Best Hobbies & Activities for Seniors

If you are retired, you probably have more time on your hands so why not try something new or something you have always wanted to do. This should include adding a physical activity to your daily routine as studies find many adults 65 years and older spend up to 10 hours a day sitting or lying down. Some of the best exercises for seniors are Nordic walking, swimming, golf, tai chi, and yoga. Experts say focus on improving your strength, balance and flexibility and check with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise routine.  

In addition you may want to include activities or hobbies that bring you into social contact with others. This can be done by taking a class online or in person. Suggestions include joining a book club, learning to play an instrument or taking an art or photography class. 

Retirement means more time to learn how to cook or to be more adventurous in the types of food you prepare. It can be lots of fun and help you eat healthier and save money. Take the challenge by learning to cook foods from around the world, and then share the fruits of your labor by inviting family or friends over.  

Birdwatching is a hobby that ties in several objectives. You get out into nature, which has been shown to lower anxiety; learn something new, and get physically active. Moreover if you join a birdwatching club, you get to meet people who enjoy the same things you do. For anyone wanting to improve their photography skills, shooting pictures of birds is a good way to do it; and the hobby offers a great activity to do while traveling.  

Other enjoyable hobbies, which can help seniors cognitively, include putting together challenging traditional jigsaw puzzles or 3-D ones. Crossword and Sudoku puzzles, trivia games, chess and other brain games are also mentally challenging. Another hobby becoming more popular with seniors is online gaming that can improve memory and enhance cognitive skills. 

The MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community is situated on 8.8 acres and offers seniors a welcoming, comfortable home for carefree retirement years. In addition to independent living and assisted living, we also provide compassionate memory care for our most tender residents. Please visit our website to learn more about the area’s most trusted community.     

Discover the Benefits of a Full & Active Lifestyle

The MorningStar at Golden Ridge senior living community offers residents a full and vibrant lifestyle. Our team and residents alike are always ready to celebrate and honor one another, our greater community and the world. We do this through daily activities and wellness programs and an array of special events, celebrations and our volunteer efforts.

Recently we came together to celebrate Assisted Living Week. Founded in 1995 by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), it is intended to put the spotlight on assisted living communities and the people who reside, work and volunteer in them. Each year since, AL communities across the U.S. have participated. The theme for 2021 is ‘Compassion, Community, Caring,’ and recognizes the hard work and dedication of essential caregivers in our communities over the past year and a half.   

This year, Morning at Golden Ridge’s celebration included the story of Phoenix’s cutest ice cream bus, and helped represent the vision, compassion and caring we all share for our community. Amanda and the Old School Ice Cream Bus (OSICB) brought smiles and memories to residents, their families and team members alike and gave us a unique opportunity to celebrate one another!

We also are known to celebrate many of our events (as well as daily meals) with delicious foods prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef Tim Casey. For over 25 years, Tim has been a chef and continues to take great pride in his efforts to present our lucky residents with fresh and delicious meals. In addition he understands the vital role high-quality, local, and fresh ingredients play in helping the body more quickly recover.  

Please visit our website to learn more about the goings on at MorningStar at Golden Ridge as well as our living options, amenities and care and hospitality services. Our community has 38 Casitas for independent living, and our neighboring building offers 65 suites for assisted living, including two-bedroom, one-bath floor plans. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we have 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents.

Top Senior Living Communities Seek Compassionate Caregivers

The Phoenix area senior living communities of MorningStar at Arcadia, MorningStar of Fountain Hills, MorningStar at Arrowhead and MorningStar at Golden Ridge are offering rewarding positions for full and part-time caregivers. To fill our openings, we are looking for individuals with big hearts who understand it is a privilege to serve.  

In fact MorningStar caregivers are a special bred. Our team knows the highest expression of living is when we are fully engaged in sharing our gifts and talents as well as time and energy with others. In this type of investment alone, we find deep and lasting satisfaction, and want to help others discover this same kind of fulfillment. 

Our senior living homes offer Phoenix area seniors independent living, assisted living and memory care. While each is beautifully designed, we are most proud of the atmosphere in our homes – one that resounds with laughter and love. Under our roofs, team members treat resident as they would their own moms and dads or grandparents; and believe as we do that seniors are heroes who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. 

As we consider our dedicated caregivers to be invaluable to our success, we encourage each one to build relationships with our residents and their families as well as with fellow team members. If you take one of our caregiver jobs, your duties will include helping residents with their personal daily care activities and overseeing their physical comfort, safety and mental wellbeing.  

Compensation includes competitive wages and full benefits as well as meaningful training and mentoring to ensure your success. Furthermore you will have opportunities for professional growth as we promote from within whenever possible and be encouraged to share creative solutions to improve residents’ lives and the running of our homes.

At MorningStar we are intentional about populating our speech with these key motivators: to love from a deep place, to serve rather than be served, and to focus on that which matters most: relationships. If you would love to be part of something special, we invite you to join our MorningStar family. Pease visit our Career page for links to the most rewarding caregiver jobs Phoenix offers.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports beside skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Their educational efforts include letting people know mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.

Statistics estimate approximately 281,550 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States in 2021 and 44,000 women and men will die from the disease this year alone in the U.S. While the majority of breast cancer cases are in women 50 years of age or older, younger women also get the disease. While not very common, around 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the U.S. is found in a man.

Every October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is recognized and celebrated around the world. While remembering and honoring those who have died from the disease as well as the survivors; the Breast Cancer Research Foundation says its purpose is to promote breast cancer awareness and the importance of research, early detection and prevention. It is a call to action to fund more research to save lives and improve outcomes. 

People have held events and fundraised for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month since its inception in October 1985. What started as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries is today a worldwide event. Furthermore as a breast cancer survivor, former first lady Betty Ford helped raise awareness of the disease. The symbol of the pink ribbon was first introduced in 1992 by Evelyn H. Lauder who launched The Estée Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Campaign (formerly The Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign). 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge is one of the area’s top senior living communities. We offer independent living with 38 Casitas (quadraplexes with attached garages) and 65 suites for assisted living in our main building. For those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we have 35 secure suites for memory care. Please visit our website for contact information and to inquire about pricing and availability.

Waking Up One Hour Earlier May Stave Off Depression

Depression is a wide-spread problem and John Hopkins Medicine reports 9.5% of American adults ages 18 and over will suffer from a depressive illness (major depression, bipolar disorder, or dysthymia) each year. They say women are nearly twice as likely to suffer from major depression as men but both sexes are equally at risk for bipolar depression. 

Sleep problems are closely linked to depression as people with insomnia may have a tenfold higher risk of developing depression than people who get a good night's sleep. Additionally 75 percent of people with depression report trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. 

An interesting study published by JAMA Psychiatry in the May 26, 2021 online version, reports if people wake up an hour earlier than their usual waking hour (without sleeping less) can reduce their risk for major depression. The study consisted of researchers studying data from nearly 840,000 people of European ancestry. They looked for “common variants that influence a person’s chronotype, or sleeping time preference.”

Next they identified participates who suffered from major depression. Their findings suggest individuals who were genetically predisposed to getting up one hour earlier in the morning as compared to later risers had a 23% lower risk of depression. Another smaller study found a lower risk of depression in people who shifted their sleep patterns to going to bed an hour earlier each day and rising an hour earlier in the morning.  

At the MorningStar of Arvada senior living community, we offer seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and security. Our 112 contemporary independent living and assisted living suites are available in a range of floorplans (some as large as 1374 square feet) and designed with sleek fixtures, high ceilings, large windows, mini blinds, wall-to-wall carpeting and other modern amenities. 

If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, we have 29 secure memory care suites providing holistic, all-inclusive care. Please visit our website for availability of assisted living and independent living as well as the most experienced, loving memory care Arvada CO offers. Be sure to ask about our Memory Care Studios - $6000/MO All Inclusive Rent & Care.

Source:health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/waking-up-one-hour-earlier-than-usual-may-reduce-depression-risk

Did You Know Social Connections Can Improve Your Brain Health?

There have been many studies done on the link between healthy aging and diet, exercise and a good night’s sleep, but researchers say not as much attention has been paid to the role socialization has on healthy aging. Recent studies have now found that strong social ties are just as critical to our brain health. 

While most of us enjoy a night out with friends talking and laughing, scientists say the time we spend socializing also helps stimulate our attention and memory as well as strengthen our neural networks. In fact they say cognitive decline is more likely to occur in people who spend most of their time alone. One such study with more than 12,000 participants, “suggests that when people are lonely, their risk of dementia rises by as much as 40%.”

However researchers say it is important to remember not all relationships are equal and stressful, toxic relationships can actually be harmful to our health according to a 2021 Journal of the American Heart Association study. To widen your range of social connections, experts say you may have to be creative. If you can’t get out, explore online connections including hooking up with family and friends on facebook as well as joining online groups such as book clubs, choral groups or others. 

At MorningStar of Arvada, our senior living community flourishes on connections, and residents enjoy socializing as much or as little as they like. Our range of activities, special events and wellness programs along with restaurant-style dining makes it easy to find new friends and acquaintances. In the heart of scenic Arvada and surrounded by historic Golden and the nearby Arvada reservoir, our home offers 112 bright independent and assisted living suites in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 1374 square feet). 

For those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our Reflections Neighborhood provides 29 secure suites devoted entirely to individualized, specialized care. Visit our website to learn more about all-inclusive independent living, assisted living and memory care in Arvada, CO.   

Are You or a Loved One Feeling Lonely? Community Living May Be the Answer

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 33% of women and 20% of men 65 years and older lived by themselves in 2020. Experts say living alone doesn’t necessarily mean an individual is lonely but it often is the case. Not to mention, the pandemic certainly made matters worse with many seniors self-isolating from family and friends.   

Whatever the cause of loneliness, research shows it takes a toll on people. In fact, a study from Brigham Young University reports loneliness can be as deadly as smoking or obesity. Study authors explain senior isolation “may complicate existing conditions, encourage an unhealthy lifestyle, and affect cognition.”

The American Psychiatric Association says seniors who report feelings of loneliness are more susceptible to depression and poor health habits including excessive drinking, smoking and lack of exercise. Research from the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging found the “risk of Alzheimer’s nearly doubled in lonely adults, and mental decline was faster.”

Senior living communities like MorningStar of Beaverton provide residents a lifestyle that focuses on wellness, comfort and community. Along with extensive care services, we offer a broad range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance physical, intellectual, spiritual, and social connectivity. Programs range from physical exercise classes to art classes, trivia and card games, bingo, clubs and more. We tell residents if we do not offer something you wish to pursue, start a club and encourage others to join.

Assisted living residents receive a range of services such as 24/7 care managers, certified med care managers and scheduled health & wellness evaluations. A licensed nurse is onsite during week days and on-call 24/7. Furthermore, MorningStar helps families arrange auxiliary care services to deal with other health concerns on an as needed basis. 

We believe every moment you are alive is an opportunity to grow, set new goals, dream new dreams, and do better. MorningStar is committed to excellence and helping seniors have better lives. Visit our website for more information on trusted senior living in Beaverton, OR.

MorningStar of Beaverton 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 exceptional senior living at MorningStar.

Sources: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-isolation-facts

acl.gov/aging-and-disability-in-america/data-and-research/profile-older-americans

Age can Diminish Hand-Eye Coordination

We use hand-eye coordination constantly for all kinds of everyday activities that rely on dexterity and reaction time such as driving, cooking or maintaining our safety by grabbing a handrail. Coordination between what our eyes take in and the signal the brain sends to our arms and hands declines with age. Experts say hand-eye coordiantion is an important skill, and one we need to help maintain our independence but like other cognitive skills, it can be trained and improved.

Dr. Andrew Budson, a neurologist and chief of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology at VA Boston Healthcare System, explains hand-eye coordination involves our reflexes, speed and accuracy, which diminishes due to vision loss, poor health or changes in brain wiring. Other reasons for the loss include ministrokes in the brain that disrupt connections in important brain coordination centers as well as age-related loss of dopamine, which helps regulate movement and coordination.  

Researchers reported on a relationship between advanced age and a decline in fine motor skills in a 2014 study. It found “age-related changes in the structure, function, and biochemistry of the brain affect motor skills; which can account for the decline in hand-eye coordination seen in people as they age.” Additionally neuromuscular communication and changes in visual perception are not as strong as when we are young and may also affect hand-eye coordination.  

Exercises to improve hand-eye reflexes include swimming and tai chi along with activities such as playing catch and juggling. Experts recommend discussing the problem with your physician as they can refer you to a physical therapist who will suggest a range of activities designed to improve hand-eye coordination. 

 

The MorningStar of Arvada senior living community offers carefree retirement years with 112 bright independent living and assisted living suites in various configurations including spacious studios and one- and two-bedroom floor plans. For unsurpassed memory care, Arvada provides 29 secure memory care suites staffed by a team of dementia care specialists who truly understand the disease. Please visit our website for more information and ask about our: Memory Care Studios - $6000/MO All Inclusive Rent & Care.  

Source: healthline.com/health/hand-eye-coordination#causes

Research has Shown Pets are Beneficial to Seniors

Research has shown pets are beneficial to seniors. A Place for Mom’s website reports on one study, which found “15 minutes spent bonding with an animal sets off a chemical chain reaction in the brain, lowering levels of the fight-or-flight hormone cortisol and increasing production of the feel-good hormone serotonin. The result: heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels immediately drop.” Researchers explain interactions between human and pets can lower cholesterol levels, fight depression and may even help protect against heart disease and stroke. 

Pets can teach seniors to live in the here and now as they do, and dogs and cats are great at offering their owners unconditional love, emotional support and affection. In fact, animals uplift the spirits of those in hospitals, convalescent homes, mental health centers, nursing homes, and assisted living communities through pet therapy programs. Moreover, pet therapy has proven beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Experts point to the animal’s full acceptance and non-verbal communication as being soothing for patients.      

It was not that long ago that seniors moving into an assisted living community had to leave behind an important companion, their pet. Today however, more and more retirement communities are recognizing the benefits of pets to the elderly, and many such as MorningStar of Beaverton, allow residents to bring their pets with them. We do ask that you check with us regarding our pet policy.  

Please contact us with your questions regarding availability, choice of suites, pricing, care services and more. Our beautiful community offers 66 stylish suites for assisted living in a range of configurations to accommodate residents’ preferences and needs.   In addition, 38 secure memory care suites are devoted to those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Currently, if you schedule a tour and bring a non-perishable food donation you will receive a $3,000 credit toward rent or moving expenses.

MorningStar of Beaverton’s mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 residents the finest assisted living and memory care in Beaverton, OR.

Sciatica Pain is More Common as We Age

The Mayo Clinic explains sciatica refers to the pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. It generally affects only one side of the body. Age is a common factor in sciatica as the older we get, nerves and muscles slowly begin to degrade. It is estimated almost 10 percent of the US population has suffered from sciatic pain at some time in their life.

One reason seniors experience sciatica is because the “discs (cartilage) in-between the vertebrae (bones) in the spine become less plump and loses height. Typically we lose about 1 centimeter in height every 10 years after the age of 40 and most of this height loss comes from the discs in the spine.” Doctors advise if your sciatica pain does not resolve in a week or becomes progressively worse resulting in sudden, severe pain in your low back or leg and numbness or muscle weakness in your leg, seek immediate medical care. 

Treatment for sciatica typically includes over-the-counter pain medication or prescription drugs such as anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants. Physical therapy is often recommended and the patient is shown a series of exercises designed to lessen pain and prevent reoccurring sciatica pain. Massage can also be used to decrease inflammation by promoting blood flow to the area. Heat and cold compresses both help as heat relaxes the muscles and cold reduces swelling and numbs the pain.  

Epsom salts, which have a high magnesium content that is absorbed through the skin, have a positive effect on the muscles and circulatory system when add to a relaxing soak in the tub. Research additionally has found turmeric to be one of the best spices for reducing inflammation. Along with the gentle exercises prescribed by your healthcare provider, it is important to pay attention to your posture when sitting, standing or walking. Experts say certain yoga exercises are beneficial and may help prevent future episodes.   

MorningStar at Golden Ridge provides Peoria seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security with the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. Please visit our website to learn more about our philosophy, floorplans, amenities, services and availability. We look forward to hearing from you.   

Source: facty.com/conditions/sciatica/10-ways-to-ease-sciatic-pain/10/