A Positive Attitude Toward Aging May Help You Live Longer

Ageism is defined as a prejudice or discrimination against a particular age-group, especially the elderly; and can have detrimental impact on seniors so reports a 2002 Yale University study. In fact researchers found “age discrimination actually has the potential power to shorten senior’s lives.” Study participants were 50 years and older and periodically interviewed regarding their views on aging. Participants with more positive views on aging lived 7.5 years longer than the group who viewed themselves as burdens to others and felt their life was less valuable. Researchers say a negative attitude on aging increases a senior’s risk for depression and social isolation.   

Another study done in 2019 found positive thinking leads to an 11-15% longer lifespan and a greater chance of living to age 85 and older. Researchers say the results remained consistent after age, gender and income as well as depression and health status were taken into consideration. Positive attitudes on aging may even improve people’s resiliency toward illness and give them a greater will to live.

One way to improve your outlook on life and develop a more positive attitude is to practice positive affirmations. It is recommended you keep an affirmation based in reality and repeat it several times each day. It can be something as simple as repeating “you can handle whatever life brings your way,” or a more loving-kindness meditation such as “I am happy.”  Other studies show it is important to surround yourself with positive thinkers as negativity can be catchy. 

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, our welcoming senior living community was designed from the ground up to be a place where residents are proud to call it “home.” The three-story building offers 61 assisted living suites in a variety of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans from 324 sq. ft. to as large as 928 sq. ft. In addition we have 27 secure suites dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Please visit our website for contact information, to see our floor plans, discover our many amenities and learn about our care services.  

Source: verywellmind.com/positive-thinking-and-aging-2224134

Lifestyle Changes can Help Control Blood Pressure

The Mayo Clinic has several tips to help people with high blood pressure (HBP) bring their numbers down. They say making simply lifestyle changes could help you avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication. 

The first thing they recommend is maintaining a healthy weight. If you are overweight, check with your healthcare provider regarding diet suggestions. Experts explain being overweight can raise your blood pressure as well as interfere with your breathing during the night (sleep apnea). Just having too much weight around your waistline can also increase your blood pressure. While measurements vary among body types and ethnicities, the Mayo Clinic says, “Men are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters). Women are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 35 inches (89 centimeters).”  Check with your doctor regarding what would be best for you. 

Exercise is another way to help reduce your blood pressure numbers. Experts say 150 minutes a week or 30 minutes daily can help bring your numbers done by about 5 to 8 mm Hg if you have high blood pressure. Best exercises include walking, jogging, dancing, cycling or swimming. 

Diet is also important and the Mayo Clinic says the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is a good one for HBP. Other suggestions include reducing your daily sodium intake as well as alcohol consumption, cut back on caffeine and reduce stress.   

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley senior living community, we provide all the comforts of home including home-cooked meals that are both delicious and healthy. Our nutritional choices include low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat for residents to self-manage. Ingredients include using super foods such as acai berries, Omega 3 fats, dark chocolate and dark greens. Our community offers 61 graciously appointed suites for assisted living with configurations that include spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 865 square feet). For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we have 27 secure suites providing individualized, specialized care. Please call or visit our website to learn more.  

This blog is for informational purposes only, please consult your healthcare provider with any medical questions or problems.

Source: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20046974

A True Home Staffed by Extraordinary Caregivers

MorningStar of Happy Valley is part of a company founded on authenticity, and a reputation for excellence. Setting our home apart from other senior living communities is the fact we understand the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon this truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Additionally we have an extraordinary team who feel privilege to serve and help create a work environment where life is enriched, stories are shared, and lives are cherished. 

Our beautiful community has 61 private assisted living suites and another 27 secure suites devoted to specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  In assisted living, residents receive various levels of support with the activities of daily living, based on a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with the senior and their extended family. Care includes around-the-clock Care Managers to ensure residents safety and wellbeing as they work to meet expressed (and even unexpressed) needs. 

MorningStar’s memory care uses a holistic approach, which is encompassed under the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky.” Under a Lavender Sky, our ambition is to thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore as we find ways to daily celebrate life regardless of the extent of memory loss. Moreover we understand the essence of the person remains and treat each with the utmost respect and dignity as we walk alongside the individual and their family throughout this difficult journey. 

To learn more about our compassionate community, we invite you to visit our website. You will find extensive information such as floorplans and a list of our hospitality and care services, amenities and philosophy. For a quick response, use our Virtual Assistant to inquiry about availability, pricing and/or to set up a tour. We look forward to hearing from you.

Managing Medication Can be Confusing for the Elderly

Chances are if your parents are elderly, they are taking at least one or more prescription medications on a daily basis.  In fact, the Washington Post cites research that estimates, “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 refers to the regular use of five or more prescription medications, and puts people more at risk for adverse drug interactions, an area of special concern for the elderly.  

Alarming figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state almost 450,000 older adults (65 years old or older) visit the emergency room each year because of adverse, or harmful, drug events.  Doctors say while many of these problems are preventable, when you take a number of prescriptions, it can get confusing keeping up with various instructions such as “take on an empty stomach,” and the adverse side effects. 

Experts say to help a parent get organized, write down the names of all of the drugs they are taking, the dosage, and if they see several doctors, who prescribed them.  Include any herbal supplements, multi-vitamins and over-the-counter drugs.  The next time they see their primary care doctor, take your list and discuss the reasons for each drug, how long they will be on it, and if any of the drugs are dangerous taken together.  Whenever a new drug is prescribed, ask what it is for and how it should be taken, and read through the paperwork.   

Store medications together in a cool, dry location (not the bathroom), discard old, expired medications, and find a pill organizer that makes sense for your parent’s needs.  If they are forgetful, they may need a reminder system.  However, if a parent is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, they should be carefully monitored. 

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Rio Rancho, our residents’ wellbeing and physical health is our primary concern.  This is why one of our many services is medication management that ensures residents take medications properly, and as we even order medications, there is no danger of them running out.  Please visit our website for more information about our exceptional senior living in Rio Rancho, NM.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior housing Rio Rancho 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 of Rio Rancho provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Ask Your Doctor About a Cognitive Assessment

Medical experts have found that many older adults are not being screened for cognitive decline during routine physical exams, and say it would be a good idea to do so.  While many of us would be shocked to hear devastating news that we have early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, doctors say it is important to identify memory loss issues early as available treatments are more effective early-on.  Moreover, if it is determined you do have some memory loss, there are steps you can take to help slow down or mitigate the risk.   

Additionally, if you are wondering if a cognitive test is expensive, Medicare does pay for an annual “wellness visit,” which is supposed to include a quick cognitive assessment to help identify some early warning signs of dementia.  From there your doctor can recommend a more thorough examination.  However, according to an Alzheimer’s Association survey, over half of the respondents said their healthcare provider has never asked about their cognitive health, let alone administered a test.  Less than a third said they had discussed memory and cognitive issues with a doctor.  Joanne Pike, an Alzheimer’s Association chief program officer, says while, “Many older adults say they’ve noticed changes in their mental abilities, “the majority of the time seniors are waiting for the physician to bring it up.” 

So what does a cognitive assessment include?  To start with your doctor will ask you directly if you have noticed any changes in your memory recently.  If you have a family member with you, the doctor may ask them if they noticed any problems.  You may be asked to take a short test, but often the assessment includes the doctor asking questions regarding your activities, your interests and how well you are functioning at home.  In fact, you may not even realize you are being cognitively assessed.  

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our senior living community includes 28 secure memory care suites offering individualized, specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Our Reflections Neighborhood is staffed by a team of individuals who understand the unique needs of each resident and delivers that care with compassion and thoughtfulness.  Please visit our website or contact us for more information.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities Fountain Hills, 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 of Fountain Hills provides outstanding assisted living and memory care.

Feeling Guilty about Moving Your Parents into Assisted Living?

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 is normal and putting a loved one into assisted living is probably one of the hardest decisions you will have to make as an adult. However they quickly add it is important to remember the care they were getting at home was not adequate. 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.” Another thing to consider is 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.  

At the MorningStar of Happy Valley assisted living and memory care community, we are honored to provide our remarkable residents trusted, compassionate senior living. Our staff is comprised of individuals who feel it is a privilege to serve and consider seniors to be heroes. We invite you to visit our website for contact information and pricing and availability. In case you wondered, we are doing tours at this time and you can use our online “Virtual Assistant” to set one up. 

Source: 

dailycaring.com/3-reasons-to-stop-feeling-guilty-about-putting-mom-in-assisted-living/

Why You May be at a Higher Risk for Cataracts

Cataracts are cloudy areas that form in the lens, which is normally transparent, and are the main cause of vision loss in people over 40 years of age. It is estimated more than 40 percent of Americans aged 75 years or older have some degree of lens clouding; and over half of people 80 or older have their vision significantly impaired by cataracts or have had cataract surgery. Surgery is generally recommended once vision is impaired to a degree that people have trouble reading, driving and recognizing faces. Today the surgery is a quick, safe procedure, replacing the cloudy lens with a clear plastic one. 

Doctors say there are things people can do to reduce their risk of developing cataracts with quitting smoking right up at the top of that list. Medical News Today reports on studies linking a 3-fold increase of smoking to cataracts as well as raising the risk of a number of other eye conditions. A healthy diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, good quality fats (avocados, olive oil, and omega oils) and lean animal-sourced or plant-sourced proteins additionally reduces the risk of cataracts. 

Maintaining a healthy weight is important as obesity increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for cataracts. Other ways to reduce your risk include wearing UV blocking sunglasses when in the sunlight and getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night. The risk for cataracts also increases with age, family history, and a history of eye inflammation or injury. 

If you are not ready for surgery yet, doctors say stronger glasses and brighter lights may help. Keep up with regular eye exams and renew your eyeglass prescription as needed. Wear sunglasses in the sun and avoid night driving. As your cataracts continue to develop and eyesight worsen, at some point you will most likely need surgery.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley is an assisted living and memory care community providing residents with a wide range of care services, amenities, and wellness programs. Our website has lots of information regarding our community as well as information on our parent company, MorningStar Senior Living.    

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157510