Support Your Heart Health by Getting Enough Sleep

The American Heart Association offers a checklist of eight key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. The Life’s Essential 8 is designed to highlight things we can do to lower our risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems. 

In 2022, the Association added sleep duration to the list as a component of heart health. They say the amount and quality of sleep can influence a person’s eating habits, mood, memory, internal organs and more. 

One advantage to getting enough sleep is being more productive. After spending years working long hours to the detriment of a good night's sleep, Ariana Huffington now says, “The irony is that a lot of people forgo sleep in the name of productivity. But in fact our productivity is reduced substantially when we’re sleep deprived.” 

Professor of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Charles Czeisler, explains being sleep deprived can impair your abilities and is similar to being drunk. Poor sleep habits can cause you to eat more in an effort to feel more energetic, and may increase your risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. 

It is recommended adults get a solid 7 to 9 hours of sleep each day and a sleep routine will help you achieve this goal. Start by going to bed each night around the same time so you can wake up refreshed at the same time each morning. If possible, open your curtains to let in the morning sunshine or turn on the bedroom lights. Research still shows breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should consist of healthy foods. 

Another thing to get your day off right is to take a few minutes each morning doing something like practicing mindfulness or yoga. The other Life’s Essential 8 include maintaining a healthy diet, fitness, quitting nicotine, losing weight, and watching your cholesterol, blood pressure and risk for diabetes. 

Excitement is growing as one of the most desirable retirement communities in the historic DU neighborhood in South Denver is preparing to open. MorningStar at Observatory Park offers 60 assisted living suites from studio to one- and two-bedroom floorplans and 23 suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood. We open to residents in the last quarter of 2022 and look forward to helping you reserve your select suite. 

Source: 

heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/sleep/how-to-sleep-better-with-tech-tweaks

Meet the Newest Senior Living in San Jose

More and more seniors are discovering the value of retirement communities. Not only do they provide a comfortable home to safely age in place, but many also offer a wide array of luxury amenities, care and hospitality services, wellness programs and activities. 

San Jose’s newest senior living community is located on South De Anza Blvd. in West San Jose and offers the opportunity for long-time residents to continue to live in familiar surroundings or near their family. MorningStar of San Jose’s 4-story, 87,340 square foot building has 69 smartly designed private suites in a variety of configurations and floor plans for assisted living. For individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, we provide 34 suites devoted to their care.

As an assisted living resident, you will receive the services needed to help maintain your independence and allow you to get back to living life on your own terms. Once you decide MorningStar of San Jose is where you want to live, we work together to create an Individualized Service Plan that includes trained, compassionate 24/7 care managers, access to licensed nurses, medication management and more. Our carefree lifestyle additionally offers convenient underground parking and luxury amenities such as a bistro, theater, salon, fitness center, life enrichment room, sky terrace and beautiful landscaped courtyard.

MorningStar’s wellness programs and activities provide physical, intellectual, spiritual or social engagement, encouraging residents to stay active and productive. Activities range from targeted exercise classes, crafting, art classes, trivia, board and card games and much more. Movie nights, special events and local talent ensure residents are as entertained as they wish to be. Moreover, if we don’t have a class in something you have a special interest in, we encourage you to start one. 

MorningStar of San Jose is close to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and O’Connor Hospital, shopping, restaurants, entertainment venues and recreation opportunities. Please visit our website for more information about our community, our company’s history and contact information. We are scheduled to open in June 2023 and are currently offering exclusive savings to early depositors.

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 exceptional senior living in San Jose.

Having a Hard Time Keeping Your Medical Info Up-to-date?

As we age part of our baggage includes collecting an extensive medical history. However much our past history may be linked to our health today, it doesn’t necessarily follow us around. Experts explain we have yet to develop an all-knowing system that tracks a person from birth. Kelly Batista, executive director of the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System in Florida, says for some, compiling a thorough medical history can become overwhelming.

Medical professionals recommend a couple of methods to help keep track of vital medical information. The first is to use your patient portal attached to your healthcare provider or hospital. Along with storing medical history and test results, you can use it to communicate with your doctor, ask questions, and confirm and request appointments. It allows you to access information regarding prescribed medications and to request refills, view doctors’ notes after a visit, update insurance and make payments for care. Although remember unless you are part of a large medical care system, your records are not all linked.

Mobile apps are another method to store medical information and are designed to keep track of diet, fitness, chronic health conditions like diabetes and day-to-day health events. Rema Padman, a healthcare informatics, analytics and operations researcher and Trustees Professor of Management Science and Healthcare Informatics at Carnegie Mellon University, says, “We’re also seeing apps and wearables provided by health care providers to monitor patients at high risk for adverse events, so they can intervene early and prevent emergency visits or hospital admissions.” 

Other people prefer keeping their own file of paper copies of medical tests and medications or computer copies. Regardless of which system you use, doctors say it is worth the effort.    

MorningStar at Observatory Park’s assisted living provides seniors “a little help from friends” to enable them to live as independently as possible. Located in South Denver’s historic Observatory Park area, our new, contemporary community offers 60 assisted living suites from studio and one- and two-bedroom floorplans. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases, our distinctive Reflections Neighborhood offers 23 suites. For more information regarding our retirement communities and to secure your select suite, visit our website today. While you are there, ask about our Founders Club Specials.

Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/keeping-track-of-health-information-what-you-should-know?src=usn_nl_yourhealth&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Your%20Health-Thu%20May%2026%2006:26:01%20EDT%202022&utm_term=Your%20Health

4 Hobby Ideas for Seniors

One of the greatest things about retirement is having more time to spend on activities you enjoy. For many adults, the grind of everyday life during their working years doesn’t leave enough time to explore new interests. Retirement is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby and discover skills and topics you might enjoy.

Whether you are enjoying retirement in your own home or in an independent or assisted living community, these four hobby ideas for seniors can spark your creativity and help you meet new friends.

1. Volunteering

Nearly every community has non-profits and charities that are in need of volunteers. From serving meals to the homeless to walking dogs to folding donated clothes, there are many opportunities to lend a hand to those in need. 

Volunteering is not only a special way to give back and spend your time, but it is also a great way to build connections in the community and find like-minded people.

2. Cooking or Baking

During working years, cooking and baking can easily become things that are put on the backburner. During retirement, you have more time to explore new styles of food and experiment with recipes. 

Cooking is an activity that is perfect for senior living because it can be done alone or in a more social setting. Cooking and baking is also a versatile hobby because it caters to all skill levels, from total beginners to skilled cooks.

3. Writing

Writing is a hobby that can require a lot of time, which is why many people don’t get a chance to pick it up before retirement. Writing as a hobby can take many forms. You can try journaling about your daily experiences, writing poetry, or even writing a book or article for publication. 

If you really want to explore writing as a serious hobby, you can even enroll in a local writing class that can help you develop your craft.

4. Gardening

Gardening is a great hobby for seniors because it not only passes the time but also has physical and mental health benefits. Gardening gets you out of the house and into the fresh air. It also requires movement, which can strengthen your body and count toward your daily exercise goals. 

Gardening can also do wonders for your mental health because seeing your vegetation come to life has been shown to greatly improve mood and boost motivation levels. Taking up gardening as a hobby does not have to involve an entire landscape. 

If you are enjoying retirement in assisted or independent living, you can try simple potted plants or a micro garden to start.

Enjoy Hobbies During Retirement at MorningStar Senior Living

MorningStar is dedicated to helping retirees make the most in retirement communities . We believe in empowering seniors to live up to their fullest potential, and we strive to provide the best that independent and assisted living has to offer. Get in touch with us today to learn more about MorningStar at Silver Lake.

Location & Amenities to Please the Most Discerning Seniors

The excitement is growing as one of the most desirable retirement communities in the historic DU neighborhood in South Denver takes shape. MorningStar at Observatory Park is located a few blocks from Observatory Park, home to the University of Denver’s beautiful campus and the Chamberlin Observatory. The area is renowned for a striking mix of modern and old architecture, mature trees, lovely gardens, wide streets and grassy lawns as well as the East Harvard Gulch Trail. Eclectic eateries, coffee shops and a brewery line the local streets. 

Incorporated in 1886 as the town of South Denver, the DU neighborhood has a long and storied Colorado history. Originally the land was donated by Rufus "Potato" Clark, a reformed alcoholic and potato farmer, and contained several conditions including planting trees and the laying out of a street grid. He also demanded that no alcohol ever be made or sold in the area, and even today “some home mortgages in south Denver have old covenants against producing or selling alcohol on the premises.”

The University of Denver’s campus is designated as an arboretum and University Hall, constructed in the 1890s, still remains. The Evans Chapel (formerly Grace Methodist Church), is a designated Denver Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks was built in 1878. 

Our MorningStar at Observatory Park community offers landscaped grounds, an enclosed courtyard with BBQ grill, and rooftop terrace and bocce ball court with spectacular city and mountain views. Onsite amenities include a full salon, massage/therapy room, fitness center, 4th floor Sky Terrace with bocce ball court, 6th floor rooftop green and much more.  

We define our brand of assisted living as providing seniors “a little help from friends” to enable residents to live life as independently as possible. Our home offers 60 assisted living suites from studio to one- and two-bedroom floorplans and 23 suites for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and forms of dementia in our distinct Reflections Neighborhood. We additionally offer respite care and trial stays (from one week up to a month).

If the MorningStar name sounds familiar we operate 32 retirement communities around the Western US and have several communities around Denver including MorningStar of Littleton, MorningStar of Jordan and MorningStar at RidgeGate. To reserve your select suite today, visit our website for contact information. Also ask about our Founders Club Specials.

Source: 9news.com/article/life/style/colorado-guide/the-du-neighborhood-classic-beauty-and-college-vibes/73-346314496

Supportive, Holistic Care Services

MorningStar at Observatory Park’s assisted living is designed to support and engage residents’ mind, body and spirit. Our wide array of amenities, hospitality and care services, and wellness programs and activities help nurture residents’ independence for the best quality of life.  

In fact MorningStar’s comprehensive care services can help extend the stay of a resident if their health changes and they require more care. Furthermore our dedicated team has experience finding creative solutions that yield a higher quality of care for our residents at a lower cost to their families. 

Along with 24/7 Care Managers, Certified Medication Care Managers, CPR-trained staff on every shift and access to licensed nurses; we assist residents with obtaining a wide range of therapeutic and medical services from third-party providers. Individualized service plans may include things like mechanical lift assistance, weights and vital monitoring, diabetic management, oxygen administration, and palliative/hospice care. We also offer pharmacy services to keep your prescriptions filled and medications dispersed as needed. Other services include transportation to medical appointments, scheduled physician visits, and specialty medical and dental care.

We are located in South Denver’s historic Observatory Park area and offer 60 assisted living suites, a selection of studio to one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans. For your comfort and convenience, amenities include a full salon, bistro, club rooms, art studio, fitness center and more. Our Reflections Neighborhood is on the second floor of our community and has 23 suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia-related diseases. 

We like to say that MorningStar’s assisted living provides seniors “a little help from friends” to live life on their own terms. Our retirement communities offer carefree retirement years with the chance to meet new friends and try new hobbies and explore new interests. Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our company and our commitment to serving seniors. We are ready to answer your questions and can help you reserve a suite of your choice in our beautiful new home. Also learn more about the benefits of our “Founders Club Specials.”