Practicing Habits to Cultivate Happiness

Happiness not only makes us feel good but may also be good for us. Research shows happiness is an important component to maintaining physical health, and is linked to lowering the risk of stroke, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Along with better health, people, who report they are happy, tend to live longer.

Being happy can help us eat better, maintain a normal body weight and allow us to get a better night’s sleep. It can encourage people to be more active and reduce stress. In fact, there is an understanding that the mind-body connection is stronger than we thought and unmanaged stress can lead to or exacerbate many health conditions.

Don’t feel like you are all that happy? No problem. Experts say there are things we can do to cultivate happiness, and improve our outlook on life as well as our physical health. Some of these things include forming and maintaining uplifting connections, practicing gratitude and mindfulness, and taking the time to appreciate the beautiful moments of life.

Expressing gratitude has been shown to be an excellent deterrent to depression and anxiety. Dr. Robert Emmons, a renowned researcher in the science of gratitude, says, “Gratitude is literally one of the few things that can measurably change people’s lives.” He adds it encourages feelings of joy, love and optimism and reduces feelings of envy and resentment. One way to cultivate gratitude is to daily journal at least one thing you are grateful for as writing it down appears to reinforce your feelings.

The practice of mindfulness is another way to bring more happiness into our life. It helps cultivate a deeper connection with our inner self, and improves mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. The National Institute of Health explains practicing mindfulness is as easy as breathing through your nose to a count of 4, holding for 1 second and then exhaling through the mouth to a count of 5. Repeat often. The Internet has other techniques for mindfulness practices.

The MorningStar of Beaverton senior living community is a welcoming place with the promise of new friendships as well as the leisure to pursue new interests or rekindle old ones. Residents enjoy all-day, restaurant-style dining; luxury amenities, and wellness programs and activities designed to engage seniors mentally, physically, socially and spiritually. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory impairments, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides compassionate, experienced memory care. Contact us to learn about the availability of independent living.

Source: b-present.org/2023/11/16/embracing-gratitude-how-to-cultivate-a-thankful-heart-and-stronger-relationships/?gad_source

Lifestyle Habits can Help Mitigate Your Risk for Several Types of Arthritis

Many people assume arthritis comes with aging, but experts say while joint pain is common in older adults, arthritis is not a normal part of aging. The CDC explains arthritis is a group of more than 100 conditions causing inflammation and swelling in the joints or nearby tissues with symptoms such as pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and mostly occurs in older adults (about 70% are 55 years and older). Other common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, and fibromyalgia.

While there is not a cure for arthritis, there are treatments, medications and therapies. In addition, studies find healthy lifestyle habits can help manage symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout as well as lessen your risk for even getting it. For example, the CDC reports 40% of people with arthritis can decrease pain and improve function by being physically active.

Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of the cartilage of the joints causing bones to rub against one another resulting in pain and difficulty moving the joint but experts say millions of cases could be prevented by avoiding excessive weight gain. Exercising regularly and doing resistance training is another way to avoid injury to the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition causing inflammation and swelling in joints. It can misshape, misalign and damage joints; and if it is in one knee or hand, it is typically in the other hand or knee. Recommendations to reduce your risk for RA include avoiding tobacco. Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is linked to several health conditions including RA; and prevention includes improving oral health with good oral hygiene and dental visits.

Gout is another common form of arthritis and occurs when crystals of uric acid are deposited in one or more joints. People with gout experience pain, swelling and redness in the affected joints. Experts say eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol, and staying well hydrated are good steps to reduce your risk. If you are overweight, lose weight and if possible avoid diuretics (discuss all medication changes with your doctor). Studies show regardless of what type of arthritis you have, early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in your future joint health.

The MorningStar of Beaverton senior living community offers residents a comfortable and healthy lifestyle in which to safely age in place. While we provide the care assisted living residents need to maintain their independence, we welcome seniors who may not need any assistance now, but love the idea of maintenance-free living, predictable budgeting and luxury amenities. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we provide 38 memory care suites in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood. Contact us to learn more. 

Source: health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/is-it-possible-to-prevent-arthritis

Memory Care You can Trust

While a senior with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia may be fine staying at home during the early stages of the disease, there may come a time when they would benefit from a move into a community offering dedicated memory care. This is when senior living communities like MorningStar of Arvada can really be a support to families struggling with the decision of what is best for mom or dad.

At MorningStar of Arvada’s Reflections Neighborhood, we are honored to elevate life for those living with a diagnosis of dementia. Our dedicated team is ready to shoulder some of the burden for residents and their families throughout this unexpected journey. MorningStar’s care comes from a position of respect for residents, and is filled with compassion, dignity and love.

We begin our relationship by getting to know the person’s history, interests, abilities and preferences, and use this information to create a daily care plan to address their needs. Our signature philosophy and approach in dementia care is described by the expanse of possibilities we call “Lavender Sky” where our ambition is to thoughtfully enter, embrace and explore. The entire MorningStar team completes Lavender Sky training and Reflections Coordinators complete advanced coursework from the National Council of Certified Dementia Specialists.

Along with our on-going support for our residents’ families and personalized senior care plans, under MorningStar of Arvada’s Lavender Sky we provide:

• Aromatherapy and holistic modalities

• Culinary excellence; BrainWise foods

• Signature hydration program

• Purposeful life skill opportunities

Reflections Neighborhood has 29 suites in a choice of studios and one bedroom floorplans, and provides an intimate, supportive and loving environment, where independence is encouraged through clear wayfinding and inviting common areas. MorningStar’s technology, SafelyYou, helps us detect and prevent falls for memory care residents with (AI) Artificial Intelligence. Ask our Wellness Director about the use of SafelyYou for your loved one.

Our community also offers Short-term Stays for those times when a senior’s regular caregiver needs a break. Contact us to learn more about immediate openings in memory care Arvada, CO families can count on.

Older Adults at Greater Risk of Vision Loss

Did you know it is estimated that 93 million US adults aged 18 years or older in 2017 were at high risk for vision loss, according to a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology. Those at high risk for vision loss included diabetics, had vision and eye problems, or were aged 65 years or older. Experts say while many vision problems can be treated, in some cases they can also be prevented by adopting simple, healthy habits.

If you have already gotten into the habit of wearing sunscreen and a sun-blocking hat when you are outdoors for any period, optometrists say you need to complete your protection by making sure to wear protective sunglasses. Exposure to UV increases our risk for cataracts and your sunglasses should have a label reading “100 percent protection from UV and UVB rays” or “100 percent protection against UV 400.” If you are outside working for long hours, consider wrap-around style sunglasses, and if you are doing work such as trimming bushes or chopping wood, be sure to wear safety sunglasses.

As the risk for eye diseases increases as we age, the National Eye Institute recommends having your eyes checked regularly by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Their guidelines advise a dilated eye exam every 1-2 years for those over 60 (African Americans over age 40) or anyone with a family history of glaucoma. Regardless of age, most people with diabetes or high blood pressure need to get a dilated exam at least once a year. They go on to say that you should talk to your doctor about what schedule is best for you.

Other ways to protect your eyes as you age is to eat a balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Additionally, stop smoking, maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active. If you do have high blood pressure or diabetes, you need to learn how to manage them and follow your doctor’s guidelines.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our vibrant community offers a host of amenities, care services and wellness programs as well as activities to live life to the fullest. Located northeast of Phoenix, MorningStar offers 38 two-bedroom Casitas with attached garages for independent living and 65 assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 35 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. For more information about luxury senior living in Peoria, Arizona, please contact us or visit our website.

This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health or vision.

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 independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Sources:nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/get-dilated-eye-exam, cdc.gov/vision-health/data-research/vision-loss-facts/four-in-10-us-adults-high-risk-vision-loss.html

A Switch from being a Night Owl to Early Bird May Improve Your Health

It used to be that medical professionals felt there was no difference in quality regarding the hours a person spent sleeping until recently. Over the last few years, several studies suggest people who stay up into the wee hours of the night may not be as healthy as those who routinely go to bed earlier. This may be due to the fact they are doing the bulk of their sleeping during daylight hours.

A 2023 Harvard study followed a group of healthy middle-age women over a period of eight years. Those who identified themselves as “night owls” had a “72% increase in the risk for developing diabetes than those who identified as morning people. In addition the study found night owls were more likely to be overweight; and have other unhealthy habits such as a poor diet, smoking or consuming too much alcohol. An earlier study from 2021 reported middle-age and older adults who said they routinely go to sleep late between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., were at a higher risk for obesity (35 – 38 %). Another risk for night owls is not sleeping as many hours a night as their counterparts.

While there are most likely a number of reasons for the increase in the risk of diabetes and obesity beyond sleep patterns, research finds the strongest sleep-cycle hours are between midnight and dawn. Dr. Kenneth Sassower, a pediatric and adult sleep neurologist at Harvard-­affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. "If you're a night owl and you don't go to sleep until the middle of the night, you're not maximizing the number of hours you can sleep in darkness. The sun comes up soon after your bedtime, which might lead to poor-quality or interrupted sleep."

Doctors say it can be hard to switch to an early bedtime so it is best to do it slowly. Dr. Sassower recommends starting by going to bed 20 minutes earlier for five days in a row. After that continue 20 minutes earlier for another five days until you reach your desired bedtime. Tips to help get to sleep include turning off your electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime; exercise, and avoid alcohol and spicy foods close to bedtime.

At MorningStar of Arvada, we offer seniors a full range of interesting and entertaining wellness programs like memory care and activities to keep you physically, mentally, spiritually and socially stimulated as well as provide healthy, tasty meals. Your private suite is designed to feel like home, and our common areas are not only beautifully-appointed but comfortable spots to sit and relax or chat with friends. For those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we provide exceptional memory care Arvada, CO families can trust for a loved one. We currently have immediate availability in Memory Care. Contact us to learn more. 

Source: health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/tips-to-change-your-night-owl-lifestyle?

Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier and Less Anxious

While studies find feeling grateful can make us happier and less anxious; like every skill, it does take some practice. An article at CNN.com explains gratitude should not be saved for special occasions, but like love, should be practiced or expressed regularly. With a little effort, you should be able to find something to be grateful for every day.

Experts share four ways to help you practice gratitude. The first is to create a gratitude album on your phone by taking a picture each day of things that bring you joy like a meaningful text, beautiful scenery, fun events on your calendar and pics of loved ones. Don’t worry about your photography skill. Now instead of scrolling through social media, use some of that time to look through your own gratitude album and appreciate the good things in your life.

Another gratitude practice is to take the time to breathe. Mindful breathing techniques can help relieve tension and reduce stress, and only take a few minutes. When doing, remember to be thankful for your breathing, which is a life-sustaining force. Combine breathing with feelings of gratitude and patience as you strive to feel relaxed and calm. The Internet offers several methods for practicing breathing techniques.

Expressing gratitude to someone each day by thanking them for their support and/or love are other ways to feel gratitude. Studies show it helps to build a better relationship between two people who routinely express or receive gratitude from their partner.

Lastly experts say end your day by feeling grateful. One practice is to think of three things you are grateful for and write them down in a notebook or piece of paper. They do not have to be big “things” but just something that makes you feel happy. When you wake in the morning, read over your three things and take a few moments to reflect on them.

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, our goal is to provide exceptional senior living; and we are committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our remarkable residents. To accomplish this lofty goal, our approach considers every aspect of independent living, assisted living and memory care from the design of our beautiful community to a broad range of amenities, services and wellness programs. Please 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 for more information about the finest senior living in Peoria, Arizona.

Balancing Caregiving with Your Personal Needs

Caregiver burnout is a real thing. Experts estimate 61 percent of the country’s 48 million caregivers are working outside jobs along with acting as a caregiver. In a recently released report titled “Working While Caregiving: It’s Complicated,” from AARP and S&P Global, two-thirds of respondents said they had at least some difficulty balancing work and life responsibilities.

The survey reports 84 percent of respondents said caregiving had a moderate or high impact on the stress they feel daily. Another 27 percent of working caregivers said due to their workload “they were forced to go from full-time to part-time work or reduce their hours.” Others complained their employers seemed to be more understanding of child care leave than they were to employees who had to take time off to care for a parent or other elderly family member.

Respondents said beyond holding down a job, they were putting in at least six hours a week of caregiving for a loved one. Tasks include everything from assisting with the actual physical care of a loved one to taking the person to doctor visits, grocery shopping, and serving as an advocate for the person to ensure they are getting the proper care.

Other studies support the findings of the AARP survey as they too found participants reported difficulty in balancing work and caregiving; and the negative impact it can have on physical and mental health. In 2023, a study found almost half of all caregivers were spending between 10 to 29 hours a week caregiving. More concerning is many caregivers are neglecting their own health stating they have no time to exercise and are not keeping up with routine annual physicals and screening. In fact forty-one percent of caregivers report low overall well-being, which is 32% more than non-caregivers.

This is why assisted living and memory care communities can be a lifesaver for both the elderly person and the family caregiver. Instead of watching your adult child or other younger family member working day-in and day-out for your good, you can have an experienced caregiver provide for your basic needs in addition to good companionship and entertaining, informative wellness activities.

We believe MorningStar of Arvada is one of the area’s finest senior living communities providing residents with independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO families can trust. Contact us for availability and to set up a tour.


Source:

1. aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2024/working-caregivers-report.html2. guardianlife.com/reports/caregiving-in-america