Losing Weight Gets Harder as We Get Older

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

Memory Care at MorningStar of Santa Fe

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.

Help Maintain and Enhance Memory and Overall Brain Health

In an article in the US News & World Report, experts say forgetfulness is not an inevitable part of growing older and there are things we can do to help maintain and enhance our memory function and overall brain health.  Furthermore, they also benefit whole body health.      

One of the first things they recommend is to never stop making “physical activity a priority as it optimizes blood flow to the entire body, including the brain.  An adequate supply of blood and oxygen to the brain helps to keep our memories sharp.”  Researchers explain that the type of exercise is also important and recommend a minimum of 30 minutes a day of cardio exercise such as running, power walking, biking, or swimming.  However, before beginning any new exercise regime, be sure to check with your healthcare provider.  

In addition, continuing to learn new things can improve our memory as studies have found a correlation between challenging our brain and maintaining brain health.  This could include activities such as playing an instrument, starting a new hobby, learning a language, or just broadening your reading habits.  

Other advice that not only enhances cognitive thinking but overall health includes getting enough sleep each night.  Research has shown that “powering down on a nightly basis allows the brain to heal and restore itself, clearing toxins that can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia types.”

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our goal is to be the finest senior living in Albuquerque, NM, and we work hard to provide a comfortable home and a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  We offer chef-inspired all-day dining, a range of care services, luxury amenities, and a complement of wellness programs and activities. Our community has 48 stylish assisted living suites and another 21 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest senior living Albuquerque offers. Please contact us to learn why MorningStar is such a great place to call home. 

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/maintaining-and-enhancing-memory

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 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 senior housing, Santa Fe, NM area families are encouraged to learn more MorningStar. MorningStar of Santa Fe’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 senior housing Santa Fe, NM offers.

MorningStar of Albuquerque is a Welcoming Home for Our Residents

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.

5 Ways to Refresh Your Senior Apartment for the New Year

The new year is almost here, which means it’s time to lean into the atmosphere of new beginnings and make some positive changes to your daily routine and life. If you’re feeling like your assisted living apartment could use an update, now’s as good a time as any, too!

You’ll love how refreshed and rejuvenated you’ll feel in a freshly restyled space, and it’s sure to make it easier to focus on all your goals for the year ahead. With that said, here are five simple ways to make senior apartments in Phoenix feel revitalized and updated come January:

1. Add Some Fresh Flowers

Nothing matches the “new start” energy of a new year quite like some flowers. You can visit a local farmer’s market or even your nearest grocery store to find a vibrant bunch in any color you prefer. Add a bouquet somewhere in your home where you spend a lot of time, such as the living room or kitchen, to help the space feel more energized and welcoming. 

2. Buy LED Candles for Ambiance

Lit candles always make a room feel more inviting and create a pleasant atmosphere, but they can easily become a fire hazard. Electric or LED candles, on the other hand, are a much safer alternative for older adults living in senior apartments in Phoenix. They provide the same type of ambiance to your space, and they’re safe and simple to use. 

3. Replace Your Bedding

Consider the last time you fully replaced your bedspread. It’s easy to get accustomed to the decor elements we see each day, but you may not realize just how much the look and feel of your space can be boosted if your bed dons an updated color or pattern. 

4. Add New Decor in a Theme

Having a theme to your decor makes a space feel cohesive and more inviting to spend time in as a result. If you don’t have any specific themes going on in your apartment decor, or if you just want to try something new, treat yourself to a holiday shopping spree and get some new items in a theme you’ve never tried before. 

5. Do a Deep Clean 

New home decor for senior apartments in Phoenix can help make the space feel refreshing right in time for the new year, but sometimes, all your apartment really needs to feel rejuvenated is a good clean. Take the time to vacuum, wipe down, and disinfect all your surfaces, or ask someone to help you. Now is also the perfect time to gather up some old clothes, shoes, and other outdated items to donate. 

Embrace the New Year With Some Apartment Updates

The new year is a time for rejuvenation and inspiration, and when some of that energy is put into revamping senior apartments in Phoenix, residents just like you are sure to feel the difference!

Daily Stretching Offers Many Benefits

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

Crafting Connections: The Joy of Art and Craft Activities in Assisted Living Communities

Creativity is one of the best remedies to push back against cognitive decline in seniors. When you fully engage your senses to create projects that are uniquely yours, your brain stays sharp. 

Most communities for assisted living in Phoenix offer group crafting and unique art classes. Below, you can learn why these social and creative endeavors are so important after retirement and how you can enjoy them to the fullest. 

Control and Autonomy Over Solo Projects

Arts and crafts allow you to be the leader of your own project. You can finally bring all those brilliant ideas you have to life. Whether through pottery, painting, or simple cutting and gluing, you’re sure to feel in charge when you have a specific craft to focus and work on. 

Thankfully, in assisted living in Phoenix, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative. You can take classes and learn more about art theory and techniques or simply gather your materials and go to town. Either way, you get to be the boss of your crafting journey, and that’s what makes the endeavor so special!

Social Creativity: Collaboration on Art Projects

Solo arts and crafts can be a fun and relaxing hobby, but group projects can be even more beneficial! Senior social health is extremely important, and research has shown time and again that seniors who have strong social bonds fare better in their physical and mental health. As such, staying connected to others could prolong and improve your life. 

Look for group art classes or holiday crafting events that bring people together to work on new projects. Even if you’re simply sitting side by side working on your own crafts, it still helps to encourage connection and socialization. Your community can even come together to collaborate on beautiful, intricate art projects during group classes and events. 

No matter the effort, when you start flexing your social creativity muscle, it gets stronger, and you feel more connected. 

Engaging Your Brain and Strengthening Neural Pathways

Art of any kind engages the parts of your brain that are responsible for creativity and unique ideas, which is great news for seniors, who may need extra stimulation to prevent cognitive decline. 

In addition, as you retain new fine motor skills and challenge your mindset by employing creativity, you literally strengthen your brain. Whenever you learn something new, the neurons in your brain form new pathways, and scientists believe that forging new neural pathways is the key to avoiding memory and cognition problems as an older adult. 

Enjoying Creative Projects in Assisted Living in Phoenix

As you create a new lifestyle for yourself in your assisted living community, it’s a good idea to keep your mind and heart engaged. Find arts and crafts that you love doing and add them to your weekly roster — you won’t regret it!

Dining at MorningStar of Albuquerque

MorningStar of Albuquerque is a senior living community ideally located on the northeast side of town and offers scenic mountain views.  We are one of 40+ MorningStar communities either operating or under construction across eleven states.

As a MorningStar of Albuquerque resident, you will be treated to a whole host of resort-style amenities and services including a five-star dining experience.  All residents are treated to meals prepared under the supervision of our Executive Chef and served restaurant-style in our beautiful dining room.  We understand that food is a healing medicine unlike any other and is one of the great joys of living.  We also know food always tastes better and is enjoyed more when shared in community and breaking bread together helps to bond us as a family and as friends.  

Our meals are prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients from the highest quality local producers.  MorningStar’s Chef looks forward to feedback from residents and is open to suggestions.  At each meal, residents will have choices to self-manage their dietary restrictions such as low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat dishes.  

We also believe in BrainWise foods and use ingredients known to support brain health with their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.  Thus, as the MorningStar’s culinary team strives to create meals that delight the eye and palate, they also leverage the phenomenal benefits of superfoods such as Omega 3 fats, acai berries, dark chocolate and dark greens.

Our community offers 48 stylish assisted living suites for those that need help with the activities of daily living.  In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 21 suites devoted to caring for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  While residents’ apartments are their own private nest, our community also has inviting common areas both inside and out that are designed to encourage residents to sit and relax with friends.  Please contact us for more information about luxury senior 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 for more information about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM offers.

How to Support Seniors Dealing With Loss Around the Holidays

The holidays are often a festive and joyous time of year, but for seniors who have just suffered a loss, they can be anything but. The season is often full of reminders of the past that bring out nostalgic emotions, which themselves can trigger strong feelings of grief. 

In retirement communities in Phoenix, seniors who are dealing with loss generally need extra support and care around the holidays, so it’s important to understand how grief and the aftermath of a loss work to better support your older loved ones. 

With that said, here are some of the best ways to care for a senior who has recently lost someone they love:

Give Them a Safe Space to Talk About the Person They Lost

Where people prefer not to talk about the loved ones they’ve lost, others do, and if that is the case, it’s crucial that you provide a safe and open space for them to talk about the person they love. Discussing the loss can help ease some of the feelings of depression and help seniors move through the more complex stages of grief. 

Whether you visit them at one of the retirement communities in Phoenix or invite them to your house, make sure you offer a listening ear. Sometimes, just knowing someone else is there to hear what they have to say can be a great remedy for those going through complex grief. 

Encourage a Sense of Community

Seniors who have recently lost someone they loved need to be able to fall back on their friends or others who can lift their spirits, and thankfully, in retirement communities in Phoenix, there are plenty of other residents who can help offer support. 

A strong sense of community can act as a buffer against some of the negative effects of loss, like depression and hopelessness. Encourage the person suffering to reach out whenever they need support and participate in community activities when they feel ready to do so. 

Support Their Nutrition and Physical Health

Seniors going through grief and depression may need help prioritizing their physical needs, including sleep, regular meals, and hydration. Make these activities as easy and convenient as possible for them so they can protect their physical and mental health during this challenging time. 

While eating a healthy diet won’t cure someone’s grief, it can help with the smaller side effects, such as a loss of appetite and unhealthy weight loss. As their support person, you can encourage them to eat nutritious meals and move their body as they see fit. 

Gift Them Photos and Keepsakes of Their Lost Loved One

Keep the memory of a grieving senior’s lost loved one alive by gifting photographs and other keepsakes. Since the holidays often involve lots of gifts, it’s best to stay sentimental with yours this year. Doing so will help them carry the person they lost in their heart, no matter what time of year it is.

Navigating the Complex Process of Senior Grief 

Grieving isn’t easy at any age, but it can be especially tough for a senior after retirement, so offer your support in ways that are sympathetic and authentic. Remind them that you’re always there to listen and care for them when they need it.

Explore 3 Assisted Living Creative Programs in Senior Living

Creative therapies have been proven beneficial for seniors. Suppose a loved one is struggling with completing everyday tasks or experiencing anxiety due to being overwhelmed and confused with everyday life. In that case, they may benefit from exploring creative programs and therapies designed for seniors needing assisted care.

At MorningStar Assisted Living in Sparks, NV, our creative programs developed by our Life Enrichment Teams are essential to maintaining cognitive health and quality of life for all our senior residents. Keep reading to explore three of the most popular assisted living creative programs offered in assisted living. 

Art Therapy

Art therapy is a very successful form of therapy for seniors as it offers a wide range of possibilities. Generally, seniors can paint, draw, complete crafts, write, and much more during art therapy. Art therapy for seniors in assisted living care enhances social skills and improves cognitive and sensory-motor functions. These abilities usually diminish as we age and our memory declines. Art therapy is a great way to combat these symptoms of memory loss in seniors.

Music Therapy

There is impressive research to back up the effectiveness of music therapy and you don’t need to be a musician to enjoy the benefits! You can find music therapy in assisted living that often looks like drum circles, listening to classical music while relaxing, or practicing an instrument. Music therapy is very relaxing for seniors in assisted care and helps them recall memories and lower anxiety. 

Pet therapy 

It’s hard to be discouraged when interacting with cuddly animals. Pet therapy is a great way for seniors to relax and indulge their inner child. Spending time with an animal or pet you enjoy can greatly reduce feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. MorningStar Assisted Living offers a mix of art therapies like pet therapy and other creative activities that stimulate the mind, body, and spirit through a holistic approach.

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.