Learn More About Advance Care Directives

An advanced directive is a legal document giving you a voice involving medical decisions in the event you are incapacitated. Many people shy away from creating such documents as they fail to realize how important they are, and mistakenly worry they are signing away their lives, and/or don’t like thinking about being so ill they are unable to make decisions.    

Advance care planning documents may include a living will, power of attorney and health care proxy. By planning ahead, they guide decisions made on your behalf if you are unable, and suffer from an incurable, irreversible illness, condition or disease determined to be terminal. Living wills specify the kind of medical treatment desired and many simply express the desire to not be given life-sustaining measures that only serve to prolong a person’s death. Specific details may regard care including the use of pain medications, antibiotics, hydration, feeding and the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or ventilators. 

A health care proxy is someone designated to express your wishes for medical care and has the same rights you would in requesting or refusing treatment. A durable power of attorney document names a person to act on your behalf if you are incapacitated and gives them the power to make financial decisions. 

The Harvard Medical School reports on some of the myths people have regarding advance care directives. They say you need to realize more care is not always better but can prolong the dying process without respect for quality of life or comfort. Refusing life support does not mean you are committing suicide but rather allowing your medical problem to be the cause of your death. Moreover, refusing life-extending treatment does not mean you are refusing comfort measures for pain management and symptoms. Talk to your family and doctor about your medical preferences, and be sure each has a copy of your advance directive documents.

If you are looking for exceptional independent or assisted living, MorningStar of Idaho Falls may be your answer. We offer residents comfort, security, built-in companionship, and predictable budgeting.  Our beautiful home has suites in a selection of floor plans and a broad range of amenities and services to meet every need. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides compassionate care to those with memory impairment.  Please see our website for more information about our exceptional community.

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, memory care and assisted living in Idaho Falls.

Now is the Time to Get to Know Your Parent Better

As an adult child of an elderly parent, have you ever really taken the time to get to know them as an individual? Often we just accept a continuation of the relationship we had with them as teenagers or young adults yearning to leave the nest.

Before it is too late, you should take time to really know who your parents are and what their dreams and aspirations have been, what they look forward to, and what they wish their legacy to be. A senior’s legacy is the most valuable asset they can pass down to others and is the synthesized essence of what they have learned and hold most dear. 

During this retrospective phase of life, it is the person’s time to review major events, losses, mistakes and discoveries they experienced. Part of the process includes repeating stories and extracting the values and themes they want to be remembered by future generations. Acting as a parent’s legacy coach, adult children can help a parent through the life-review process as no one else can. Your long-established trust fosters a relaxed setting to which your parents can safely and slowly explore the past. 

To aid the process along, there are questions you can ask such as: what was your life like before a certain time or event; or tell me about… If a topic comes up, ask why they are thinking about it. Start conversations by asking what led to a specific decision or what made it so important. Ask how their life was different from their parents. Ask how your parents define the meaning of life; and how they want to be remembered. 

By going through this discovery process, it is sure to open up a new phase in your relationship with your parents. You will not only gain a new understanding of who they are; but as you help them look back, you free them to move forward. 

Looking for the finest assisted living Portland offers? The new MorningStar at Laurelhurst assisted living and memory care community is it. Uniquely located in the historic Laurelhurst District, we offer 83 assisted living suites and 32 memory care suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We open to residents in winter 2023 and invite you to visit our website to reserve your select suite today. Please ask about savings for early depositors. 

Make Sure Your Elderly Loved Ones are Equipped to Avoid Scams

A newly released FBI 2021 Elder Fraud Report, found cybercrimes were up 62% from 2020, resulting in reported losses of almost $3 billion. The FBI says most likely the loss was even higher as many victims are reluctant to report such crimes. The Federal Trade Commission supports this with statistics showing 44% of younger people in their 20's reported losing money to fraud but only 20% of those in their 70's did so.

Experts say the increase in fraud is partly due to the increase in digital financial transactions and seniors’ lack of sophistication with technology. The pandemic and seniors’ isolation also played a part as did the variety of methods and schemes utilized. The elderly are scammed in a number of ways including phishing through phone calls, emails, social media messages and fraudulent shopping schemes.  

“Grandparent schemes” often involve texts sent supposedly from a relative requesting money be wired to help with a medical emergency or another event requiring immediate attention. The fraudsters obtain the names of family members from Facebook and other social media to prey upon their emotions. 

To help elderly relatives protect themselves, experts recommend helping them set their social media accounts to private and reminding them to limit the amount of information they share online. Tell them to be wary about any request for money in texts or emails regardless of who they appear to be from. If they question whether a text is really from a family member, block it and call the person instead. 

To deter fraud, use strong passwords or fingerprints, and two- factor authentication. When purchasing online, check to see if it is a secure network. You should see a padlock in the front of the address bar usually followed by “https.”  Avoid Wi-Fi hot spots and use a VPN service to block your identity. 

MorningStar at Laurelhurst is a new retirement community in Portland offering assisted living and memory care. Along with a choice of private suites, we offer senior care and hospitality services, luxury amenities and a complement of wellness programs and activities. Contact us to reserve your select suite and ask about our Founders Club Specials for savings for early depositors. We open to residents in the winter of 2023. 

Source: usatoday.com/story/tech/2022/09/18/cybercrime-cost-american-seniors-3-billion-last-year-62-jump/10420029002/ 

Relationships Come First at MorningStar

The community you pick to live out your retirement years should have deeply held values that cater to the comfort and safety of their residents. A senior living facility that you can call your home should also feel like one, with an emphasis on relationships, empathy, and encouragement. If you have made the decision to move into senior living or assisted living, taking the time to thoroughly research your possible community will illuminate the standards and level of care they will be able to offer.  

A senior living facility should hold the same morals and values that you support. Feeling like you belong within your living arrangements is the best way to know that you have made the right choice in terms of retirement facilities. MorningStar Senior Living is a company founded on Judeo-Christian tradition. However, they honor all faith systems and worldviews among our team members and residents. MorningStar believes it is the preeminent goal of senior living to meet a resident’s social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.

MorningStar is a name deeply rooted. Ken Jaeger, Founder, and CEO of MorningStar Senior Living believed in senior care that was defined by the human touch. He looked towards his familiar roots and wanted to recreate his grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family. Ken developed a 3 pillar mission to keep MorningStar grounded in empathy and trust. In these 3 pillars, caregivers, and team members of MorningStar abide by the commitment to retain strong moral values and ethics. The community commits to creating an environment that promotes healthy, engaging lifestyles while providing up-to-date security and encouraging independence. 

As an entity, MorningStar’s final pillar commits to hiring and retaining employees that are creative, selfless, and compassionate. Since its first year of service, MorningStar developed a deep and lasting impression on its community. They are a radically relational, senior-living home where residents are seen as heroes. MorningStar sees its worth as more than just a business. As a senior living facility for people aged 55 and up, Morningstar vows to create a legacy of benevolence that changes lives.

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Parker “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting. Contact us today to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Parker, Colorado.

Looking for Assisted Living in Idaho Falls?

Once mom or dad has made the decision to move to an assisted living community, you will want it to go as smoothly as possible and this includes helping them choose the right place to meet today’s needs as well as the next 5 to 10 years. In some cases, a move to an assisted living community is precipitated by a worsening medical condition or an injury due to a fall and the time to mentally prepare oneself is short. This is why MorningStar of Idaho Falls has a guide to help families navigate through such a momentous change in a senior’s life.  

Googling senior living in Idaho Falls will bring up quite a few hits so experts recommend narrowing down the candidates to 3 or 4 communities that offer assisted living. Start with reading reviews from families and residents’ themselves to see what they say about the place, and then consider location, price and amenities. 

Touring a community is a real eye-opener and the Internet offers many tips on what to look for during your visit. At MorningStar, our online virtual assistant allows you to inquire about pricing and availability as well as set up a tour. We recommend setting aside a couple of hours for a tour and to get ready for a lot of details. Take notes and bring any questions you would like to ask. Focus on the overall ambiance, and take a look at our Monthly Expense Comparison and Senior Communities Comparison Chart beforehand to weigh value against cost. We also advise revisiting your top one or two choices, and remember many seniors find a trial stay; we offer them for up to a full month, is a good way to find out if it is the right community.

MorningStar of Idaho Falls offers comfort, security, built-in companionship, and predictable budgeting. Our assisted living suites are available in a selection of floor plans and offer a broad range of amenities and services to meet your every need including a nutritional, delicious dining service. Visit our website to learn what sets our community apart from other senior living communities and why MorningStar is a great place to call home.

MorningStar Senior Living of Idaho Falls represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we provide a true home for residents.  We invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

It Might be Time to Move a Parent to Assisted Living if You Notice These Signs

To keep it simple, it’s time to consider moving to Assisted Living when the transition will ease the stress of either the senior’s life or the caregiver’s life. Assisted Living is the best choice if your parent or spouse needs more personal care than they can currently get (or afford) in the home or in an Independent Living community. If your loved one has been struggling with any of these following activities, it’s probably time to discuss transitioning to an assisted living facility. 

Accidents such as falls, bruises, and shallow cuts are common in old age and may not necessarily be cause for alarm. However, if your loved one is experiencing falls more frequently or needing medical attention due to deep cuts or other accidents, they may need closer supervision or new living arrangements to help manage their safety. Perhaps their current home isn’t equipped for them to get safely about in the home. 

How are your loved one’s eating habits? If you’ve noticed a drastic change in their body weight in a short amount of time, it may be necessary to oversee their mealtimes. You should check your loved one’s fridge and cupboard often to check for spoiled food. If you notice a lack of food altogether, they may be having a hard time getting to the grocery store on their own or may be forgetting to eat. Malnutrition is a serious cause to schedule a check in with a doctor and then consider other living arrangements to make sure your loved one is eating. 

If you notice daily chores not being completed or a sudden change in personal hygiene, you may want to check in with your loved one and inquire about the sudden changes. Seniors often need extra help completing tasks with age. Retirement and assisted living communities offer care options that are wider than ever before in history. MorningStar Senior Living of Parker offers Assisted Living with support at various levels of daily living. Around-the-clock Care Managers are on site and at the ready to ensure your comfort and safety as they meet your expressed (and unexpressed) needs. 

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s assisted living and senior living in Parker, Colorado. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other senior living facilities in Colorado.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Parker, Colorado.

How to Build Lasting Friendships in Assisted Living

Staying social and participating in activities and events keeps seniors fulfilled and encourages healthy lifestyles. However, seniors may fall into the habit of doing the same things with the same people, or with their family members. Living at home, or participating in a reclusive lifestyle, limits a senior’s social circle and exploration. Moving to a senior living community should be seen as a great opportunity to make new friends with those who are living through the same phase of life. However, the idea of making new friends may bring up anxiety for seniors who have become accustomed to a certain way of living or who are experiencing mild memory loss. Here are some tips for creating lasting friendships within assisted living. 

Nowadays, modern senior living facilities offer a wide array of activities for seniors to participate in as a group. Keep an open mind and explore what your community has to offer. By going to the activities you enjoy, you’ll meet people who share your same interests. Hanging out in common areas is a great way to meet residents that have been there a while and can offer some advice and give you some quirky community news. MorningStar of Parker has over 40 community common areas and amenities. Some popular ones for friendly get-togethers are the on-campus coffee shop with barista, the outdoor dining decks equipped with a fire pit, and outdoor strolling paths through lush landscaping. 

MorningStar of Parker is a luxury, award winning senior living Community in Colorado. Since 2012, when MorningStar of Parker first opened assisted living and memory care in Parker, they have dedicated themselves to offering residents the finest care within a genuine family atmosphere. Their community offers 45 assisted living suites as studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans on two levels with a myriad of activities and amenities that are sure to get seniors out of their shells. 

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s assisted living and senior living in Parker, Colorado. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other senior living facilities in Colorado.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Arvada, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other retirement communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Parker, Colorado.

This Assisted Living is Specially Designed for Carefree Retirement Years

"Outdated," "gray," and "isolating" are often words that come to mind when you think of retirement homes. These images are myths nowadays, as senior living in Portland is becoming more modernized with a focus on relaxation and comfort. Located in one of the most idyllic Portland neighborhoods, MorningStar at Laurelhurst features contemporary design elements throughout the community. Our interior is inspired by the vintage homes, lush greenery, and eclectic vibes of the Laurelhurst District. 

MorningStar communities are found across the Western US and have proudly earned a reputation for “casting a new light” on senior living. Opening in December 2022, MorningStar at Laurelhurst is a retirement home in Portland, Oregon, that focuses on elements of independence within assisted living. 

Assisted living residents who require support in daily activities have access to 24/7 care managers, medication management, licensed nurses, and more. MorningStar Senior Living in Portland assesses each resident's needs upon consultation and reviews them as their stay continues. Luxury amenities and hospitality services such as weekly laundry care, housekeeping, and all-day restaurant-style dining are just a few of the amenities that aid our assisted living seniors while our wellness programs offer an ideal environment to nurture new interests and hobbies to encourage independence and growth. 

In terms of modernization, our retirement home in Portland includes an elevated outdoor courtyard that provides an opportunity to appreciate the surrounding nature of Oregon. MorningStar at Laurelhurst includes expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the space with natural light and beauty. On the inside, our community amenities range from a spa bath, salon, club rooms, a fitness center, and much more! 

Our community is located in the historic Laurelhurst district where long-time residents can continue to live comfortably in familiar surroundings or near loved ones. MorningStar's 5-story, 146,000 square feet building offers 83 assisted living suites and 32 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer's and other dementia-related diseases.

Contact us to earn more about MorningStar’s amenities and assisted living in Portland. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history and vision, as well as what sets us apart from other assisted living facilities in Portland.  

The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Laurelhurst, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Portland, Oregon.

How Daily Journaling Helps Your Memory and Wellness

Journaling may assist seniors in keeping track of important events and ordinary happenings while recording their thoughts and feelings. Even if you don’t write about past events, the simple act of writing can boost your memory and keep your thoughts fresh. Journaling does more than just help you record your memories or fulfill self-expression; it can also benefit your health in a variety of ways. Although it is often overlooked, seniors that take the time to write or journal every day can experience powerful health benefits. 

Writing about your feelings is a great way to self soothe and connect your emotions into thoughts and ideas. In this way, writing is very therapeutic and calming. Journaling is a great way to take time out of the day to check in with yourself and offer your body and mind some self-care. Daily journaling has actually been found to help lower blood pressure and liver functionality. It’s also a great way to wind down before sleep in cases of insomnia.  

If you are struggling to participate in physical exercise but still want to better your body, journaling can have many of the same mental advantages that exercise has. Writing aids in a reduction of worry and tension as well as boosts your mood. If you’re looking for more creative outlets of writing, creating poetry or producing song lyrics can help people get over emotional distress, improve memory, and encourage greater self-fulfillment. 

MorningStar senior communities offer support at various levels and encourage independence and creativity in daily living. Our assisted care has around-the-clock Care Managers on site at the ready to ensure you and your loved ones’ comfort and safety regardless of time or occasion. Every one of our facilities has modern and clean housing arrangements, in house salons, and executive chefs that serve three hot meals a day, restaurant style. These amenities should not be considered “luxurious,” but the bare minimum to senior living and assisted living in Parker, Colorado.

To learn more about MorningStar’s amenities and Assisted Living in Parker, Co please contact us. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company’s history, vision, and mission as well as what sets us apart from other memory care facilities in Colorado.  

MorningStar of Parker embodies the very best in senior living with a distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” that sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, and offers loving, compassionate care in a beautiful setting. Please set up a tour to learn more about the finest individualized memory care in Colorado.

How Level of Care in Assisted Living is Determined

While you may have narrowed down the choices for a loved one’s move to assisted living to a couple of communities based on amenities, size and location, you may still have questions regarding the level of care they will receive. This is where a Personalized Care Plan comes in. Before the person moves in, the community’s Wellness Director, nurse or another qualified staff member meets with the person and their family to map out a care plan based on the individual’s needs.

The initial evaluation is typically very thorough and includes the person’s medical history, background and personal preferences and is the basis for how level of care is determined. Experts say a care plan evaluation is essential to quality care as it goes through the amount of time spent assisting the person as well as the additional costs associated with the services. The facility should also explain how often they do routine evaluations in order to revise or update service plans.  

The Senior Care.com website says you should get a description of the community’s daily routine; touching on topics like meals, activities, therapies, personal schedules, medical and nursing care, and emotional needs. They emphasize this is the time to bring up any special problems, to ask questions (you may want to prepare them in advance) and discuss resources. Be open about your expectations and the goals you have for your care. 

Situated in the historic Laurelhurst District, MorningStar at Laurelhurst is the newest senior living Portland, OR offers. Our desirable location makes it convenient for long-time residents to continue to comfortably live in familiar surroundings or near loved ones. We have 83 assisted living suites and 32 suites in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory impairment. Our company was founded in 2003 and has dozens of communities across the Western US including several around Portland. We open to residents in the last quarter of 2022 and invite you to contact us today to reserve your select suite. 

Source: 

seniorcare.com/assisted-living/resources/services-provided/individual-service-plans-isps-/

Joining the MorningStar of Idaho Falls Family

At MorningStar Senior Living of Idaho Falls, we are experts in providing seniors with first-class independent living, assisted living and memory care. In fact, every aspect of our community is designed to offer a relaxing lifestyle enabling you to fully enjoy your retirement years. This includes providing support to residents and their families starting with the all-important decision process and carries through to the move-in and transition period. 

A great way to start is to take a look at our Senior Life guide. Along with our knowledgeable team, it is a great resource in aiding families who are deciding if the time is right for assisted living or memory care.

When it comes to the move-in process, our team helps in whatever way we can (see our detailed description of what is involved in our FAQs). We recognize moving into a retirement community is a major lifestyle transition for a senior and approach the moment with the utmost sensitivity. Our MorningStar team nurtures a relationship from the beginning and strives to open the resident to the many possibilities and adventures community life offers. 

You are considered part of the MorningStar family once a deposit secures your chosen suite and you take possession within a 10-day period. At this point, our “House to Home” process begins in earnest with securing the vital information, agreements and permissions inherent to the move including a medical assessment and physician’s plan of care for both assisted living and memory care residents. Practical help includes recommending reputable moving companies familiar with community living; and listening and communicating with our new resident to facilitate a smooth transition.  

While MorningStar of Idaho Falls is known for beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we brag the most about our compassionate team who understands it is a privilege to serve. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted independent living, assisted living and memory care at MorningStar.  We look forward to hearing from you. 

MorningStar of Idaho Falls represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents.  Visit our website for more information about the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in Idaho Falls.

Healthy and Nutritious Foods for Seniors

Eating healthy is important through all stages of life, and it is especially important for seniors. Prioritizing healthy, nutritious foods ensures that your body gets the nutrition it needs to function properly and give you energy. 

Proper nutrition can also help joint function and even prevent some diseases like osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and heart disease. We all know that fruits and vegetables are good foods to incorporate into a healthy diet, but there are other healthy foods that seniors should be aware of. 

Beans

Beans are an often-overlooked food, but they pack a punch when it comes to health. Beans are a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and iron and come in a variety of types. 

Beans are rich in amino acids, which are what the body uses to build protein to repair itself. Beans also contain antioxidants, which have been shown to fight damaging chemicals in the body that can contribute to diseases. 

Finally, beans are heart-healthy. The protein and fiber content means that adults who consume beans regularly are less likely to suffer from heart disease and heart attacks. 

Beans are an affordable food that can be incorporated into your favorite meals. For those living in senior living communities, try seeking out entrées with beans or requesting more bean varieties on the menu. 

Garlic

We all know garlic as a common food to flavor dishes, but it’s actually considered to be a superfood by many health professionals. First, garlic contains acids that boost your body’s immune system and helps it fight against illness. 

Next, garlic has been shown to reduce high blood pressure, which is particularly important for seniors. High blood pressure is a big risk factor for heart disease and is responsible for millions of deaths a year worldwide. 

Finally, garlic helps reduce cholesterol levels, which is especially important for seniors with a history of heart disease. 

Nuts

Nuts have health benefits for the brain and are a staple snack in memory care communities. Nuts like pecans, cashews, and peanuts are rich in healthy fats like magnesium, and vitamins E and B. 

All of these are proven to boost cognition function and promote brain health. All seniors carry some risk of developing memory issues, including diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s, so incorporating brain-healthy foods is highly recommended. 

MorningStar of Sparks

MorningStar of Sparks senior living offers the best of both assisted and independent living communities. We provide luxurious amenities and living quarters, along with specialized support for seniors of all abilities. 

We believe in providing a community while also enriching the lives of all of our residents. Get in touch with us today to learn more about what we offer.

Welcome to MorningStar of Idaho Falls

MorningStar of Idaho Falls is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company that was founded on the mission to: honor God, value all seniors and invest in staff. Our community is set in a warm, inviting environment and features beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities. We strive to create a “true home”  for residents with a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and community.

Holding true to our mission of servant leadership, our staff are the kind of people who understand it is a privilege to serve; and treat residents like they do their own moms and dads. In fact, serving seniors has given us a profound respect for the many challenges and truimphs they have experienced throughout their lifetime; and is why we consider seniors to be true heroes.  

Nestled on the southeast side of town, MorningStar of Idaho Falls is meticulously designed and supported by an extraordinary hospitality and care team who feel called to serve seniors. We offer several options for senior living starting with 87 independent living suites for those who do not require assistance with daily care activities.  In addition, we have 12 cottages with a one car garage intended for active seniors. Both suites and cottages offer a variety of floorplans (with a cottage option over 1400 sq. ft.).  

MorningStar of Idaho Falls also has 66 stylish suites for assisted living including one-bedroom and two-bedroom plans.  For your safety, all suites have handicap-accessible bathrooms and 24-hour emergency call systems. Our clinical services include a licensed nurse onsite and on call, 24-hour Care Managers, a CPR-trained staff member on every shift, and medication management by Certified Med Care Managers.  

For seniors needing memory care, our Reflections Neighborhood has 28 secure suites dedicated to memory care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information about our community as well as pricing and availability. We look forward to hearing from you.

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 our exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Idaho Falls, ID.

Sitting Too Much Each Day is “Bad” for the Brain

Our modern day lifestyle encourages behaviors that are bad for the health of our brain as well as other parts of our body. Research finds the following four habits are especially dangerous for cognitive health. They are sitting, lack of socializing, inadequate sleep, and chronic stress. The good news is they are habits we can easily change. 

Many of our workplaces and entertainment pursuits include sitting for long periods of time. In fact a 2018 study published in the PLOS One reports people age 45 to 75 sit for an average of 6½ hours a day. Researchers found “sitting too much is linked to changes in a section of the brain essential to memory.” Using MRI scans, they looked at the region of the brain known to make new memories called the medial temporal lobe (MTL). Comparing the number of hours a day the person spent sitting, those who sat the most had the thinnest MTL regions, a precursor to cognitive decline and dementia. To help improve the functioning of your MTL, the study’s authors recommend getting up and moving at least every 30 minutes. Your activity could be a quick round of squats or pushups or a walk around your front yard; or something similar for a few minutes. 

Lack of socialization can also lead to a thinning of the MTL as a number of studies link loneliness to a higher risk of dementia. Experts say you don’t have to completely change your lifestyle but rather make an effort to routinely connect with three or four family members or friends. The number of social connections is less important than the degree of meaningful interactions.  

Other healthy cognitive behaviors include getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night and reducing your level of stress. Research shows chronic stress “can kill brain cells and shrink the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for memory and learning.” To manage stress, experts suggest breathing techniques and practicing mindfulness.  

MorningStar at Laurelhurst assisted living and memory care community provides a full range of care and hospitality services and luxury amenities. We also offer a complement of wellness programs and activities to help residents stay engaged physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. Contact us to learn more about the newest assisted living in Portland and to reserve your select suite. We open to residents in the last quarter of 2022. 

Source: 

health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/the-worst-habits-for-your-brain?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WR20220415-CognitiveFitness&utm_id=3606398&dlv-emuid=33b2f11b-97ca-447f-ab66-cfb4e7a55fa7&dlv-mlid=3606398