Just as the rest of our body ages, so do our eyes. Older adults often complain of dry, teary or tired eyes and may have problems driving at night, experience flashes and floaters or need glasses to read. As we grow older, we are also at a higher risk for serious eye diseases that can impact our vision.
One of the most common and serious eye diseases is age-related macular degeneration and is a leading cause of vision loss among people aged 50 and older. The American Macular Degeneration Foundation reports age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is more common than cataracts and glaucoma combined. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention projects by 2050 the number of older Americans with the disease will nearly double from 48 million to 88 million. Age-related macular degeneration causes the macula, a part of the back of the eye near the retina, to deteriorate. Experts say while it doesn’t impact peripheral vision, macular degeneration can affect how well a person sees what’s right in front of them. You are at a higher risk of getting AMD if a relative has had it or you are Caucasian, and white females tend to come down with AMD earlier than white males. Lifestyle choices also increase your risk for AMD including smoking along with elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Sun exposure is another risk factor and doctors recommend wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Maintaining a healthy diet by eating foods high in antioxidants like lutein found in green, leafy vegetables such as spinach are beneficial for our eye health. Symptoms of AMD include visual distortions and can make straight lines appear bent, reduce central vision in one or both eyes, increase blurriness of printed words, and the need for brighter light when reading or doing close-up work. The first signs of AMD are typically discovered by an eye doctor during an annual dilated eye exam. 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 assisted living in Colorado Springs. Everyone loves the smell of coffee in the morning. Enjoying a fresh cup of joe to start our day isn’t just great for maintaining a routine, but coffee has also been found extremely beneficial for seniors. Even if you are drinking decaf coffee, the benefits that come with these dark roasted beans are very impactful for our health. When consumed moderately, about a cup a day, this delicious and cozy drink can boost our body’s overall performance.
Coffee has an abundance of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect our bodies in fascinating ways. Such as aiding against inflammation, protecting from damage to our cells, and can even reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and cell degeneration. During the roasting process, coffee beans become a potent source of antioxidants. As we age, the need for antioxidants becomes more crucial and beneficial. Improving brain function is a worry we see often with seniors. The antioxidants of coffee block inflammation in the brain. If inflammation of the brain is present, this can often lead to dementia or other forms of memory loss. Coffee can also help to enhance memory and brain activity through the stimulant known as caffeine. It is important to consider how your body responds to caffeine, as sometimes overconsumption can lead to jittery hands, dizziness, or dehydration. In moderation, however, caffeine increases energy levels, gives you a concentration boost, and has been found to improve memory in seniors. Senior Living Communities, such as MorningStar at Arrowhead, offer an elevated dining experience for our senior living community in Glendale, AZ. BrainWise Foods are featured in our dining services in which our executive chefs use ingredients in their menus that are known to support brain health by their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Coffee, both decaffeinated and regular, can be found at our onsite bistro and all-day restaurant-style dining. Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s retirement homes and senior living options in Glendale, Arizona. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other senior living facilities in Arizona. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at Arrowhead, “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. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Glendale, Arizona. Seniors often feel like a move to an assisted living community signals the end of their independence, but this is not the case at senior living communities like MorningStar of Fort Collins. Our goal is to provide the services and care needed to give you the best quality of life. Our beautiful community offers 55 private assisted living suites including spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans.
We recommend families schedule a tour to experience our community firsthand, and we make it easy to do using our Virtual Assistant on our website to set up the day and time. We will get back to you as soon as possible to confirm. However, while a tour is important, please browse through our site and watch the Virtual Tour, read the home page, and look at the full list of amenities and floor plans for an overview of our community. Other informative sections on our website can be found under “First Steps.” We suggest you start with FAQs to get a better understanding of MorningStar and what is offered in our assisted living communities, various resources and care options. You will also find important information on how we determine a resident’s level of care and reassurances regarding our commitment to regularly re-evaluate care plans to keep up with changing needs. Our FAQs also give a quick overview of the training our staff receives, which includes an orientation program (and a three-day shadow), Radiance culture training, and Lavender Sky dementia care training. Our Medication Managers are trained Qualified Medication Administration Persons (QMAP). In addition, if you are looking for a new home for an elderly parent, you will appreciate our Decision Guide (also found under the First Steps tab) offering an in-depth discussion on how to decide when the time is right for senior living. You may also want to request our “Senior Life: How to have the best conversation ever with your elder parent,” a practical guide to understanding the psychology of advanced aging. MorningStar of Fort Collins’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), every year more than a third of people over the age of 65 suffer from a fall, and many of those accidents require a trip to the emergency department. In addition to serious injuries, some falls even result in death. To help mitigate the risk, experts recommend that along with safety modifications to the home that elderly adults also do balance exercises.
Balance exercises are relatively easy-to-do and can improve both your balance as well as increase lower body strength. Ask your doctor for some suggestions or take a look at the Internet. Most do not require special equipment other than someone to assist you if needed. The exercises can be done throughout the day and each one only takes a few minutes to do. One example of a balance exercise is called Tightrope Walk. This easy exercise improves balance, posture, and core strength. Start in a standing position and lift your arms extending them out to your sides. Now walk in a straight line keeping your gaze focused on a fixed point in the distance. Each time you raise your foot, pause with it in the raised position for 2 to 3 seconds. Alternating your feet, continue for 20 to 30 steps. Another exercise is Rock the Boat, which starts by standing with your feet hip-distance apart and extending your arms out to your sides. Lift your left foot off the floor and bend your knee to bring your heel toward your bottom holding it there for up to 30 seconds. Now do the same with the other side. Do each side 3 times. At the MorningStar senior living communities we understand the importance of our residents living life to the fullest. This is why MorningStar of Fort Collins offers a Life Enrichment program that focuses on creative ways to stay physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually active. Please see our website for more information. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Before beginning any exercises, please consult with your health care provider. MorningStar of Fort Collins’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source:healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/balance-exercises-for-seniors#exercises-to-try Experts say medication management is an important preventive measure to avoid potential serious health hazards for seniors. As many older adults take multiple medications, vitamins, and supplements to treat different symptoms and health conditions, they are at a greater risk for medication mix-ups. Researchers estimate that 25 percent of people ages 65 to 69 take at least five prescription drugs to treat chronic conditions, a figure that jumps to nearly 46 percent for those between 70 and 79.
Polypharmacy is the regular use of five or more prescription medications, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report approximately 350,000 people are hospitalized each year due to adverse, or harmful, drug events. While these episodes are usually preventable, doctors acknowledge it can be confusing keeping track of daily dosages and special instructions such as to take with or without food or the time of day, etc. If an elderly parent or grandparent is taking several medications, healthcare providers say it is a good idea to inquire about their medication management. One sign they may not be organized is if they have medications stored in different locations throughout the house, and old, outdated prescriptions are mixed in with current ones. You can start by gathering all medications in one place, remember it is best to store them in a cool, dry location, and set aside any outdated medications for proper disposal. Write down the names of the drugs, dosages, and if they see several doctors, who prescribed them. Also, include herbal supplements, multi-vitamins and over-the-counter drugs. Bring the list to the next visit to their primary care physician and ask why mom or dad is taking it, how long they will be on it, and do any medications present a dangerous interaction with another drug they are on. As one of the best retirement communities Glendale has to offer, MorningStar at Arrowhead provides 60 stylish suites for assisted living in a variety of floorplans. In addition, the Reflections Neighborhood has 25 secure suites devoted to the individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. From healthy daily meals to wellness programs and activities, we have a whole range of services and resort-style amenities to ensure residents’ comfort and wellbeing. Our care services include care managers, access to licensed nurses, and medication care managers. Please see our website for more information. MorningStar at Arrowhead proudly provides the very best in assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us to learn more about one of the finest retirement communities Glendale, AZ offers Research suggests diet plays an important role in protecting seniors’ cognitive health. A Rush University Medical Center study reports older adults may benefit from following the MIND diet even when they develop abnormal clumps of proteins, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, known as amyloid plaques and tangles.
The MIND diet is a hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets. The Mediterranean diet is based on regions around the Mediterranean Sea and relies on plant-based foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices and olive oil. DASH is a heart-healthy diet based on whole grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils. It limits sugars and foods high in saturated fats. The Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center's ongoing Memory and Aging Project began in 1997 and has followed 569 participants for several decades. In 2004, participants were asked to include the foods they consumed from the MIND’s 15 dietary components, such as 10 “brain-healthy food groups” and five unhealthy groups. Annual evaluations and cognitive tests were administered to assess memory and cognitive problems. Klodian Dhana, MD, PhD, lead author of the study, says, "Some people have enough plaques and tangles in their brains to have a postmortem diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, but they do not develop clinical dementia in their lifetime." He adds that our study suggests the “MIND diet is associated with better cognitive functions independently of brain pathologies related to Alzheimer's disease.” MorningStar at Bear Creek provides individualized, specialized memory care assisted living for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our 48 suites include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans; and our home is equipped to care for residents from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages. Having a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia is difficult, and we want you to know we are here to help. Please visit our website to learn more about our compassionate community, our team and our company’s philosophy to care. MorningStar at Bear Creek embodies the very best in memory care assisted living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest”. With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a home-like setting. Please contact us to learn more about our exceptional community. Source: sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210921172721.htm If you are a senior who is having episodes of dizziness, you are not alone as it is one of the most common complaints of older adults. Studies show up to 25% of Americans 72 years and older have reported dizziness; and a Swedish study found up to 50% of adults 85 years and older had dizzy spells. It is important to consult with your medical provider as there are various reasons for dizziness and it puts older people at a significantly higher risk of falling. In fact falls are the number one cause of hospital admissions and accidental deaths in the elderly.
Dizziness in seniors is most commonly caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The condition is a result of calcium carbonate crystals in the otolithic organs of the inner ear getting dislodged from the gelatinous membrane that normally holds them in place. As these crystals become free-floating, they activate the hair cells in the semicircular canal, causing brief but disturbing episodes of vertigo. Experts say the second most common cause of dizziness in the elderly is a progressive degeneration of the spine, particularly the cervical spine or neck. Due to natural aging or the result of arthritis, a person’s neck may not move as easily and can send error messages to the brain regarding the position of the head. “When there is a sensory mismatch between what your neck sensors are saying and what your vision and vestibular system are saying, the consequence is dizziness symptoms, in particular, imbalance that can lead to falling.” Other causes of dizziness in the elderly are anxiety and mental disorders as well as medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium-channel blockers. A visit to your healthcare provider can help figure out what is causing you dizzy spells. At MorningStar of Billings, the wellbeing and comfort of residents is our highest priority and we offer unsurpassed independent living and assisted living. For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases, our Reflections Neighborhood’s memory care is staffed by a team of compassionate dementia care specialists. Please visit our website to learn more about our community and to ask about our pricing and availability. Source: fyzical.com/blog/Causes-of-Dizziness-in-Older-Adults For many years, people thought stretching exercises were done mainly to help athletes avoid injuries. Research now shows the value of stretching for older adults. The Harvard School of Medicine’s journal reports that doing “simple stretches just two or three times a week can dramatically help anyone increase flexibility, improve balance, and relieve the pain caused by muscle and joint stiffness.”
Improving balance and increasing flexibility helps seniors retain the ability to do the things they need to do for their independence. If you are unable to get up from a chair or out of bed each morning, you will need assistance. Studies show stretching can also improve circulation, muscle control and coordination. In fact the Journal of Gerontology recently reported on the results of a 12-month stretch and flex program for older adults, which found participants demonstrated positive changes in areas like physical fitness, self-efficacy, perceived functioning, and well-being. They also reported a decrease in pain. It is important to talk to your doctor before you begin any new exercises including stretching. Once you get the go-ahead, experts say stretch at least 10 minutes twice a week; and do it after a five or ten minute walk or jog to warm up your muscles if possible. They say to take a deep breath, and to slowly exhale while holding the stretch for 30 seconds. Be sure not to stretch too far as to cause pain. For recommended stretches for seniors, check with your physical therapist or physician, or visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website. *Before beginning any new exercise, please consult with your healthcare provider. At the MorningStar of Billings senior living community, we offer independent living, assisted living and memory care. Our community provides residents with tasty, nutritional meals as well as suitable exercise programs and activities to help stay fit physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. To learn more about our wide range of resort-style amenities and services, please visit our website. Source: .healthline.com/health/senior-health/stretching-exercises Research indicates we may be able to promote brain health by engaging in challenging cognitive activities like learning a new skill at an older age. The University of Texas studied the benefits for older adults who pursued cognitively engaging activities later in life.
The study consisted of 221 participants ranging in ages from 60 to 90, with an average age of 72 to try and determine what type of activities offered the greatest benefit to aging brains. Participants were divided into 6 groups with three taking part in what researchers labeled “productive cognitive engagement” involving active learning. Activities included learning photography and how to edit photos on the computer, quilting on a computer-driven sewing machine or doing both photography and quilting. Two other groups were assigned to what researchers referred to as the ‘receptive engagement conditions,’ and neither involved learning new things or engaging in unfamiliar intellectual activities. Rather people were put into a social club where they mainly did familiar activities or were asked to read informative material and watch documentaries. All performed their tasks for 15 hours per week for 14 weeks. The sixth group was the control group and did not change their activity patterns. Researchers compared participants at the end of the study and found those who did productive cognitive engagement had significantly more improvement in episodic memory. They explain episodic memory is our memory of past events and has been found to be the type of memory most impacted by aging. The study suggests “memory improvement need not come from brain games or memory drills, but can also come from learning a challenging new skill.” At MorningStar at Arrowhead, our stylish suites come in a range of floor plans including studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configurations. Amenities include Executive Chef-inspired meals, restaurant-style dining, fitness room, salon, library, fireside patio and porches, and more. In addition, we offer a range of wellness programs and activities designed to keep residents physically, mentally, socially and spiritually engaged. For more information on one of the finest retirement homes in Glendale, please visit our website. MorningStar at Arrowhead’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement homes Glendale, 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, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source: matherinstitute.com/2015/06/29/late-life-learning-what-are-the-brain-benefits/ Many adult children feel as if they let their parents down by moving them into an assisted living community. Mom or dad may have even asked years ago that you never put them into a “home,” and at the time, you made the promise; and/or you know families whose adult children have opened their home to their parents. You keep thinking your parents spent years caring for you, and now when they need help, you turn to strangers to provide the care they need.
Experts explain feelings of guilt are normal and moving a loved one to an assisted living community is probably one of the hardest decisions you will have to make as an adult. However, they quickly add it is important to remember they were not getting the assistance they needed at home. For their safety and wellbeing, they needed to move to a place where they would receive the proper care. Rather than waste time thinking you have let them down, think of it as giving them a better quality of life where they can safely age in place. Experts say stop comparing yourself to others who may have made different decisions; and most of all to remember “people who don’t help and don’t understand the situation aren’t qualified to make judgments or accusations.” Also, remember your loved one is getting older and chances are their health is not going to improve in the long-run regardless of where they are living. By getting the care they need, assisted living can offer a senior the feeling of independence. If you are looking for retirement communities in Glendale, AZ, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Arrowhead, a true destination for successful aging. We provide all the amenities, wellness programs, and care services residents need for their comfort and wellbeing. Our beautiful community offers 60 bright suites for assisted living in a range of configurations to accommodate residents’ preferences and needs. In addition, 25 secure suites are devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Please visit our website for more information. MorningStar at Arrowhead’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement communities Glendale, 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, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source: dailycaring.com/3-reasons-to-stop-feeling-guilty-about-putting-mom-in-assisted-living/ |
AuthorMorningStar Senior Living’s distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. Archives
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