Staying Active and Engaged Despite Health Challenges

While growing older can bring a new appreciation of life, it can also bring a series of challenges including a decline in health that impacts a person’s mobility. This can be due to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes and obesity. Other causes are diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s as well as profound vision or hearing loss that interferes with abilities and requires people to rethink some of their lifelong activities.

The good news is many of the things’ people enjoyed doing can still be done – they just may need some modifications. During this phase of life, you may discover new activities you enjoy just as much as the things you had to let go. Most importantly, experts say do not define yourself by your limitations.

Rather, they remind seniors that staying active and engaged has many benefits including boosting physical and mental health; and provides people with a sense of purpose and meaning to their lives. It has also been shown to improve memory and slow cognitive decline. Studies find seniors who stay socially active can even lower blood pressure, elevate mood and reduce anxiety and stress.

Some activities enjoyed by seniors with limited mobility include things like gardening in raised-beds, chair yoga, Tai-chi, water aerobics and low-impact resistance training.  Creative pursuits such as painting or drawing, playing a musical instrument and learning a new cuisine; as well as games such as trivia or bridge bring meaning and joy to someone regardless of their physical limitations.   

Senior living communities are great places to help seniors find purpose and companionship, along with the peace of mind that comes with knowing someone is always around to lend a hand if needed.  For assisted living homes in the Phoenix area, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge. Our casitas and suites are well-designed to maximize space, and residents enjoy a whole host of luxury amenities, senior care services, wellness programs and activities.   

In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides care for those with memory impairment with compassionate, personalized support and services. Contact us for more information and to schedule a tour. We look forward to hearing from you.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge stands out with its mission: “to honor, to value, to invest.” We’re dedicated to respecting seniors, supporting staff, and offering quality memory care in a welcoming environment. For more details, please contact us or visit our website.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge Offers Casitas for Independent Seniors

If you are a senior considering community living, let us introduce you to MorningStar at Golden Ridge in Peoria, Arizona. Located on a large campus at North 67th Avenue and West Golden Lane, we are close to medical facilities, shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues. A new adventure awaits in our vibrant community for independent seniors. 

For active seniors, MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers 38 Casitas as quadraplexes with high-end finishes and attached garages.  The Casitas, tucked into their own secluded neighborhood, allow you to fully enjoy your retirement years stress free.  Our staff handles all the maintenance, both inside and out, along with included housekeeping services.  And in case you were wondering, MorningStar welcomes pets.

Included in your monthly fee, you will receive two meals per day. Our chef-created seasonal menus feature the freshest ingredients from high quality producers and include BrainWise foods and other healthy choices. As a resident you will have access to a range of amenities including a saline swimming pool with hot tub, bistro bar, fitness centers, theater/chapel, salon, and much more.  Also, you are sure to enjoy the outdoor dining patio, courtyards, and landscaped grounds.  Furthermore, everyone in our community benefits from a wide range of wellness programs and activities.

Unlike some other senior communities in the area, MorningStar at Golden Ridge also provides assisted living homes and memory care so if your needs should change, we are here to help.  While you will find our website showcases pictures of our beautiful community, it doesn’t show the loving atmosphere that permeates throughout our home.   We attribute this to our exceptional team that feels honored to serve seniors, and works hard every day to provide residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community. Please contact us or visit our website for more information and to schedule a tour.

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 earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care in Peoria, Arizona.

Steps to Improve Your Health and Longevity

During the last several years, researchers have studied the steps we can take to improve longevity. Their overwhelming findings point to a healthy diet, exercise and strong social ties; and who of us does not want to live longer and enjoy better health along the way? The Medical News Today states, “Making healthy choices around these three factors may be key to living the long, fulfilling lives we strive for, and since it is never too late to start making positive changes, now is as good a time as any to make health a top priority.”

They cite key factors to help achieve this goal. The first regards diet, which includes eating less red meat and avoiding salt. They recommend a Mediterranean diet as it is mostly plant-based and relies on minimally processed ingredients and healthy fats. It consists of whole grains, fruits and vegetables; beans and legumes, fatty fish, seeds and nuts. Experts say the diet can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Next on the list to help you live longer and healthier is exercise, and it doesn’t mean having to become a marathon runner or train for hours each day. Experts say taking a daily walk can improve longevity and is safe for older adults. In fact, Ryan Glatt, CPT, NBC-HWC, a senior brain health coach and director of the FitBrain Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, who was not involved in the study, told MNT that “the benefits are most significant for individuals who are inactive, as even small increases in physical activity substantially reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases and premature death.”

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends adults exercise at least 150 minutes a week spread out over several days. Other healthy exercises include swimming, cycling, aerobic exercise and strength training as well as flexibility exercises.

You may be wondering how a good social life will help you live longer but the proof is in studies that have found staying social can help a person not only live longer but be healthier. Researchers explain adults who say they feel lonely and isolated have a higher risk of chronic diseases, depression and early death as well as an increase in the risk of stroke.

For independent or senior living, Phoenix area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar at Golden Ridge, the perfect place for successful aging. We are an all-inclusive community, boasting a dining service under the direction of our Executive Chef, wellness programs and activities, luxury amenities and care services. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us for more information about our beautiful assisted living homes.

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 to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, Arizona.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/3-ways-to-boost-longevity-in-2025

Bone Loss in Seniors Often Progresses to Osteoporosis

The Mayo Clinic explains our bodies constantly absorb and replace bone tissue. When a person has osteoporosis, their body is removing old bone but not keeping up with making new bone. Early warning signs of osteoporosis include bone fractures, lost height, curved back, sudden back pain and gastrointestinal problems. However, many people have no symptoms, and it isn’t until a bone fracture or a bone density test (measuring the proportion of minerals in the bones), do they learn they have osteoporosis. A step above osteoporosis is osteopenia, which affects approximately half of Americans over age 50.  

It is important to work with your doctor if your bone loss has progressed to osteoporosis as there are medications that can help build stronger bones. In addition, you can help increase bone strength with a healthy diet of foods high in calcium, vitamins D and K, and protein. Foods containing calcium include dairy and soy, fish and green leafy vegetables like kale. Additionally, many foods are fortified with calcium so check labels. Protein is found in meat, fish, eggs, soy and dairy products, beans, lentils, and legumes as well as seeds and nuts. Experts recommend people over age 70 increase their uptake of vitamin D to 800 IU daily, which they can also obtain from supplements. 

Consuming a lot of salt should be avoided as the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports overconsumption of salt can cause the kidneys to excrete calcium. Studies indicate consuming caffeine in coffee or caffeinated drinks can additionally interfere with the body’ absorption of calcium and it is recommended older adults limit their coffee intake to no more than three cups a day. Limiting alcohol also helps maintain bone health. Another component to maintaining or building stronger bones includes weight-bearing exercises. 

MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers independent and assisted living residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community with an abundance of amenities including beautifully prepared, nutritional meals served all day in our full-service dining rooms.  Residents also enjoy beautiful gathering spaces, theater, fitness center, salon, swimming pool, scheduled transportation and a variety of wellness programs and activities. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.   Please contact us or visit our website to learn what sets us apart from other assisted living homes and why MorningStar is a great place to call home.

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 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.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/osteoporosis-diet#diet-and-bone-health

Beware of Scams Targeting Seniors

The Federal Trade Commission reported in 2023, adults in the U.S. lost a record $10 billion to fraud. They want us to remember scammers are skilled and persuasive, and use tactics designed to catch us off guard. 

A common scam is to phone older adults and pretend to be from organizations like the IRS, Social Security Administration or Medicare. During the call, they ask for personal information, and if the person is reluctant to give it, they threaten to cut off benefits. Once they have your information, they use it to commit identity theft.

Be wary of calls from someone who claims you have won a lottery or prize and the only hitch is you need to send money or gift cards to cover taxes and processing fees. Also, don’t be taken in by a popular scam claiming your computer is compromised and you need to pay them to fix it. Especially targeted at seniors is a caller pretending to be a grandchild or relative (or their friend) pleading for money to be wired to get out of jail or other types of trouble.   

To protect yourself, change your passwords often and make sure they are complicated. Use two-step verifications when you have the option. Be careful of giving out any information over the phone, in emails or through texts. Avoid transferring money or purchasing gift cards over the phone. Experts say once you complete such a transaction, the money is typically unrecoverable. Finally, if you are targeted by a scam, notify your local police department or reach out to the National Elder Fraud Hotline.  

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we provide independent and assisted living homes that allow residents to comfortably age in place. Our beautiful home has an array of luxury amenities; wellness programs and activities; and tasty, delicious meals served restaurant-style. Residents enjoy carefree retirement years and a community of friends. 

For those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood offers all-inclusive assisted living that is both compassionate and experienced. Contact us for more information and to schedule a personalized tour.

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

Interacting With Individuals Who Have Alzheimer’s Disease

A Yale Medicine neurologist offers advice on how to better connect with someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Carolyn Fredericks, MD., a specialist in cognitive and behavioral conditions, including Alzheimer’s, says it is not always helpful to correct a person with Alzheimer’s, and in most cases, it is nicer to just “enter their reality.” 

Fredericks suggests instead of correcting the person when they get your name or someone else’s name incorrect, just go with it. After all, what difference does it really make? Also, you don’t need to remind the person you answered their question an hour ago. Let it go and repeat the answer.  

Going along with what the person says, and remaining calm and encouraging will help them remain calm. Research indicates someone with Alzheimer’s is typically most anxious about making mistakes or forgetting something they should know in the early stages of the disease. Moreover, when they repeat a question, they are not trying to be difficult, so there is no reason to make them feel uncomfortable. If the person is unduly worried about something that is not true such as thinking things that go “missing” are being stolen, show compassion and focus on helping them find the items.   

As long-term memories are more intact in people with Alzheimer’s and often not affected until the later stages of the disease, spending time reminiscing about things from their childhood can be fun for you and the person. Even in advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, people find joy in listening to their favorite music or participating in creative projects. Be sure they get some exercise each day as it helps with anxiety and sleep. Lastly, Dr. Frederick says it is important for the family to construct a safety plan and recognize when it is no longer safe for the person to drive or use the stove when he/she is alone.  

Along with independent and assisted living homes, MorningStar at Golden Ridge provides holistic memory care to seniors living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Lavender Sky, our programmatic approach to care represents our philosophy of everything we believe and strive for in service to our memory-impaired residents. Our ambition under a Lavender Sky is to Enter, Embrace and Explore as we encourage and engage our residents as well as help families to heal and hope again.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar, assisted living 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 independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, Arizona.

Source: yalemedicine.org/news/alzheimers-disease-dementia-care

Selecting an Assisted Living Community

Experts advise families to do their homework when helping mom or dad move into assisted living homes, as the more you know about senior living communities helps avoid sticker shock as well as an unhappy parent. The recommendation is to tour at least two potential communities to make an informed comparison.  

Prices for assisted living typically are determined by the amount of senior care services the person requires. Many offer a tiered system of care to allow residents to safely age in place as health conditions change so remember to ask about how often care plans are evaluated. Other reasons costs can vary include room type, i.e. selecting a smaller or larger floorplan; as well as suite location, a scenic view or balcony. 

Be sure to ask what services and activities are included in the basic cost of the community. You will want to know about upfront deposits, community and move-in fees. Additionally, ask about the procedure for moving out and what type of notice you need to give. 

Han Hwang, executive VP of partner sales and success for Caring.com, an online resource for those caring for aging parents, spouses and other loved ones, says “it’s really important to know exactly what you’re getting and to do an apples-to-apples comparison” when choosing an assisted living community. Often monthly costs include a fee for room and board along with the level of care, medication management and any other ancillary services. To help you stay within budget, Hwang says to anticipate services you may need over the next 12 to 24 months.

At MorningStar Senior Living at Golden Ridge, our community is designed from the ground up to meet the needs of residents with a range of luxury amenities, senior care, hospitality services, wellness programs, and activities. Our beautiful home offers 38 stylish Casitas for independent living.  In addition, we have 65 suites for assisted living and 35 secure suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge’s mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. 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 outstanding independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Source: health.usnews.com/best-senior-living/assisted-living/articles/assisted-living-costs

How Did You Sleep Last Night?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults get at least seven hours of sleep every night.  Good sleep quality is also important. Signs of poor quality sleep include not feeling rested even after getting enough sleep, repeatedly waking up during the night, and experiencing symptoms of sleep disorders such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea.  Experts say a good night’s sleep enhances memory, improves mood and regulates appetite.

Experts offer some tips to help individuals achieve better sleep by the choice of foods consumed as well as what food or drink to avoid. Foods interfering with sleep include caffeine and large meals as well as alcohol consumed too close to bedtime. As a deficiency of folate is linked to insomnia, a study from the Taipei Medical University found eating two kiwis, which are high in B vitamin folate and vitamins C and E, an hour before bed helped participants fall asleep faster, sleep longer and more efficiently. 

Another food to help induce sleep is tart cherries. They contain natural melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and wake cycles, and a phytonutrient linked to promoting better sleep. Additionally, nuts like almonds and walnuts contain melatonin; and pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is converted to melatonin. Passionflower tea, chamomile tea and warm milk can also help promote sleep. Other sleep-inducing foods include fatty fish like salmon and tuna, which are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, and help regulate sleep, mood and other functions.

MorningStar at Golden Ridge provides residents with all the amenities and services they need to ensure carefree retirement years. Residents enjoy chef-inspired meals that are as delicious as they are nutritious and include BrainWise super foods. These are foods known to support brain health and have a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds such as acai and other berries, fish, nuts, dark chocolate, and dark leafy greens. Please visit our website for more information about our beautiful assisted living homes in Peoria, AZ.

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 to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living homes, and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Exercises That Reduce the Risk of Falls

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), every year more than a third of people over the age of 65 suffer from a fall, and many of those accidents require a trip to the emergency department.  In addition to serious injuries, some falls even result in death.  To help mitigate the risk, experts recommend that along with safety modifications to the home that elderly adults also do balance exercises.

Balance exercises are relatively easy-to-do and can improve both your balance as well as increase lower body strength.  Ask your doctor for some suggestions or take a look at the Internet. Most do not require special equipment other than someone to assist you if needed.  The exercises can be done throughout the day and each one only takes a few minutes to do.  

One example of a balance exercise is called Tightrope Walk.  This easy exercise improves balance, posture, and core strength.  Start in a standing position and lift your arms extending them out to your sides.  Now walk in a straight line keeping your gaze focused on a fixed point in the distance.  Each time you raise your foot, pause with it in the raised position for 2 to 3 seconds.  Alternating your feet, continue for 20 to 30 steps.   

Another exercise is Rock the Boat, which starts by standing with your feet hip-distance apart and extending your arms out to your sides.  Lift your left foot off the floor and bend your knee to bring your heel toward your bottom holding it there for up to 30 seconds.  Now do the same with the other side.  Do each side 3 times.  

At the MorningStar senior living communities we understand the importance of our residents living life to the fullest.  This is why MorningStar at Golden Ridge offers a Life Enrichment program that focuses on creative ways to stay physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually active.  Please see our website for more information about exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Before beginning any exercises, please consult with your health care provider.

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 to learn more about the finest independent living, assisted living homes, and memory care in Peoria, AZ.

Source: healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/balance-exercises-for-seniors#exercises-to-try

How to Narrow Down Your Search for an Assisted Living Community

For anyone considering a move to senior living, choosing the right community is a big decision as getting it wrong may mean another move within a couple of months. To help, senior living experts say the first thing to do is to think about the level of care mom or dad, or if looking for yourself, needs to improve their quality of life. 

After you have a pretty good idea of what your needs are, now factor in things like location and affordability. If mom or dad needs help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) focus on communities offering assisted living. If you want the home to be a convenient drive for easy visiting, concentrate on those communities. If mom or dad no longer drives, look for a community offering transportation for doctor appointments or errands; or if they plan to bring a car, does it offer parking? Does the home offer 24/7 care, medication management and access to licensed nurses?

Obviously affordability is an important consideration but senior living advocates warn don’t be initially shocked at the price. Rather think about all of the living costs such as property taxes, maintenance, utility bills and meals included in the home’s monthly fees. For a better understanding of mom or dad’s assets, it may be worth your while to consult an Elder law attorney. They can explore various options such as eligibility for Veterans’ benefits, what your parent’s long-term care insurance will cover, and the advantages of leveraging real estate assets and life insurance, tax benefits and more.   

Other things to consider include the physical characteristics of the assisted living community. Does it offer a range of suite configurations including studio, one-bedroom and two bedroom options? Do you want amenities such as a fitness center, hair salon, outdoor patio, all-day, restaurant-style dining, swimming pool, WiFi, etc.? 
If you live around Peoria, AZ, why not take a look at MorningStar at Golden Ridge, a senior living community offering independent living, assisted living homes, memory care, companion living, and respite care. Our large 8.8 acre campus has 38 quadraplexes for active seniors and a main building with 65 assisted living suites for those requiring a helping hand with the activities of daily living (ADLs). For those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, we offer 35 suites. Visit our website today to inquire about pricing and availability.