Late Life Depression

February 14, 2024 by MStar Living in Senior Living

Depression can affect people at any age including senior citizens. According to Web MD, “Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older, but only 10% receive treatment for depression.” They suggest the reason for this may be that the symptoms seniors display are often ignored or assumed to be a result of illnesses and medications or just a normal part of growing older.

There are many reasons why seniors suffer from depression including major changes in their lives such as retirement, the death of a spouse, illnesses, disabilities and social isolation. People suffering from very painful, disabling, or life-threatening illnesses are especially vulnerable to depression or the worsening of symptoms. Furthermore, depression can be caused by medications that are commonly prescribed to the elderly including blood pressure medication, beta-blockers, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, calcium-channel blockers and medication for Parkinson’s as well as others.

Suffering from depression prevents seniors from enjoying life as they used to and can be the cause of a change in appetite, problems sleeping and impact physical health. HelpGuide.org says, while sadness is one sign of depression, some seniors do not recognize or admit to feelings of sadness. Rather someone may “complain instead of low motivation, a lack of energy, or physical problems. In fact, physical complaints, such as arthritis pain or worsening headaches, are often the predominant symptom of depression in the elderly.”

All too often seniors just accept depression as a part of the aging process but there are steps you can take to help yourself or your loved one. You first need to talk to your health care provider to rule out other problems, and then perhaps you need to make changes in your lifestyle. Experts suggest that isolation and inactivity can make depression worse and they recommend getting involved in physical, mental and social activities.

This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes fi lled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Houston offers.

If You Are Over 50, You Are at Higher Risk for Shingles

December 29, 2023 by MStar Living in Senior Living

We have all heard about shingles but many of us are confused as to whether it is contagious and what are the chances we will get it. Experts explain shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Moreover, if you had chickenpox as a child, you are at risk of getting shingles sometime in your life.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports one in three people develop shingles during their lifetime. While this means many will never get shingles, some people get it more than once and others can develop flare-ups periodically throughout their lives. Dr. Michael Urban, a senior lecturer and director of the doctorate of occupational therapy program at the University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut, explains flair-ups can be a full range of symptoms or barely noticeable.

Statistics show in recent years younger people are getting shingles but typically the disease occurs in those over 50 years of age and the risk increases the older we get or with various health conditions. People undergoing cancer treatment as well as being ill or under a lot of stress are all at a higher risk for shingles.

Symptoms vary and include feeling like you may have the flu, and/or a red, itchy, painful rash or fluid-filled blisters. Before the rash appears, you may feel an uncomfortable sensation, numbness or tingling, and may be the only symptoms you ever experience. Experts say shingles are not contagious but you can give someone chickenpox if they have never had it; but only if they come in direct contact with the fluid in the blisters such as through a washcloth or bed sheet. To ensure your safety, talk to your doctor about getting a shingles vaccine if you are over the age of 50 or suffer from chronic diseases like renal failure, COPD and diabetes among others.

At MorningStar of Kirkland, we offer seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Our luxury amenities include chef-inspired meals, a pool, bistro/bar, fitness center, salon and other indoor and outdoor venues. In addition, We have a broad range of programs and activities designed to enhance residents’ physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing. Please visit our website to learn more about outstanding senior living in Kirkland, WA.

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

As We Age, Social Connections are Just as Important as Physical Exercise

December 20, 2023 by MStar Living in Senior Housing

Most of us know physical exercise is important to healthy aging. It can help us recover from injury, ease chronic pain, fight off depression and boost our energy level; but just as important are social connections. We are social beings and interacting with others has a big impact on our overall health.

The American Public Health Association reports socialization improves mood, cognition, memory recall, and is associated with healthy behaviors, including exercise. The National Institutes of Health reports elderly adults’ social participation reduces loneliness, depression and stress; and a robust social life enhances quality of life, self-efficacy and self-esteem. As socialization keeps the brain sharp it may even decrease the risk of developing dementia or slow down its progression.

Michael Rambarose, President and CEO of the Whitney Center, a Life Care community in Hamden, CT, writes, “Socialization is like the secret ingredient that makes a healthy senior lifestyle come together.” Although he is quick to add its psychological benefits shouldn’t be kept secret. He explains, “We encourage the seniors that we serve and work with to make their social lives a priority. The people and loved ones we share life with can give everything else we do more meaning.”

At MorningStar of Kirkland, we understand the importance of community and staying engaged. Through wellness programs and activities promoting physical, intellectual, spiritual and social connections; residents can choose how busy they wish to be each day. Our amenities include beautifully prepared, nutritional meals; swimming pool; sport courts; art studio; theater; resident garden beds and fitness center. For more information about MorningStar’s independent senior housing in Kirkland, WA, please visit our website.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Kirkland, WA offers.

Be Aware of Financial Scams Targeted to Older Adults

October 27, 2023 by MStar Living in Independent Living

Each year elderly seniors fall prey to ruthless schemes that rob them of their money and identity. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), In 2021, there were over 92,000 older victims of fraud resulting in $1.7 billion in losses. The sad part is that it is often a result of a senior’s trusting nature or feelings of isolation and loneliness; or in some cases, a senior may have cognitive issues that impair their judgement and decision-making skills.

Experts explain there are several reasons why seniors are more susceptible to fraudulent schemes starting with the fact they tend to be very trusting. Our elderly population was typically raised to be polite and agreeable to others, which in turn can make them more susceptible to fraud. Lonely seniors can easily be preyed upon as they are willing to stay on the phone and engage in conversation with a stranger.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) alerts the public to scams targeting seniors so if you have a parent or other elderly loved ones who may be at risk, look at the information and discuss the various schemes used with them. One scam frequently used is for a thief to call unsuspecting victims and pretend to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration, or Medicare. They have many angles such as saying the individual has unpaid taxes or their Social Security or Medicare benefits are in danger of being cut off. They then demand payment (in the case of unpaid taxes) or ask for personal identifying information, which is then used to commit fraud. These impersonators often “spoof” the actual phone numbers of the government agency, or call from the same area code for Washington, DC, tricking the victim into believing the call is legitimate.

The NCOA says there are ways to avoid getting scammed such as never giving out your personal information to anyone but a trusted family member, friend or your professional financial advisor. In addition, never make big financial decisions without consulting with one of those trusted people. Also, do not give out personal PIN numbers, or Medicare and other financial information over the phone unless you initiated the call or know the person.

Other commonsense advice includes being wary of high-pressure salespersons, never signing a contract until you understand it entirely, and to be suspicious of unexpected announcements of winning money, trips, or other prizes. Experts say it is most likely a hoax. Always take your time when making financial decisions and do not give blanket approval to a vendor for medical equipment and other purchases.

MorningStar of Kirkland offers the very best in independent living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, 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 Kirkland, WA has to offer.

Source: ncoa.org/article/top-10-financial-scams-targeting-seniors

Learn More About Parkinson’s Disease

October 11, 2023 by MStar Living in Senior Living

We often come to think something is true if we hear it stated as if it is a fact. Doctors say this happens in medicine more frequently than we realize. One such disease with lots of misinformation surrounding it is Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder affecting predominantly dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Symptoms develop slowly over years and may include tremors (mainly at rest); bradykinesia (slowness of movement); limb rigidity; and gait and balance problems.

One common misconception regarding PD is it only affects a person’s movement. Doctors explain this is untrue as symptoms can also include: cognitive impairment or dementia, depression and anxiety, sleep dysfunction, pain, apathy, sexual dysfunction, and bowel incontinence. Another thing many people believe is levodopa, one of the most effective treatments for PD, is only effective for a certain amount of time. However, experts say it is not the drug that becomes less potent but the fact that the “key enzyme that converts levodopa to dopamine (aromatic acid decarboxylase or AADC) is predominantly found in the dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra, which are lost during progression of the disease.”

People should know tremors are not always a symptom of PD, and that some people with PD never get them. In terms of the trajectory of the disease, it varies with individuals. Also, research suggests staying physically active can slow progression and reduce symptoms.

Although the cause of the disease is not known nor is there a cure for it, there are treatments used to improve symptoms and allow people to have a good quality of life. While current therapies don’t slow or stop PD, researchers are working to identify biomarkers to enable earlier detection and hope to find better treatments.

This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-parkinsons-disease

Study Shows 8,200 Steps per Day is a Good Goal

October 06, 2023 by MStar Living in Senior Housing

Over the last several years, reports on the “optimal” number of steps we should take each day seem to vary. Early-on it was all about getting 10,000 steps but the Medical News Today’s website explains the idea of 10,000 steps was actually conceived in the 1960s as a marketing tool and was not based on any actual medical research.

A study from the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN, decided to take a “fresh look at how many steps a person should take each day — and what kind of steps are most beneficial — to promote good health.” The data was obtained with fitness trackers and the information led researchers to suggest a goal of 8,200 steps a day significantly lowers a person’s risk of chronic disease.

Researchers report results show an association between walking 8,200 steps and a reduced risk of chronic conditions, including:

obesity
sleep apnea
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
major depressive disorder (MDD)
diabetes
hypertension

In addition, they found even more steps a day could reduce the risk even more for some of these diseases. However, Dr. Evan L. Brittain, associate professor of medicine at Vanderbilt, explained, in the case of “diabetes and hypertension, we observed a plateau at around 8–9000 steps per day, above which there wasn’t any obvious benefit.” He also reminded people there is no reason to not get in more steps a day as they can be beneficial for other health conditions.

If you are looking for senior housing in Kirkland, WA, we encourage you to consider MorningStar. MorningStar of Kirkland has a broad range of luxury amenities and services to promote a healthy lifestyle. Onsite amenities include a fitness center, exercise classes, swimming pool and beautiful grounds with strolling paths making it easy for residents to keep active. Residents also enjoy our proximity to the 10-mile-long Sammamish River Trail. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/walking-8200-steps-a-day-may-lower-your-risk-of-chronic-disease-study-finds

Exercise can Improve Bone Health

September 27, 2023 by MStar Living in Senior Living

The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation reports approximately 10 million people in the United States have osteoporosis, and 44 million have low bone density, meaning they are at risk of developing the condition. One in two females and up to one in four males will be affected by a broken bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis. Medication, calcium, and vitamin D and K can help strengthen bones.

In addition, if you are diagnosed with osteoporosis or low bone mass, an important lifestyle habit is to introduce weight-bearing exercises into your daily routine. The Harvard Medical School publication explains even if you have already had a fracture you should be staying active.* They explain the risk of another fracture is very high, so you want to do everything you can to lessen the chances of that happening by increasing your bone density.

Weight-bearing exercises can reduce the risk of a fall as well as reduce the risk of fracturing a bone if you do fall. The publication cites an analysis reported on by the British Medical Association’s BMJ, which found that programs of balance, strength, and resistance training reduced the odds of falls resulting in fractures by more than 60%.

Harvard Medical School says the four components of an exercise program for osteoporosis should include:

Weight-bearing exercises that force your body to work against gravity. These include walking, climbing stairs, playing tennis, and dancing. (Higher-impact activities strengthen bone more than lower-impact exercises, but only do what your fitness level allows).

Muscle-strengthening exercises using weights or your body’s own resistance to work against gravity. This includes lifting free weights, using a weight machine, working with resistance bands, and lifting your own body weight. Do it at least twice a week.

Balance exercises can improve your ability to hold yourself upright and help prevent falls. Examples of these types of balance exercises are tai chi and yoga. Again try to do these at least twice a week.

Flexibility exercises are useful to ensure muscles stay limber, and joints mobile. Stretching and yoga are good exercises. Experts recommend stretching after every workout for five to 10 minutes.

A physical therapist or certified fitness trainer can help ensure you are doing your weight-bearing exercises safely. Experts say start slowly and build from there, and remember to be gentle in regards to your condition.

Please consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise

At MorningStar of Kirkland, our amenities include a pool, sports courts, fitness center, art studio, indoor and outdoor dining venues, and beautiful nature areas nearby to promote a healthy lifestyle for active 55+ seniors. Wellness programs and activities including exercise classes help keep you moving. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about independent senior living in Kirkland, WA.

Source: health.harvard.edu/pain/effective-exercises-for-osteoporosis