Want to Maintain Your Independence? Stay Social

Most of us know physical exercise is important to healthy aging. It can help us recover from injury, ease chronic pain, fight off depression and boost our energy level; but just as important are social connections. We are social beings and interacting with others has a big impact on our overall health. 

The American Public Health Association reports socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors, including exercise. The National Institutes of Health reports elderly adults’ social participation reduces loneliness, depression and stress; and a robust social life enhances quality of life, self-efficacy and self-esteem. 

Michael Rambarose, President and CEO of the Whitney Center, a Life Care community in Hamden, CT, writes, “Socialization is like the secret ingredient that makes a healthy senior lifestyle come together.” Although he is quick to add its psychological benefits shouldn’t be kept secret. He explains, “We encourage the seniors that we serve and work with to make their social lives a priority. The people and loved ones we share life with can give everything else we do more meaning.”

Another positive consequence of socialization in older adults is it keeps the brain sharp and may even decrease the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease or slow it down. At MorningStar at Laurelhurst, we understand the importance of community and staying engaged. Through purposeful, wellness programs and activities promoting physical, intellectual, spiritual and social connections; residents can choose how busy they wish to be each day. In addition we provide senior care and hospitality services along with luxury amenities and a choice of floor plans designed to feel like home. 

Our new senior living in Portland’s historic Laurelhurst District offers 83 assisted living suites and 32 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us to reserve your select suite and ask about our “Move-in Specials.” We open to residents in the last quarter of 2022. 

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

Social Isolation & Loneliness can be a Risk for Serious Health Conditions

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), statistics show seniors who report feelings of loneliness are at higher risk for several diseases including dementia and are more likely to experience premature death. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) says “one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.” Social isolation is a lack of social connections and a result of a person living alone, having a spouse and/or other supportive friends or relatives die, or suffering from chronic illness. Other related problems include a lack of transportation, mobility impairment and untreated hearing loss, which all limit the senior’s opportunity to engage with others. 

A 2010 AARP Research surveyed adults 45 and older regarding their feelings of loneliness. Of those respondents who rated their health as excellent, only 25 percent said they were lonely. Among participants who said their health was poor, 55 percent reported feeling lonely. The CDC also says studies find social isolation or loneliness is linked to a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke as well as a 50% percent increased risk of dementia.

MorningStar of Idaho Falls is a senior living community offering older adults independent living, assisted living and memory care. As one of the area’s top communities, we provide everything seniors need for quality of life and to safely and comfortably age in place. Along with luxury amenities, and care and hospitality services; our signature wellness programs and activities are designed to engage and encourage residents to live full productive lives. Our Life Enrichment team daily presents creative ways to stay active and comes with the benefit of not just camaraderie and fun, but some accountability (for you are truly missed if you don’t show up).

We offer 12 cottages with fireplaces and one-car garages and another 87 one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites within our main building for independent living. If you are a senior who needs help with the ADLs (the activities of daily living), we offer 66 assisted living suites and 28 memory care suites for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Visit our website for contact information and to inquire about availability and pricing or to schedule a tour. Also ask about our April’s Move-in Specials. 

Source: cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html