The government first published nutritional recommendations in 1941, which became known as the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDAs). At the time, recommendations were more concerned with ensuring the population “as a whole was adequately fed and free from scurvy, rickets and other wartime diseases of malnutrition.” These early guidelines did not address long-term issues such as heart disease and diabetes.
Since then, we have learned we need to focus on maintaining good nutritional habits well into our senior years to avoid or mitigate our risk for chronic diseases. One example is type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body’s muscle, fat and liver cells stop responding well to insulin resulting in consistently high blood sugar. Doctors say type 2 diabetes can be caused by too much sugar and refined-carbohydrates in our diet, and to lessen our risk, we should maintain a healthy weight and minimize blood-sugar spikes as well as add more fiber to our diet. Another thing an older adult should be aware of is muscle loss. Along with resistance training, weightlifting, Pilates, and yoga, nutritionists say to maintain strength we need to include protein in our diet. Christine Ritchie, director of research for the division of palliative care and geriatric medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, says older adults’ diet should include more protein than when they were younger. A man in his 50s needs “about 25 to 30 grams at each meal (like a medium chicken breast or burger, a 5-ounce can of tuna mixed with mayo, 2 cups of cooked rice and beans, or a cup of low-fat cottage cheese).” Government dietary guidelines report that we burn approximately 200 fewer daily calories after age 50, so if you keep eating like you did in your thirties or forties, you will probably gain weight. Also, as bone loss starts sometime in our early thirties and continues into old age, seniors should consume foods with calcium and vitamin D. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends 1,200 milligrams a day of calcium for women and 1,000 mg for men. Additionally, eat fruits and vegetables in a bright range of colors for heart-protecting antioxidants. At MorningStar of Littleton, we recognize that good nutrition is especially important to the wellbeing of seniors. Our meals are prepared largely from scratch and feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers, locally sourced when possible. Our beautiful home offers 65 stylish suites for assisted living and another 20 suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior living Littleton, CO offers and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.” MorningStar of Littleton represents the very best in assisted living and memory care. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Littleton, CO has to offer. Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2020/nutrition-after-age-50.html
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From time to time, we hear news stories about elderly people causing serious car accidents due to negligence. This typically reignites the on-going debate about “when is it time for a senior to stop driving?” Also, it is important to keep in mind that seniors are more likely to be injured in an accident as well as more likely to die from their injuries.
Obviously being told you should no longer drive is a very sensitive topic for an elderly person still driving. To them, it represents more than just getting from one place to another but their independence and a way of life. So before you take away your elderly parent’s driving privileges, there are some things you can do to check that their driving is up to today’s road conditions. The first thing you can do is to get in the car and take a ride with them. Experts say some driving issues signal serious problems while others less so. For instance if your loved one is confusing the gas pedal with the brake, this is serious and requires immediate action. Other things to look for are problems with left-hand turns, changing lanes, or driving either too fast or too slow. Once you are out of the car, check for signs of new scrapes and dents. Many older adults realize their driving abilities are not what they used to be and make the decision on their own to stop driving at night or on freeways. They also will not drive on icy and snowy roads or in the rain. Some even make other adjustments such as not making left hand turns or avoiding busy roads with lots of lanes and traffic. One of the many advantages of senior living is that most communities offer services for transportation. This ensures your loved one will get to their doctor appointments safely and any other errands they need to do. If you would like to learn more about our loving assisted living and memory care community in Colorado Springs, please contact MorningStar at Mountain Shadows. We welcome any questions and will be more than happy to speak with you and your family. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents. Visit our website to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care in Colorado Springs, CO. The Harvard Medical School reports it is estimated 1 in 3 people over age 65 will fall each year, and every 19 minutes a senior dies from a fall-related injury. Statistics show women are at higher risk for a fall but men are more likely to die from their injuries than women.
Seniors should be aware of several things that can affect balance and lead to a fall. These include certain medications, inner ear problems, foot pain, weight changes and a vitamin D deficiency. Anti-hypertensive medications prescribed to keep blood pressure under control or decrease the risk of stroke and heart failure are all known to affect balance. A common side effect is orthostatic hypotension, a condition that happens if blood pressure gets too low; and results in lightheadedness, faintness and dizziness especially when the person attempts to stand from a sitting or lying down position. Medications that suppress the central nervous system may also result in a fall as they reduce alertness, and slow reactions and movements. Some of these types of drugs include anti-anxiety medications like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Additionally, antihistamines can cause drowsiness and are used in over-the-counter sleep aids like Nyquil and Sominex, or combined with acetaminophen in products like Tylenol PM. If you or a loved one takes medication to treat an overactive bladder or tricyclic antidepressants to help lessen chronic pain, they too can affect a person’s balance. Other drugs that increase the risk of a fall are opioids such as codeine, hydrocodone and oxycodone. At MorningStar at Jordan Creek, our assisted living lets seniors comfortably and safely age in place with a range of hospitality and care services, resort-style amenities and a complement of wellness programs and activities. For seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, we provide comprehensive memory care. For trusted senior living Des Moines area seniors can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information. We proudly provide the very best in assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. If you are looking for exceptional senior living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek may be your answer. Source: health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/preventing-falls 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. MorningStar of Littleton is a beautiful community with 65 assisted living suites offering residents’ peace of mind knowing compassionate help is readily available whenever they need it. We also have 20 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. For trusted senior living Littleton, CO families can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Littleton, CO has to offer. 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, MorningStar of Littleton provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source: agingcare.com/articles/activities-of-daily-living-why-this-measure-matters-186853.htm If you have arthritis, heart or lung issues, pain and weakness in the feet and legs, impairment due to a stroke, visual impairment, or other balance problems, a mobility aid can help you feel more independent, reduce pain, and increase confidence. With a number of options available ranging from canes to walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters, you may be wondering which one is best for your needs.
Experts explain that your choice of aids will depend on your disability and/or medical condition. Canes are the most common choice and are good for someone with balance problems. In fact, the journal Medical News Today, says that one in 10 adults over the age of 65 uses a cane. However, even here there are decisions to be made. While white canes are reserved for the visually impaired or blind, you may find a four-footed cane with its wider base offers more stability. If you need to shift weight from the wrist to the arm, try a forearm cane. Walkers, also called Zimmer frames, provide stability and are used by an estimated 4.6 percent of people in the country over the age of 65. Along with the basic walker, styles include rollators that have four wheels, handlebars and a seat. Knee walkers are similar to a rollator but have a padded cushion to rest a knee on while the stronger leg moves it forward. Walker-cane hybrids are another option that offers better support than a standard cane. For more severe disabilities or to move longer distances, a wide range of wheelchairs and scooters are available. If mobility problems are long-term, modifications to your home may also be necessary. Regardless of what mobility aid you decide on, doctors recommend making an appointment with your healthcare provider or physical therapist to learn how to use the new device properly. MorningStar of Littleton has 65 stylish suites for assisted living and another 20 memory care suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. For trusted senior living Littleton, CO seniors can count on, visit our website or contact us for further information. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Littleton, CO has to offer. 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, MorningStar of Littleton provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318463#Types-of-mobility-aids Currently Shingrix is the only vaccine approved for adults 50 years and older to protect against shingles. This vaccine is important as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports nearly one in three people in the U.S. develop shingles at some point, and every year an estimated 1 million people are diagnosed with the disease.
Symptoms of shingles include pain, rash, itching, and at first fluid-filled, then eventually crusting blisters. People can additionally suffer from a hypersensitivity to touch or light as well as headaches and fevers. The disease can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months and pain is generally most intense in the first few weeks. Some individuals may require pain medication to sleep or get comfort. When Shingrix first came on the market in 2017 so many people wanted it there weren’t enough dosages to meet demand. Now manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline reports there is plenty of supply available for anyone who wishes to get the shot. For many people who put off medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic, now may be the time to protect yourself against shingles. The vaccine requires two doses given any time between two to six months; and studies show it to be highly effective against the shingles in both older healthy adults and frailer ones. “In a large multicenter study of approximately 27,000 people vaccinated with Shingrix or a placebo, effectiveness ranged from about 90% in frail participants to nearly 96% in non-frail participants.” MorningStar of Mountain Shadows’ goal is to be one of the best senior living communities in Colorado Springs, and we are committed to the comfort, wellbeing, and safety of our remarkable residents. Beautifully situated at the foot of the Rockies, we are convenient to medical facilities, shopping, and restaurants as well as other services. Our community offers 45 well-appointed assisted living suites and 19 suites devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. To experience our community up close, contact us to schedule a visit. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows represents the very best in assisted living and memory care. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide carefree retirement years with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Contact us to see what sets us apart from other senior living communities and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.” Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/shingrix-shingles-vaccine If you are a senior who wants to start exercising again, you may not know how to begin. For one thing, you probably realize you are not as fit as you used to be, and are not up to the same degree of physical activity that you once did. And of course, before you begin any new form of exercise, you will need to check with your doctor to make sure you are fit enough, especially if you have osteoporosis, an injury, or balance issues.
Once you get the go ahead from your healthcare provider, stretching is a good place to begin. In fact, studies show that as we grow older our flexibility decreases by up to 50 percent in some joints. Another good thing about stretching is many exercises are appropriate for any level of fitness including ones that can be done sitting in a chair. Stretching can help you maintain your flexibility and mobility as well as loosen up some of your stiffness in your back, neck and shoulder muscles. Another plus about stretching exercises is that most of them do not require special equipment and can be done anywhere. The Silver Sneakers website recommends that as you stretch, “to breathe deeply, and go slowly. Listen to your body, and never force a movement that causes pain.” They remind seniors it is okay if they cannot bend very far as over time they will loosen up some. Safety is always important and you do not want to hurt yourself. Other exercises especially good for seniors include chair yoga, resistance band workouts, walking, and dumbbell strength training. At MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, our beautiful community offers a whole host of amenities and care services as well as wellness programs that include exercises geared toward our residents. We are committed to provide the best assisted living Colorado Springs has to offer, which includes exemplary service to our residents to ensure their utmost comfort, wellbeing and safety. Please see our website to learn more. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Before beginning any exercise, be sure to check with your healthcare provider. MorningStar at Mountain Shadows’ mission statement of “to honor, to serve, 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 the finest memory care and assisted living Colorado Springs offers. Source: silversneakers.com/blog/stretching-for-seniors-7-simple-moves-for-the-not-so-flexible/ According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 33% of women and 20% of men 65 years and older lived by themselves in 2020. Experts say living alone doesn’t necessarily mean an individual is lonely but it often is the case. Not to mention, the pandemic certainly made matters worse with many seniors self-isolating from family and friends.
Whatever the cause of loneliness, research shows it takes a toll on people. In fact, a study from Brigham Young University reports loneliness can be as deadly as smoking or obesity. Study authors explain senior isolation “may complicate existing conditions, encourage an unhealthy lifestyle, and affect cognition.” The American Psychiatric Association says seniors who report feelings of loneliness are more susceptible to depression and poor health habits including excessive drinking, smoking and lack of exercise. Research from the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging found the “risk of Alzheimer’s nearly doubled in lonely adults, and mental decline was faster.” Senior living communities like MorningStar of Wheat Ridge provide residents a lifestyle that focuses on wellness, comfort and community. Along with extensive care services, we offer a broad range of wellness programs and activities designed to enhance physical, intellectual, spiritual, and social connectivity. Programs range from physical exercise classes to craft classes, trivia and card games, bingo, clubs and more. We tell residents if we do not offer something you wish to pursue, start a club and encourage others to join. Assisted living residents receive a range of services such as 24/7 care managers, certified med care managers and scheduled health & wellness evaluations. A licensed nurse is onsite during weekdays and on-call 24/7. Furthermore, MorningStar helps families arrange auxiliary care services to deal with other health concerns on an as needed basis. We believe every moment you are alive is an opportunity to grow, set new goals, dream new dreams, and do better. MorningStar is committed to excellence and helping seniors have better lives. Visit our website for more information on trusted seniors living in Wheat Ridge, CO. At MorningStar of Wheat Ridge our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, 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 assisted living and memory care. Sources: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/senior-isolation-facts acl.gov/aging-and-disability-in-america/data-and-research/profile-older-americans If you are worried about an elderly parent who lives alone and may not be getting the kind of personal daily care, meals, or company they need; it may be time to consider assisted living. At MorningStar of Littleton, we specialize in providing care for seniors who need a little help with their day-to-day personal care activities but do not require 24-hour medical care.
We have seen first-hand how the transition to assisted living eases the stress of either or both the senior’s life or the family caregiver’s life. Moreover, we recognize that assisted living at its best allows residents to not only survive but to thrive. We achieve this with a wide range of care services, fine dining, and meaningful wellness programs and activities. In addition, residents enjoy built-in companionship as they make new friends with fellow residents and our truly loving staff. To give families a good idea of what services are provided with assisted living, we are happy to answer questions. Also, we suggest you take a look at our website where you will find a lot of information. A good place to start is our Decision Guide under the “First Steps” tab. Here we go over things to look for that may indicate your parents need more help such as recent falls, unexplained weight loss, poor balance, and/or poor personal hygiene. From there, take a look at our FAQs for more details. Under our “Wellness” tab we go over our dining services, life enrichment programs, and clinical care services. We also like to direct interested families to “Our Heart” to read a little background on how MorningStar Senior Living began and what its mission and precepts are all about. While you will discover our company was founded on Judeo-Christian tradition, we honor all faith systems and worldviews as we believe it is our responsibility to respect residents’ spiritual preferences. In fact, our goal is to meet a resident’s social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs as part of creating a comfortable home and compassionate care. Please contact us for more information about the finest senior living Littleton, CO has to offer. Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Littleton, CO offers. 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, MorningStar of Littleton provides outstanding assisted living and memory care. When we look at cultures with a reputation for longevity, leading nutritionists and food scientists say there is one food group that stands out. “Blue zones,” areas known for having many of their inhabitants live to an advanced age of hundred years or more, include in their diet, five of the ten most recommended foods. All are from the bean family and include lentils, soybeans, peanuts (a legume in the same family as peas and lentils), chickpeas and black beans.
People living on the Japanese island of Okinawa might enjoy a dinner of stir-fried green beans, soybeans or mung sprouts. Another meal in Nicoya, Costa Rica typically includes black beans. Known for a high level of anthocyanins, a pigment that gives red, purple, and blue plants their rich coloring, beans help fight free radicals and offer anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer benefits. In fact, anthocyanins offer 10 times the antioxidants of an equivalent serving of oranges. Nutritionists say beans also boost the immune system by supplying the fiber our microbiomes need. They suggest the local diet of people in blue zones help them avoid many of the same health risks Americans suffer from such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, dementia and cancers. At MorningStar of Littleton, we offer residents a lifestyle in which to comfortably and safely age in place with a range of hospitality and care services, luxury amenities and a complement of wellness programs and activities. In addition, our all-day dining service includes meals prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef and made largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients. Tucked at the foot of the majestic Rockies, MorningStar of Littleton offers 65 suites for assisted living in spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Additionally, the Reflections Neighborhood has 20 secure suites devoted to specialized Alzheimer’s care for residents with memory impairment. Please contact us for more information. MorningStar of Littleton’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living options. 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 assisted living and Alzheimer’s care. Source: cnbc.com/2020/09/15/adding-this-simple-food-to-your-diet-may-help-you-live-to-100-says-longevity-health-researcher.html |
Offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, MorningStar is committed to giving residents a quality of life surpassing that of other senior living communities. To experience firsthand the finest in senior living, contact us to schedule a tour. Archives
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