Are You Considering a Senior Independent Living Community?

Statistics show approximately one million Americans reside in some type of senior living community, and by 2030, the number is expected to double. At the same time, the number of seniors 85 and older is projected to triple from 5.7 million in 2011 to 14.1 million in 2040. Within the category of senior living, there are several options available for older adults including independent living (also known as retirement communities), which is specifically designed for adults 55+.

The reason so many seniors are turning to independent living is they love the many advantages it offers. Residents get peace of mind with predictable budgeting and not having to worry about unexpected repairs or costs associated with home maintenance. Another important perk of independent living communities is built-in companionship, and in many cases, activities and programming, and tasty meals they no longer have to cook. 

Senior living communities like MorningStar of Hillsboro allow seniors to enjoy stress-free retirement years, extend their independence and continue the adventure. Opening in the first quarter of 2022, MorningStar of Hillsboro will offer 141 stylish apartments in a variety of floorplans.  Our luxury amenities include chef-inspired meals, an indoor pool, spa, fitness center, social clubs and other indoor and outdoor venues.    In addition, We will offer a broad range of wellness programs and activities designed for residents’ physical, mental, social and spiritual connection. And in case you were wondering, we are pet friendly

MorningStar of Hillsboro is ideally located as the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center is close by as are the shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues of Tanasbourne Town Center.  Portland is 25 minutes to the east, and the Washington County Museum, Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Tualatin Hills Nature Center are nearby.  For exceptional senior living, Hillsboro, OR seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar, a true destination for successful aging.  

MorningStar of Hillsboro provides the very best in independent living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Hillsboro, OR has to offer.

How Many Steps Per Day for Better Health?

We have all heard about the value of walking 10,000 steps a day but recent studies show it may not actually be the magic number. One study published by JAMA found walking 7,000 steps or more a day may decrease the risk for mortality and offer better overall health. 

In the cohort study of 2110 adults with a mean follow-up of 10.8 years, participants who walked at least 7000 steps a day, compared with those taking fewer than 7000 steps, had a 50% to 70% lower risk of mortality. Researchers also noted, “There was no association of step intensity with mortality regardless of adjustment for step volume.”

A 2020 study found a decreased risk for mortality in participants who took 8,000 steps a day than those who only took 4,000 steps a day. In the same year, another study found more steps taken each day were linked to lower rates of diabetes. Researchers say the bottom line is evidence points to the importance of increased physical activity. 

Before you begin walking, talk to your healthcare provider; and if you are just beginning to exercise, be sure to start slowly. Wear properly-fitted, supportive shoes, and if walking during the day, wear sunscreen, protective clothing and a hat. Experts say you may want to take a look at running shoes as they typically incorporate the latest developments in cushioning, motion control and support.  

For exceptional senior living, Hillsboro, OR area seniors are encouraged to consider MorningStar.  As the newest independent living community in the area, MorningStar of Hillsboro offers adults 55+ a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Our luxury amenities include chef-inspired meals, an indoor pool, spa, fitness center, social clubs and other indoor and outdoor venues.    In addition, We will offer a broad range of wellness programs and activities designed for residents’ physical, mental, social and spiritual connection.  Please visit our website for more information. 

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Hillsboro, OR has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, inviting atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Hillsboro provides outstanding independent living.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/taking-7000-steps-or-more-a-day-may-lower-mortality-risk

MorningStar of Hillsboro Offers Independent Living for Carefree Retirement Years

If you are a senior who is starting to feel overwhelmed by the care and upkeep of a home, it may be time to consider making a lifestyle change.  At MorningStar of Hillsboro, we think you will be pleased to discover that not only are you giving up a houseful of problems but you are gaining a beautiful, no-maintenance home as well as a broader community of friends.  While new to Hillsboro, MorningStar Senior Living has two other highly-regarded communities in Oregon, MorningStar of Happy Valley and MorningStar of Beaverton.

Opening soon, MorningStar of Hillsboro will offer 141 apartments in a variety of floorplans, which are designed to maximize space and provide plenty of storage. Each has an in-suite washer/dryer, full kitchen with premium cabinets and countertops, and equipped with handicap-accessible bathrooms and 24-hour emergency call systems.  We take care of all the maintenance, both inside and out, and offer weekly housekeeping, which will allow residents plenty of time to pursue their interests. 

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. Amenities include a fitness center, relaxing patios, club lounges, and a heated indoor pool. Your choice of dining venues includes a casual dining deck to a formal dining room or private dining room perfect for intimate dinners. Enjoy a drink in our bistro/ bar, catch a movie in our theatre or attend service in our chapel. For your convenience, we offer underground parking and bike storage. For those who love to garden, we have raised resident garden beds and peaceful strolling paths. 

Our location in vibrant Hillsboro is ideal for seniors as the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center is close by as are the shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues of Tanasbourne Town Center.  Portland is 25 minutes to the east, and the serene beauty of the Tualatin Hills Nature Park and Tualatin Hills Nature Center are nearby, making it easy for residents to get out and enjoy nature.  If all this sounds good to you, contact us to learn more about one of the best retirement communities Hillsboro, OR offers.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement communities Hillsboro, OR has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, inviting atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Hillsboro provides outstanding independent living.

MorningStar of Hillsboro – The Beginning of Carefree Retirement Years

At MorningStar of Hillsboro, we want you to know independent living means much more than simply a change in your housing. We think of it as a chance to begin new adventures, meet a broader community of like-minded individuals, and to get down to the business of really enjoying your precious retirement years.  We are located on the east side of Hillsboro in the highly sought-after AmberGlen neighborhood, minutes from Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, the Tanasbourne Town Center shopping mall, and a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues. 

Our community specializes in offering a full range of hospitality services that frees you up from the drudge of daily chores and obligations. We provide housekeeping services and take care of maintenance, inside and out.  In addition, residents will enjoy chef-inspired, all-day dining and enrichment activities to engage the mind, body, spirit and social connections. Imagine all the time you will have in a maintenance-free environment to pursue your own interests. Maybe it is time to improve your golf game, start or renew a hobby, or volunteer in your community. 

Along with beautifully landscaped grounds, we have resident garden beds, strolling paths and comfortable patios. A fitness center and indoor pool makes it easy to get in your workout, and our life enrichment room offers creative, fun-filled activities. The art studio or library is a lovely way to spend an afternoon or evening, and our bistro/bar is a great place to gather with friends. We have an onsite theatre/chapel for fun movie nights and religious services as well as a private dining room for intimate dinners.  

As you can see, senior living in Hillsboro, OR is about to get a whole lot better with the opening of MorningStar of Hillsboro later this year. We invite you to visit our website and browse through our extensive information, but please give us a call if you have further questions. Don’t forget to ask about our Move-in Specials.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Hillsboro, OR has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, inviting atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Hillsboro provides outstanding independent living.

Study Shows the Benefits of Daily Exercise

Even if you have already moved into the “senior” category of life, medical experts say it is not too late to improve your health and mobility, and one of the best ways to do it is to walk. This was the findings based on the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) trial, which included more than 1,600 men and women between the ages of 70 and 89. Participants consisted of people who were not regularly exercising and fairly frail.  

The participants were divided in half with one group assigned to daily walking and strength and balance exercises. The other group attended educational workshops and were introduced to gentle stretching routines. “After 2½ years, the volunteers in the exercise group were 28% less likely to have become disabled (defined by the inability to walk about 400 yards without help) compared to those in the education group. They were also 18% less likely to have had any episode of physical disability.” LIFE’s researchers say the results could have been more dramatic but for the fact that those in the workshop group learned about the benefits of walking and some started to walk and exercise on their own.  

The advantages of walking include stopping bone mass loss, strengthening leg and abdominal muscles, and improving circulation by helping to lower blood pressure and reducing the risk for heart disease. It helps people lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, sleep better, increase mental sharpness, and improve balance and stability. Doctors say walking can increase your lifespan but if you have not exercised in a while, they caution to slowly increase your pace as well as the distance you walk. If you are unsteady on your feet, use a cane or walker, and everyone should wear properly fitting footwear.  

Looking for one of the finest retirement communities Hillsboro, OR offers?  At the new MorningStar of Hillsboro we offer a broad range of luxury amenities and services to promote a healthy lifestyle. Onsite amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, and landscaped grounds with strolling paths making it easy for residents to exercise.  In addition, we are only a few miles from the Tualatin Hills Nature Park with its five miles of trails. Please contact us for more information.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other retirement communities Hillsboro, OR has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, inviting atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Hillsboro provides outstanding independent living.

What to Look for in Retirement Communities

Many seniors are realizing 55+ communities offer a lifestyle of comfort and security by combining the privacy and independence of one’s own space along with a community of peers in the same stage of life. If you are thinking about a move to a retirement community, senior living experts offer some tips on how to find the best fit for your needs. 

One of the first things you may want to consider is location. Is it close to medical facilities, shopping, entertainment and local parks? In addition how important is it to be near family and friends? Experts say even if you are in good physical shape, you may want a place with wide doorways and grab bars to accommodate any limitations you may encounter in the future. Does the apartment need to have a balcony or patio? How many bedrooms do you need, and how many bathrooms?

Is the area within your budget? If not experts say there is no point falling in love with an apartment you cannot afford. Also ask about what type of security the community offers such as key cards, locked doors and people on staff all hours of the day. Finally check out the amenities and activities. If you love to swim, is there a pool? Do you want a place that serves alcohol, has a salon and social clubs where you can hang out with friends and relax? Answering these types of questions is a good start to determining exactly what you are looking for in senior housing.

The newest addition to senior living in Hillsboro is MorningStar of Hillsboro, opening in late 2021. Loaded with resort-style amenities and concierge services, residents will enjoy a carefree lifestyle. Along with restaurant-style dining, indoor pool, spa, fitness center, social clubs and other indoor and outdoor venues, we offer a complement of wellness programs and activities to meet residents’ physical, mental, social and spiritual needs. Visit our website for more information on one of the finest retirement communities in Hillsboro, OR, and ask about our FOUNDER'S CLUB SPECIALS – SAVINGS Up to $5000.

What We Need to Know about Environmental Conditions Affecting Our Health

In many parts of the country, extreme weather has made it a very challenging year especially for older adults and people suffering from many chronic health conditions including asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Not only have areas experienced record-setting heat waves but many have also had to deal with poor air quality due to wild fires, to the point of people asking themselves, if it is safe to go outside. 

Extreme hot temperatures can be deadly as recently reported by the Harvard Medical Publishing website. They report on disturbing statistics showing more than “a third of all heat-related deaths in the US and worldwide have been attributed to climate change. In the US alone, heat is responsible for an estimated 5,600 deaths annually.” 

Smoke from wildfires has been widespread and can irritate the eyes and lungs, and worsen some medical conditions. The Oregon Smoke Information site says, “People most at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant women.” 

Doctors say people taking certain medications such as diuretics as well as the elderly have to be careful about retaining adequate fluids in their body during periods of extreme heat. High temperatures can rob the body of essential minerals in the blood called electrolytes and can be especially dangerous for people with heart or kidney disease and diabetes. Records from Medicare report hospital admissions during heat waves of two or more days are most often the result of “heat stroke, sunstroke, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and acute kidney failure.”

Dehydration and exposure to high temperatures can cause heat exhaustion and lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention. The Mayo Clinic says symptoms include heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, rapid pulse, and muscle cramps. 

Searching for one of the area’s top retirement communities? Hillsboro’s new MorningStar of Hillsboro has everything you could want from stylish apartments, to amenities, hospitality services, and location. Our contemporary-styled building is both a gracious home and high-end resort with 141 apartments in a range of configurations and floor plans. Onsite amenities include a pool, fitness center, art studio, indoor and outdoor dining venues, beautiful nature areas nearby and our own strolling paths to promote a healthy lifestyle for active 55+ seniors.  Visit our website to learn more, and while you are there fill out the online form to connect with us. 

Source: 

health.harvard.edu/blog/extreme-heat-staying-safe-if-you-have-health-issues-202108062563

Contemporary Senior Housing: Studios and One & Two Bedroom Floorplans

If you are in the Hillsboro, OR area and looking for senior living, would you love the opportunity to move into a brand-new community? If so we encourage you to take a look at MorningStar of Hillsboro. Scheduled to open in the last quarter of 2021, our 55+ community will let you to fully enjoy your retirement years by giving you the resources to live your best life. 

In addition to luxury amenities, we offer a range of floorplans and configurations designed to please. Starting with a choice of studios from 475 sq. ft. to 573, each is designed to optimize living space, and offers a kitchenette and plenty of windows to bring in natural light. Our one-bedroom, one-bath units start at 545 sq. ft.; with several configurations at 678 all the way up to our largest at 732 sq. ft. We also have a selection of one-bedroom, one ½ baths at 911 sq. ft. 

For those looking for two bedrooms, our wide selection includes two-bedroom, one-bath apartments at 811 sq. ft. as well as a whole range of two-bedroom, two-bath units from 979 sq. ft. to our very largest apartment at 1219 sq. ft. Depending on location, some of our units offer a choice of a private balcony or private patio (be sure to ask). 

We encourage you to browse our website to look at our Virtual Tour, floor plans, list of amenities and our photo gallery. As a resident of MorningStar of Hillsboro, you will appreciate our location in the highly sought-after AmberGlen neighborhood on the east side of Hillsboro. Our community is minutes from the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, the Tanasbourne Town Center shopping mall, and a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues. 

Isn’t it time for a carefree lifestyle with beautiful prepared meals, an indoor pool, spa, fitness center, social clubs, Art Studio, salon and more? For more information on the newest independent living in Hillsboro, please visit our website.

Fashionable Independent Living Offering Comfort, Style, Services & Location

If you thought you would have to give up something to move into independent living, please meet MorningStar of Hillsboro, Hillsboro, OR’s newest 55+ community. Scheduled to open in the last quarter of 2021, our community has it all starting with 141 contemporary apartments in a range of configurations including spacious studios; and one- and two-bedroom floorplans. Each is ready to move into and feature full kitchens, in-suite washer/dryers, handicap-accessible bathrooms, 24-hour emergency call systems, choice of a private patio or balcony, and private heating & air conditioning. 

If you love the idea of hanging out at home while being treated to resort-style amenities, MorningStar of Hillsboro is your place. We offer all the amenities and hospitality services you need to live a full, healthy life such as a fitness center, relaxing patios, club lounges, and a heated indoor pool. Your choice of dining venues includes a casual dining deck to a formal dining room or private dining room perfect for intimate dinners. Enjoy a drink (alcoholic or other) in our bistro/ bar, catch a movie in our theatre or attend service in our chapel. For your convenience, we offer bike storage and underground parking. For those who love to garden, we have raised resident garden beds and peaceful strolling paths. 

To enhance wellbeing, MorningStar of Hillsboro offers a complement of wellness programs and activities designed to engage residents physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. Another advantageous thing regarding our community is its location. On the east side of Hillsboro in the highly-coveted AmberGlen neighborhood, we are minutes from Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, the Tanasbourne Town Center shopping mall, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Please visit our website for more information on the newest senior living in Hillsboro, OR, and discover what other seniors have already learned about the healthy lifestyle community life offers. As both a gracious home and a high-end resort, MorningStar of Hillsboro provides a range of amenities and concierge services to promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle.

Gifts for Father’s Day for Hard-to-buy for Dads

Does it seem like dad or grandpa has everything they need and you have no idea what to buy for them this coming Father’s Day? Unlike lots of women, many men are not a bouquet of flowers or personalized jewelry type of guys.      

However before you buy anything, remember dads are people too and each is different. While one may love a new power tool, another would rather get a bottle of fine wine or a pair of cashmere socks. Some dads play golf, some fish and some love a good hike. Others are more couch-potato dads and might love a subscription to a premium TV service. On top of that, your gift choice will most-likely be guided by your budget.

One unique gift is a blue-toothed shower head that lets him listen to his tunes while he showers, or perhaps quality, wireless headphones. For a handy fix-it on the spot type of dad, how about a multi-tool/ballpoint pen? The big online retailer offers one with three rulers, built-in level, Philips and flathead screwdrivers, pencil, pen, and stylus. 

If your dad is a space geek and loves everything to do with space exploration, he will love a copy of The New York Times’ book of reprinted pages from key, historical moments of space travel. For the dad who loves fried food, how about a healthier air fryer? For techie dads, how about getting him a new smartwatch? The field has grown over the last few years and ranges in price and features. 

MorningStar at Silver Lake knows your independence is important to you and we offer it in both our independent living and assisted living. Our maintenance-free lifestyle provides a chance to begin new adventures, meet a broader community of like-minded individuals and enjoy your precious retirement years. Please visit our website and browse through our extensive information. If you have further questions, give us a call. Don’t forget to 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.

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.