Everyday Home Exercises for Seniors in Assisted Living

Your body will go through many changes as you age, but getting older does not have to mean getting weaker. Having a good workout routine can help you keep your muscles strong, improve your balance, and even support heart health. Here are just a few of the everyday exercises that you can perform in assisted living.

Walking

When it comes to exercising, simple is often the answer. Walking is one of the best activities seniors can do. Seniors in assisted living in Phoenix can take a leisurely stroll around the premises or even walk back and forth around the common areas. 

Walking is an ideal form of exercise because it can maintain cardiovascular health, improve muscle strength, and lower cholesterol levels — all at the same time.

Sit-To-Stand Movements

A common source of difficulty for seniors is the positional change from sitting to standing. Going from a seated to an upright position can cause instability, loss of balance, or even vertigo. To strengthen the muscles and adjust the body to this transition, you can practice sit-to-stand movements. 

Sit-to-stand exercises are as easy as they sound. You begin in a seated position and then slowly stand up straight. Repeat ten to twelve times, if possible. If you have dizziness, this exercise can be performed next to a wall for added stability.

Standing on One Leg

Another beneficial exercise for seniors in assisted living is standing on one leg. Many seniors struggle with their balance and staying stable when upright. 

You can address this and improve balance by standing on one leg for about ten seconds at a time. It may be difficult at first, so you can start with three to five seconds until you get stronger. Repeat for the opposite leg.

If you have severe balance issues or vertigo, it helps to do this next to a wall or counter. You can also ask someone to help by holding your arm or hand as you stand on one leg.

Light Lifting

As you age, there is a natural weakening of the muscles. This can make it difficult to lift even the lightest items, making seniors more vulnerable to injuries, strains, or even broken bones. 

In order to stay as strong as possible, older adults can practice light lifting. Using weights of five to ten pounds, you can perform slow bicep curls or other arm workouts. You should avoid lifting weights above your head in case they are dropped. 

Getting Exercise at Assisted Living

Staying active and getting exercise is vital for adults of any age to stay strong and healthy. From standing on one leg to simply walking the grounds, there are plenty of opportunities for easy, daily exercise in assisted living.

4 Practical Steps to Help Aging Parents Overcome Their Fear of Change

It is not uncommon for older adults to experience fear of change surrounding assisted living, aging, and other uncharted territories. This fear can cause excessive tension and distress that impacts their physical and emotional well-being. Read on to learn four practical tips to help your parents get past these fears.

1. Take the Time to Listen to Their Worries

When a person is struggling with dread, anxiety, or stress, they want someone to empathize with them. While you may not understand or agree with how they feel, it will mean the world to them if you accept and recognize the emotions they are going through.

2. Provide All of the Information You Can

When making a major life change, people are afraid because they do not know what to expect. If your parents are grappling with anxiety and panic over a life transition, one of the best steps you can take is to equip them with plenty of information. 

Give them as many details as possible so that they have an idea of what to expect. 

3. Communicate With Them Openly

To help your loved ones conquer fears, you must establish a safe space for open communication and unrestricted dialogue. 

Your parents should be able to come to you with their worries without fear of judgment or ridicule, regardless of what those concerns might be. 

But you don’t have to have these conversations alone. You can also create a support network of additional family members or friends that your parents can turn to as they process the idea of moving to assisted living in Phoenix. Having the right people involved in the conversation can make all the difference and help put your parents at ease.

4. Set Up Visits at Assisted Living Facilities

Often, the best way to overcome a fear is by facing it. This does not mean you should put your parents into a situation that frightens them or causes grief. Instead, you can ease them into confronting their fears in small ways. 

For example, some seniors avoid senior living because they worry they will lose their independence. 

You can even bring your parents to an in-person tour of assisted living to put their mind at ease.

Transitioning Into Assisted Living

It’s common for people to experience some apprehension when it comes to a major life change. Differences in routine, living situation, or location can all be intimidating for aging adults. Provide plenty of information, address their concerns, and set up tours of any potential assisted living facilities. Taking these steps can help reduce the fear of change for your aging parents.

The Importance of Socialization for Older Adults

There is an epidemic of loneliness among many Americans, particularly older adults. Seniors may find themselves feeling isolated and cut off from the world, spending most of their time on their own. This makes socialization a crucial element of aging well and feeling like the best version of oneself. 

The following factors emphasize the importance of socialization for older adults:

Supports Emotional Well-Being

Perhaps the biggest benefit of socialization is that it supports emotional well-being. Too many seniors struggle with feelings of isolation because of a lack of social interaction. 

Older adults who spend more time with their peers, family members, and neighbors may lead happier lives and experience less stress, depression, or anxiety. Having frequent and meaningful socialization can combat these feelings and promote more positive emotions. 

Maintains Mental Acuity

A profound concern among older adults is cognitive decline and memory loss. While this is largely unpreventable for most people, there are ways to slow the progression and maintain some level of mental acuity. 

One of these ways is ongoing socialization. Daily interaction with other people can help seniors retain a stronger memory and enhance mental clarity when compared to those who spend most of their time alone. 

Provides a Sense of Purpose

Some seniors struggle with a lack of purpose, especially after retirement. Without having a job or daily tasks to attend to, they may feel like there is nothing for them to do each day. 

Spending time with friends or family members can provide many older adults with the sense of purpose they long for. Having scheduled social endeavors or regular outings gives seniors something to look forward to each week.

Improves Physical Health

Serious health concerns like heart disease, diabetes, and chronic pain are all prevalent among aging adults. While a healthy diet and regular exercise are vital for preventing or reducing the symptoms of these conditions, another effective tool for improving physical health can be socialization.

Going out with friends and family can help otherwise sedentary seniors lead a more active lifestyle. It can also promote positive, uplifting feelings that help them maintain their overall health and well-being.

Socialization in Senior Living in Phoenix

Chatting with a friend or having dinner with family are things that can benefit all of us, but they are particularly beneficial to older adults. Since seniors often struggle with loneliness or isolation, it is important to prioritize peer relationships and connections between family members. 

Maintaining a social lifestyle has a number of advantages for seniors in senior living in Phoenix, including improved health and better emotional wellness. If you have a loved one in a retirement community, make sure to remain present in their life and encourage interactions with others.

How To Create a Relaxing and Comfortable Home in Assisted Living

If you or a loved one is moving to assisted living, you may be wondering how the new senior living community could ever feel like home. While this new experience may feel overwhelming, moving to the best-assisted living community near you is sure to be full of the best amenities, living arrangements, and eatery options. With a little help, your new space is sure to feel like home in no time. 

At MorningStar Assisted Living in Sparks, NV, seniors find the best senior living community with built-in companionship, luxury-style amenities, and budget-friendly living arrangements. Keep reading to find out how to create a relaxing and comfortable home in assisted living. 

Aligning Values

When looking for a senior living community near you, find one that aligns with your values and personality. Exploring a community with like-minded people and empathetic caregivers is sure to make you feel comfortable and at home in no time. Finding a senior living community that aligns with your values means making friends will come easier. 

Remove Clutter

The hardest part about moving for some can be decluttering. If you are moving from your home into assisted living, the challenge of downsizing a whole home into a one-bedroom apartment can feel daunting. With the help of family, friends, or even professionals, they can help you decide what objects in your home are necessary to keep during your transition to senior living.

Decorate

Decorate your space with memories and keepsakes. Many assisted living communities, like MorningStar Senior Living, encourage residents to bring their furniture and decorations into their suites. Choosing to decorate your new space similarly to your previous home may help seniors feel more comfortable and safe. 

Find Luxury Style Assisted Living Near You

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 today 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.

Independence and Assistance: How Assisted Living Strikes the Right Balance

We can’t blame seniors for wanting independence and autonomy. Seniors want to have active lives, be social, and rely on others as little as possible. For seniors in need of assisted living care, we know that some level of assistance is necessary for them to be happy and healthy. How can you find the right balance of independence and assistance when looking for senior living near you? 

For seniors who are used to living alone, it may be difficult to persuade them into assisted living care. This is why you must seek the right assisted living community that strikes the right balance of independence and assistance. 

A Social Senior Living Community

Seniors benefit from an active social life. In retirement, it becomes increasingly difficult for seniors to socialize if they live alone. Decreased mobility, lack of transportation, health concerns, and distance are all valid reasons why a senior may struggle to see their friends, family, or participate in outside activities in their neighborhood. Your loved one will benefit by finding an active senior living community near you. Seniors love participating in group activities and events and the walkable, easy-to-access amenities in senior living communities make seniors feel connected to the people around them. 

Explore Your Hobbies in Assisted Living

Assisted living communities allow seniors to re-explore their hobbies and passions while receiving proper care and attention. Like independent senior living communities, assisted living residents are allowed to explore their community, socialize, and nurture their passions. Assisted living hosts an array of art, music, and cooking classes for seniors to develop their skills or begin a new journey. With the help of 24/7 care providers, seniors in assisted living still live a full, and active life while maintaining independence and curiosity. 

Find Luxury Style 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 Parker “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. 

How to Plan the Perfect Birthday Celebration for Loved Ones in Senior Living

There are some things in life that have no age limit, and birthday parties are one of them.

Birthday celebrations are enjoyable for people of all ages. For older adults, they’re also a great way to spend quality time with loved ones and make wonderful memories. If you have a loved one in senior living with a birthday coming up, here are a few tips for helping them make the most of their big day.

Talk to the Staff Beforehand

Not all senior living communities in Phoenix do things the same way. Before you begin planning the party, speak with a staff member to see if the facility has any rules or restrictions regarding parties. They can give you advice on how to throw the best birthday soiree possible and even offer suggestions for possible venues, activities, and more.

Pick the Perfect Spot

There are many different types of senior living communities, and the type of facility your loved one lives in will play a big part in your planning.

For example, some facilities are like apartment complexes, giving you the option to hold the party in a communal space or within your loved one’s residential unit. If they live in a community with individual homes or condos, you may also be able to hold the party in an outdoor space.

Invite Friends and Family

The guests are the most important part of any birthday celebration. Make it a point to invite your loved one’s close friends and relatives so they’ll be surrounded by people who care for them. Many residents of senior living are close with their neighbors, as well, so you can also invite fellow residents to get in on the fun.

Work With Nearby Companies

Senior living communities are often situated near restaurants, stores, and other businesses. These businesses can be the perfect places to find catered food, party decorations, and personalized confections. With their help, you can throw a party that suits your loved one’s unique personality while supporting the larger community.

Curate Fun Activities

Lastly, consider the kinds of activities you’ll offer your guests.

How will you keep everyone entertained and ensure that they have a good time? There’s no wrong answer here — your activity list might include board games, movies, karaoke, or other fun pastimes. Just remember to keep the focus on the honoree by choosing activities that interest them.

Celebrating Another Year in Senior Living

Planning a birthday get-together in senior living doesn’t have to be stressful. By working with staff members, friends, and local businesses, you can create the perfect celebration to honor your loved one on the day of their birth.

From choosing fun activities to a comfortable spot, there are many ways to have a party your family won’t soon forget!

Are You or a Loved One Considering a Move to Assisted Living?

For anyone considering a move to assisted living, choosing the right community is a big decision as getting it wrong may mean another move within a couple of months. To help, senior living experts say the first thing to do is to think about the level of care you or a loved one needs to improve quality of life. 

After you have a pretty good idea of what your needs are, now factor in things like location and affordability. If mom or dad needs help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) focus only on senior communities offering assisted living. If you want the home to be a convenient drive for easy visiting, concentrate on those communities. If mom or dad no longer drives, look for a community offering transportation for doctor appointments or errands; or if they plan to bring a car, does it offer parking? Does the home offer 24/7 care, medication management and access to licensed nurses?

Obviously, affordability is an important consideration, but senior living advocates warn don’t be initially shocked at the price. Rather think about all of the living costs such as property taxes, maintenance, utility bills and meals included in the home’s monthly fees. For a better understanding of mom or dad’s assets, it may be worth your while to consult an elder law attorney. They can explore various options such as eligibility for Veterans’ benefits, what your parent’s long-term care insurance may cover, and the advantages of leveraging real estate assets and life insurance, tax benefits and more.   

 

Other things to consider include the physical characteristics of the assisted living community. Does it offer a floor plan that works for you? Do you want amenities such as a fitness center, hair salon, outdoor patio, restaurant-style dining, theater, Wi-Fi, etc.? 

For trusted assisted living, Albuquerque, NM area seniors are encouraged to learn more MorningStar. MorningStar of Albuquerque’s assisted living lets seniors comfortably and safely age in place with a range of hospitality and care services, resort-style amenities and a complement of wellness programs and activities. In addition, we offer specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments. Visit our website today 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 memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

How to Navigate Retirement as a Single Senior

Plenty of seniors retire without a significant other. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your post-retirement life solo. You’ve worked hard your whole life, and you deserve to relax and have fun. 

You might feel intimidated at the thought of navigating retirement as a single person. Knowing your options can help you feel better about the process. Here’s what you should know about retiring without a romantic partner. 

Know Your Living Options: Senior Living

If you want to foster a sense of community and connection, consider moving into a senior living community. In senior living Phoenix, you’re surrounded by other retired adults who want to enjoy their later years. 

Senior living communities host events, activities, and classes to encourage residents to socialize. By participating in social events, you can form deep friendships and meaningful connections in your community. 

Make a Long-Term Care Plan

In case you ever need long-term medical care, you should make a clear plan. Your care plan should outline the types of treatments you consent to and living arrangements you’re comfortable with. 

Healthcare and senior living staff members will need your long-term care plan if you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. You should also share this plan with a trusted friend or family member to make sure providers follow it. This person can speak up on your behalf if you are unable to do so. 

Financial Planning for Long-Term Care

Include notes about how you’re going to pay for any long-term or rehabilitation care you receive. This might require you to pull from investment accounts or high-yield savings. 

Need a Furry Friend? Think About Getting a Pet

You might be single, but that doesn’t mean you’re alone in life. Furry friends reduce feelings of depression and loneliness. When you have a pet to take care of, you’re less likely to fall into a rut or feel stuck. 

Cats and dogs are the most common household pets, and many senior living communities allow these pets in residences. Owning a pet can bring a lot of joy into your life as you watch them grow up and thrive. 

Stay in Touch With Loved Ones

Make sure you keep in touch with your family and friends, even if you move to a senior living community. With modern technology, you can text, call, or video chat with anyone at the click of a button. 

Staying in touch with the people you care about will help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Arrange for in-person visits whenever possible; nothing beats face-to-face time!

Single Seniors Are Not Alone in Retirement 

Being single doesn’t have to be a disadvantage in your retirement years. By connecting with others (human and furry friends alike), you can enjoy your later years to the fullest. Don’t feel alone if you’re retiring as a single senior. You’ve got this!

Substituting Lower Calorie Foods Can Help You Lose Weight

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 of Albuquerque is a senior living community offering older adults 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 serve seniors.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information about outstanding memory care or assisted living in Albuquerque, NM.

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 memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Source:health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/slideshows/11-healthy-food-swaps-to-lose-weight?slide=2

Snacks Can Be Tasty and Healthy

The goal of a snack should be to satisfy your hunger as well as be a balanced addition to your daily nutritional intake. Dietician Lisa Jones says satisfying snacks can be crunchy, creamy, savory or salty and good choices include things like eggs, tofu, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. 

As a guideline, an adult’s snack should contain approximately 150 to 250 calories. Experts advise diabetics to stick to protein-rich choices and to watch the amount of carbohydrates a food contains as carbs can elevate blood sugar. If you are eating pre-packaged food, check to see what constitutes a serving and the number of calories.

Remember healthy snacks can be tasty such as avocado on whole grain toast. For a fiber-rich snack, how about making chia pudding? The recipe is simple and all you need to do is add 3 tablespoons of chia seeds to a 6 oz. glass of seed-based milk. Add ½ cup fruit and refrigerate for a couple of hours. To get 80% of the daily folate and 50% of the manganese requirement, how about eating a cup of shelled edamame?

Other quick snacks include a handful of nuts and a piece of fruit, or a bowl of popcorn topped with a small amount of olive oil rather than butter. Cut-up veggies eaten plain or dipped in peanut butter or humus is another satisfying, healthy snack. Greek yogurt is loaded with calcium, probiotics and protein and can be added to fruit, a handful of nuts or even to tuna. 

If you are looking for the finest senior housing in Santa Fe, NM, MorningStar is it.  Our beautiful senior community provides assisted living, memory care, respite care and trial stays. MorningStar of Santa Fe’s warm, loving environment provides care and hospitality services, resort-style amenities and wellness programs and activities. In addition, we are proud of our dining service, which includes meals made largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients and superfoods. We invite you to visit our website for more information about our home and to inquire about availability and pricing, or to set up a tour.  

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 housing Santa Fe, NM offers.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/healthiest-snacks