Arm Strength is Important for Older Adults

We know balance exercises protect older adults’ safety and stability by preventing falls as well as helping maintain independence. The Harvard Medical School explains keeping arm strength should also be a goal for seniors.

The fact is as early as our mid-thirties, arm strength and overall muscles start to decline and continue to do so around one percent each year thereafter. Once we reach our sixties, experts say arm strength is declining by as much as 3 percent each year, and not only reduces our range of motion but increases our risk for injuries.

Functional strength improves quality of life, and having a strong upper body is important. Maintaining and/or building up arm strength benefits our bones and balance as well as prevents falls. Experts point to two important muscles that control our arm movements: biceps, the muscles located on the upper arm; and triceps, the muscles at the back of the upper arm. Both sets of muscles help us lift, carry and push.

Improving arm strength is easy to do at home and doesn’t require fancy gym equipment. Check with the Harvard Medical School or other sources on the Internet to find examples of exercises targeted toward seniors. To get started, all you need are a pair of two or five pound weights depending on your size and/or condition. As you gain strength, you can move up to heavier weights. However, before beginning any new exercise, please check with your healthcare provider.

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we believe in providing seniors an all-encompassing environment for residents’ well-being and safely to comfortably age in place. Our community offers a fitness center, spa baths, massages and a range of fun programming to enhance fitness.

In addition, we provide senior care and hospitality services along with luxury amenities and a choice of well-designed floor plans. Located on the northeast side of town, our beautiful community has wonderful mountain views and is convenient for medical facilities, shopping, and other services. For more information on outstanding memory care or assisted living in Albuquerque, NM please call us or visit our website.

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 satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

After Receiving an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s brings with it a range of emotions. Learning that you have a disease with no cure and no way to control what is happening to you can create feelings of anger, denial, depression and resentment as well as fear. Another common emotion is isolation and the feeling that no one else understands what you are going through. There can even be a sense of relief at finding out what is happening to you and having those concerns validated.

The Alzheimer’s Association counsels that it helps to try and come to terms with your diagnosis and the emotions you are experiencing as a way to help you to move forward. They explain that, “once you make the commitment to take care of your emotional needs; you may find that you can rise to the challenge and face your diagnosis.”

You will find helpful coping tips on their website to make it easier to deal with what you are going through. One of their most important suggestions is to have good support whether it comes from joining a support group, sharing concerns with family and friends, or talking to a counselor or member of the clergy. They also say to continue to do the activities you enjoy for as long as you are able. Finally, they remind individuals to take time to “feel sad, mourn and grieve.”

Along with memory care, Albuquerque NM’s MorningStar community offers compassionate and loving care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our Reflections Neighborhood not only provides an atmosphere of safety and well-being but also encourages and supports choice and independence to the fullest extent possible. Memory care residents participate in recreational and purposeful activities, including exercise, music, life skills, and art, as well as outings and special events. Above all, MorningStar of Albuquerque’s residents are treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

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.

Exercise Your Brain With Games

Over the last couple of decades, researchers have found brain-training games may help improve attention levels, logic skills, and memory as well as enhance cognitive function in healthy subjects. Shaheen Lakhan, MD. Ph.D. FAAN, a physician-scientist and clinical development specialist and founding neurology department chair and curricular dean at California University of Science and Medicine writes the following: “The brain is just like a muscle - it thrives on exercise! As a neurologist, I'm thrilled by the incredible potential of brain games to help people flex their mental muscles, activating underused brain circuits to sharpen cognition and skills like focus, speed, and memory.”

Experts say effective brain games include Sudoku and crossword puzzles. With crossword puzzles, cognitive skills used include recollecting past verbal knowledge and memories. Sudoku relies on short-term memory, which is often one the first sign of Alzheimer’s, and requires the player to look ahead to plan out subsequent moves.

Android and iOS offer a number of apps for brain games that are either free, include in-app purchases or require a subscription to open more games. One game is Elevate that centers on reading, writing, speaking and math; and allows you to customize training on areas you wish to focus on. Another game, Lumosity, was involved in a study that showed people who played the games for “15 minutes a day at least seven days a week for three weeks experienced improved attention and motor speed.”

MorningStar is a beautiful senior community offering assisted living in Albuquerque, NM. Our focus is on providing everything residents need to live their best life with luxury amenities, best-in-class dining, and an array of senior care and hospitality services. In addition, we pride ourselves on giving residents the opportunity to explore new things, stay engaged and enjoy themselves with a variety of wellness programs and activities. Please contact us for more information and to set up a tour.

MorningStar of Albuquerque’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique assisted living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers. Contact us or visit our website to learn more.

Source: verywellmind.com/top-websites-and-games-for-brain-exercise-2224140

Welcome Home to MorningStar of Albuquerque

MorningStar of Albuquerque is proud to be a part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, which celebrates 21 years serving seniors. We were conceived by Founder/CEO Ken Jaeger, who wanted to make a dramatic change in senior living. His mission to: Honor God, Value Seniors and Invest Generously in Our Team are core values that are important to Christians as well as those of other faiths, and still prevail today.

During our 21 years, we have been honored to serve over 15,500 residents and manage a dedicated team of 3,000 across 11 states in 40+ communities. Throughout our brand has earned a reputation for bringing integrity and depth of purpose to senior care.

Ken explains: “As we reflect on our 21-year history and marvel at what God has done…as we look to the future and see the opportunities before us…a few things are clearer than ever. What seniors need is what we all need: significance, value, love. Our roots are as firm as ever. And the mission we’re on, we’re on it together: to serve seniors, each other and the world.”

As we have grown, our reach has gone beyond senior living into the world at large. This includes the establishment of the MorningStar Foundation, a 501c3 organization, offering support to philanthropic initiatives around the world as well as in our local neighborhoods.

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our beautiful community provides a full range of senior care and hospitality services along with resort-style amenities. Located on the popular northeast side of town, our 48 suites for assisted living are offered in a variety of floor plans. For those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases, our Reflections Neighborhood offers 21 suites in a choice of studio or one-bedroom units.

Residents enjoy five-star dining and a complement of wellness programs and activities that promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Contact us or visit our website to learn more about MorningStar’s senior living in Albuquerque.

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 Albuquerque, NM offers.

The Importance of Socialization as You Age

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 Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque, 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 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, we offer 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 MorningStar’s senior living in Albuquerque, 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 satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Source: seniorlifestyle.com/resources/blog/the-mental-health-benefits-of-socializing-for-seniors/

Breaking the Myths of Assisted Living

Many people may have a misunderstanding about senior living homes. Negative views about senior living can actually negatively impact the elders in our lives and in our community. Keep reading to learn what assisted living is and how it can provide seniors with a better lifestyle and retirement experience.

Common Myths

Some common myths about senior living include believing it is the same as a retirement home or nursing home. Many people associate these ideas with a boring, dull, and unacceptable iving situation with seniors. Senior Living care has come a long way and provides modern, luxurious living experiences for seniors without sacrificing on care and assistance.

It is important to note that assisted living communities are different from nursing homes. While both provide care and living situations for seniors, they are very different from nursing homes. Its ideal for seniors who require some support with daily living activities but do not require critical health treatment or supervision. Seniors who have intense health concerns, or struggle to live without a caretaker, often seek nursing homes that can provide round-the-clock medical care.

Modern assisted living communities are popular for their exceptional lifestyle options for seniors. It should be designed to support seniors while still allowing them to maintain their independence and autonomy to explore and experience life. Some ways assisted living at MorningStar establishes the importance of independence in senior living include offering residents private apartments and living spaces, creating personal care plans, and encouraging participation in regular activities are just some ways that assisted living establishes the importance of independence in senior living.

Don’t let stereotypes keep you from finding exceptional senior living care. If you, a loved one, or a partner need help with daily activities and are hoping to find an active senior community you should explore the benefits that come with living at MorningStar.

Find Your Home at the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

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.

Reduce Your Chance of a Fall With a Walker

If you are at the point in life where you are not as stable as you used to be, have balance problems, arthritis or leg weakness; a mobility aid such as a walker could help keep you moving and lessen your chance of a fall. The first thing to do is work with a physical therapist or your healthcare provider to discuss the best type of walker for your personal needs and comfort. There are several fit points to consider as well as styles.

One common choice is a standard walker with four rubber-tipped legs and no wheels. Experts say it provides the most stability but has the drawback of having to pick it up to move. Other choices include walkers with wheels. A two-wheel walker has wheels on the front and can be helpful for those who have trouble picking up a standard walker. Four–wheel walkers may help those very unsteady on their feet but can be a bit less stable. This type of walker has the option of a seat for those that need to rest often.

Another important step in getting the proper walker is the height of the arms. The Mayo Clinic suggests stepping into the walker with your shoulders relaxed and upright. Elbows should be able to comfortably bend at 15 degrees. Other tips include remembering to stand upright when using them as it is easier on your back, and to move one step at a time. Step into the walker with each step rather than walking behind it.

Use caution when using a walker on a slippery or wet surface, and even carpet requires extra care. Just as you do when you are walking on your own, be sure to wear sensible low-heeled shoes that fit well and have good grips on the soles.

Add-ons and various options make walkers more convenient. Fold-up models allow them to be easily transported. Attachable bags and baskets ensure you can carry items you need while keeping hands-free to concentrate on safely moving the walker. Other options include trays for drinks or meals and seats.

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, we have 48 private suites for assisted living and another 21 suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. For your safety all suites are equipped with a handicapped accessible bathroom and an emergency call system. Residents enjoy healthy, delicious meals, luxury amenities, wellness programs and built-in companionship. We are committed to providing the best senior living Albuquerque, NM offers and invite you to set up a tour to see our exceptional community.

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.

Source: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/walker/art-20546805