Spacious Floorplans that Feel Like Home

If it has been a while since you looked into independent living in Kirkland, you may be surprised to learn there is a new 55+ senior living community being built in the Totem Lake area. Due to open in the last quarter of 2021, MorningStar of Kirkland offers residents a carefree lifestyle where we handle the maintenance inside and out and provide onsite luxury amenities, hospitality services and a community of friends.  

With 151 fashionable apartments, you are sure to find a floorplans that suits your needs. We offer several studio configurations around 475 sq. ft. Our one-bedroom – one-bath units are as large as 732 sq. ft. with several different lay-outs. If you are looking for two-bedrooms, we have models with 1 bath, 1 ½ bath, or 2 baths in a choice of 811 to 1138 sq. ft. All have a choice of balcony or a private patio.    

Regardless of the apartment you choose, each has a full kitchen with premium cabinets, countertops, and in-suite washer/dryer. Residents will appreciate private heating & air conditioning and the storage space, 24-hour emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Our weekly housekeeping and linen and laundry service helps to keep life simple.  

Located in the family-friendly Totem Lake area means it is ideal for remaining close to the grandkids while enjoying a full and active lifestyle. We provide plenty of incentives to connect with nature with nearby Juanita Bay, the Sammamish River Trail, and Sammamish Valley Park as well as our own Zen gardens.  Additionally we are less than a mile from the 4th ranked hospital in WA, Evergreen Health Medical Center, and the shops, restaurants and entertainment venues of The Village at Totem Lake are minutes away.  

MorningStar of Kirkland is part of the MorningStar Senior Living Company and is guided by a culture rooted in a mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing options for the finest independent living in Kirkland. Visit our website for contact information and to take a look at our “Virtual Tour,” photos, and selection of floorplans. 

If You Find Yourself Feeling Anxious, Take a Look at Your Diet

If you are jittery or anxious during the day, medical experts say it could be due to the type of foods you are eating or drinking. Dr. Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, nutrition specialist and author of “This Is Your Brain on Food, says, eating certain foods can create a feeling of internal panic for some people but they may not “realize it’s related to the food they’ve consumed.”

One such food is anything high in sugar as it produces blood sugar spikes that drop way quicker than more balanced foods containing protein, carbs and fat. Maggie Michalczyk, a registered dietitian based in Chicago, explains, "This spike and drop can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and feel almost like a panic attack for some."  

Some of the worst foods for sugar spikes are cakes, candy, sugary drinks as well as food high in caffeine like coffee, tea, and energy drinks. Other foods not so obvious are consuming fruits and vegetables without balancing them with protein; drinking alcohol; or foods loaded with gluten, artificial sweeteners and hidden sugars. 

To help reduce anxiety and those jittery feelings, doctors suggest eating foods high in fiber, which break down much slower and help moderate insulin spikes. Other suggestions include: fermented foods such as kombucha, miso, tempeh and pickled vegetables or spices like turmeric with a pinch of black pepper. Try a soothing blend of herbal teas to help calm and relax the body; and include foods with vitamin D and B into your diet as both help to lower anxiety.

Please visit our website to learn more about trusted memory care and assisted living in Houston’s newest community, MorningStar at River Oaks. Built to elevate senior living in the area, we offer seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. If you are recovering from an illness or surgical procedure, we additionally offer respite care as well as short-term stays (from one week up to a full month). Please contact us for availability and pricing. MorningStar at River Oaks will open to residents in the later part of 2021. 

Everett’s Independent Living & Assisted Living Just Got a Lot Better

As MorningStar at Silver Lake (formerly known as Garden Court Retirement), joins the offerings for quality independent living and assisting living in beautiful Everett, area seniors have a reason to celebrate. MorningStar Senior Living was started in 2003 with the intention of “casting a new light” on senior living and creating housing for older adults that feels like a true home.

With communities spread across the U.S., we have built a reputation for excellence – and for authenticity – in why we serve and how we serve. Our team knows that the highest expression of living is when we are fully engaged in sharing with others our gifts and talents, time and energy; and is where we find deep and lasting satisfaction.  MorningStar additionally holds firm to the belief that the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. We act upon this truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof.

MorningStar at Silver Lake’s apartments offers spacious floor plans with a selection of one-bedroom, one-bath; and two-bedroom, two bath configurations. Features include kitchens with full-size appliances, in-suite washers/dryers (in most apartments), window blinds, walk-in closets (in most), and available garage space. For peace of mind, bathrooms are handicap-accessible, and suites equipped with 24-hour emergency call system.  Utilities are included in your monthly fee as well as housekeeping services. 

As an independent living or assisted living resident, you will enjoy onsite amenities, meaningful wellness programs, live entertainment and special event designed to keep you engaged physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. Our spacious grounds include a large garden patio, raised garden beds where seniors can exercise their green thumbs and strolling paths for exercising their legs, or those of their pets’ legs (we are pet friendly). MorningStar at Silver Lake offers respite care or trial stays from one week to a full month to see if we are a good fit. For unmatched independent senior living in Everett, WA, visit our website for further information, and ask about our Move-in Specials.

A Company Built on “Casting a New Light” on Senior Living

Since our company was founded in 2003, we have believed it is a privilege to “cast a new light” on senior living guided by the following precepts: to honor God in our business practices and relationships; value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. In addition we firmly believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless. 

Now offering independent living in Hillsboro, the new MorningStar of Hillsboro is designed to provide active seniors with a carefree lifestyle, as we handle the maintenance, landscaping, and housekeeping. This leaves you free to pursue your interest, explore new hobbies, travel and meet new friends. As our contemporary-styled building is both a gracious home and high-end resort, we offer a range of amenities, concierge services and wellness programs to promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle. 

We are situated in the highly sought-after neighborhood of AmberGlen and close to the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, the shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues of Tanasbourne Town Center and several area parks. To continue your adventure, Portland is 25 minutes to the east, and the serene beauty of the Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Tualatin Hills Nature Center are close by. Another interesting attraction is the Five Oaks Museum (formerly known as the Washington County Museum). One of the oldest historical institutions in Washington County, it is filled with modern artwork & historical exhibits showcasing the region's diverse cultures and land.  

With 141 fashionable apartments and graciously-appointed common areas both inside and out, we offer all the comforts of home. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have built for excellence–and for authenticity–in why we serve and how we serve. Please visit our website to learn more about the finest senior living Hillsboro, OR offers.

Does Osteopenia Mean I Will get Osteoporosis?

Osteopenia is a condition that occurs when the body doesn't make new bone as quickly as it reabsorbs old bone. Medical experts say the biggest risk of osteopenia is it can lead to osteoporosis, a more serious, debilitating disease. Both osteopenia and osteoporosis are found in a bone density test, which measures the mass and strength of the bone. If bone density level is low based on the person’s age, they will be diagnosed with osteopenia. A finding of very low bone density is a sign of osteoporosis and causes fragile, easily fractured bones.    

While 54 million Americans have osteoporosis, half of all Americans over the age of 50 have osteopenia. Women post-menopausal are most at risk but one-third of Asian and white men over the age of 50 also have osteopenia. Everyone’s bones get weaker with age but smoking; excessive consumption of alcohol; a diet low in calcium, vitamin D, and certain medications; or medical conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, among others puts an individual at a greater risk for osteopenia.   

Typically osteopenia is asymptomatic (until it develops into osteoporosis), and is discovered with a bone density test. The painless test uses a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to assess the level of calcium in the bones.  

If you have been diagnosed with osteopenia, it is important to eat foods high in calcium such as leafy green vegetables and dairy; and foods high in vitamin D such as oily or fatty fish, mackerel and fortified cereal. Weight-bearing exercises (at least 30 minutes on most days) are those where your feet touch the ground like running and walking. Swimming and biking are not. For the best health include both weight-bearing and strengthening exercises in your weekly regimen.  

MorningStar of Kirkland offers adults 55+ a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and community. Our new community will open in the later part of 2021 and in addition to a choice of independent living apartments; residents will enjoy a range of luxury amenities and hospitality services. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about one of the finest independent living communities in Kirkland.

Memory Care with a Unique Approach & Philosophy

We understand a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another dementia related disease is devastating and we want area families to know we are here to help shoulder the burden. While new to Houston, we are not new to senior living and specialize in caring for our most tender residents within our several dozen communities across the U.S. 

We are different from other communities in that every aspect of our memory care is designed from the ground up to accommodate residents. Secure and inviting, Reflections Neighborhood gives residents the freedom to easily navigate hallways and explore their surroundings, while maintaining their sense of independence as much as possible. 

Through the rigors of MorningStar’s Lavender Sky training, our staff is dementia care specialists who truly understand Alzheimer’s and other memory-loss conditions; and after a family decides to place a loved one in our care, we get to work. This starts by learning as much as we can about the person’s background, talents and personal preferences through a tool called “To Know Me is To Love Me.” Using this information, we create a specialized, individualized service plan that helps to calm or stimulate as a particular situation needs. 

Meals are attractively served, and tasty as well as nutritional. Many foods are easily eaten with fingers to accommodate those who may have trouble using a fork and knife. In addition our wellness programs keep residents purposefully engaged and leverage the power of music, dance, art, aromatherapy and animals to heal and comfort, as we focus on residents’ unique needs.         

Along with our memory care, we offer assisted living as well as respite care and short-term stays (from one week up to a full month). Please visit our website for further information, and inquiry about pricing and availability. We will open in the last quarter of 2021.

To Age Well, Lay the Groundwork for a Healthy Lifestyle

Growing older can open the door to chronic diseases, impaired mobility and other distressing health concerns. While there are many challenges we encounter on our path to old age, medical experts say there are some things we can do to improve and protect our overall wellbeing. Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, explains, “It’s important to recognize the things that are most supportive of a good immune system are a healthy lifestyle.”

This starts with the basics like making sure we get enough sleep each night, following a healthy diet, and staying physically active. Other things we can do to improve the immune system is to support our gut microbiome by eating plant-based foods and whole grains to naturally get prebiotics. The best sources of probiotics are from fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi.

Experts say drinking responsibly is okay but evidence of excessive alcohol in both human and animal research indicates “overconsumption of alcohol decreases immune reactivity, reducing the body’s ability to fight infection.” The 2015-20 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends women consume no more than one drink a day and men no more than two.  

Additional ways to protect and strengthen our immune system is to keep up-to-date with vaccines as well as follow the medical community’s recommended exercise guidelines. Quit smoking, get seven to eight hours of sleep a night and try to reduce stress are other ways we can strengthen our immune response. So is eating foods high in antioxidants such as artichokes, beans, blackberries, strawberries, dark chocolate, red cabbage and spinach.

The MorningStar of Hillsboro independent living community will open in the later part of 2021 and offer adults 55+ a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community with an abundance of luxury amenities and concierge services. Our many services will include beautiful prepared, nutritional meals, an indoor pool, spa, fitness center, social clubs and a variety of indoor and outdoor venues. For more information on the newest independent living in Hillsboro, please visit our website.

Independent Living is Growing in Popularity among Seniors

If you have friends who have recently made a move into senior living, particularly independent living communities offering carefree retirement years for adults 55+, they are not alone? Seniors are recognizing the many advantages independent living offers such as maintenance-free living, predictable budgeting and a broader community of friends.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports nearly one-third of adults over 55 are not physically active. The problem with this is study after study shows a lack of physical exercise as we age elevates a person’s risk for chronic disease, pain, and premature death.  At independent living communities such as MorningStar of Hillsboro, participating in physical exercise is both easy and fun with our indoor pool and a variety of wellness programs that include exercise classes geared toward the needs of seniors.

Another problem for many seniors is the way they eat. Now that the kids are grown and gone, too many older adults begin to skimp on meal preparations. At MorningStar of Hillsboro, we take dining to another level with chef-inspired, nutrient-rich meals largely prepared from fresh ingredients and enjoyed sitting with friends in our relaxing dining room. 

Living alone for all-too many seniors can result in feelings of loneliness and social isolation. According to A Place for Mom, this in its self puts older adults at risk for health complications, depression, and increased cognitive decline. Additionally safely aging in place can often require expensive home modifications. The Department of Housing and Urban Development projects by 2035, “8.6 million U.S. seniors will spend over half of their monthly income on housing expenses, including repairs and adjustments for aging in place.”

Another thing, imagine all the time you will have in a maintenance-free environment to pursue your own interest. Maybe it is time to improve your golf game, start or renew a hobby, get closer to the grandkids or volunteer in your community. The opportunities are endless. Please visit our website for more information on the newest independent living in Hillsboro to find out what your friends already know about the healthy lifestyle senior living offers.

Pasadena's Best Senior Living Offers Independent Living & Assisted Living

MorningStar of Pasadena is a vibrant 55+ community with 149 bright suites offering seniors a choice of independent living or assisted living. Our independent living is designed for active seniors who love the idea of someone else handling chores like maintenance, landscaping, and housekeeping to have more time to socialize, travel, and pursue various hobbies and interests. Seniors enjoy stress-free living and a lifestyle that extends their independence and lets them continue the adventure. 

Assisted living is for seniors who require a little help with activities of daily living (ADLs) to provide a better quality of life. As a resident, you will have a personalized plan created for you, and updated as needed. Around-the-clock care managers, access to licensed nurses and medication management are just a few of the many services we provide to ensure your safety and to meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.

Among the many advantages to MorningStar of Pasadena is if you start out with us as an independent living resident, it is easy to adjust the level of care you may now need whether it is on a temporary basis or a more permanent one. All residents enjoy a range of luxury amenities and concierge services as well as a complement of wellness programs.

With a choice of studio and one- and two bedroom floorplans, you will find one to suit your needs. Each is equipped with a kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave, high-end finishes, ceiling lighting, window blinds, closet space and handicap-accessible bathrooms.  An emergency call system gives you peace of mind knowing someone is always available to lend a hand if needed.  

Along with independent living and assisted living, we offer respite care (short recuperative stays) or a chance to sample our community with a trial stay (from a week to a full month) to see if it is a good fit. Please visit our website for more on the finest senior living Pasadena offers.

Loneliness Can be a Real Threat to Seniors' Wellbeing

In 2018 researchers conducted a thorough examination of data from a number of independent studies regarding loneliness to determine overall trends. Of the more than 35 research articles measuring loneliness and mortality, the group found confirmation suggesting loneliness is a risk factor for all-cause mortality in both men and women. 

Another study from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) found “adults 60 years old and older who reported feeling lonely were at higher risk for functional decline in addition to the increased risk of death.” The problem was further exacerbated in participants who had difficulties performing the ADLs (activities of daily living).

Experts say loneliness acts on the body in much the same way as chronic pain, and can actually be measured by an increase in the levels of stress hormones. One of those hormones is cortisol, which is responsible for impairing immune responses and contributing to inflammation. Seniors suffering from prolonged loneliness are “vulnerable to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and chronic conditions like heart disease and obesity.” 

If you have an elderly parent or know someone who lives alone, call frequently or send greeting cards or small gifts. When you can, try to see them in person, and be sure to engage them in conversation, asking questions and listening to their answers. Another thing you can do is to help them find a hobby or encourage them to rekindle an interest in something they used to do. Most importantly let them know you are thinking of them and they are loved.   

At the MorningStar of Pasadena senior living community, we offer residents comfort, security, predictable budgeting and built-in companionship. Our beautiful home has 149 suites for independent living and assisted living in a selection of floor plans and a range of amenities and services to meet your needs including a dining service and meaningful wellness programs.  Visit our website for information regarding unrivalled senior living in Pasadena, CA.

Source: agingcare.com/Articles/loneliness-in-the-elderly-151549.htm

Unique & Practical Mother's Day Gift Ideas for Elderly Parents

If your mom is one of those people who has everything and/or is living in an apartment where she does not have room for a bunch of useless stuff, be creative with this year’s Mother’s Day gift. You may worry that more practical gifts are too boring but if they help to make lives easier and more interesting, most seniors are happy to get them.

If mom lives alone, there are several smartly-designed dressing aids to make it easier for her to do on her own and would be a useful addition to a basket of goodies. If mom likes to wear dresses or blouses that zip up the back, a zipper puller will come in handy. The same goes for bracelet fasteners and magnetic necklace fasteners, both are great for those with some mobility problems. A cozy gift idea for a mom or grandmother who always has cold feet is a pair of heatable slippers. Microwaveable ones have a heatable insole typically filled with aromatic ingredients such as lavender and rosemary, and flax seeds. 

For a mom who suffers from sore muscles and stiffness, how about a Shiatsu pillow massager designed for the back and neck (it can also be used in other places). Simple to use, just plug it in and feel the tension ease from your body with the 3-dimensional deep-kneading shiatsu massage nodes. Want to give mom a spa-like experience? A gift of shower steamer bombs creates a relaxing, aromatherapy experience for women who love showers more than a bath. Most are made with natural ingredients and pure essential oils like lemongrass and lavender. 

Moms and grandmothers always love the gift of a loved one’s time. If you have all been vaccinated, why not put on a fancy brunch with many of moms favorite dishes. An offer to declutter and organize the house or to help mom write her life story is bound to bring up lots of memories and fun stories to share. 

MorningStar of Pasadena is a vibrant 55+ community in the heart of beautiful Pasadena offering 149 bright suites, luxury amenities and concierge services for a relaxing, stress-free retirement. Please visit our website for information on the finest independent living and assisted living Pasadena, CA offers.

Uplift Your Mood with Nature

Ecotherapy is a growing scientific field based on the concept that people have a deep connection to their environment and to the earth itself, and if we fail to nurture this connection, it can negatively impact our mental health. While more common in men than women, research indicates mood disorders can occur as seniors face live changes such as retirement, a medical diagnosis, or loss of a spouse. Dr. Jason Strauss, director of geriatric psychiatry at Harvard-affiliated Cambridge Health Alliance, explains many seniors “do not want to turn to medication or therapy for help, and for many, interacting with nature is one of the best self-improvement tools they can use."

Though we may not have unlocked the key as to why nature improves our mood, studies show it does. In 2015, researchers looked at the brain activity of adults after they took a 90 minute walk in either an urban or nature setting. The brain activity of those who took the nature walk “had lower activity in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region that is active during rumination — defined as repetitive thoughts that focus on negative emotions.” 

Other benefits of spending time in nature include lowering the blood pressure and the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, the body's fight-or-flight response. Nature’s beauty is visually calming as well and can calm negative thoughts and encourage more positive ones.  

MorningStar of Kirkland is a new, independent living community in the Totem Lake area in family-friendly Kirkland. Residents will not only appreciate our contemporary apartments and luxury amenities but our location. We offer strolling paths on our sprawling grounds as well as lots of local trails as we are minutes from Juanita Bay, the Sammamish River Trail, and Sammamish Valley Park. Our community is close to the Evergreen Health Medical Center, shopping malls and restaurants, and around 20 minutes to Seattle. With a unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest,” we are a step above other senior living communities. Visit our website for contact information. Isn’t it time you start living your life to the fullest? 

Casting a New Light on Senior Living – A Mission to Serve Seniors

As one of the newest MorningStar Senior Living communities, MorningStar at River Oaks offers trusted assisted living and memory care. Our home is distinguished by comfort, wellness and love; made possible through a dedicated team who understand how to provide residents with a quality of life other assisted living communities simply cannot match.

Founded in 2003, MorningStar Senior Living considers it a privilege and responsibility to “cast a new light” on senior living, inspired and empowered by our mission: to honor God in our business practices and relationships; to value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and to invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. To achieve our mission, we start by hiring individuals with big hearts and virtues such as kindness, character and compassion. Every person on our staff, regardless of position, receives training in “Radiance,” our brand standard of Service Excellence, which guides the way we deliver service – with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. 

While MorningStar was founded on Judeo-Christian traditions, we honor all faith systems and worldviews at our homes among our residents as well as team members. Our foremost goal is to meet each resident’s social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs, as we create a comfortable, safe home. 

Our community expects to open in the later part of 2021 but we are more than happy to answers any questions you may have regarding our community, our care services and availability and pricing. In addition to assisted living and memory care, we offer seniors respite care and short-term stays (from one week up to a full month) that are ideal to try us out for size. Please visit our website where you will discover MorningStar at River Oaks is a cut above other assisted living communities in terms of amenities, services, programs and heart. 

Luxury Independent Living with Style

Are you ready for a lifestyle change? While you may have retired from your career, we know you have not retired from life but rather looking forward to a whole new chapter. Independent living communities like the brand-new, contemporary MorningStar of Kirkland offers a beautiful, no-maintain home, variety of onsite amenities, and broad community of friends. 

Today’s seniors are not only living longer but are more engaged and active than their parents and grandparents were in their later years. Retirement in 2021 is the time to enjoy hobbies, pursue new interests, travel, and renew yourself through volunteerism or hanging out with the grandkids – not worrying about home maintenance and repairs. Time is precious and life needs to be lived to the fullest.

MorningStar of Kirkland’s five-star dining service puts meal preparation and clean-up in our hands and frees you up for a before dinner swim in the pool or a leisurely stroll through our Zen garden. Like a drink after dinner? Walk over to our full bar, chat with friends and enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail. Image having a group of neighbors ready to play a hand of cards in one of our relaxing clubs, or attending a fitness class with a couple of girlfriends a few apartments over. A complement of wellness programs keep your brain sharp, the body fit, and spiritually and socially connected. 

Another overlooked advantage to independent living is the security of knowing someone is always around. For peace of mind, all apartments have handicap-accessible bathrooms and 24-hour emergency call systems; and we offer secure, underground parking. Since we are pet friendly, you will not need to leave behind your beloved four-footed family member.  

Our 151 apartments are available in studio and one and two-bedroom configurations so you will find one that suits your needs. Each has a full kitchen with premium cabinets and countertops, private heating & air conditioning, storage space and more. Visit our website for more information. 

New to the Concept of “Assisted Living?”

Today’s assisted living is not just another term for a nursing home, which is intended for people who require skilled, around-the-clock medical care and supervision. Rather assisted living, the most popular and fastest growing long-term care option for older adults in the U.S., is designed for seniors who cannot get the help they need or afford while living at home or in an independent living community. The first community in the U.S. opened in the late 1980s. The concept quickly took hold out of consumers’ distaste for nursing homes and the desire for something offering the services, safety and amenities seniors required while still supporting and encouraging their independence.  

Assisted living recognizes seniors as productive, contributing individuals who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Moreover unlike nursing homes, assisted living communities offer private suites with locked doors and most are equipped with kitchens for the meals residents wish to cook. At communities such as MorningStar at River Oaks, meals and transportation are provided, and residents can get help with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, dressing, transferring, toileting, etc.  Residents feel comforted having the security and safety of 24-hour support, and families’ rest easy knowing that a trained, caring staff is available to help whenever their loved one needs it. 

Residents appreciate the ease of built-in social connections and predictable budgeting as well as wellness programs and activities designed to engage them physically, mentally, spiritually and socially. MorningStar at River Oaks is pet-friendly, check with us regarding our pet policy. 

Please visit our website to learn more about Houston’s newest assisted living and memory care community. MorningStar at River Oaks is a luxury community offering seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. If you need a good place to recover from an illness or surgical procedure or would like to see if we are a good fit, we offer short-term stays (from one week up to a full month) and respite care. MorningStar at River Oaks will open to residents in the later part of 2021. Contact us for availability and pricing. 

Adults 55+ have a New Option for Senior Living in Hillsboro, OR

In case you haven’t heard, the various options for independent living in Hillsboro, OR will soon be elevated with the opening of the new MorningStar of Hillsboro Senior Living community. Scheduled to open in the later part of 2021, we offer 141 apartments in one- and two bedroom floorplans, which are designed to maximize space and provide plenty of storage. Each has a full kitchen with premium cabinets and countertops, high-end finishes, and equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and 24-hour emergency call systems. For residents’ convenience, we offer secure underground parking and some units with balconies. 

MorningStar of Hillsboro’s welcoming, warm atmosphere offers seniors a true home and a sense of community tailor-made for an active, healthy retirement. With a range of amenities and concierge services including a dining service on par with your favorite restaurants, an onsite indoor pool, fitness center, spa, amphitheater, art studio, salon, patios, and club lounges, you are sure to stay engaged and connected. MorningStar of Hillsboro provides housekeeping services and handles all of the maintenance inside and out.     

Our location in vibrant Hillsboro is ideal for seniors as the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center is close by as is the Tanasbourne Town Center, offering shops, restaurants and entertainment. Along with our own landscaped grounds with relaxing strolling paths, we are a few miles from the Washington County Museum, Tualatin Hills Nature Park, and Tualatin Hills Nature Center, making it easy for residents to get out and enjoy nature.  

At MorningStar of Hillsboro, we believe the ability to grow and contribute is ageless and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. If the name MorningStar sounds familiar, we have two other senior living communities in Oregon, MorningStar of Happy Valley and MorningStar of Beaverton. Please visit our website to learn more.

A Vibrant New Senior Living Community is Coming to Kirkland

Ready to start enjoying your retirement years, and love the sound of no longer worrying about home maintenance and unexpected repairs? If so, we would like to introduce you to the newest independent living community in family-friendly Kirkland, MorningStar of Kirkland. Opening in the fourth quarter of 2021, our community will offer hospitality services and luxury amenities including a dining service, pool, spa, fitness center, social clubs, Zen garden, sports courts and more. Our 151 modern apartments are available in a range of smartly-designed floorplans and configurations, lots of windows and high-end finishes. 

The market for 55+ housing is one of the fastest growing sectors in the industry. Seniors have discovered the many benefits independent living communities such as MorningStar of Kirkland offer including meals they no longer need to cook, predictable budgeting, and wellness programs. Moreover after a year of self-isolating due to the pandemic, many seniors find they love the idea of built-in companionship. 

To easily continue your life adventures, we know the location of your living arrangements is important to you. We are pleased to report MorningStar of Kirkland passes with flying colors in that department allowing seniors to remain close to their families while leading a full and active lifestyle. As we are situated in the idyllic Totem Lake area, we offer direct access to both private and public walking paths and are minutes from Juanita Bay, the Sammamish River Trail, and Sammamish Valley Park. The Evergreen Medical Center, the 4th ranked hospital in Washington, is a couple of blocks away and we are within a ten-mile radius of 11 hospitals offering emergency services. 

MorningStar of Kirkland’s unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We invite you to visit our website for contact information and to learn more about one of the finest independent living communities in Kirkland.

Meet Houston’s Newest, Luxury Assisted Living Community

MorningStar Senior Living wishes to introduce area families to the vibrant MorningStar at River Oaks assisted living and memory care community. Dedicated to elevating the standard in senior living, 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.

Located in Houston’s River Oaks neighborhood, our stunning home includes a sixth-floor sky terrace and lounge offering spectacular views of downtown, courtyards with fireplace and BBQ, and a grand entrance portal located on Revere Street. MorningStar’s 112 suites range in size from 350 to 1,090 sq. ft. with a choice of floor plans and configurations to please the most discerning seniors. Our suites are ready to move into and just require your furnishings and personal items to make it feel like home. 

As an assisted living resident, you will get the help you need for the ADLs (activities of daily living) with 24/7 care managers, access to licensed nurses, medication management and other services intended to improve quality of life. Our holistic memory care is specialized and individualized for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. We are equipped to care for those from the onset of the disease to the most advanced stages.

Other amenities residents will certainly appreciate are a full salon, massage room, fitness center, life enrichment room, courtyard with strolling paths, and scheduled transportation. Our five-star, all-day dining service is unlike many other senior living communities as it is under the direction of our highly-trained Executive Chef. Served restaurant-style in our attractive dining room, seasonal menus feature the freshest ingredients from high quality producers, locally sourced when possible.

Along with trusted assisted living and memory care, we offer respite care and short-term stays (from one week up to a full month). Please visit our website for further information and pricing and availability.

Make the Most of Your Retirement Years

As statistics indicate more and more seniors are living well into their mid-80s and beyond, it is all the more reason to continue to play, learn, contribute, create and relax. For many older adults, retirement is the start of new adventures and a new lifestyle. 

Rather than spending your last years lonely and socially isolated, today’s generation of seniors enjoy opportunities not available to their parents. Many are healthier and more active than earlier generations; and experts weigh-in on all of the choices seniors have to make retirement years transformative.

One of those suggestions is to volunteer. If you haven’t done so before, consider the causes you are passionate about and ask yourself what you can do to help. Do you want to make a difference in the environment, get involved in local politics or your church, or help people in your community in need? These are just a few suggestions of the many programs and opportunities to feel useful. 

Other ways you can grow is to take a class in something you have always longed to do or to do better. If you are interested in sharpening your brain, there is much research indicating learning new things is good for us. Some examples include learning to play an instrument or speaking a foreign language. If you want to learn to cook, draw or write, take a class. Many of these things can be done online or through podcasts and audible books.  

Museums and other organizations host virtual events featuring lecturers and renowned authors, orchestra performances and exciting travel programs. Live events may have follow-up sessions to ask questions. Social clubs, recreational activities and sports clubs are other ways to stay connected to people. Retirement is a great time to try a new hobby, train for a marathon, or get a part-time job doing something you have always wanted to do.

At the MorningStar of Pasadena senior living community we specialize in offering residents opportunities for new friendships, predictable budgeting, wellness programs, and the chance to relax in beautiful surroundings. Our fashionable independent living and assisted living apartments frees you up from endless home maintenance and repairs to do the things you want to do. Contact us to learn more about availability and pricing for the area’s best independent living and assisted living in Pasadena, CA.

Summer is Almost Here - Make Sure to Have Plenty of Sunscreen on Hand

While it is important to wear sunscreen every time we go outside in daylight regardless of the time of year, with summer coming, many of us are outdoors for longer periods and need to remember the sun’s rays are stronger. If it has been awhile since you bought your sunscreen, dermatologists say to take a look at the container and check the expiration date. 

They caution seniors it is a mistake to think a little sun exposure is okay, they need the vitamin D, or they have a dark enough skin tone. The fact is 9,500 people a day in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer and one in five people by age 70 will have had skin cancer.  

While there are many good sunscreens on the market, dermatologists say you may want to consider a mineral sunscreen formula. The container should let you know whether it is a mineral or chemical formulation. Mineral sunscreens contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide while chemical sunscreens are formulated with ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate and octisalate. Currently the FDA is reviewing chemical sunscreens to determine to what extent the chemicals are absorbed into the body.    

The next step to make sure you use it so buy one you like. There are as many different ways to apply the products as there are brands and each one has its own scent and feel to it. Some go on quite dry and quickly absorb into the skin while others are very creamy or oily feeling. If you decide on a spray version, never spray it directly on your face or your child’s but rather spray it on your hands and use them to apply to the face. Water-resistant formulas are good for swimming or sports where you sweat a lot. 

Dermatologists caution most of us never apply enough. The amount of sunscreen needed to ensure protection is way more than you think. It is recommended “adults should count on using a shot-glass-size glob for the body (more if you're generously proportioned or tall) and a teaspoon amount for the face.” The face includes ears, neck and upper chest area.  

MorningStar of Pasadena senior living community offers residents comfort, security, built-in companionship, and predictable budgeting. We have 149 suites for independent living and assisted living in a selection of floor plans and a range of amenities and services to meet your every need. Please visit our website to learn more about unmatched senior living in Pasadena, CA.

Source: aarp.org/entertainment/style-trends/info-2020/sunscreen-sun-safety-tips.html