You Can Still Date if You’re a Senior in an Assisted Living Facility

Transitioning to an assisted living facility is not the end of enjoying an active lifestyle. In fact, for many seniors, an assisted living facility keeps them more active than they have been for years. This is especially true for the residents of the MorningStar senior housing facility in Everett, Washington. Not only is our activities calendar full every month, but our assisted living facility is the best option for seniors that want to live an independent lifestyle that includes dating.

Let’s review a few tips that help you date if you’re a senior in an assisted living facility.

Set Realistic Expectations

The first tip for dating while living in an assisted living facility is perhaps the most important: set realistic expectations. Are you ready to fall in love again or are you looking for a conversation partner to interact with during meals? There are several ways to date, regardless if you are a senior or a teenager going out on the first date. Be honest with yourself when deciding what you want out of a dating relationship.

Expand Your Social Circle

You do not have to jump in right away by participating in activities at the MorningStar senior housing facility in Everett. However, you should eventually start expanding your social circle by meeting new people at special events, as well as during daily activities. Go on an outing to a Seattle cultural attraction and sign up for activities such as yoga classes and weekly cooking demonstrations.

Look Ahead, Not Behind

Widows and widowers looking to start new relationships often have to deal with mixed emotions. On the one hand, many widows and widowers feel guilty for moving on from the loss of a lifelong soulmate. On the other hand, they also can experience loneliness, which can trigger unhealthy mental and emotional side effects. Resist the temptation to search for someone who reminds you of your lifelong partner. Instead, treat dating as wiping away an old slate to begin a new slate with no strings attached.

Make Compatibility the Priority

Remember two pieces of advice: Age is just a number and looks are not everything when it comes to dating as a senior living in an assisted living facility. Most seniors that enter into dating relationships discover that finding someone with similar lifestyle preferences strengthens a dating relationship. Older adults living in a senior housing facility typically are more flexible when it comes to age and appearance. What matters most is finding someone who shares many common interests.

The Bottom Line: Enjoy the Journey

Do not take dating too seriously. Instead, look at dating in an assisted living facility as an adventure. You get the opportunity to enjoy stimulating conversations, as well as taking trips to visit some of Seattle’s most popular social, cultural, and dining destinations. If you find someone that you grow close to while staying active at our assisted living facility, then you have struck gold in the dating game.

Explore What MorningStar Has to Offer

Moving into an assisted living facility can be the right decision for you, but only if you conduct proper research to find the best facility. MorningStar has assisted living facilities located across the United States. We have earned a reputation for offering the most comprehensive set of personalized care services, as well as highly appealing amenities. Submit the contact form to learn more about our assisted living facility in Everett, Washington.

What To Expect When Moving Your Loved One Into an Assisted Living Facility - Part 2

There are a number of things to consider when making the decision to move a loved one into an assisted living facility. The most important thing is to ensure that the facility you choose is the right fit for your loved one’s needs.

A New Routine

After your loved one moves in, it is important to establish a daily routine. This will help your loved one to develop a sense of normality and comfort in their new environment. It is important to set and maintain regular visiting hours. This will help to keep your relationship with your loved one strong and will be beneficial for both parties. Encourage positive activities such as taking part in the activities offered by the facility or going for walks in the garden. Spend quality time with your loved one and try to make them feel at home.

The Staff and Care Team

Most assisted living facilities will have an on-site staff and care team to assist residents in their day-to-day activities. The team is there to make sure that your loved one is comfortable and getting the best possible care. They can also provide information and support with any medical or care needs that may arise. It is important to have a good rapport with the staff and care team, as they will be the ones taking care of your loved one.

Building a Community

Most assisted living facilities have regular activities and events that help create a sense of community. Making friends and building relationships can help to make the transition easier. Encourage your loved one to take part in the activities that are being offered and introduce them to the other residents. This can help create a stronger bond and will help them feel more at ease in their new home.

Staying Connected

Moving a loved one into an assisted living facility does not mean that you will no longer be involved in their life. In fact, it can provide an opportunity for you to have more quality time together. There are many ways to stay connected with your loved one: Make regular visits, call them on the phone, or send them cards or letters. This will help to keep the communication open and will show your loved one that you still care. Overall, transitioning your loved one into an assisted living facility can be a difficult but rewarding experience. It is important to take the time to research the facilities in your area, visit a few, and get to know the staff and care team. It is also important to set up a daily routine, create a sense of community, and stay connected with your loved one. With the right preparation and support, your loved one can have a safe and comfortable transition.

MorningStar Senior Living’s independent and assisted living communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest senior housing Everett, WA has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Silver Lake.

Nutrient-Rich Diet is More Important than Ever for Seniors

As people age, many find their appetites have diminished or they suffer from physical or medical conditions that make eating more difficult.  Therefore, the nutritional value found in the foods they do consume is important, and even today, many seniors have an “inadequate intake of vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, folic acid, calcium, and niacin.”   

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) advise that people over the age of 50 follow the USDA food recommendations, which should help keep older adults feeling more vital, and thus healthier.  They also point out the earlier you start eating a nutrient-rich diet, the more effective it will be later down the road.  Recommendations include a daily diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy.  It also includes eating foods with healthy fats such as olives, nuts, and avocados. 

At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of San Jose, scheduled to open next June, we will offer residents daily meals that are chocked full of the freshest ingredients from high quality producers, locally sourced when possible.  Our delicious meals will be prepared largely from scratch and take into account seniors’ dietary restrictions.  We will offer a range of choices including low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low fat that allows our residents to self-manage.  MorningStar’s food service will be overseen by our own Executive Chef, who will welcome resident feedback and tailor menus per their suggestions.  

MorningStar of San Jose’s stylish suites come in a range of floor plans and are equipped with handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems.  Community amenities include underground parking, a fitness center, bistro, theater, salon, sky terrace, and more. In addition, we will offer a range of wellness programs and activities designed to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. For more information about assisted living facilities, please visit our website. 

At MorningStar of San Jose, our mission statement “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, inviting atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide residents exceptional assisted living and memory care.

Source:  medicalnewstoday.com/articles/managing-weight-in-diabetes-which-diets-are-most-effective