Volunteering: Giving Back and Gaining More in Your Senior Years

Volunteering in senior years is a pathway to not only giving back to the community but also enhancing one’s own life. It provides a sense of purpose, the joy of connecting with others, and the satisfaction of making a difference. For residents in assisted living and assisted living Fountain Hills, along with those in senior living Scottsdale, engaging in volunteer work can offer numerous benefits, from improved mental health to increased physical activity. Here’s a closer look at how seniors can enrich their lives through volunteering.

1. A Sense of Purpose and Accomplishment

Transitioning into retirement can leave some seniors searching for ways to feel useful and productive. Volunteering offers that opportunity, allowing individuals to contribute their skills and knowledge in meaningful ways. Whether it's mentoring the younger generation, participating in community beautification projects, or providing companionship to those in need, the work done through volunteering brings a deep sense of purpose and accomplishment, values that are highly regarded in communities like assisted living Fountain Hills and senior living Scottsdale.

2. Social Connections and Community

Isolation can be a challenge in senior years, but volunteering creates avenues for social interaction and community building. Working alongside others towards a common goal fosters friendships and connections, reducing feelings of loneliness. Assisted living communities often organize group volunteer activities, making it easier for residents to get involved and stay connected.

3. Mental and Physical Health Benefits

The act of volunteering has been linked to various health benefits. It can reduce stress, combat depression, and keep the mind engaged, contributing to better mental health. Physical activities involved in certain types of volunteer work can also help keep seniors active, supporting their physical health. Facilities in senior living Scottsdale and assisted living Fountain Hills encourage volunteering as part of a healthy lifestyle for seniors.

4. Lifelong Learning and Skill Development

Volunteering offers endless opportunities for learning and personal growth. Seniors can explore new interests, develop new skills, and even share their expertise with others. This aspect of volunteering is especially appealing for those in assisted living, who often have more time to pursue new learning opportunities.

5. Enhancing Self-Esteem

Helping others through volunteer work can significantly boost self-esteem and confidence. Seniors who volunteer often report feeling more positive about themselves and their abilities to contribute positively to society. This boost in self-esteem is something that assisted living Fountain Hills and senior living Scottsdale aim to foster among their residents.

Volunteering in senior years is a rewarding experience that offers far more than just the satisfaction of giving back. It brings purpose, connections, health benefits, opportunities for learning, and a sense of self-worth. For those in assisted living, assisted living Fountain Hills, and senior living Scottsdale, there are numerous ways to get involved and make a meaningful impact, proving that one is never too old to contribute to their community and enrich their own lives in the process.

Loneliness Can Lead to Poor Physical and Mental Health

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 of Happy Valley, 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 luxury amenities, and 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, our beautiful community offers 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 outstanding senior living in Happy Valley, Oregon.

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 for more information about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, OR.

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

The Importance of Oral Hygiene in Preventing Senior Dental Issues

As we age, maintaining oral hygiene becomes increasingly critical in preventing dental issues that can significantly impact overall health and quality of life. Seniors, especially those residing in assisted living and assisted living Fountain Hills, along with residents of senior living Scottsdale, face unique challenges when it comes to dental care. Yet, with diligent oral hygiene practices, many of these challenges can be effectively managed or even prevented. Here’s how prioritizing oral hygiene can help seniors avoid common dental problems.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Routine visits to the dentist play a crucial role in maintaining oral health, allowing for the early detection and treatment of potential issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Assisted living communities, including those in assisted living Fountain Hills, often facilitate access to dental care services, ensuring residents receive regular check-ups and cleanings.

Effective Daily Oral Care

Daily brushing and flossing are the cornerstones of good oral hygiene. Using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush protects against tooth decay and gum disease, while flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth. Seniors in senior living Scottsdale are encouraged to maintain these daily practices to preserve their oral health.

Managing Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, a common condition among seniors due to certain medications and health conditions, can increase the risk of dental problems. Staying hydrated, using saliva substitutes, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol can help manage dry mouth. Assisted living Fountain Hills facilities provide support to residents experiencing dry mouth, offering strategies to alleviate discomfort and protect oral health.

Healthy Diet for Dental Health

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports strong teeth and healthy gums. Seniors should consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and calcium-rich foods to nourish their bodies and prevent dental issues. Assisted living communities, including those in senior living Scottsdale, offer nutritious meal options designed to promote oral and overall health.

Oral Hygiene Education and Support

Education on proper oral hygiene techniques and the importance of dental health is vital for seniors. Assisted living Fountain Hills and senior living Scottsdale provide educational resources and personalized support, ensuring residents understand how to care for their teeth and gums effectively.

Prioritizing oral hygiene is essential for preventing dental issues that can affect seniors' health, comfort, and quality of life. Through regular dental care, effective daily oral hygiene practices, managing dry mouth, maintaining a healthy diet, and accessing educational resources, residents of assisted living, assisted living Fountain Hills, and senior living Scottsdale can achieve and maintain optimal oral health well into their senior years.

MorningStar of Happy Valley Offers Experienced Memory Care

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we understand a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease is devastating and we want families to know we are here to help. Our community offers loving, compassionate care to those with memory impairment in our Reflections Neighborhood. The MorningStar Senior Living company brings 20 years of experience to memory care in senior communities across eleven states.
MorningStar’s holistic approach to memory care incorporates some of the most respected research-based care programs available. We are different from other communities in that every aspect of our memory care is designed from the ground up to accommodate residents. Secure and inviting, the Reflections Neighborhood gives residents as much freedom as possible.

Through the rigors of MorningStar’s Lavender Sky training, our staff truly understands Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-loss conditions; and after a family decides to place a loved one in our care, we get to work. This starts by learning as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and personal preferences through a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” Using this information, we create a specialized, individualized care plan that helps to calm or stimulate as a particular situation needs.

Meals are attractively served, and tasty as well as nutritional. Many foods are easily eaten with fingers to accommodate those who may have trouble using a fork and knife. In addition, our wellness programs keep residents purposefully engaged and leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals to heal and comfort, as we focus on residents’ unique needs.

Along with memory care, we offer assisted living in a choice of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Assisted living residents enjoy amenities including all-day dining, salon, bistro, fitness room, chapel/theater, general store and courtyards with a barbecue and fire pit. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about trusted senior living at MorningStar.

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. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, Oregon.

Tips to Accurately Take Your Blood Pressure at Home

Many of us have had our blood pressure taken at the doctor’s office and were surprised when it turned out to be higher than we expected it to be. If this has happened to you, you may be experiencing something known as “white-coat hypertension,” meaning a higher than warranted reading during a medical appointment.

Doctors say one of the best ways to ensure you do not have elevated blood pressure, is to take your blood pressure at home a number of times. You may also be asked by your healthcare provider to track your blood pressure to see if you should be put on medication or adjust medication to reach a target number.

It is important to do it correctly to ensure readings are accurate. Experts say start by buying a validated monitor and do not buy one that uses the finger or wrist as they are not as accurate as upper-arm cuffs. If you have a much smaller or larger upper-arm, look for one appropriately sized.

Other things to consider are to not take your blood pressure when you are stressed and to wait at least 30 minutes after eating, smoking or exercising. Odd as it sounds you will get a more accurate reading if you empty your bladder right beforehand. Sit comfortably with feet flat on the floor and support your arm near heart height. Now wait a few minutes. A good strategy for a true representation of BP is to take 4 readings a day for 7 days - twice in the morning and twice at night. Let your doctor know your findings.

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we are honored to provide a level of assisted living that enables residents to live life as independently as possible. Our contemporary senior living community is in a southeast suburb of Portland and offers a choice of 61 assisted living suites in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our distinctive Reflections Neighborhood has 27 suites designed to elevate and celebrate life regardless of the level of memory loss. Please visit our website to learn more. 

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 in Happy Valley, Oregon.