Health professionals say it is important to incorporate stretching exercises into your routine especially the older we get as our flexibility naturally decreases. As joints become stiff, and tendons and ligaments tighten up, we become more susceptible to injuries as well as chronic pain and poor posture. In fact, studies show men’s flexibility drops sharply at around 70 years of age.
Stretching exercises are easy to learn, relatively easy to do, and should not take more than five to ten minutes. Urvashi Chogle, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, says the shoulders, hips, knees and spine lose the most flexibility. He explains, "This makes many everyday movements more difficult, such as reaching overhead, squatting, twisting, and bending over." Of course before you begin any new stretching exercises, you need to consult with your healthcare provider. He or she may have suggestions on how to safely get started or direct you to your local community senior center for classes or other organizations catering to seniors. Additionally, the Internet has a lot of information on how seniors can improve their flexibility with stretching exercises done in a chair, standing up, or if you can, on the floor. Regardless of your level of fitness, these exercises should help improve your range of motion, flexibility and joint stiffness. At MorningStar at Jordan senior living community, we offer seniors a carefree lifestyle to safely age in place with a range of care services, luxury amenities, wellness programs and activities. Our programs include a range of exercise classes such as chair yoga, gentle stretching and others to help keep you moving. Located in the south-central area of metro Denver, our community offers 55 stylish assisted living suites consisting of spacious studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. In our Reflections Neighborhood, we have 29 secure memory care suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us to learn more. MorningStar at Jordan’s mission statement of “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, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source: health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/a-plan-for-easy-stretching
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If you are a senior who wants to start exercising again, you may not know how to begin. For one thing, you probably realize you are not as fit as you used to be, and are not up to the same degree of physical activity that you once did. And of course, before you begin any new form of exercise, you will need to check with your doctor to make sure you are fit enough, especially if you have osteoporosis, an injury, or balance issues.
Once you get the go ahead from your healthcare provider, stretching is a good place to begin. In fact, studies show that as we grow older our flexibility decreases by up to 50 percent in some joints. Another good thing about stretching is many exercises are appropriate for any level of fitness including ones that can be done sitting in a chair. Stretching can help you maintain your flexibility and mobility as well as loosen up some of your stiffness in your back, neck and shoulder muscles. Another plus about stretching exercises is that most of them do not require special equipment and can be done anywhere. The Silver Sneakers website recommends that as you stretch, “to breathe deeply, and go slowly. Listen to your body, and never force a movement that causes pain.” They remind seniors it is okay if they cannot bend very far as over time they will loosen up some. Safety is always important and you do not want to hurt yourself. Other exercises especially good for seniors include chair yoga, resistance band workouts, walking, and dumbbell strength training. At MorningStar at Jordan, a senior living community in Centennial, CO, we offer a whole host of amenities and care services as well as wellness programs that include exercises geared toward our residents. Our community offers a choice of 55 well-appointed, private assisted living suites in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floorplans. In addition, our Reflections Neighborhood has 29 suites devoted to the specialized care of residents with memory impairment. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Before beginning any exercise, be sure to check with your healthcare provider. MorningStar at Jordan’s mission statement of “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, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source: silversneakers.com/blog/stretching-for-seniors-7-simple-moves-for-the-not-so-flexible/ Experts suggest that a good way to reduce medical errors regarding your care or that of a loved one is to be an active partner in the process whether in a hospital setting, doctors’ office or the pharmacy. The World Health Organization reports “an estimated 10% of patients in high-income countries are harmed while receiving hospital care.” Also, according to a 2021 report in StatPearls, “medical errors result in about 100,000 deaths in hospitals and clinics annually.”
Furthermore, studies show the most harmful errors in primary and outpatient health care settings are related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines. Mistakes associated with misdiagnoses resulted in delayed treatment for the real problem and having the wrong drugs prescribed. However, it is important to keep in mind that some medical errors are a result of patients failing to disclose all of the medications they take including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Another problem is the failure to reveal pertinent details regarding a person’s prior medical history as well as lifestyle habits such as smoking, diet and alcohol consumption. Medical professionals say to remember the time spent with your doctor is short, so to help prevent errors with care, come prepared to your appointment by putting in writing critical points you wish to discuss. The Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore has a QuestionBuilder app available by AHRQ at Google Play or the Apple App store to help you focus on the questions you need to ask during your appointment. Other things to do before the appointment include putting together a list of medications you take, the dosage, and why you take it. If you worry about forgetting something you were told during the visit, take along a family member or trusted friend. Also ask questions and seek a second opinion if it would make you more comfortable. Most importantly if a medical problem is not getting better; remain persistent in addressing it with your medical team. MorningStar at Jordan is a graciously appointed senior living community located in historic Centennial in the south-central area of Metro Denver. We proudly offer 55 private assisted living suites as well as 29 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing. MorningStar at Jordan’s mission statement of “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, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Several studies over the last couple of decades have provided evidence suggesting pet ownership offers a range of health benefits for seniors. One of the most consistent findings is the fact that owning and caring for a pet may help seniors feel less lonesome, and with almost 1/3 of all seniors saying they are lonely, this is a good thing. In one study of pet owners ages 50 to 80: “88% said their pets help them enjoy life; 86% said their pets make them feel loved; and 79% said their pets help reduce stress.”
In addition to a pet’s unconditionally love, caring for the animal provides an older person with a sense of purpose as their pet needs to be feed and cared for daily. For example, a dog encourages seniors to get outside and exercise both themselves and the animal. Studies show pets can help improve seniors’ cardiovascular health and their mental and emotional health. Other studies have shown benefits such as improved mobility, a longer life span, pain relief and a better heart attack recovery. While a pet can be a loving companion, it is important to pick one suited to the person’s physical health and their budget as vet bills can be costly. Cats and dogs make loyal friends but you may enjoy putting together and caring for an aquarium of exotic fish or raising songbirds. Whatever the choice, a pet is sure to bring a smile to the person’s face and help to keep them engaged on a daily basis. At MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan, we understand that your pet is an important part of your family and you would not wish to move somewhere that he or she was not welcome. If you decide to choose our beautiful senior living community for your new home, no worries – we are pet friendly! Please contact us to learn more about our amenities, care services, availability and pricing. MorningStar at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Contact us for more information about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. Source: aplaceformom.com/resources/pets-for-seniors If you have had a bone density test that came back with a diagnosis of osteopenia, you probably want to know how worried should you be. Bone density refers to the mass and strength of the bone and “osteopenia refers to having low bone density when compared to others of the same age.” Doctors explain that the biggest risk of osteopenia is it can lead to the more harmful disease of osteoporosis. Patients with osteoporosis have an even lower bone density that results in bones becoming fragile and easily fractured.
The CDC reports that 54 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis but many more have osteopenia. In fact, the Harvard Medical School says half of all people over the age of 50 in the US have osteopenia. Risk factors include women, especially those who have gone through menopause; however, one-third of white men and Asian men over the age of 50 have osteopenia. Other risk factors include smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, a diet low in vitamin D, and certain medications as well as certain medical conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and others. Medical experts warn that most people do not have any idea they have osteopenia until they have a bone density test. Most commonly the test is done by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and uses a low-energy X-ray to painlessly assess the level of calcium in the bones. Recommendations to improve bone density include eating foods high in calcium such as leafy green vegetables and dairy as well as foods high in vitamin D including oily or fatty fish, mackerel and fortified cereal. Exercise also play a role in preventing the loss of bone density and may even help to improve the situation. Doctors say your regimen should include weight bearing and strengthening exercises. There are medications to deal with the condition but are not typically prescribed until a person has osteoporosis. At MorningStar at Jordan, a senior living community in Centennial, CO, we offer assisted living and memory care. We provide residents with nutritional, tasty meals as well as suitable exercise programs and activities to help them stay fit. Visit our website to see more about the wide range of resort-style amenities and services we provide to ensure the comfort, wellness and security of our residents. MorningStar at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Contact us for more information about our exceptional assisted living and memory care community. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and is what 90% of Americans with the disease have. In Feb, 2020, the CDC reported 34.2 million Americans—just over 1 in 10—have diabetes; and 88 million American adults—approximately 1 in 3—have prediabetes. With such a prevalence of the disease, the Medical News Today website explores some common myths surrounding the cause and treatment of the disease.
One common misconception about type 2 diabetes is that it is caused by eating too much sugar. While not strictly true, diabetes can be a result of a poor diet that includes too much sugar and leads to obesity, which is a risk factor for the disease. However, to complicate the case, doctors do say there is evidence that suggests a high consumption of soda pop is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, although they are not sure why. There is also concern that too many people think diabetes is not a serious disease. This thinking can lead to someone not managing the disease as they should, and result in dangerous complications. Another myth is that obesity always causes diabetes. Again medical professionals say while being overweight and obese are risk factor, the CDC’s National Diabetes Statistic Report, 2020, says “11% of people with type 2 diabetes in the U.S. are neither overweight nor obese.” Managing the disease well plays a huge role in outcomes. For those who follow a good diet, maintain a healthy weight, control their blood pressure and cholesterol, stop smoking, and stay physically active, they can usually can avoid dangerous complications. Doctors also say by following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, it is not inevitable that those with prediabetes have to develop type 2 diabetes. At MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan, we are committed to creating a home that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle, while providing security and independence. Our residents enjoy healthy meals that are prepared largely from scratch and are modified to accommodate low sodium, sugar free, no sugar added, vegetarian and low-fat diets. We recognize that staying physically active is one of the healthiest things we can all do for ourselves, so our community has a variety of exercise opportunities. Visit our website to learn more. MorningStar at Jordan represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please visit our website for more information about outstanding assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-diabetes The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that each year, one out of every five Americans aged 65 years and older has a fall that results in an injury such as broken bones or a head injury. However, medical professionals say while it is important for seniors to take precautions to prevent falls as injuries can be serious, they also remind us that regardless of how old we are, it is beneficial for our overall health to keep moving. Experts explain that failing to engage in “mild exercise on a regular basis results in reduced muscle strength, decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility.”
They go on to say that despite commonly held beliefs, falls are not a normal part of aging and there are things you can do to help keep you on your feet and mitigate the risk of a fall. Their first advice is to talk to your doctor about your risk and prevention. Tell them if you have fallen and discuss your medications to see if side effects include dizziness or sleepiness that could contribute to falls. While falls are common in seniors 65 years of age and older, individuals with dementia are at an even greater risk. Researchers say there are several reasons for this including gait and balance issues as well as problems concentrating and with staying focused on the task at hand. Other issues that may increase the risk of falls include poor eyesight and chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s, and arthritis or numbness in the feet. If you often feel dizzy or lightheaded upon standing or suddenly sitting up, ask your doctor if you might have postural hypotension, and find out how you can alleviate the symptoms. Further tips to reduce your risk include having your eyes checked annually and updating your glasses when needed. In addition, talk to your doctor about the best footwear for inside the house as well as outside. Check your home for trip hazards (the CDC has a list of tips) and install grab bars in the bathroom. Finally, ask your doctor about exercises to strengthen your leg muscles as well as balance-training exercises to improve balance. At MorningStar at Jordan, our community was built to accommodate our residents’ every need and to see to their comfort as well as their safety. We encourage you to visit our website for contact information and to learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care. MorningStar at Jordan offers the very best in senior 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 a true “home” for residents. Please call for more information about the finest assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO. Sources: cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/ agingcare.com/articles/falls-in-elderly-people-133953.htm alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/alzheimers-disease-increases-the-risk-of-falls/ Medical experts say there are things we can do before and after that may help encourage our recovery from surgery. One of the first things says Dr. Charla Fischer, an orthopedic surgeon at NYU Langone Spine Center in New York City, is to think of surgery not as a sprint but rather as a full marathon or race. She explains, "The surgery itself is just the first part of the race – there is also the recovery after. You want your body to be as prepared as possible, and exercise and good nutrition before and after surgery are part of this."
Before your surgery, your doctor may have you screened for a series of health problems including malnutrition, anemia, diabetes and pain, and then take steps to address them. As exercise is another important part of getting in shape, you should talk to your surgeon about what is safe for you to do. If you feel you need more guidance, ask if you are a candidate for a pre-habilitation program as it can show you the best type of exercise to safely strengthen your body in readiness for surgery. Also, be sure to ask about what kind of exercise is safe to do after the surgery. Doctors say typically the quicker you are to move, the quicker you get your strength back. If you find yourself suffering from preoperative anxiety, ask your surgeon to walk you through the experience so you know what to expect including “pre-surgery, during surgery, the hospital stay and recovery after surgery," Dr. Fisher explains. Your post-surgery diet should be rich in protein, and avoid sugary and processed foods. Also stay hydrated. Quitting smoking is another thing that offers big benefits in post-surgical outcomes as “smoking increases the risk of blood clots, reduces the ability of blood to carry oxygen to the tissues that need it and increases stress on the heart.” Finally, if something doesn’t seem right about your recovery, contact your surgeon. At MorningStar at Jordan, we provide high-quality assisted living and memory care as well as respite care. Respite or temporary care is a great option for seniors who are recovering from surgery or an illness and require some day-to-day support services. Along with providing a fully furnished suite, our respite residents are treated to three healthy and delicious daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef, 24-hour care and medication management. Please visit our website for more information. MorningStar at Jordan represents the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve in order to provide a true home for residents. Please visit our website to learn more about outstanding assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO. Source: health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/tips-for-recovering-from-surgery If you have arthritis, heart or lung issues, pain and weakness in the feet and legs, impairment due to a stroke, visual impairment, or other balance problems, a mobility aid can help you feel more independent, reduce pain, and increase confidence. With a number of options available ranging from canes to walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters, you may be wondering which one is best for your needs.
Experts explain that your choice of aids will depend on your disability and/or medical condition. Canes are the most common choice and are good for someone with balance problems. In fact the journal, Medical News Today, says that one in 10 adults over the age of 65 uses a cane. However even here there are decisions to be made. While white canes are reserved for the visually impaired or blind, you may find a four-footed cane with its wider base offers more stability. If you need to shift weight from the wrist to the arm, try a forearm cane. Walkers, also called Zimmer frames, provide stability and are used by an estimated 4.6 percent of people in the country over the age of 65. Along with the basic walker, styles include rollators that have four wheels, handlebars and a seat. Knee walkers are similar to a rollator but have a padded cushion to rest a knee on while the stronger leg moves it forward. Walker-cane hybrids are another option that offers better support than a standard cane. For more severe disabilities or to move longer distances, a wide range of wheelchairs and scooters are available. If mobility problems are long-term, modifications to your home may also be necessary. Regardless of what mobility aid you decide on, doctors recommend making an appointment with your health care provider or physical therapist to learn how to use the new device properly. MorningStar at Jordan offers the very best in senior 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 a true “home” for residents. Please visit our website for more information on unsurpassed assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318463#Types-of-mobility-aids The Mayo Clinic reminds older adults it is important they take proper precautions to prevent falls. As we age, medical conditions, the resulting medications needed, and a more sedentary lifestyle can result in weaker muscles and balance problems that can lead to a fall. Also please keep in mind, a fall for an older adult can cause injuries that are very serious such as a broken hip, head trauma, or in the most severe cases, death.
However, the solution to preventing falls is not to stop moving. The medical experts at the Mayo Clinic explain being inactive is bad for our health regardless of how old we are and it is vital that we keep moving. To that end, they suggest a commonsense six-part plan to keep seniors safely mobile. Their first recommendation is to set up an appointment with your doctor. Bring to the visit a list of all your medications, and be prepared to discuss with your doctor any side effects of the drugs that may put you more at risk for a fall such as anti-depressants or sedatives. It may be possible to eliminate or substitute the medication for something else. Also talk to your doctor about whether you have fallen and if it was due to your medical condition. In addition, discuss with your healthcare provider what type of exercise would be best for you. Typically walking, swimming and something like tai chi are gentle exercises that are safe for most; and offer the benefit of strengthening muscles, improving balance, and gait. Other ways to lessen your risk for a fall begins by reviewing your home with an eye to fall prevention. Start by checking hallways and stairways for adequate lighting, and add more if needed. Secure loose rugs and make sure you have wide clear paths for walking around your home. Wear proper fitting shoes with nonskid soles and use assistive aids like a cane or walker if needed to help maintain your balance. Install grab bars and railings where needed. At the MorningStar at Jordan assisted living and memory care community, our beautiful home is designed from the ground up to serve our residents’ every need. Moreover, our cherished residents and their families know they can trust the compassionate, professional MorningStar team to deliver the finest senior living in Centennial, CO. MorningStar at Jordan offers the very best in senior 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 a true “home” for residents. Please visit our website for more information on unsurpassed assisted living and memory care in Centennial, CO. Source: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/fall-prevention/art-20047358 |
AuthorAt Morningstar Senior Living we strive to create a true home where you can enjoy your retirement years as carefree as possible. Offering a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community, our team works diligently to give residents a quality of life eclipsing that of other senior living communities. Archives
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