Lifestyle Changes to Increase 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 a number of studies that say 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. 

At MorningStar of Arvada, we are honored to offer the area’s finest independent living, assisted living and memory care Arvada, CO families have come to rely on. With 112 bright independent and assisted living suites in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans (some as large as 1374 square feet), we make it easy for seniors to comfortably and securely age in place. For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, we offer 29 memory care suites. Contact us to learn more about our MEMORY CARE special offer. 

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

Helpful Tips for Dealing with Dry Skin

When treating our skin, it is important to remember it is more than a simple covering and is actually the body’s largest organ. Moreover, like our other organs, if we don’t take care of it, we can end up with problems including extremely dry skin. It is no secret that winter temperatures and low humidity exacerbate the problem of dry skin, which is even more problematic for older adults. 

Our skin becomes dry when it fails to hold in sufficient moisture, and as we age, there is a decrease in its ability to retain moisture. Experts explain older adults’ oil glands not only produce less oil but the aging process causes the skin to become thinner and lose fat making it that much harder to retain moisture. In addition the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers become thinner and lose their elasticity, and sweat glands decrease with age.  

Along with all the physical changes; cold, dry or windy climates contribute to the problem. Certain health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and hypothyroidism as well as some antiperspirants and strong soaps also dry out the skin. Limit alcohol and avoid smoking as they too cause dry skin.

To help maintain or revive your parched skin, experts recommend using skin moisturizers with humectants that attract moisture such as ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and lecithin. They say the thicker and greasier the moisturizer is the more effective it will be. Another tip is to use a humidifier in the winter set to 60%. Limit your daily shower to 5 to 10 minutes and only use lukewarm water. Avoid soap. Instead use moisturizing products to clean the skin, and don’t use loofahs or washcloths. While you are still slightly damp, apply your moisturizer as it will seal in the moisture. Beware of laundry detergents with fragrance and avoid fabric softeners.

At the MorningStar of Arvada senior living community, we are honored to provide the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care. We cater to the various needs of older adults with senior-friendly activities and companionship. As we do the outside chores, and the cleaning and cooking, you can focus on the things you love most in life. Talk to us about our extended Memory Care Rate freeze thru January 2026; and set up a tour to see firsthand the most trusted memory care Arvada, CO offers.

Your Loved One Deserves the Best Memory Care

If a spouse, parent or another loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease and the time has come for more comprehensive care, you will want the very best. However the problem can lie in trying to figure out what is the best, and a good place to start is with a company you can trust.  

MorningStar of Arvada is part of MorningStar Senior Living, which just celebrated its 21st year of providing senior living founded on a mission statement of honoring God, valuing seniors and investing generously. Along with independent living and assisted living, MorningStar of Arvada provides dedicated memory care housed in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood designed from the ground up to meet the needs of our most tender residents.  

To encourage independence, confidence and a sense of freedom; Reflections Neighborhood uses clear wayfinding that incorporates color and pictures making it easier for residents to navigate hallways and recognize their own room. Warm and welcoming common areas help residents feel right at home. Our all-inclusive care provides a full range of services including senior care as well as meals tailored to the appetites and abilities of residents. 

MorningStar’s holistic memory care is delivered by dedicated dementia care specialists through our proprietary program, Lavender Sky. The program embodies the philosophy of everything we believe and strive for in service to our memory-impaired residents as we strive to encourage, engage and respect each individual. 

To keep your loved one safe, we also use a fairly new technology called Safely You that allows us to detect and prevent falls for memory care residents with (AI) Artificial Intelligence. Moreover we are close to a number of excellent medical facilities such as St. Anthony Hospital and Lutheran Medical Center. For your convenience, our extensive services include transportation to and from medical appointments. To learn more about memory care Arvada, CO families trust, contact us. Also ask about our Memory Care Rate freeze thru January 2026. We look forward to hearing from you.

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.

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?