Friday, February 17, 2023

4 Reasons Yoga is Good for Seniors

Yoga is a wonderful exercise that is low impact, as well as being good for mental and physical health. This makes it the perfect type of workout for aging seniors. Another great thing about yoga is that it can be done for any experience level, and different areas can be targeted as needed. cContinue reading below for 5 reasons yoga is good for seniors in assisted living.

Balance, Flexibility, and Stability

The elderly can be very prone to losing balance, walking unsteadily, falling, etc. This is why it is so important to be proactive about these issues, and work on them ahead of time. Yoga is well known for being an effective way to strengthen the core muscles, which can help with balance and stability. In addition to this, flexibility can be improved since yoga can help increase range of motion, loosen tight muscles, and strengthen weakened muscle groups.

Better Sleep

Since promoting calmness and breathing exercises are a big part of practicing yoga, it can also help seniors sleep better at night. Thanks to research, studies have found that elderly people who regularly practice yoga sleep better overall. This is excellent news for seniors, since they can often struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances. If you are an elderly person in senior living in Phoenix, consider giving yoga a try.

Decreased Blood Pressure

According to the CDC, consistent physical activity is one of the best things you can do to support your heart health. As a senior, this is even more vital since as you age, more things are likely to show it if they haven’t been properly taken care of. Yoga is an easy and effective way to start taking care of your heart, as well as your body; and reduce your risk of cardiac events.

Pain Relief

Aging means that certain areas of your body such as the joints could be experiencing pain from a lifetime of wear and tear. While a little pain here and there could be normal, chronic pain can quickly drain seniors of all energy and motivation. However, with yoga, this pain can be helped thanks to all the stretching involved. Yoga can reduce inflammation, which in turn can be a huge pain reliever, especially for seniors.

(Source: https://training.mmlearn.org/blog/nine-benefits-of-yoga-for-seniors)

(Source: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/physical-activity/yoga-and-sleep)

(Source: https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/olderad.htm)

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 true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Phoenix has to offer.

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Holistic Memory Care in Albuquerque

Along with assisted living, Albuquerque NM’s MorningStar community offers individualized care for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our Reflections Neighborhood has 21 memory care suites, and we are equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.

MorningStar of Albuquerque’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. Residents especially enjoy being outdoors in the enclosed patio and courtyard. 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.

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 for more information about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

3 Reasons Pomegranates are Good for You

Pomegranates are an often overlooked fruit, since they can be difficult to work with. However, these fruits are well worth the effort it takes to harvest all those beautiful, red jewels (called arils) inside. Here are 3 reasons pomegranates are good for seniors in assisted living in Phoenix, Arizona.

Full of Vitamins and Minerals

In their whole fruit form, pomegranates are packed with nutrients like antioxidants, fiber, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin C, and much more. All of these nutrients are vital for your body’s overall health; and keep all your systems functioning as they should. Antioxidants alone are fantastic compounds that help protect your cells from environmental wear and tear. However, keep in mind that you will actually only get all of these benefits by eating pomegranates—not just drinking the juice. It’s those little arils that really pack a healthy punch.

Good for Your Heart

Over the years, several studies have shown pomegranates to be instrumental in helping keep hearts healthy. Due to their anti-inflammatory properties and powerful antioxidants, pomegranates protect the heart in many ways. They do this by reducing damage from oxidative stress, helping regulate blood pressure, and contributing to the prevention of plaque buildup in the arteries. All of these benefits make pomegranates a powerhouse of heart health and cardiovascular wellness overall. If you’re a senior living in Phoenix, Arizona, then consider adding more raw, organic pomegranates into your diet if your primary physician gives you the OK.

Boosts Your Brain

Compounds in pomegranates, called “ellagitannins” have been found to work like antioxidants. This means that they reduce inflammation, but specifically inflammation related to the brain. Early research has also shown that these ellagitannins may also be able to help prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Ellagitannins are also being studied for their ability to assist the gut microbiome in creating a compound called “urolithin A.” Urolithin A has shown promise in reducing brain inflammation that can cause a variety of cognitive diseases as well. This means that eating pomegranates can be a delicious way to be more proactive with your brain health.

(Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28608832/)

(Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31892167/ | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26559394/)

(Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7918969/)

Monday, February 13, 2023

3 Reasons MorningStar Senior Living is The Best Choice

When it comes to finding the best place for elderly loved ones to spend their golden years, nothing is more important than quality of care. Not just any senior living community will do. That’s why, in this post, we will be discussing some of the reasons MorningStar Senior Living is the best choice for seniors in need of assisted living in Phoenix, Arizona.

Principles

MorningStar Senior Living has been built on the following principles: honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing generously into their team. These principles are more than just words; they are the foundation of everything MorningStar does and stands for. With a loving, Godly approach to senior care, MorningStar takes extra steps to ensure all seniors in their communities are loved and cared for. With intention and a heart to serve, the staff of MorningStar Senior Living are committed to building a culture that makes the world a better place—starting with elder care.

Variety of Care

Many senior living communities will only offer one or minimal services. However, MorningStar knows that all seniors have different needs and necessary levels of care. That’s why all of their communities offer a variety of services such as independent living, assisted living, short-term stays, pet friendliness, companion suites, and even memory care. However, each location offers different services, so be sure to visit and take a tour before you decide which of our communities is right for you! No matter what, MorningStar knows that elderly people value their independence; so they work hard to foster an environment of genuine trust, respect, and care for each and every resident.

Atmosphere

Another main mission of MorningStar Senior Living is to create an atmosphere where seniors feel connected and heard. All of their staff receive on site training, as well as continued training throughout their time with MorningStar. There is also always a licensed nurse present at each community 24/7. This commitment to employee training and resident safety is only part of the amazing atmosphere MorningStar can provide. In addition to the above, MorningStar also strives to keep all of their communities fully updated with many amenities, such as recreational facilities, gyms, restaurants, pools, beautiful sitting areas, and beautifully landscaped grounds.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Phoenix, AZ has to offer. 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 Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arcadia provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Friday, February 10, 2023

3 Hair Care Tips for Seniors

Hair is a part of us that changes with us as we age. Hair will go gray, thin, and possibly fall out as the wear and tear of life takes its toll. However, there are several ways to support your hair as you age. Continue reading below if you are a senior living in Phoenix, and you are curious about how to take the best care of your aging hair.

Avoid Yellowing

As we age, our hair loses its pigment and turns “gray.” However, this is not so much a color change as it is actually a loss of pigment in our hair. This loss of pigment means that gray hair can be “dyed” by the environment. Things like smoking, harsh shampoos with pigment, diet, and more can all contribute to a yellow hue developing in the place of gray hair. You can avoid this by not smoking, using dye free hair products, investing in a shower water filter, and eating a healthy diet. If your hair is already showing signs of yellowing, it can be helpful to use a gentle shampoo with a blue or violet pigment to cancel out the yellow.

Support Thinning

Hair will often become thinner as we age; which can create a lot of confidence and self-esteem issues. However, thinning hair can actually be a great opportunity to try a new hairstyle. For example, a longer hair style will actually draw more attention to thinning hair; but a shorter style can hide it much more easily. You can also decide to just shave it all off if you are feeling adventurous! Whatever the case may be, seeing thinning hair as an opportunity to try a new ‘do can be the perfect way to cope with your changing, aging hair. Plus, if you are a senior in assisted living, a shorter hair style can be much easier to take care of and keep up with.

Be Gentle

Aging hair is much more delicate than you may be used to, which means you will need to adjust and be more gentle. Brush your hair with a less harsh brush, and not a lot of pressure; use gentle shampoos and other hair products; and avoid any hard scrubbing on your scalp. This will mitigate breakage and loss as your hair becomes more brittle. You can also support this part of your hair’s aging process by taking biotin, collagen, and applying strengthening hair masks.

Monday, February 6, 2023

Ways to Boost Seniors’ Immune Systems

Keeping your immune system healthy is important no matter your age. However, for the elderly, immunity support can be the difference between a mild cold and a trip to the hospital. In this post, we will be covering some key ways for seniors to give their immune systems a boost; so read on for this valuable information!

Get Good Sleep

Sleep is the time when our bodies do the most work on healing our bodies, fighting pathogens, and distributing nutrients. However, without enough sleep, this process can be interrupted and greatly reduce the benefits of a full rest. So how many hours of sleep do seniors need? The answer is this: ages 50-60 need 7+ hours of sleep, ages 61-64 need 7-9 hours of sleep, and ages 65 and up need 7-8 hours of sleep per night. So make sure you are getting the right amount of sleep for your age; and figure out a routine that allows you to get all your rest—even if you live in an assisted living community.

(Source: https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html)

Try Prebiotics

If you consistently take antibiotics, chances are your body’s microbiome could be off balance. Your microbiome is found in your gut, and is made up of all the bacteria that lives there and helps (or doesn’t) your body function properly. Think of it like a garden for this example. A healthy microbiome is full of blooming and beautiful, helpful plants. However, antibiotics can often kill the entire garden and allow anything else to grow in its place. Probiotics are a popular nutrient because they help already healthy microbiomes to thrive; so they don’t really help after antibiotics. This is where prebiotics come in! Prebiotics help the good plants grow, and do the weeding for you too. They help restore balance in your gut microbiome, so that your good bacteria thrives, and the bad bacteria doesn’t. This is vital because your microbiome impacts your immune system so heavily, that an unhealthy microbiome can weaken your immune system completely.

(Sources: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2018.01830/full | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27231050/)

Stay Hydrated

Water is life to your body! We are all 70% water, and water is something we absolutely need to consume to live. Without proper hydration, the body’s systems slow down and weaken—including your immune system. However, not everyone even knows how much water they should be drinking. So here’s a quick trick: drink at least half your weight in ounces every day. For example, if you weighed 100 pounds, you would need at least 50 ounces of water per day. If you are in assisted living in Phoenix, talk to someone about helping you keep up with your daily water intake, so that you can support your immune system.

(Source: https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/wellness/how-to-calculate-how-much-water-you-should-drink)

Friday, February 3, 2023

The Importance of Exercise for The Elderly

Exercise is something many of us fall off of as we age. However, exercise and staying active is still important for older bodies, too! Whether you are a senior living in Phoenix alone, or in assisted living, there are many ways you can take advantage of the benefits of exercise.

Reduces Fall Risk

When you exercise consistently, your balance, strength, range of motion, and more are all improved. This can allow you to be able to walk more steadily, and even help you catch yourself if you trip over something. Falls are a significant risk factor for seniors, since many falls require emergency room visits, and even cause irreparable damage. So, do what you can to keep your body moving as a senior; including exercises like yoga, tai chi, walks, and/or other low-impact activities that aren’t too strenuous for what an older body can handle.

Prevents Muscle Atrophy

The muscles we don’t use end up atrophied. This means that they shrink and become almost unusable over time. This is why exercise as an elderly person is so important. Atrophied muscles can cause pain and weakness, as well as limit your ability to move around the way you used to. The more range of motion you lose, the harder it will be to do anything. Eventually, without exercise, it can even become exhausting to do the most basic things like go to the restroom, play with grandchildren, prepare food, and much more. Help your body stay reliable by keeping your muscles active and moving as much as you can.

Improves Mood

Exercise is well-known for releasing those feel-good hormones called endorphins, that boost your mood. This isn’t the only way your mood can be improved by exercise, though. Consistent exercise can also help you sleep better at night, which helps your body get the rest it needs, and keeps your brain out of a tired fog. Exercise is something that impacts just about every part of your life, so do your best to move around in some way, every day.