Natural Ways to Support Your Liver as You Age

Your liver handles energy storage, protein building, and detox work quietly, yet it depends on steady inputs. Focus on weight, food pattern, alcohol, medications, and movement. If weight loss is appropriate, even five to ten percent can lower liver fat; avoid crash diets and aim for slow, durable change.

Eat for insulin sensitivity and calm inflammation

• Center meals on vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruit, and fish, with modest portions of lean poultry or tofu. 

• Cruciferous vegetables supply sulfur compounds that support hepatic enzyme systems. 

• Coffee, in one to three cups daily for most adults, is associated with healthier liver markers. 

• Keep it simple and skip heavy syrups.

• Hydrate with water in retirement communities or unsweetened tea so appetite and energy stay even.

Simple daily targets:

• Two cups of vegetables, including one serving of crucifers

• One to two cups fruit

• One to two cups beans or lentils across the day

• A small handful of nuts or seeds

Put boundaries around alcohol and pills

Plan several dry days each week in assisted living Phoenix. When you drink, measure pours and alternate with water. If alcohol has become a coping tool, speak with a clinician about support, from counseling to medications that reduce cravings. Audit medications and supplements annually. Acetaminophen is safe when used as directed, yet double dosing across cold products can exceed limits. Choose herbs from brands with third party testing and tell your provider everything you take. Ask about vaccination status for hepatitis A and B if uncertain.

Move daily and protect the night

Brisk walking, cycling, or swimming improve insulin sensitivity even without large weight changes. Two short strength sessions preserve muscle that keeps metabolism steady. Sleep is the overnight maintenance window; keep a consistent schedule, dim lights an hour before bed, and cool the room so the body can do its work. Keep screens outside the final hour to improve quality.

Make adherence easy and social

Batch cook beans, roast mixed vegetables, and keep frozen berries for quick smoothies. Season with turmeric, ginger, garlic, herbs, and citrus so flavor stays high while sodium stays reasonable. If you dine in group settings like programs offered within senior living Phoenix, ask for menus that feature lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains, with alcohol free social options available.

Track, don’t guess

Follow AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, and lipids on your clinician’s schedule and keep a simple chart so trends are visible. Ask about ultrasound or transient elastography if enzymes remain elevated. Treat your liver like a partner: when inputs stay consistent, energy steadies, thinking feels clearer, and labs grow more predictable across the seasons.

How Pilates Supports Posture and Pain Management in Seniors

Why Pilates fits aging bodies

Pilates focuses on controlled movement, breath, and alignment. Instead of chasing intensity, it builds precise strength in the deep core and hips, the muscles that steady the spine and protect joints. For many older adults in senior housing SantaFe NM, that precision reduces back pain, eases stiffness, and restores confidence during everyday tasks like reaching, turning, and getting out of a chair.

What to expect in a session

Classes usually begin with diaphragmatic breathing that teaches the ribs to expand without hiking the shoulders. From there, instructors layer small moves that look simple but challenge stabilizers. Expect slow bridges, leg slides, and spine articulation that trains the body to share load instead of dumping it into one sore spot. Good teachers cue where you should feel the work and how to reduce strain if something pinches.

Benefits that add up

• Posture: Stronger deep abdominals and mid-back muscles reduce slouching and neck strain.

• Balance: Hip and ankle control improve steadiness during turns and stairs.

• Mobility: Gentle spinal sequencing restores rotation and side bending.

• Pain: Better movement patterns lower stress on irritated tissues, which can reduce flare frequency.

Getting started safely

Ask your clinician about any restrictions, then look for instructors who list experience with older adults. If you are new to exercise or recovering from surgery, begin with a mat class or a one-on-one intro before trying equipment. Share specific goals, such as standing to cook without backache or walking farther with an even stride. Two sessions a week create momentum without overwhelming your schedule.

At-home mini set:

• 5 diaphragmatic breaths with hands on lower ribs

• 8 pelvic tilts, slow and smooth

• 6 bridges with a three-second hold at the top

• 8 seated marches while keeping the torso tall

Pairing Pilates with daily life

Carry cues into chores. Engage lower ribs and lengthen the crown of your head while washing dishes. Hinge from the hips when lifting laundry. Take short posture check breaks during television or reading. These micro practices teach your nervous system that the new alignment is the easy default.

Community matters

Studios, assisted living, and wellness programs often offer beginner-friendly classes and chair variations. Residents who enjoy organized activities in places similar to senior living Santa Fe NM can look for small-group formats that allow individualized cues. With consistent practice, Pilates becomes less about exercise and more about moving through the day with less pain and more ease.

How to Identify Emotional Triggers and Manage Them

Why triggers feel so big

Triggers are cues that spark outsized reactions before the thinking brain gets a vote. The cue might be a tone of voice, a slammed door, a date on the calendar, or a familiar smell. Noticing them with precision turns chaos into a plan you can practice in retirement communities Phoenix.

Map the pattern so it loses power

Keep a two week log. For each episode, jot four quick points: the cue, body sensations, the story your mind told, and what you did next. Patterns show up fast. Common culprits include raised voices, interruptions, clutter, or certain rooms. Identify your top three and write short if then scripts you can use under pressure. 

Examples:

• If I am interrupted, then I will raise a finger, finish my sentence, and ask for my turn.

• If my chest heats up, then I will pause, breathe, and ask one clarifying question.

Create a portable reset

Use a brief breath cycle anywhere: inhale four counts, hold two, exhale six. Add grounding by pressing feet into the floor or placing a hand on your chest. This lowers arousal and lets the thinking brain return. Then choose a response on purpose. Keep language short and neutral: I want to understand, please say that a different way. I will answer after I finish this task. I need ten minutes.

Reframe the story and protect your baseline

When old interpretations surge, soften the words you use. They never respect me and I feel unheard, and I am asking for space to finish. Prevention is easier than repair. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep, regular meals with protein and fiber, daily movement, and morning light. Give big feelings a place to land. Write a page you will not share, take a sensory walk, or splash cool water on your face to engage the dive reflex.

Build skills with support and real life constraints

Therapists in assisted living can guide cognitive restructuring, EMDR, and practical skills when trauma or grief is in the background. Community matters, too. Peer groups, faith communities, and skills classes provide perspective and practice so your new responses stop feeling awkward and start feeling natural.

Design for caregiving realities

If you are supporting someone with cognitive change, visit at their best time of day, keep plans simple, and avoid noisy rooms. Bring a comfort item or a favorite playlist to shift mood. Share a one page history with staff so they know what soothes and what agitates. Teams in assisted living Phoenix settings can mirror your scripts when everyone uses the same cues and language, which steadies visits for both of you.

Make progress visible

Review your log weekly. Celebrate shorter episodes, quicker recovery, and less intensity as real wins. Post your top three scripts where you will see them, and rehearse in calm moments. Consistency turns a handful of tools into reliable habits that carry you through hard conversations and surprise stressors alike.

Celiac Disease in Seniors: Often Overlooked Symptoms

Why celiac can hide in plain sight

Celiac disease is an immune reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine and disrupts nutrient absorption. In older adults in senior living Santa Fe NM, it often shows up without the classic stomach problems. Instead of dramatic cramps or diarrhea, the signals may be fatigue, bone aches, or stubborn anemia that survives multiple rounds of iron pills. Because these symptoms can be blamed on aging, the condition is frequently missed for years.

Subtle signs to track

Keep a short log for two weeks and note patterns. 

Look for combinations such as:

• Unexplained weight loss or poor appetite

• Tingling in hands and feet that suggests nerve irritation

• Mouth ulcers, brittle nails, or hair shedding

• Bloating that arrives after bread, pasta, or beer

• Low mood, brain fog, or new irritability

• Any one item can have many causes, but clusters deserve attention, especially when paired with family history of autoimmune disease or osteoporosis discovered earlier than expected.

Tests that clarify the picture

Ask your clinician in assisted living about blood work that includes tissue transglutaminase IgA and a total IgA level to rule out deficiency. If results point to celiac, endoscopy with small bowel biopsies confirms the diagnosis. At the same time, request a baseline bone density scan and labs for vitamin D, B12, iron studies, and folate. These check the body systems most affected by poor absorption.

Eating well without feeling overwhelmed

A gluten free pattern focuses on naturally safe foods. Build plates with vegetables, fruits, legumes, potatoes, rice, corn tortillas, dairy or fortified plant milks, eggs, fish, poultry, and unprocessed meats. Read labels on sauces, soups, and spice blends, where gluten can hide as thickeners. To keep variety, choose one or two certified gluten free breads or pastas you genuinely like rather than stocking many brands you never finish.

Easy weekly staples:

• Frittata with vegetables and a side of fruit

• Bean and quinoa bowl with lime and herbs

• Baked salmon, roasted potatoes, and greens

Protecting bones and nerves

Celiac can weaken bones and irritate nerves even before the gut heals. Aim for about 1200 mg of calcium daily from food plus supplements if needed, and follow your clinician’s plan for vitamin D. Include protein at each meal to help with tissue repair. Gentle strength work and balance practice lower fall risk while density improves.

Making support part of the plan

Registered dietitians flatten the learning curve, and peer groups provide brand tips and recipes that actually work. If you take part in community activities or shared meal programs, including residences that resemble senior housing Santa Fe NM, ask for labeled menus, trained kitchen staff, and consistent preparation areas. Small systems like these make it easier to eat safely without living in the pantry with a magnifying glass.

The Connection Between Celiac Disease and Bone Loss in Older Adults

Why bones suffer when the gut is inflamed

Celiac disease is an immune reaction to gluten that can present quietly in older adults. Inflammation flattens intestinal villi, which reduces absorption of calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium. Inflammatory cytokines also accelerate bone turnover. The combination leads to osteopenia or osteoporosis, sometimes discovered after a low impact fracture.

Test the gut and the skeleton together

Start with tissue transglutaminase IgA plus total IgA to screen for IgA deficiency. If positive or highly suggestive, confirm with endoscopy and multiple small bowel biopsies. At the same time, obtain a DEXA baseline and labs for 25 hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, iron studies, B12, folate, and thyroid function. If fracture risk is high, you can discuss with the medical team of senior apartments about medications that slow resorption or support formation while intestinal healing begins.

Make nutrition precise and sustainable

A strict gluten free pattern is non negotiable. Hidden gluten appears in sauces, gravies, spice blends, processed meats, medications, and some supplements. Build a safe pantry around naturally gluten free staples like rice, quinoa, corn tortillas, beans, lentils, potatoes, dairy or fortified plant milks, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. Choose breads and pastas from brands that batch test and certify gluten free. Daily bone targets matter: about 1200 mg calcium from food plus supplements if needed, vitamin D in the 30 to 50 ng/mL range, and protein at roughly 1.0 to 1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight if kidneys allow.

Train for density and balance

Weight bearing activity and progressive resistance stimulate bone. Add balance practice to reduce falls. In retirement communities a simple rotation of walking, stair climbing, light weights or bands, and tai chi covers most needs. After fractures or if pain limits movement, ask for a physical therapy plan that respects other conditions.

Keep dining safe in shared settings

Use separate toasters and boards at home and ask restaurants about dedicated fryers and prep areas. In communal environments, advocate for labeled stations and trained staff. Teams in independent living Phoenix often standardize routines that reduce cross contact for residents who need assistance. Recheck antibodies and vitamin D at intervals and repeat DEXA on schedule. As absorption improves, energy, digestion, and bone stability follow.

Budget on a fixed income: 3 Steps to Financial Control

Map reality before making rules

Collect all of your reliable income sources along with the precise amounts and timing for each. Pull three months of statements and organize your spending into categories: shelter, groceries, dining out, transportation, medical and insurance, utilities, debt, and personal. Average each line. 

This starting point isn’t a judgment. It is your starting map, and the clearest picture of your levers.

Give every dollar a job

Move to a zero based plan, where income minus plan equals zero. 

Plan three buckets: 

1. Essentials: shelter, utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, minimum debt payments

2. True expenses: irregular but predictable costs like car repair, dentist appointments, eyeglasses, gifts, and annual subscriptions

3. Quality of life: hobbies, small treats, streaming, and occasional dining out

While you still can in independent living, divide your annual true expenses by twelve and include that amount monthly to fund them. Surprises stop wrecking the plan when they are already priced in.

Automate, then trim quietly 

Schedule bill payments to occur two to three days before the due date, and move a small amount to savings on each income day, even if it is just ten dollars. If timing is tight, call providers to ask for due dates to be shifted later to line up with your deposits. Trim without pain before cutting deeply. In retirement communities negotiate internet and mobile plans, ask about senior discounts, cancel duplicates, and replace two meals from the local deli or bakery with simple batch cooking. Cut utility bills by sealing air leaks, changing HVAC filters, washing in cold water, and nudging the thermostat one degree.

Tackle debt and healthcare with strategy 

List balances and rates and choose either the smallest balance first for momentum or the highest rate first for math wins. If your rates are punishing, consider asking a nonprofit credit counselor about consolidation. During open enrollment, compare total annual cost and not just the premiums. Look at copays, deductibles, formularies, and the drugs you take. Ask your pharmacist about lower cost equivalents and mail order pricing.

Align housing with the plan

If your shelter costs exceed thirty percent of income, consider downsizing or sharing. When comparing communities like senior apartments Phoenix or similar, always ask for line item pricing, inquire about annual increases and deposits, and take note of utilities included or excluded. Factor in moving and set up costs so your comparisons remain honest. Hold a weekly twenty minute money date to adjust categories, pay one bill, and log one win. Small, repeatable actions build control into habit. 

Dating After Loss: Rebuilding Confidence in Love Again

Start with a gentle blueprint

Grief reshapes attention, energy, and appetite for small talk. When companionship begins to feel possible, write a one page snapshot of what you want now. Capture your social energy, preferred times of day, and what a comfortable first meeting looks like. That page becomes your filter for saying yes with confidence and no without guilt. Share it with one trusted friend in senior living Phoenix and ask for introductions that match your pace.

Build confidence in low pressure spaces

Begin where connection happens naturally. Book clubs, gallery afternoons, library talks, volunteer shifts, and neighborhood walking groups offer contact without forcing intimacy. When you feel ready, schedule a one hour coffee in a bright public place. Ending on time preserves momentum. 

Shared activities like a cooking class or docent tour shift attention from performance to curiosity, which is where warmth grows. If nerves spike, give yourself permission to leave after the first hour and plan a short walk to reset.

Use a tiny conversation toolkit

Carry three open prompts that never feel canned:

• What was the best part of your week

• What are you reading or watching lately

• What small thing surprised you recently

Listen to your body as much as your thoughts. Relaxed shoulders and steady breathing are green lights. A tight jaw or a buzzing mind means slow down. If a song or scent stirs grief, step away, breathe, and decide whether to share a sentence about what surfaced. Openness helps you find someone who can hold real life with care.

Keep safety and pacing in view

Meet in public, text a friend your plan, and leave if you feel rushed. Online, look for consistency between words and actions. Skip vague backstories, fast declarations, and any request for money. You control the tempo. After each interaction, write a quick debrief noting energy before and after, one detail that felt kind, and one cue that felt off. Patterns will guide better choices and reduce second guessing.

Protect your base while you date

Keep sleep, meals, movement, and friendships intact so dating does not swallow your week. Community programs in assisted living that mix classes with social hours, including those offered across retirement communities Phoenix, can provide practice without pressure. Treat dating as discovery, not replacement. You are learning who you are now, how you want to connect, and which qualities feel like home. Set a rhythm you can keep, such as one new interaction per week and one honest check in the next morning. That steady cadence builds confidence without burnout and leaves room for joy when it arrives.

How Seniors Continue to Learn and Grow in Assisted Living

Life doesn’t stop at retirement. In fact, we have even more time to explore our passions, interests and take a moment to do something for ourselves. Enjoying retirement is just as important for seniors who struggle with activities of daily living. It can become more complicated to complete tasks, participate in hobbies, and see friends. Because of this, MorningStar Senior Living encourages seniors to continue to learn and grow in assisted living with plenty of amenities, activities, and clubs for residents to continue to discover new things each day. 

Life Enrichment Teams

Modern assisted living homes offer more than just care. We are with our residents for every joy of life. This includes creating a colorful experience every day. MorningStar’s life enrichment teams present creative ways for residents to get involved multiple times a month. There is something for everyone to enjoy at least once a week. Our life enrichment teams work to understand the passions of our residents and come up with ways to bring new or unique experiences to the community. 

Workshops and Learning Opportunities

While seniors have spent many years learning, there is still so much to know or ways to sharpen their skills. Great assisted living communities often offer exciting skills-based classes in art, fitness, cooking, and more. The classes encourage self-expression, socialization, and working with refined motor skills that can dull over time. Every resident can find something that interests them, or pick up a new hobby they never imagined they would enjoy. 

Clubs and Events that Encourage Growth

Tapping into their unique talents and experiences, some residents even choose to lead special interest clubs themselves. Gardening, book clubs, sewing circles, and foodies love gathering at MorningStar Senior Living in Sparks. This senior living and assisted living community with modern amenities like fitness rooms, chapels, a bistro and wine bar, and an enclosed patio makes it easy for every group to find a space at MorningStar. The benefit of experiencing new things, spending time in the community, and meeting new friends is what keeps seniors feeling young at heart. The Life Enrichment Teams at MorningStar love encouraging and supporting seniors to try new things and work together. 

Find Your Home at the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. 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 memory care community near you. 

MorningStar Sparks’ unique mission statement, “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.

Heart-Healthy Meals That Help Keep Cholesterol in Check

A cholesterol friendly plan works best when it is simple, tasty, and fast to repeat. Build every day around three anchors: soluble fiber, unsaturated fats, and moderate heat cooking. Soluble fiber traps cholesterol in the gut. The easiest way to hit 5 to 10 grams daily is to pair oats at breakfast with beans or lentils later. Keep old fashioned oats, barley, canned beans, and lentils on your shelf at assisted living at all times. Use pears, apples, oranges, and berries for snacks and sides.

Stock fats that help. Extra virgin olive oil should be your default cooking and dressing fat. Add a daily ounce of nuts or seeds. Walnuts, almonds, pistachios, chia, and flax supply unsaturated fats and plant sterols. Dairy can fit, but pick plain yogurt or small portions of firm cheese and fill the rest of the plate with plants.

Cook in ways that protect arteries. Bake, steam, poach, or grill at moderate temperatures. Very high heat can create compounds you do not want every day. Bright flavor keeps sodium in check. Use lemon, lime, vinegars, garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, thyme, and rosemary. A pinch of salt at the end tastes stronger than early salting.

Put the anchors into a repeatable menu. Breakfast rotation:

• overnight oats with flax and pear

• warm barley with cinnamon and yogurt

• veggie omelet with a citrus side

Lunch rotation:

• chickpea and tomato salad with parsley and olive oil

• tuna and white bean bowl with arugula and capers

• hummus wrap with cucumbers and grilled chicken

Dinner rotation:

• salmon with farro and roasted carrots

• lentil and spinach stew over brown rice

• turkey meatballs in marinara with whole grain pasta and a big salad

Add two keystone habits. While in retirement communities, first, walk ten minutes after meals to blunt post meal triglyceride and glucose spikes. Second, hydrate with water or unsweetened tea and keep alcohol modest. 

Review your pantry monthly. Replace tropical oils and shortenings with olive or canola, swap sugary cereals for oats, and restock beans.

If you share dining, ask for whole grains, hearty salads, and fish on rotation. Dining rooms that build these defaults into weekly menus, similar to senior living Phoenix, remove willpower from the equation and let routine carry the work.

What Families Should Know About Assisted Living

It’s not always easy to know the right choices to make for a loved one. If a parent or family member has been showing signs that they are struggling with activities of daily living, this could mean it’s time to step in and make some decisions. With so many choices out there, it’s hard to know if you’re picking the best senior living option. Here are some things families should know about assisted living. 

What is Assisted Living?

It’s not the same as a nursing home. There are common misconceptions about assisted living. The truth is, modern communities encourage independence, promote community, and push for whole body wellness in every way possible. A nursing home is a retired term to describe what luxury assisted living has to offer today. At MorningStar Senior Living, residents experience support in medication management, personal wellness, meal preparation, and health check-ins, but they also get the joy of exploring their community, attending events, and having their own autonomy to make choices. 

Improving the Quality of Life

It’s rooted in providing the highest quality of care possible. Communities should always strive to create opportunities for residents to connect with their neighbors, staff, and family members. At MorningStar Senior Living, our staff works to bring accessible fitness classes, creative workshops, celebrations, and other events to the community to spark joy and fulfillment with our residents. 

Families Get a Say

Families should always be involved in decisions about their loved one’s care. Choosing a community doesn’t mean you don’t care. More often than not, it’s the opposite. By deciding on a great home, you work with a professional care team to ensure that your family member’s needs are being met. You will work with this team to develop personalized care that is suited to their needs, health, and personal interests. 

Find Your Home at the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living in Sparks, Nevada, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. 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 memory care community near you. 

MorningStar Sparks’ unique mission statement, “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.

What Moving Into Assisted Living with a Sibling Looks Like

Companion living doesn’t just have to be for couples. Siblings, relatives, and best friends can all share a suite in assisted living. It can be beneficial to share a senior living suite with someone a senior feels close to for many reasons. Some of the most popular ones being companionship, familiarity, and support. At MorningStar Senior Living, we are always happy to let siblings, relatives, and best friends live together in our modern 2 bedroom senior living suites. 

Navigating a New World Together

It can be daunting for a senior to go into assisted living alone. Even with the best external support, they can still feel like they’re leaving something behind. Transitioning to assisted living with a sibling or friend can make the choice that much easier. When seniors move into assisted living with someone they feel a close connection with, they are much more willing to explore the community together, meet new people, go to events, and generally feel more at home in a short amount of time. While there are still some adjustments, they are no longer experiencing those changes alone.

Familiar Support Always Nearby 

Living with someone a senior trust not only gives them a built-in companion, but it can help other family members to feel more at ease. Seniors with a strong relationship that live together already know each other’s routines, behaviors, medical history, and personality. They can often help to inform professionals when changes are happening that others may not be able to pick up on. Having a roommate seniors can trust helps them to feel more supported, especially in a new environment. 

Find Your Home at the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. 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 memory care community near you. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Sparks “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.

How Diet and Lifestyle Affect Prostate Health

Prostate health is influenced by a handful of habits that you can stack into a reliable routine in senior living Phoenix. Start with fiber and plants. Aim for at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily from beans, lentils, oats, berries, pears, and leafy greens. Higher fiber patterns correlate with steadier insulin and lower systemic inflammation, both relevant to urinary comfort. 

Add cruciferous vegetables three to five times weekly. Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage contain glucosinolates that your body converts into compounds that support cellular housekeeping. Include cooked tomato products twice weekly for lycopene. A simple rotation is marinara over whole grain pasta one night and tomato and white bean soup another.

Choose proteins that calm inflammation. Ask staff in retirement communities to plan two to three fish meals weekly, especially salmon, sardines, trout, or mackerel for omega 3s. On other days, lean poultry, tofu, tempeh, and legumes keep saturated fat in check. If you eat red meat, hold it to small portions and avoid heavy charring. Alcohol can irritate the bladder; keep it modest and finish most fluids earlier in the day if nighttime urination wakes you.

Movement helps more than the scale shows. Combine 150 minutes per week of brisk walking or cycling with two short strength sessions. Strong hips and legs improve pelvic circulation and reduce fatigue from frequent bathroom trips. Add five minutes of pelvic floor practice most days. Think gentle contractions you can hold for five seconds without straining, followed by a full release.

Sleep is a symptom lever. A predictable schedule, cool room, and screens off an hour before bed lower inflammatory noise and help regulate nighttime urgency. If urgency appears in the morning, look at caffeine timing and consider switching one cup to decaf.

Create a week you can repeat. 

Breakfast options:

• oatmeal with ground flax and blueberries

• Greek yogurt with pumpkin seeds and sliced peaches

Lunch options:

• lentil salad with lemon and olive oil

• tuna and white bean bowl with arugula and capers

Dinner options:

• salmon with roasted Brussels sprouts and farro

• turkey chili over brown rice

Walk ten minutes after meals for post meal blood sugar control.

Screening stays personal. Discuss family history, PSA testing intervals, and any new symptoms with your clinician. If you are comparing living settings, ask about menu patterns, walking paths, and quiet hours. 

Those details make healthy choices easier in communities like assisted living Phoenix where routine and access shape outcomes.

Late-Day Behavior Changes in People With Dementia

The Alzheimer’s Association explains, “sundowner’s syndrome” or “sundowning” is a set of symptoms or behaviors that are found in some people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The syndrome’s symptoms include agitation and anxiety, and it occurs in the later part of the day and evening with marked behavior changes in the person.

Fred Kobylarz, MD, co-director of the Center for Healthy Aging at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School says it is not a disease, but rather a symptom of dementia. While doctors do not know the cause of sundowning, they believe it may be a “combination of hormonal changes, brain deterioration or damage that has occurred, environmental factors, disruption to a person’s circadian rhythm, and more.”

The syndrome may start as early as 1 p.m. in some people but usually it is later in the day. Along with agitation and anxiety; symptoms can include things like pacing, disorientation, hallucinations and problems sleeping. Other behavior changes may include angry outbursts and aggressive, sometimes even physical altercations. Others just want to be closer to a person they trust as needed reassurance. Some people do not remember what happened earlier in the day and even forget they just ate dinner and want to eat again. 

Experts say in some cases sundowning starts before a person has had a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. However, it is not only found in people with dementia as some older adults exhibit symptoms during an illness or period of delirium.    

Doctors recommend families who see symptoms of sundowning to consult with their healthcare provider to rule out other causes. Guidelines for managing the syndrome include setting up a schedule that adheres to their needs and maintaining a consistent daily routine to reduce confusion and fatigue. During morning hours encourage the person to do activities that increase their exposure to natural light to help support better sleep-wake cycles. Avoid over stimulating the person in the evenings and don’t subject them to crowds, bright screens or loud noises. 

Along with assisted living, Albuquerque’s MorningStar community offers 21 suites for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Our Reflections Neighborhood is specifically designed to enhance our residents’ freedom and fully accommodate the disposition and behaviors of those with dementia. Each resident receives an individualized care plan and participates in meaningful wellness programs and purposeful activities.  Our programs include a variety of exercise options, music, life skills, art, special celebrations and other events. Please visit our website for more information about senior living communities MorningStar of Albuquerque and our holistic approach to memory care.

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest memory care and assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Source: womenshealthmag.com/health/a63084354/sundowning-dementia-sign/

VA Benefits for Assisted Living Care

Residents of the MorningStar Senior Living communities include veterans from all branches of the military and we are honored to serve them. Words fail us when we hear their stories of courage and self-sacrifice—all in the name of Country and Honor and Duty.

When we meet a potential resident who is a veteran or a surviving spouse of a vet, and in need of assisted living; we are pleased to direct them to a “Financial Concierge.”  These financial services experts have the knowledge to ease and quicken the application process for “Aid & Attendance,” which is a benefit offered through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Aid & Attendance benefits are a tax-free pension paid directly to a qualified veteran or their spouse in the form of monthly payments, which are subject to change annually.

The National Care Planning Council estimates up to 25% of seniors could potentially apply for Aid & Attendance. These benefits can be used toward care in an assisted living community such as MorningStar of Albuquerque. Check our website as we have a whole page explaining the benefit, a quick 5-minute test to see if you qualify, and our contact number for more answers and information.

MorningStar of Albuquerque has 48 well-designed suites for assisted living and another 21 suites for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Our residents enjoy healthy, delicious meals served all-day in our full-service dining room, luxury amenities, wellness programs and built-in companionship.  If you think you would like to hear more about MorningStar’s senior living in Albuquerque, NM, please contact us. We would love to set up a tour so you can see all we have to offer.

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. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living communities Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Digestive Health

The last several years have brought probiotics and prebiotics into the spotlight. However, it can be confusing as to what the difference is between the two and the role they play in our bodies. Experts say both are important to our health; probiotics are beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics are food for these bacteria.

In other words, “Probiotics are live bacteria found in certain foods or supplements and can provide numerous health benefits. Prebiotics are substances from types of carbs (mostly fiber) that humans can’t digest. The beneficial bacteria in your gut eat this fiber.”

The Harvard Medical School explains that our large intestine has 100 trillion good bacteria essential to our health called microbiome. These good microbes help maintain healthy bowel function. Each person has their own unique microbiome from birth and we add to the good microbes by the food we consume. However, a diet high in sugar and fat can negatively affect gut health by encouraging the growth of bad bacteria, allowing them to grow faster and colonize more easily, without as many helpful bacteria to prevent it from happening. 

Research shows certain foods like yogurt and kefirs with live, active cultures are beneficial to adding to our microbiome. Unpasteurized, fermented foods like kombucha, miso, sauerkraut and sour pickles contain healthy microbes but most packaged fermented foods are pasteurized, which destroys the microbes. The best way to get around that is to learn to ferment foods at home.

Experts say while there are many probiotic supplements on the market, it is not easy to find exactly what you need. Most probiotic supplements contain just a few bacterial strains, compared to the many stains naturally found in the gut. “Although there are many claims made by probiotic products, there’s now reliable, evidence-based support that certain probiotics — like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium (bacteria), and Saccharomyces boulardii (yeast) — are generally safe and helpful in specific conditions.”

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our beautiful retirement communities are meticulously designed with welcoming common areas, spacious suites and all the comforts of home.  Our community includes 48 assisted living suites as well as 21 memory care suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  Please contact us for more information about our outstanding senior apartments in Albuquerque, NM and all the services, amenities and programs we offer residents.  

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 senior living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Sources: 

healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-and-prebiotics

healthline.com/health/probiotics-and-digestive-health/how-long-does-it-take-for-probiotics-to-work#choosing-a-probiotic

Fun Activities That Stimulate Your Mind

As we age, many of us find ourselves more absent-minded and forgetful than we were in our younger years. Seeing someone unexpectedly from our past can result in recognizing the face but being unable to bring a name to mind. Experts say some lapses in memory are common as we age but encourage seniors to do cognitive activities to help stay sharp. 

Brain games exercise your memory, attention, brain speed, people skills, intelligence and navigation just like a trip to the gym gives you a cardio workout and exercises your abs and quads. One good resource for such games is the AARP online site. It offers a variety of fun and entertaining games and puzzles such as daily crosswords, word games like scrabble, Sudoku and trivia as well as the opportunity to join a bridge, chess or backgammon game. 

The New York Times offers the daily World puzzle that gives your brain a quick workout along with several other word puzzles for Times’ subscription holders. Other programs offering brain games targeted at older adults can be accessed online for a monthly or yearly fee. In addition to the Internet, if you have an iPad or tablet, you can find challenging brain game apps.  

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, assisted living our vibrant community offers seniors a healthy and engaged lifestyle. Residents are treated to best-in-class meals, luxury amenities and a wide array of wellness programs and activities providing companionship with like-minded adults of a similar age. A look at our monthly calendar shows activities such as word and card games, Rummikub and trivia to keep the brain sharp while having fun. 

Activities not only offer opportunities for challenging your cognitive skills but meeting and socializing with friends while enjoying a good laugh together. Contact us to learn more about MorningStar’s retirement homes in Albuquerque, NM.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest senior apartments Albuquerque, NM has to offer.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

Physical Therapy Can Help Reduce Pain and Restore Mobility

Physical therapy is used to help people regain physical function and movement from conditions that affect muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bones. Your healthcare provider may refer you to a Physical Therapist (PT) when pain medications are no longer working and you still feel pain; or if you have had surgery and need help with healing. 

A PT creates a personalized treatment plan for a patient that is designed to reduce pain as well as manage an injury, surgery or chronic illness. The plan utilizes exercises and manual therapy that speeds up healing and recovery which allows the patient to regain function and an improved quality of life. 

Like visiting any doctor, it is helpful for you as the patient to think about how your condition affects your daily life and what you hope to get out of your physical therapy sessions before your first appointment. Experts say being prepared not only helps you get more benefit from therapy but can assist your therapist in establishing a treatment plan based on realistic expectations. 

After a physical assessment of your strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination; the PT will explain your condition and treatment plan. Part of your treatment will include exercise and other techniques you can do at home. 

MorningStar of Albuquerque is a contemporary 55+ community offering assisted living and memory care.  Residents enjoy a beautiful atmosphere with relaxing common spaces throughout including a living room, bistro, fitness center, theater/chapel, fireside patios and more. 

Along with a wide range of exercise classes and activities, MorningStar partners with EmpowerMe Wellness, a leader in providing therapy services to senior communities, to help residents maintain their independence as long as possible.  Residents have onsite access to wellness programs and personal training as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapy.  Contact us to set up an in-person tour to see firsthand our luxury assisted living in Albuquerque, NM.    

MorningStar has considered it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our unique mission: to honor, to value, to invest. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has proudly earned us a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living Albuquerque, NM offers.

Loneliness Presents Risks to Both Physical and Mental Health

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society, explains loneliness may be more detrimental to our overall health than smoking, obesity and alcoholism, or leading a sedentary lifestyle. The study was conducted by the Regenstrief Institute data informatics firm and the Indiana University School of Medicine. What is even more concerning is their research found a majority of those surveyed (53 percent) considered themselves lonely.  

The researchers call loneliness a “biophysical stressor,” and say they hope more attention to this problem will motivate doctors to address this often-overlooked lifestyle factor that negatively impacts seniors’ quality of life. One of the study authors, IU research scientist and professor Monica Williams-Farrelly, said, “So in the same way that we ask older adults: ‘Do you smoke? Or do you measure your blood sugar?’ We should be inquiring about and measuring loneliness and offering solutions.”

Researchers say participants who identified as being lonely experienced lower mental and physical health outcomes across both demographics and health conditions. Moreover, they say while there may be a connection between those who report feeling lonely to poor eating habits, overindulging in alcohol or not exercising; there still exists a strong database showing loneliness strongly influences our health and well-being. In fact, the recommendation from the study’s authors is to stress the fact that loneliness should be treated as a serious health factor by our communities as well as by medical professionals. 

At MorningStar of Albuquerque, our vibrant community offers comfort, well-being and companionship with senior care services, luxury amenities, wellness programs and a calendar full of activities. For assisted living residents, we have private, spacious suites available in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In addition, our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides memory care suites specifically designed to elevate life for those living with a diagnosis of dementia. Contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar’s senior apartments in Albuquerque, NM.

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. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

Strength Training Benefits for Older Adults

Research shows our bodies start losing muscle mass after the age of 35. The process quickens once females turn 65 years and males turn 70. However, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) says strength training not only helps us maintain muscle mass and bone density longer but improves mobility and overall functional independence as well as reduces the risk of falls. It is a safe and effective way to ward off age-related decline and increase one’s healthy years. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week and at least two days of strength training. While you may think you don’t have time to go to a gym to workout, experts say many strength training exercises can be done at home using your own body weight, resistance bands and light weights. For adults dealing with obesity, better weight loss results can be achieved with a combination of strength training, aerobic exercises and dietary changes.  

Before adding any new exercises to your daily routine, it is important to consult with your healthcare providers. Experts say to always start slow and gradually build up to more repetitions. It is important to breathe as the exercise progresses as holding your breath can raise blood pressure. Keep movements slow and controlled, and rest between exercises. Many exercises can even be done in a chair. 

Another tip for seniors is to add daily stretching as it can aid in healthy aging and enhance quality of life. Along with stretching exercises, experts recommend endurance exercises such as a brisk walk or dancing and balance exercises such as Tai Chi and yoga. 

MorningStar of Albuquerque has 48 private assisted living suites and another 21 suites devoted to specialized care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our goal is to enhance quality of life for our residents and we do this through a full range of care and hospitality services, amenities, and a component of wellness programs and activities. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about exceptional senior apartments in Albuquerque.

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 senior living Albuquerque, NM has to offer.

3 Popular Benefits of Assisted Living for Seniors

You can find assisted living in Sparks, Nevada, that offers modern and dependable senior care to seniors aged 55 and up. MorningStar Senior Living provides a range of benefits tailored to the needs and care levels of seniors and their families. In our community, residents experience life at its fullest. MorningStar Senior Living has created the very best assisted living for seniors that supports independence while still providing help with daily living and activities.

Safety and Security

Seniors feel safe and secure within our community while experiencing a wide variety of clubs, amenities, and activities. We have safe technologies throughout our community and on-site staff 24/7. Private rooms and apartments are designed to stop accidents before they occur. Safety enhancements alert staff in the event someone needs help. This offers families peace of mind knowing their loved one is experiencing life and staying safe with the correct care and support team.

Personalized Care

Rather than providing uniform care to every resident, MorningStar Senior Living believes in the necessity of designing personalized care plans for each senior. A personalized care plan is a uniquely designed and customizable senior care outline made to support a senior with their specific needs, health concerns, wants, and goals. These senior care plans are collaboratively developed, leaning on the help of medical providers, family members, and the seniors themself. This direction ensures that every senior feels comfortable within their daily routine and has their health needs met while feeling independent and relaxed. 

Social Activities and Amenities

Seniors who need assisted living care may feel more isolated than others due to health challenges or other concerns. Communities encourage seniors to stay active and socialize with plenty of events, celebrations, and amenities to explore. These events are catered to the needs and abilities of the residents. Surrounded by like-minded individuals, seniors at MorningStar make life-changing friendships.

Find Your Home at the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Sparks, Nevada, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. 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 memory care community near you. 

The unique mission statement of MorningStar Sparks “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.