behaviors over a six-year period had a 60 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia when compared to people who practiced only one or none of these habits.” Another study from the University of California San Francisco reports that people who smoked had twice the risk of developing cognitive impairment as compared to non-smokers or to someone who had kicked the habit. Also, a study out of the UK found that even those with an increased risk for cognitive decline who followed a healthier lifestyle had a 32% lower risk. So isn’t it time we all make an effort for better cognitive health as well as improve our overall health? At MorningStar of Sparks, our mission is to provide the best senior living Reno - Sparks offers. We understand that a healthy lifestyle is important regardless of your age and we do our best to help our residents enjoy life on all levels. We are also blessed to have a team of individuals working for us who are guided by big hearts and feel privileged to serve seniors. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. The unique mission statement of MorningStar of 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. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about the finest senior living Reno-Sparks has to offer. Source: nbcnews.com/health/aging/can-alzheimer-s-be-stopped-five-lifestyle-behaviors-are-key-n1029441 While many of us understand that high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is dangerous, we may not know how high is too high? Even if you thought you knew the “numbers,” you may be unaware that the American Heart Association (AHA) recently lowered the guidelines in November 2017. Now the threshold for a healthy blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg, and experts say that means more than 100 million Americans, or 46 percent of us, now have high blood pressure.
However the good news is doctors say hypertension can be effectively managed and by taking action, we can usually bring our levels down into a normal range. If you already know your numbers are high or are unaware of what your BP is, medical professionals recommend tracking your BP at home to reduce your risk. Please remember hypertension is called a “silent killer” for a reason, and most likely you will not know you have it unless along with your medical provider, you track it. Your blood pressure reading consists of two numbers –systolic over diastolic. Systolic is the top number and indicates the pressure of the heart pumping blood to the rest of the body. The lower number, diastolic measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. The AHA states a hypertensive crisis is when blood pressure levels reach 180/120. The individual may experience symptoms of a headache, shortness of breath, nosebleeds and acute anxiety. Doctor’s explain a “hypertensive emergency encompasses an elevated blood pressure reading and symptoms of chest or back pain, weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking,” and requires immediate medical attention. There are several things you can do to reduce your BP. While your doctor will determine if you require medication, simple lifestyle changes include getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, moderating your use of alcohol and limiting the amount of salt you consume. In addition it is recommend that you track your own blood pressure at home and share your findings with your doctor. If you are looking for trusted assisted living in the Reno area, take a look at MorningStar of Sparks. In addition to compassionate assisted living, we offer independent living and memory care. Taking the utmost care of your loved one and of our community, we are safely accepting new residents. Check out our website for a virtual tour of our community and contact info for availability and pricing. 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. Please visit our website for information on the area’s most trusted assisted living in Reno. Source:health.usnews.com/conditions/heart-disease/high-blood-pressure?int=hp_condition_guide_section_health For years research has suggested children should have limits placed upon their daily screen time, and now a large study suggests the same may be true for older adults. A published report from the University College London in the United Kingdom indicates that older adults who spent at least 3.5 hours a day watching television experienced a greater decline in verbal memory. The study’s data was taken from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), which included 3,662 participants age 50 years and older.
Participants answered researchers’ questions in 2008-2009 and then again in 2014-2015 regarding the time they spent watching TV. Afterward they were given a series of tests that measured verbal memory and fluency. Results showed adults who watch 3.5 or more hours of TV daily had an “average decline of 8–10 percent in word- and language-related memory over the 6 years the study covered. This is compared with a lower 4–5 percent average decline in those who watched fewer hours of TV per day over the same period.” For the verbal memory tests, participants were asked to memorize and then recall lists of words within a given time. The verbal fluency tests required them to list as many examples, such as animals, they could in a given amount of time. The semantic fluency of the study’s participants did not seem to be affected. It was noted that most of the studies involving the effects of TV watching have been done on children and little to no studies on older adults. One of the study’s co-authors, Dr. Daisy Fancourt, who works in the Department of Behavioral Science and Health says, "Much less attention has been paid to the effects of television viewing at the other end of the lifespan, despite it being hypothesized for over 25 years that watching excessive television could contribute to the development of dementia." For the area’s finest independent and assisted living, Reno area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar of Sparks, a true destination for successful aging. Our residents have a whole lot more to do than just watching TV as our community provides a range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance health and wellness, stimulate the brain and encourage connection. Please call or visit our website for more information. MorningStar of Sparks proudly provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks offers. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324598.php Decreases in brain metabolism have been shown to be a characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease and predictive of cognitive decline and the conversion to Alzheimer’s in older adults. Scientists believe that physical activity can modulate brain glucose metabolism but until now it was unclear what level of intensity and duration of exercise was most beneficial.
The National Institute on Aging published an article that found “even moderate physical activity may increase metabolism in brain regions important for learning and memory.” The NIA-supported study was led by Dr. Ozioma Okonkwo of the University of Wisconsin. Researchers had cognitively normal, late-middle age (average age 64 years old) participants wear an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days to measure their daily physical activity. Afterward, they looked at the amount of time each participant engaged in “light (e.g., a slow walk), moderate (e.g., a fast walk), and vigorous activities (e.g., run).” The data was analyzed to determine how they “corresponded with glucose metabolism within brain areas that have been demonstrated to be impacted in people with Alzheimer’s.” Increasing the levels of moderate physical activity showed an increase in cerebral glucose metabolism across all brain regions examined. Participants that engaged in light physical activity had no changes to the metabolism in any of the brain regions examined. Another thing that impacted the amount of brain glucose metabolism was the duration of time spent in moderate physical activity. Researchers found that the more time a person spent doing moderate levels of physical activity (average 43.3 min/day to average 68.1 min/day), the greater the increase in brain glucose metabolism. The NIA says it is encouraging evidence that physical activity may be beneficial for neurometabolic function. Moreover, they say it is a “critical contribution to the efforts to identify the intensity and duration of physical activity that confer the most advantage for combating Alzheimer’s-related changes in mid-life.” The unique mission statement of MorningStar of 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. We encourage you to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Reno-Sparks has to offer. Source:nia.nih.gov/news/moderate-physical-activity-linked-increases-metabolism-across-brain-regions As people age, many find their appetites have diminished or they suffer from physical or medical conditions that make eating more difficult. This is why the nutritional value found in the foods they do consume is important, and even today, many seniors have an “inadequate intake of vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, folic acid, calcium, and niacin.”
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advise that people over the age of 50 follow the USDA food recommendations, which should help keep older adults feeling more vital, and thus healthier. They also point out the earlier you start eating a nutrient-rich diet, the more effective it will be later down the road. Recommendations include a daily diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy. It also includes eating foods with healthy fats such as olives, nuts, and avocados. Along with all of the other amenities and care services we provide, the MorningStar of Santa Fe senior living community is proud to offer our residents daily meals that are chocked full of the freshest ingredients. We get much of our produce from home-grown or local high-quality producers. Our delicious meals are prepared largely from scratch, and take into account seniors’ dietary restrictions. We offer a range of choices including low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat that allows our residents to self-manage. MorningStar’s food service is overseen by our own Executive Chef, who welcomes resident feedback and often tailors our menus per their suggestions. If you are looking into senior living in the Santa Fe area, and in particular assisted living, we invite you to set up a tour, and while you are here, plan to share lunch with us to experience for yourself our culinary treats. Please visit our website’s community page or give us a call for pricing and availability or to set up your tour. 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 unparalleled senior living in Santa Fe, NM. |
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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