The Benefits of a Daily Walk for Seniors

Walking seems like a simple exercise. However, not enough adults or seniors take regular walks. It’s no surprise that a daily walk for seniors can improve health and overall well-being. Getting 10 to 15 minutes of fresh air, walking around MorningStar’s assisted living community with a friend or family member, or taking your dog out for a quick stroll are all great ways to get your body moving. At MorningStar, you can find a senior living community that promotes a healthy lifestyle for seniors.
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Walking improves circulation and heart health in seniors. If you want to be proactive in your health as you age, taking a daily walk is a massive step in the right direction. Literally! Daily walking has shown a positive impact on heart health and reduces the risk of more serious conditions, like heart disease, strokes, and even diabetes.

If your loved one has been experiencing muscle pain, arthritis, or other types of chronic pain, a daily walk is beneficial in reducing this discomfort, too. It may seem counterintuitive to move more when you experience body pain, but walking strengthens the muscles in your legs and back. Stronger muscles can alleviate stress on joints and will work to relieve pain associated with arthritis.

Seniors can often struggle with sleep issues. A huge benefit of walking is that it forces your body to use more energy, therefore requiring more rest. This can greatly improve the lifestyle of a senior struggling with insomnia or poor sleep habits. If you are considering a move to senior living, Parker’s health-focused MorningStar of Parker has everything to get your body and mind on the right track. We hope to see you enjoying our strolling paths and Cherry Creek Trail soon!

You can enjoy the things you love more when you live at a MorningStar Senior Living retirement home and assisted living community near you. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our retirement community near you.
 
Please contact us today to learn more about our other memory care amenities within our senior living facility. Our staff is happy to answer any questions you have. Our website also provides information on our company's history, vision, and mission, and what sets us apart from other retirement communities in Parker, Colorado, offers.

Is a Senior Living Community Right for You?

As more and more seniors watch friends and relatives move into retirement communities, many wonder if it is the right step for them. While obviously a decision of this magnitude should be carefully made, there is data showing most seniors in retirement communities are happy they made the move. In fact, studies further indicate seniors in such communities tend to live longer. One report from the United States General Accounting Office (GAO), states “seniors who choose to live in retirement communities live 1.5 to 2 years longer than seniors who choose to retire in their homes.”

Researchers explain that many communities offer seniors a higher quality of life with their wide range of activities including physical fitness classes, group games and other entertainment opportunities. Also, we all know maintaining a home can be stressful and even more so as we age, while retirement communities provide a virtually carefree lifestyle. 

Senior communities seamlessly provide the chance to interact and socialize with like-minded people in the same stage of life, making it easy to meet and connect with people who share your interests. Again, studies find “seniors are 22% more likely to live longer and lead more fulfilling lives if they’re given the chance to socialize with others.” Moreover, researchers say active seniors have better immune systems and a lower risk of dementia; and that loneliness can lead to a greater risk of high blood pressure, depression and early mortality. 

At MorningStar of Idaho Falls, we offer independent and assisted living with all the comforts of home along with graciously appointed common areas. Our broad range of services and amenities include wellness programs and activities, restaurant-style dining, bistro, fitness room, raised garden beds, and more to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood provides compassionate care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website for more information.
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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 outstanding senior living in Idaho Falls.
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Source: retirefearless.com/post/do-people-in-retirement-communities-live-longer

Find Your Ideal Retirement Community at MorningStar in Parker, Colorado

Choosing the perfect retirement community involves considering various factors, including location, weather, and the surrounding community. MorningStar Parker, situated in the beautiful town of Parker, Colorado, offers an exceptional retirement living experience complemented by its ideal location and vibrant surrounding community. With favorable weather conditions, breathtaking natural landscapes, and a welcoming community, MorningStar Parker is a perfect choice for seniors seeking a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement lifestyle.

Parker maintains a peaceful small-town atmosphere, with friendly residents and a slower pace of life. This tranquility allows MorningStar Parker residents to savor a quiet retirement while within reach of urban conveniences. A close-knit community fosters a sense of security, neighborly connections, and a warm and welcoming environment for retirees.

MorningStar Parker benefits from its proximity to a wide range of amenities and services that cater to retirees' needs and preferences, making this retirement community a great place to live. The town of Parker features shopping centers, restaurants, medical facilities, and recreational options, ensuring that residents can access essentials and leisure activities easily. Whether exploring local boutiques, dining at diverse culinary establishments, or participating in fitness classes, MorningStar Parker residents can enjoy a fulfilling and convenient retirement lifestyle without traveling far.

One of Parker, Colorado's standout features is its picturesque weather. The region experiences a temperate climate with all four distinct seasons, allowing senior living residents to appreciate each season's beauty and diversity. Summers are generally warm and sunny, creating inviting outdoor activities and socializing environments. Fall brings vibrant foliage, while winter offers a snowy wonderland that adds charm and a sense of coziness. Spring brings blossoming flowers and pleasant temperatures, making it an ideal time for exploration and rejuvenation. The favorable weather in Parker allows residents of MorningStar to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
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You can enjoy the things you love more when you live at MorningStar Senior Living Parker Co retirement homes. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our retirement community near you. Contact us today to learn about the best senior living community to offer built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Parker Co has seen.

Welcome Home to MorningStar of Idaho Falls

Since MorningStar Senior Living was founded in 2003, we have believed it is a privilege to “cast a new light” on senior living guided by the following precepts: to honor God in our business practices and relationships; value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. This three-pillared mission statement has kept us grounded through our growth to 40+ retirement communities in operation or under construction across eleven states. MorningStar of Idaho Falls is one of two in Idaho.
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MorningStar of Idaho Falls provides all the services, luxury amenities, and programs to ensure residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. Starting with a five-star dining service that includes meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients, restaurant-style dining and private dining room, we have an onsite theatre, bistro and salon. Other amenities include a billiards and game room, library, fitness room and raised garden beds. For your safety, all suites have a handicap-accessible bathroom and 24-hour emergency call system.

To serve the various needs of seniors, we offer stylish cottages and apartments for independent living in a variety of floor plans and configurations. MorningStar’s independent living promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle with maintenance-free living, built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, wellness programs, and activities. Housekeeping services help keep life simple and frees up time for other interests. Maybe it is time to improve your golf game, start or renew a hobby, get closer to the grandkids or volunteer in your community.

If you are a senior who requires help with the activities of daily living, MorningStar provides various levels of assisted living. As a resident, you will have a personalized plan created for you, and updated as needed. Around-the-clock care managers, access to licensed nurses and medication management are just a few of the many services we provide to ensure your safety and to meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.

MorningStar is ideally located and offers a range of cultural and entertainment venues, outdoor activities, quality medical facilities and great shopping and dining nearby. Residents enjoy local spots such as the Idaho Falls Zoo, Museum of Idaho, and the Idaho Falls River Walk Greenbelt Trail. To see our beautiful retirement community up close, please contact us to schedule a 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. Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living in Idaho Falls.

How to Safely Start an Exercise Routine

Doctors caution everyone, especially seniors, to go slow when starting or getting back into an exercise routine; and before you begin, to consult with your healthcare provider. After all you want to get back into shape, and causing injury or harm to yourself, is certain to delay or prevent this progress. 

Moreover, doctors reiterate that while individuals extremely out-of-shape will benefit the most from regular exercise, they are also more at risk for sudden heart problems resulting from such a workout. Dr. Martha Gulati, editor-in-chief of CardioSmart, the American College of Cardiology's patient education initiative, says it is important to "pace yourself, don't do too much too soon and make sure you give your body time to rest between workouts." 

One way to exercise safely is to pay attention to your heart rate. If you notice it is not coming down as your intensity decreases while resting or is beating irregularly, you need to stop. Dr. Gulati warns chest pains are never normal nor is nausea, vomiting or extreme sweating and if you experience symptoms, call 911. In addition, neither dizziness nor extreme shortness of breath is normal but rather a signal to stop and consult with your doctor. Cramps may be a sign of dehydration or low potassium levels and should not be ignored. Care should also be taken in individuals with atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat, and seek emergency medical attention if such an event occurs. 

As one of the area’s finest retirement communities, MorningStar of Idaho Falls provides independent living, assisted living and memory care. Designed to meet our residents’ every need, MorningStar has a range of wellness programs and activities to engage and support physical, intellectual, social and spiritual connections.  We encourage you to visit our website for more information.  While you are there, use our Virtual Assistant to inquire about availability and pricing or to request a tour to see firsthand our beautiful community.  We look forward to meeting you.

MorningStar of Idaho Falls mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement 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/wellness/fitness/slideshows/signs-you-should-stop-exercising-immediately

Family Activities to do with Seniors

Nothing feels better than spending time with people you love. Often, our family members are the people we feel the closest to and most loved by. Upon moving into senior or assisted living, our elderly family members need time to readjust to not being around their family or friends as often as they were once used to. That feeling of loneliness towards their families disappears, and never really goes away. Taking the time to get your family involved with your loved one in senior living greatly improves a senior’s day. It gives them something to look forward to and to think of fondly after you have left. If you are planning a trip to visit your loved one in senior living, consider these fun activities to participate in as a family. 

Seniors in retirement living or assisted living may not be able to get out into the world as often or as easily as before. Perhaps bring some of the worlds into their home instead. Bringing a new movie to watch together as a family is a great way to spend some quality time all together and to get your loved one excited. It might have been a while since they have gone to a movie theater so bringing snacks and their favorite beverage can also help them feel more included and considered. 

Bringing board games is a simple way to keep kids entertained for long periods and to bond with the whole family. Ideally, the game is relatively simple with few instructions or confusing rules. If your loved one in senior living has a favorite game, they will probably enjoy playing that specific game the most as it will feel familiar and safe to them. They can also teach your family to play which builds unique memories. 

If your loved one is particularly crafty, researching simple DIY projects is another great way to get the whole family involved in a day of fun and relaxation. Working with our hands keeps our minds busy and calm. If your loved one has been voicing the need for some quality time, a group art project may be the way to go! 

Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s retirement communities and senior living options 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 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, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted living in Parker, Colorado.

Retirement is the Time to Start Something New

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

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

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

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

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

If you are looking for exceptional independent living, assisted living or memory care, MorningStar of Idaho Falls may be your answer. Our beautiful home is designed to provide seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Along with inviting common areas both inside and out, we offer a range of amenities and wellness programs to promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle. Please visit our website for more information about retirement communities.

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.

Seniors Can Help Maintain Their Independence with Exercise

As we grow older, many people begin to slow down. However, we know a lack of exercise and activity can cause reduced muscle strength and flexibility, and lead to health problems that make beginning exercise that much more difficult. In fact, a government study estimated “nearly 80% of American adults do not get the recommended amounts of exercise each week, with adults 65 and older being the least likely to engage in a regular exercise routine.” 

Experts recommend older adults make a plan to stay more active and commit to it. Before you begin any new exercise or activity, talk to your doctor as your health challenges may make some physical activities not possible. Guidance from your healthcare providers can help develop a plan most effective in achieving overall conditioning despite any limited endurance.    

Areas to focus on include strengthening leg muscles to improve mobility and balance, which is part of maintaining your independence as strong legs support so many basic everyday activities, such as sitting down, standing up, and walking. In addition, safe upper body exercises are important in giving a person the strength to get up from an armchair or carrying and lifting items as part of performing routine household activities. Exercises focusing on maintaining or improving balance are also important in reducing a person’s risk for a fall. 

For independent or assisted living, MorningStar of Idaho Falls is the perfect community to enjoy stress-free retirement years.  We are an all-inclusive community, boasting a dining service under the direction of our Executive Chef and onsite amenities, wellness programs and activities for a healthy, engaged lifestyle. In addition, we provide compassionate care in our Reflections Neighborhood for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us for more information about our retirement communities as well as pricing and availability.

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 Idaho Falls.

Source: hurusa.com/5-of-the-best-strength-exercises-for-senior-independence

A Senior’s Unmet Needs Can Lead to Serious Health Problems

Most seniors wish to maintain their independence as long as possible by living on their own; and this is why many who encounter problems in their day-to-day lives are reluctant to tell their families. The problem with this is as a senior starts to have more difficulty caring for themselves, their quality of life can be greatly diminished. 

Even if mom or dad seem to be doing well on their own, experts say a rapid decline in their health from an accident or illness can catch families by surprise and make living on their own dangerous. In addition, many health conditions affect musculoskeletal, neurological, circulatory or sensory systems and impact a senior’s ability to perform the activities of daily living (ADLs). Experts say other factors indicating a need for more help include social isolation, medication side effects and the physical characteristics of the person’s home such as a second floor bedroom. If after implementing a series of home modifications is not adequate, more measures need to be taken to keep your loved one safe. 

Experts explain unmet ADLs can lead to serious health problems including “malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, isolation, illnesses like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and falls. In fact, studies show ADL disabilities are associated with an increased risk for mortality; and taking care of daily needs can help prevent new and worsening health problems.” They also report if family members notice a decline in a loved one’s overall health, taking steps now can improve their safety and forestall further problems. One solution is to make a move to an assisted living community, where a person can live as safely and as independently as possible. To ensure needs are met, homes use the ADLs as a measure of a person’s functional performance.

At MorningStar of Idaho Falls, we offer all the comforts of home with stylish apartments and beautifully appointed common areas both inside and out. Our broad range of services and amenities include wellness programs and activities, restaurant-style dining, billiards and game room, fitness room, library, and more to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. For independent or assisted living seniors can count on, we encourage you to consider MorningStar, the perfect retirement communities to comfortably and safely age in place.

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 Idaho Falls.

Source: agingcare.com/articles/activities-of-daily-living-why-this-measure-matters-186853.htm