Winter can often confine activities indoors, especially for seniors. This season, however, offers a great opportunity to engage in indoor hobbies that are both enjoyable and stimulating. For residents in assisted living Phoenix, senior living Phoenix, retirement communities Phoenix, senior apartments Phoenix, and memory care Phoenix, exploring these activities can enhance quality of life and provide meaningful engagement during the colder months.
Crafting and Artistic Pursuits Engaging in arts and crafts is not only a fun way to pass time but also beneficial for cognitive health. Seniors in senior living Phoenix and memory care Phoenix can explore painting, knitting, scrapbooking, or other crafts. These activities are wonderful for maintaining fine motor skills and encouraging creativity. Reading and Book Clubs Winter is the perfect season to catch up on reading. Residents in assisted living Phoenix and senior apartments Phoenix might enjoy joining a book club, which can also provide social interaction and stimulate discussion. E-readers or audiobooks can be a great alternative for those with visual impairments. Puzzles and Board Games Puzzles and board games are excellent for mental stimulation. They can be enjoyed solo or with a group, making them a versatile activity for seniors in retirement communities Phoenix. Such games are not only entertaining but also help keep the mind sharp. Indoor Gardening Indoor gardening is a soothing and rewarding hobby. Seniors in senior living Phoenix and retirement communities Phoenix can enjoy tending to small houseplants or herb gardens. This hobby provides a sense of accomplishment and can be especially gratifying. Cooking and Baking Cooking or baking can be a delightful activity for those in assisted living Phoenix and senior apartments Phoenix. Trying out new recipes or preparing beloved dishes not only results in tasty treats but can also evoke fond memories and offer sensory stimulation. Yoga and Light Exercise Maintaining physical activity is important, even indoors. Structured activities like yoga , chair exercises, or light aerobics can be ideal for residents of senior living Phoenix and memory care Phoenix. These exercises help with flexibility, balance, and overall wellness. Music and Dancing Music has a universal appeal and can be therapeutic. Residents in retirement communities Phoenix and senior apartments Phoenix might enjoy listening to music, singing, or even participating in a dance class. Music-related activities are excellent for emotional well-being and cognitive health. Writing and Journaling Writing or journaling is a wonderful way for seniors to express themselves. Those in memory care Phoenix and assisted living Phoenix can benefit from this activity as it offers a way to share memories, reflect on experiences, or even create fictional stories. Indoor Hobbies for a Fulfilling Winter The winter season need not be a time of inactivity for seniors. Engaging in indoor hobbies like crafting, reading, playing games, gardening, cooking, exercising, enjoying music, and writing can provide immense joy and health benefits. These activities are particularly relevant and accessible for seniors in assisted living Phoenix, senior living Phoenix, retirement communities Phoenix, senior apartments Phoenix, and memory care Phoenix. By exploring these hobbies, seniors can find meaningful, enjoyable ways to spend their winter months, fostering a sense of fulfillment and well-being during the colder season.
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Winter brings shorter days and longer nights, which can affect sleep patterns, especially in seniors. For residents in assisted living Phoenix, senior living Phoenix, retirement communities Phoenix, senior apartments Phoenix, and memory care Phoenix, adjusting sleep habits can be key to maintaining good health during the colder months. Here’s how seniors can adapt their sleep patterns for winter.
1. Recognize the Importance of Regular Sleep Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is crucial for seniors, particularly those in senior living Phoenix and memory care Phoenix. As the body ages, sleep patterns can change, making it important to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even during the winter. 2. Maximize Natural Light Exposure Limited daylight in winter can disrupt the body’s internal clock. Seniors in assisted living Phoenix and retirement communities Phoenix should try to get as much natural light exposure as possible during the day to help regulate their sleep-wake cycle. 3. Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment A comfortable and restful sleeping environment is essential. For those in senior apartments Phoenix and assisted living Phoenix, this means ensuring the bedroom is quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature. Consider using room-darkening shades and earplugs if needed. 4. Monitor Diet and Exercise Diet and exercise have a significant impact on sleep quality. Residents in retirement communities Phoenix and senior living Phoenix should avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime. Gentle exercise, like walking or stretching, can also promote better sleep. 5. Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine A relaxing routine before bed can signal to the body that it’s time to wind down. This could include reading, listening to soft music, or taking a warm bath. For those in memory care Phoenix, a consistent routine is especially helpful in promoting restful sleep. 6. Limit Naps While short naps can be beneficial, long or late-day naps can interfere with nighttime sleep. Seniors in senior apartments Phoenix and assisted living Phoenix should aim to keep naps short and not too late in the day. 7. Seek Professional Advice if Needed If sleep problems persist, it’s important to seek professional advice. Seniors in senior living Phoenix, memory care Phoenix, and other senior communities should consult healthcare providers to address sleep issues effectively. 8. Stay Mindfully Connected Social connections and mental activities can also influence sleep quality. Engaging in social activities within retirement communities Phoenix or with loved ones can help maintain a positive mood and reduce stress, leading to better sleep. Adjusting Sleep Patterns for a Healthy Winter For seniors in assisted living Phoenix, senior living Phoenix, retirement communities Phoenix, senior apartments Phoenix, and memory care Phoenix, adjusting sleep patterns for winter is vital for overall well-being. By establishing regular sleep routines, maximizing natural light exposure, creating a comfortable sleep environment, monitoring diet and exercise, establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, limiting naps, and seeking professional advice when necessary, seniors can achieve better sleep during the winter months. Quality sleep is a cornerstone of good health and is especially important for seniors to stay energetic and enjoy their golden years, even in the chill of winter. A UCSF Division of Geriatrics study found 43 percent of seniors report regularly experiencing loneliness. Mayo clinic psychologist, Dr. Craig Sawchuk, Ph.D., explains why this can be a problem. He says as “social animals by nature; we tend to function better when we’re in a community setting and being around others.”
Several studies report a link between social isolation and an increased risk of disease, including one from the Academy of Science, which found loneliness can lead to higher rates of poor physical and mental health. Health concerns for isolated adults include hypertension, coronary artery disease, cardiac failure, depression, anxiety and Alzheimer’s disease. It becomes harder for seniors who live alone to socialize as they get into their upper 70s or 80s as many stop driving and/or suffer from chronic health problems affecting their mobility. Other contributing issues to loneliness in the elderly may include the death of a spouse or close family members and friends. To emphasize how important socialization is for older adults, the American Public Health Association explains the most effective way for seniors to improve their health is to increase socialization. They report “socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors, including exercise.” At MorningStar of Santa Fe, our goal is to promote physical, intellectual, spiritual and social wellbeing. We provide everything seniors need for quality of life and to age in place safely and comfortably. Along with luxury amenities, and care and hospitality services; our signature wellness programs and activities are designed to engage and encourage residents to live fully productive lives. In addition to assisted living and memory care, our beautiful community offers respite care (short recuperative stays) or trial stays (up to a full month) so you can see if we are a good fit. Please contact us today for more information about outstanding senior living in Santa Fe, NM. 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 family satisfaction second to none. Contact us for more information about the finest senior living Santa Fe, NM has to offer. Source: seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/the-mental-health-benefits-of-socializing-for-seniors/ Along with assisted living, MorningStar of Santa Fe offers individualized care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 memory care suites, and we are equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.
MorningStar of Santa Fe’s holistic memory care is personalized and compassionate supported living under what we call Lavender Sky, which is the way we thoughtfully enter, embrace, and explore to find purpose and encouragement in every aspect of daily routine. As dementia care specialists, we deeply understand the disease and know regardless of the extent of memory loss residents deserve to be treated with kindness, respect and dignity. All team members are trained in MorningStar’s brand standards of Lavender Sky and in the pathology of dementia and brain disease. Caregivers provide 24/7 assistance with eating, bathing, dressing and have the tools to calm or stimulate a resident as needed. The Reflections Neighborhood was designed to provide a secure setting yet permit residents to explore their spacious surroundings freely and easily. We offer a wide selection of meaningful wellness programs as well as purposeful activities including a variety of exercise options, music, life skills, art, and entertainers. In addition, we offer SafelyYou technology, which can detect and prevent falls for residents with (AI) Artificial Intelligence. Mealtimes are as much about Community as they are about Nutrition, with residents and team members eating together. Family style meals allow team members to encourage residents’ appetites as well as to provide any needed assistance with eating. In addition, much of our food is modified out of respect for some of our residents’ compromised eating abilities and includes finger foods, texture-modified diets and easy-to-recognize balanced meals that taste as good as they look. If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease, we know you want the very best memory care; and we consider it our privilege to walk alongside your family on this challenging journey. Please visit our website to learn more our beautiful home, our team and our company’s philosophy of caring for seniors. 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 Santa Fe, NM offers. Experts say it isn’t just our imagination that losing weight gets harder the older we become but is most likely due to having less muscle mass, which burns more calories than fat. To help, they offer easy tips on how to painlessly replace calorie-laden foods with healthier, lower-calorie substitutes. In addition to the fact that nutrient-rich foods appear to help individuals be successful in their quest to lose weight, meals do not necessarily have to be smaller than your average intake.
Dietitians suggest an easy food swap is to drink water flavored with lemon slices or sparkling water rather than sugary sodas. One study found that by replacing refined grains with whole grains it “improved blood cholesterol levels and decreased percent of body fat in postmenopausal women.” Replacing sugary granola with heart-healthy oatmeal can also help control your weight. Not only is oatmeal a good source of soluble fiber known to reduce cholesterol but it contains magnesium and potassium known to promote healthy blood pressure. Also, dietitians suggest trying sprouted grain breads, which many find tastier and healthier than even whole-grain breads. Other ways to get healthier and lose weight is to include more plant-based foods into your diet. Make a pledge to have a couple of meatless dinners each week and get your protein from bean burgers, lentils, and quinoa instead of hamburgers and steaks. To get more veggies into your diet, top your bean burger with spinach or lettuce, tomato slices and mushrooms instead of cheese. Rather than pasta, use squash or zucchini noodles. MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe is a 55+ community offering seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. Amenities include a fitness room, 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 care for seniors. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about outstanding senior living in Santa Fe, NM. 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 Santa Fe, NM has to offer. Source:health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/slideshows/11-healthy-food-swaps-to-lose-weight?slide=2 MorningStar offers unsurpassed senior living in Santa Fe, NM. Along with 56 private assisted living suites, our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 suites devoted to caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. MorningStar of Santa Fe’s memory care revolves around comforting and caring for our most tender residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.
As dementia care specialists, we understand how devastating it is when a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another memory loss disease, and we want you to know we are here to help. Our memory care area is in a separate area specifically designed to allow residents the freedom to explore their expansive surroundings safely and easily. Within the safe haven of our Reflections Neighborhood, we have created an environment that encourages and supports residents’ independence whenever possible. Our holistic approach to memory care is designed to affirm the value of the person and to find ways to celebrate the smallest successes. MorningStar leverages the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy to heal and comfort, and provides meaningful wellness programs and activities that engage our residents. Also, as many adverse behaviors are often side effects from antipsychotic drugs, our goal is to have as few as possible of our residents on such drugs. We recognize that the essence of the individual remains despite the extent of memory loss, and that our job is to find ways to connect with and nurture it. MorningStar’s philosophy and approach to this kind of supported living is encompassed under the breadth of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” Thus, each day we strive to thoughtfully “enter, embrace and explore” the world of dementia. Please visit our website for more information about compassionate, loving memory care in Santa Fe. 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 Santa Fe, NM offers. MorningStar of Albuquerque is committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our residents. Once you learn more about our community, we are sure you will agree that we offer some of the best memory care and assisted living in Albuquerque, NM. In fact, the MorningStar Senior Living Company was founded by Ken Jaeger as the fulfillment of his dream to create senior housing defined by the human touch and a sense of family. We believe our community has achieved that dream and is a welcoming home for our remarkable residents.
To ensure we meet our residents’ needs, we are deliberate about the individuals we hire to become part of our distinguished team. Every new employee is carefully vetted and chosen for virtues such as kindness, selflessness, and character. We look for people who are committed to perfecting the art of anticipating needs and willingly go the extra mile to serve. Once team members are hired, they are trained in “Radiance,” which is much more than just a customer service program but rather an attitude of the heart. With a tagline of “Service Becomes Us,” it is used to guide the way we deliver service – with sincerity and depth of purpose. Also, its precepts enhance the loving atmosphere of our home. We encourage you to visit our website and view our video that shows off our beautiful spaces as well as background on some of the guiding principles of MorningStar Senior Living. Throughout our community, you will find inviting areas to sit and have a chat with friends or family or the perfect spot to find some solitude and just enjoy the day. Looking at the images, can you imagine yourself sitting in our attractive full-service dining room eating delicious meals created by our Executive Chef or watching a favorite film in our comfortable theater? MorningStar of Albuquerque has 48 private assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans to meet our residents’ preferences and needs. In our Reflections Neighborhood, we provide another 21 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us 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 for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer. 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 of 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 of Albuquerque, we offer 48 well-designed assisted living suites in a choice of floor plans for residents who need support with the activities of daily living. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 21 memory care 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 outstanding memory care or assisted living in Albuquerque, NM. 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 memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers. Source: healthline.com/health/senior-health/stretching-exercises#Benefits-of-stretching- morelifehealth.com/articles/regaining-flexibility-guide As we age, it is important to stay up-to-date with our health care including routine screenings as many diseases do not show signs of symptoms until the problem is harder to treat. Screenings also allow your physician to compare today’s readings to past tests to look for concerning signs. However, medical experts estimate over half of all adults over 65 are not current with the recommended screenings.
In many cases our age determines the type of screenings we should get. Some tests are recommended once a year, while others, like a colonoscopy, may be based on past test results and/or on the advice of your doctor. Common screenings include annual cholesterol tests to measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Cholesterol tests can help “determine your risk for the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body (atherosclerosis).” Your blood pressure should be checked each time you visit a healthcare professional, and if readings are high, it should be monitored. Mammograms are a valuable tool to help detect breast cancer. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women 50 to 74 with an average risk of breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. For younger women and those with a higher risk, consult with your doctor. Other types of screenings for seniors include annual skin checks to look for signs of skin cancer and bone density tests to check for loss of tissue and bone, which might indicate early signs of osteoporosis. Eye exams are important to screen for cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Hearing tests can help seniors get the help they need if there is a problem. Talk to your doctor about which tests they recommend for you. MorningStar of Albuquerque is an assisted living and memory care community with a range of onsite amenities, care services, wellness programs and activities designed for relaxing, stress-free retirement years. Please contact us for more information and to set up a tour. Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other senior living in Albuquerque, NM. 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 senior living Albuquerque offers. Source:bethesdahealth.org/blog/2021/10/14/senior-health-screenings-promote-a-long-healthy-life/ Moving a senior parent or loved one to assisted living can trigger some intense feelings. While the transition may feel daunting, it doesn’t have to be. Did you know seniors can actually experience more independence and self-fulfillment in senior living communities? This is because seniors have the space and devoted time to find out who they are again. Below is a comprehensive guide to moving your parents into assisted living. You will find that this process can be easy and heartwarming with the right senior living community.
Understand Your Loved One’s Needs A senior in need of assisted living care may not fully understand why they need to relocate from their home or other private residence. This adjustment can be emotional. However, open communication with your parents is necessary. Discuss the challenges your parents are facing in an understanding and respectful way. Have they been having a difficult time paying bills, stocking the fridge, or keeping up with their medications? If so, assisted living may be the best option to keep your loved one safe and healthy. Recognizing the Need for Independence While it is commonly thought that seniors lose their independence in nursing homes, the opposite is actually possible with senior living communities that value seniors and their goals. In active senior living communities that offer assisted living, seniors get to experience life again and explore their passions with supervision and support. While assisted living offers medication management and caretaker help with some daily activities, MorningStar assisted living communities understand the unique needs and preferences of every senior in the community. Reaffirm to your loved one that assisted living can offer them new avenues to independence and self-discovery. Find Award Winning Assisted Living Near You Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they 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 memory care 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. |
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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