5 BENEFITS OF READING FOR SENIORS

Few things in life give us as much pleasure as spending time reading a good book. Whether it is a romance, mystery, or science fiction novel, reading represents one of the most beneficial activities for seniors at assisted living facilities. If you are considering a senior housing facility in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, you should consider one such as MorningStar that encourages its residents to stay active mentally by reading books.

Why Seniors Should Read

The joy of reading is reason enough to make the leisurely activity a part of a senior’s lifestyle. However, reading does much more than bring joy into a senior’s life. Some studies demonstrate that reading can help prolong a senior’s lifespan.

Let’s review the six benefits of reading for seniors residing at an assisted living facility in Rio Rancho.

Improves Brain Performance

You understand the benefits for a senior when it comes to using muscles to maintain strength and stamina. The same muscle-flexing principle applies to the brain as well. Seniors need to flex their brain muscles every day, which makes reading the ideal activity to improve brain performance. Some research indicates daily reading represents one of the most effective strategies for staving off the development of dementia.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Seniors at an assisted living facility in Rio Rancho have many ways to unwind, but few ways are as successful as reading. Research shows reading can decrease stress by as much as 68 percent. Because seniors at assisted living facilities often have to deal with the anxiety caused by uncertainty, reading is an activity a senior can rely on every day to create a more stable living environment.

Develop Empathy

Our brains display an intelligence level early on that stays consistent for the rest of our lives. The same cannot be said for emotional intelligence, which is an ongoing development process that helps us cope with different situations. Reading books, especially works of fiction, can increase empathy to help seniors at senior housing facilities in Rio Rancho connect with other people.

Encourages Interactions

Assisted living facilities represent great environments for seniors to interact because of the events scheduled each month. One of the first things you should do when searching for a senior housing facility in Rio Rancho is an assisted living facility’s monthly social calendar. With reading, a senior does not need a social calendar to interact with other people. Reading motivates seniors to share what they have read.

Effective Sleep Aid

Many seniors find it more difficult to fall asleep and then stay asleep than when they were younger. Reading is an effective sleep aid because it signals to the brain and the rest of the body the time has come to unwind for the day. Seniors should read hardcovers and paperbacks instead of reading from an electronic device to enjoy better sleep. Electronic devices trigger more brain activity, which makes it difficult to fall asleep.

Start Reading Today

Seniors have many ways to start reading. Joining a book club not only is a great way to build a reading habit, but it also helps seniors interact with other residents at an assisted living facility in Rio Rancho. Audiobooks are a great tool that encourage reading, especially for seniors struggling with vision issues. The environment where seniors read also plays a role in developing a consistent reading schedule.

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we encourage our guests to live self-sufficient lifestyles. Reading represents one of the best ways to achieve self-sufficiency. Learn more about what MorningStar assisted living facilities have to offer by connecting with one of our guest service representatives.

6 SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR SENIORS IN ASSISTED LIVING

Although the calendar marks June 21 as the start of summer, the official start of the most active season of the year begins on Memorial Day. From Duluth, Minnesota to Rio Rancho, New Mexico, summer is the kick-off for barbecues, water sports, and family vacations. Summer also is the time of year when seniors at assisted living facilities in Rio Rancho celebrate their favorite activities.

Let’s look at six summer activities for seniors in assisted living.

Enjoy Nature

Hot and relatively dry describes the climate during the summer in Rio Rancho, which sits a few miles north of the Albuquerque city limits. Although heat might limit some outdoor activities, residents of senior housing facilities in Rio Rancho have plenty of time to enjoy nature. Seniors can organize a group trip to watch a sunrise or catch one of the spectacular desert sunsets. If a senior feels like spending a little quiet time with nature, taking an evening walk represents an effective way to rejuvenate both the mind and body. 

Bird watching is an especially popular nature-related activity that helps seniors avoid spending time outdoors during the warmest times of day

Board Game Nights

Cool evenings make board games the perfect activity at an assisted living facility in Rio Rancho during the summer months. In addition to engaging seniors, board games also keep residents of senior housing facilities in Rio Rancho mentally active. A comprehensive study demonstrates that board games boost mental activity enough to decrease the risk of developing dementia. According to a related study, solving crossword and jigsaw puzzles helps keep a senior’s mind nimble, as well as gives a senior purpose through achieving accomplishments.

Cookouts

One of the most popular group activities at senior living facilities in Rio Rancho involves organizing outdoor cookouts. Working with a facility’s dining services department, seniors can organize cookouts that range from simple barbeques to more elaborate cooking competitions. Choosing a day for a weekly cookout makes it easier to organize different events. A variation of the weekly outdoor cookout is to arrange a weekly dining out event. Albuquerque offers a diverse range of culinary destinations.

Stargazing

One of the advantages of living in a semi-arid climate is enjoying the night sky explode in Rio Rancho. The city is far enough away from the bright lights of Albuquerque for stargazers to get unobstructed views of the stars and planets. An assisted living facility in Rio Rancho can plan a weekly stargazing event that includes serving a light snack. 

Museum Trips

A twice-a-month trip to visit a museum in Albuquerque represents a great way to keep cool when daytime high temperatures can reach 100 degrees. Albuquerque is world-renowned for its Native American art and history museums that provide an in-depth look at the Native American cultures surrounding the city.

Outdoor Movies

Drive-in theaters have become a nostalgic memory, but that does not mean seniors at assisted living facilities in Rio Rancho cannot catch a flick or two outdoors. Movies shown with nature as a companion help take the focus off ailments and other issues seniors face as they age. They also give seniors the opportunity to relax.

By valuing our guests and recruiting team members that feel a calling to value others, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Rio Rancho is recognized as one of the best assisted facilities of its kind in greater Albuquerque. Contact our facility to learn more about the resort-like amenities and stunningly beautiful views.

Age in Place Safely and Comfortably at MorningStar of Happy Valley

If you are looking for exceptional senior living, MorningStar of Happy Valley may be your answer.  Our community was designed to allow our residents to age in place safely and comfortably.  By offering luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities, and a broad range of care services, we support the whole person – mind, body and spirit.  

The amenities at our beautiful community include outdoor courtyards with fire pit, salon, fitness room, massage room, theatre/chapel and more.  We also have a 24-hour bistro, and along with restaurant-style dining in our main dining room, we offer residents a private dining area for intimate dinners with family and friends.

We consider it part of our job to find creative solutions that can extend the stay of our residents even when their health conditions change, and often are able to give them a quality of memory care at a lower cost to families.  For assisted living residents, an individualized care plan is determined (based on five levels of care) after a thorough assessment with our Wellness Director, and in agreement with the resident and their family.  

Along with our in-house care services, which include around-the-clock care managers and access to a licensed nurse on-site/on-call 24/7, we also refer residents to home health and out-patient therapy services.  These are third-party providers we know and trust who bring additional services to our residents in the form of skilled medical professionals, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and others.  

MorningStar of Happy Valley has stylish suites for assisted living including spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans.  If a family member requires memory care, our Reflections Neighborhood offers suites devoted to the specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.   We also offer respite care and short-term stays from a week to a full month. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

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 assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, OR.

Gum Disease May Increase the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers at Tuft University reported a link between gum disease, also known as periodontitis and periodontal disease, to an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection within the soft tissue of the mouth, and “about 47.2% of U.S. adults over 30 and 70% over 65 have gum disease,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The study, which was done with mice, discovered the correlation, but researchers hope the findings can be used to someday help reduce cases of Alzheimer’s disease. The authors cite Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), a bacterium that causes gum disease and is already linked to kidney disease, diabetes and coronary problems to be the problem. 

The lead author, Dr. Jake Jinkun Chen, professor of periodontology and director of the Division of Oral Biology at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine explains the purpose of the study is to identify and characterize the association of induced periodontal disease with Alzheimer’s disease. He says as F. nucleatum generates “inflammation both locally and systemically, it affects the Alzheimer’s disease phenotype, as Alzheimer’s itself is an inflammatory disease.” Additionally, since the bacteria migrate and penetrate the brain, it can worsen the symptoms and signs of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Researchers plan further studies in humans and say although there is not a proven link yet; good oral health benefits our overall health. They also say to decrease our risk for Alzheimer’s, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise.  

As Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases progress, a loved one may need more care than they can get living at home. When the time comes for memory care, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Happy Valley, a senior living community offering specialized care for individuals with memory impairment diseases. Our holistic approach is guided by our signature program, Lavender Sky, and we help residents and their families navigate this challenging journey with love and compassion. Contact us or visit our website for more information.

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 senior living in Happy Valley, Oregon.

Source:  medicalnewstoday.com/articles/bacteria-that-cause-gum-disease-may-increase-risk-of-alzheimers#Inflammation-and-Alzheimers-disease

Receive the Care You Need at MorningStar of Happy Valley

Does your elderly mom or dad dismiss the idea of assisted living fearing it would end their independence and life as they know it? Do they think assisted living homes are more like nursing homes of the past? We want to reassure you and your senior loved one that assisted living communities such as MorningStar of Happy Valley are not nursing homes. In fact, we do not offer skilled nursing services but rather provide assistance with the ADLs (activities of daily living), along with engaging activities and other services intended to improve and enhance quality of life.  

It is important to a senior’s overall health that they receive proper care as the website Aging.com reports, “Functional status and the ability to care for oneself have a significant impact on a senior’s quality of life. Unmet needs for help with activities of daily living can lead to malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, isolation, illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs), and falls.” In fact, studies show seniors getting assistance with the ADLs allows them to feel like they are in control of their life again and helps them regain a sense of self-worth and purpose. 

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, we know seniors have a lot to offer and the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. We act upon this truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Our beautiful community offers 61 graciously appointed suites for assisted living in a variety of floorplans. In addition, the Reflections Neighborhood provides 27 secure suites devoted to the individualized memory care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

We also offer respite care for those recovering from surgery or an illness, as well as short-term stays from one week up to a full month to see if we are a good fit. For trusted assisted living or memory care seniors and their families can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information.

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 assisted living and memory care in Happy Valley, OR.

Source: agingcare.com/articles/activities-of-daily-living-why-this-measure-matters-186853.htm

Optimizing Brain Health in Seniors: A Guide to Eating Right

Your diet has a huge impact on your brain health. Numerous studies show that healthy diets are linked with improved cognitive outcomes in seniors. 

Unfortunately, there’s lots of misinformation out there. How can you know what to eat when every website, book, and magazine says something different?

Eating a brain-healthy diet doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow this guide for optimal brain function as you reach your later years in assisted living facilities. 

The Mediterranean Diet: What Is It, and How Does It Help?

The “Mediterranean Diet” is gaining popularity in the world of medicine and nutrition. Research shows that adults who follow this pattern of eating have reduced risks of age-related health problems later in life. 

Whole Foods 

The Mediterranean Diet includes mostly whole fruits, vegetables, and healthy grains. 

Meat and fish are treated as a side dish rather than the main element of each meal. Studies have shown that this reduces your risk for health problems over time. 

The key to following this diet is to avoid processed, refined foods as much as possible. It’s best to eat food grown from the earth whenever possible. 

Healthy Fats

You can eat dietary fats and still follow the Mediterranean Diet. However, your fats should come from healthier sources, like olive oil and fish. 

The Mediterranean Diet doesn’t include many saturated or trans fats, which are often found in the packaged foods you see at the store. 

Protect Your Brain: Anti-Inflammatory Eating Habits

The Mediterranean Diet works so well in part because it reduces the amount of inflammation in your body. 

Your body generates an inflammatory response when you consume unhealthy fats, refined carbs, and added sugars. 

High levels of inflammation are associated with autoimmune diseases and cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. Inflammation in your brain can negatively impact your mood, cognitive functioning, and lifespan. 

Whole, unprocessed ingredients do not contribute to inflammation. In fact, they can actually reverse some of the inflammation you already experience. Certain spices, like turmeric, have beneficial anti-inflammatory properties. 

Avoid Sweets

Seniors in assisted living facilities should be extra careful to avoid meals and desserts with lots of added and refined sugars. Blood sugar problems can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems as you age. 

Of course, enjoying your favorite treats once in a while isn’t harmful. However, if you make cookies and candy a regular part of your diet, you may experience inflammation and increased blood sugar. 

This is bad news, especially for diabetic seniors in assisted living facilities. Cut out added sugar as much as possible to enjoy better cognitive health for years to come. 

Your Guide to Eating for a Healthy Brain

If you’re concerned with your brain health, you should keep this guide in mind as you make daily food choices for yourself. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and enjoy sweet treats in moderation for optimal brain health.