One of the Best Exercise to Keep Our Brains’ Sharp

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A fun way to lower your risk of dementia is to take up the hobby of dancing. According to a recent article, dancing combines some of the best things associated with longevity such as exercise, balance, creativity and social connections. This means while dancing may take up the same amount of time as walking, it has more benefits.

The findings come from a long-term study conducted by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine who wanted to learn more about the aging brain. The researchers recruited seniors aged 75 to 85 who initially underwent neuropsychological testing and answered questionnaires regarding their health and lifestyle. From there, the participants’ cognitive health was tracked. 

The study found that for each cognitive activity participants performed during a week, there was slight reduction in their dementia risk. Though things like board games and crossword puzzles reduced the risk, researchers say the one physical activity that stood out the most was dancing. They say while other aerobic exercises such as walking and cycling are helpful with memory and learning; dancing involves multitasking as it combines physical activity with creativity and cognitive challenges. Not only does a dancer move physically but has to follow along with the music, take into account their physical space and remember the dance steps. If a partner is involved, they also need to synchronize their movements. 

Dancing is also often done in a social setting, which we know is healthy for seniors. Furthermore a 2020 analysis of over a dozen random trials linked the hobby of dancing to a 37 percent reduced risk of falling as well as an improvement in balance and lower body strength. If you are interested, check your local community center or the internet for dance classes. Another way to start dancing is to check out dance video games. 

At MorningStar of Arvada, senior living we are honored to provide seniors with beautiful suites, luxury amenities and a whole host of wellness programs and activities including dancing. Our vibrant community promotes carefree retirement years with assisted livingand memory care Arvada, CO families trust. Please contact us for more information regarding one of the most desirable retirement communities in the area.     

How to Help Seniors Adjust to Assisted Living Communities

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Moving to an assisted living community in retirement can be challenging for seniors and their families. Readjusting to a new routine, environment, and neighbors would be difficult to navigate for many people. There are understanding ways to walk through these challenges to quicken comfort and ease in a new setting for your loved one. Below are a few strategies to make the transition easier. 

Give Time to Adjusting

Good things take time. It may take time for your loved one to fully feel confident and comfortable in their new senior living community. No matter how great the arrangement, experts say it can take up to 6 months for seniors to fully adjust to a new environment. Keep this in mind as you gently reassure your beloved senior of the sound reasons behind the decision: to be safe and secure, to enjoy a new social setting, to be surrounded by engagement options, to receive the extra help they may need.

Help to Make the Space Their Own

Take time to help your loved one decorate their new space in a way that feels familiar and cozy to their living arrangements before assisted living. While the new space may not be as large as a whole home, there is still plenty of space to personalize and bring beloved furniture and other decorative items. Be mindful of the items they pack to bring to their new home and ensure that they will help them feel comfortable. 

Listen to Concerns

It’s great to focus on all the positives of moving, but you should be sure to make room for honest and difficult conversations as well. Dedicate the time to listen carefully to your loved one’s concerns. When a concern comes up, be honest and open about how to address the concern. Like anyone, seniors want to feel heard and maintain agency over their lives. 

Find Your Home at the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior apartments with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you. 

MorningStar Sparks’ unique mission statement, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.

Why Should I Want Personalized Care in Assisted Living?

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Senior care should never always take a personalized approach. This is why modern senior living communities like MorningStar take pride in providing the best personalized care for seniors by creating personalized care plans. Keep reading to see what benefits personalized assisted living can bring to you or a loved one in retirement. 

Experience Specialized Support 

Personalized senior living is tailored to the needs of each individual. Many factors are taken into account before developing the perfect care plan. At MorningStar, we like to get to know the individual and their family as we all work together to create a uniquely individualized routine and management structure. Personalized care plans take personality, interests, health concerns, medical history, hobbies, social preferences, mental health and more into consideration. This helps us to get a full picture over the needs and wants of each senior so that we can meet them where they are at and provide the level of care that will benefit them most. 

Regular Evaluation 

Personalized care plans are always flexible. Needs change over time. With regular check-ins and evaluation, it is easy to determine if a senior is experiencing any changes in social routines, daily habits, or health concerns. By catching these issues quickly, our care team can remedy the situation and keep your loved one social and active. 

Families also have a say in the type of care their loved ones receive. We all want what is best for the people we care about, which is why we like to collaborate with families, medical providers, and residents when designing and evaluating care plans. This helps to ensure that residents are receiving the proper care they need, while maintaining their independence and autonomy. 

Find Your Home at the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior apartments with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you. 

MorningStar Sparks’ unique mission statement, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.

Questions to Ask When Looking for Memory Care

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For many families when a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related disease needs more extensive care than family caregivers can provide, it may be time to look for a memory care community. That being said, many families want to know what they should look for and the best way to begin the search. 

Experts say to remember to try and include the person as much as possible and listen to their input. The A Place for Mom senior living referral company offers a few questions to think about before you get started. These include:

  • Does my loved one show aggression or other difficult behaviors, such as anger and agitation?

  • Does my family member wander, get lost, or seek exits frequently?

  • Is mobility a concern? Can my loved one walk independently, or do they require a walker or wheelchair?

  • Does my loved one require 24-hour supervision?

  • Does my parent need help using the bathroom?

  • Does my family member need ongoing medical attention or treatments, such as dialysis, diabetes management, or colostomy care?

Once you have considered each question, you have a basis in which to start. The internet can help provide a list of senior living communities offering memory care that are within your desired location. Websites should also have plenty of background on the company, info on the number of memory care suites available and the services provided. Next, think about the type of person your loved one is. If they are social and like company, you may want to consider a shared suite. If they require a special diet, will the community be able to accommodate that? 

Other questions from A Place to Mom deal with community amenities such as:

  • What types of living arrangements or accommodations are available?

  • Do residents or family members have a say in their daily routine?

  • How many meals or snacks are provided each day?

  • How are meals served? Are they served in a dining room or in their rooms?

  • Are escorts to meals available in case your loved one needs help eating?

  • Do fitness and wellness programs offer activities catered to different interests?

Additionally, you will want to know something about the community’s certification, the training the staff receives and their dementia techniques. Does the community take the time to get to know the residents’ history and uses it to enhance communication and care? 

At the MorningStar of Arvada, our retirement communities offer independent and assisted living. Our distinct Reflections Neighborhood provides experienced, holistic memory care designed around the individualized needs of each resident. With 29 suites, we care for residents in an intimate, supportive and loving environment, where independence is encouraged through clear wayfinding and inviting common areas. Contact us to learn more about our independent living, assisted living, and trusted memory care Arvada, CO families count on. 

Source: aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/memory-care-checklist

How To Talk to Your Parents About Assisted Living

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Many families feel uneasy about discussing alternative senior living options with their parents. Sometimes, our parents can surprise us and be more understanding than we suspect. It may just take some time for them to see your best interest at heart and to understand the benefits of an assisted living. Finding the best communities for seniors doesn’t have to be hard. Below, we outline the best approaches for how to talk to your parents about these options. 

Understand Their Perspective

Assisted living Reno might be the best option for your parents and your family. However, your parents may not see it that way at first. Initial discussion around relocation can cause unwanted emotions, but approach them with a sense of curiosity. Lean in to understand why they feel uncertain. Change isn’t easy. Remain neutral and allow them to think about how great these options can improve their overall health and well-being for the better. You aren’t “leaving them,” you’re giving them an opportunity to be more independent and fulfilled in a safe environment. 

Assisted Living Benefits

Take some time to research local senior living communities that offer senior care. Depending on the types of needs your parents require, certain communities may be better suited for their support. The best assisted living communities for seniors provide medication management, personalized care plans, and 24/7 available staff.  Senior apartments provide attentive staff, nutritious meals, and an active community full of amenities to explore. 

Find Your Home at the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living Retirement Homes in Sparks, Nevada, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you. 

MorningStar Sparks’ unique mission statement, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.

Creating a Life Full of Purpose in Assisted Living

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We all need purpose to make our lives feel full and worthwhile. For many seniors who may be entering retirement, or who have been retired for many years now, finding and maintaining a sense of purpose can be difficult. When we move on from our careers, watch our children begin their lives, and experience friends heading on new journeys, it can leave us wondering what is next? Maintaining a sense of purpose in retirement is necessary, especially for seniors transitioning to assisted living. Today’s modern communities are intentionally designed to support a senior’s drive to create purpose. Everyday, there are options to get involved, learn something new, and stay engaged. 

Staying Connected in Assisted Living

You can still maintain your volunteer opportunities in senior living. Not only can you still be part of the groups you feel close to, but you may be inspired to join new ones. Many communities partner with local nonprofits and groups to create ample opportunities for residents to get involved in their communities and give back in meaningful ways. 

Creative Clubs for All

Assisted living communities can be quite social and active. While many seniors get this time to relax and find rest, there are also opportunities to get involved in a club hosted in the community. Many communities encourage residents to start their own clubs when they meet individuals with like-minded interests and hobbies. With plenty of shared spaces and hobby rooms to explore, there are multiple chances to get together and build new skills, feel engaged with a group, and tap into a new passion. 

Find Your Home at the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living in Sparks, Nevada, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you. 


MorningStar Sparks’ unique mission statement, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior apartments. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.

Find a Better Night's Rest at an Assisted Living Community that Families Trust

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Sleep is restorative at every age. Our bodies need adequate rest to support immune function, mood, memory, and overall energy. Many seniors may struggle to get the right amount of sleep each night. This can cause many families to worry about the health and well-being of their loved one. Modern assisted living communities can be the best remedy for sleep disruptions because of the availability of 24/7 staff, safety practices, and supportive daily routines. 

Senior Living Designed for Comfort & Reassurance 

A better night’s rest starts with a peaceful and safe environment. MorningStar Assisted Living provides an extra layer of comfort to residents and their family members by ensuring around-the-clock protection on site. Buildings remain secured with controlled access to limit anyone from coming or going without proper check-ins. Suites also have emergency call systems that will alert the 24/7 on-site staff about any accidents or concerns. Families and residents can rest assured knowing that help is moments away at all hours of the day and night. 

Consistent Daily Routines Support Better Sleeping Habits

The consistent daily routines and activities that are offered in senior apartments  support better sleeping habits by giving residents structure that gently reinforces their body’s natural circadian rhythms. Orchestrating regular and consistent meal times with activities and wind-down helps encourage the body to rest. As routines become more familiar and solidified, residents feel more grounded and experience better sleep when their body knows what to prepare for.

Find Your Home at the Best Assisted Living in Nevada

Contact us today if you want to know about the best senior living community with built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, and modern memory care Nevada has to offer. MorningStar Senior Living in Sparks, Nevada, takes care of the worry and stress of aging, allowing seniors more time to do the things they love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or spending time with friends and loved ones and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of our memory care community near you. 

MorningStar Sparks’ unique mission statement, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve.

How Noticing the Good Supports Senior Mental Health

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Aging brings a mix of changes, some welcome and some challenging. Health shifts, losses, and new routines can weigh on mood. Choosing to pay attention to what is still steady, kind, or beautiful does not erase hard things, but it can soften their edges. That practice is often called gratitude, and for many in senior living Scottsdale it becomes a quiet anchor in the day.

How it supports emotional well being

Studies have linked regular expressions of thanks with lower stress, better sleep, and a stronger sense of meaning. For seniors, that can translate into:

  • Less time dwelling on worries

  • More enjoyment in ordinary routines

  • Stronger connection with people around them

One resident, Edna, began writing down three bright spots each evening. Some days her list is simple: a warm blanket, a friendly wave in the hallway, a favorite song on the radio. Over time she noticed that her thoughts drifted less toward what had gone wrong and more toward what still felt steady and kind. She describes it as giving her mind “a gentler place to land” at the end of the day.

Everyday ways to build a thankfulness habit

This kind of mindset does not require big gestures. Small, repeatable practices work best, especially when energy is limited.

A few ideas:

  • End of day list: Before bed, jot down two or three moments from the day that felt pleasant or comforting.

  • Grateful pause: Choose one routine, like a morning cup of tea or an afternoon walk, and quietly name one thing you appreciate while you do it.

  • Sharing round: At a meal or group activity, invite everyone to name one thing that made today better. Hearing others’ answers often sparks your own.

  • Memory time: Looking through old photos or telling stories about past joys can reconnect you with people and places that still matter.

There is no right way to do this. Some people write, some speak, some simply pause and notice. The key is consistency, not perfection.

How communities can encourage this mindset

Group settings in assisted living Fountain Hills can make appreciation feel contagious. Some communities create a board where residents can pin notes naming something or someone they value. Reading entries like “the smell of coffee in the morning” or “the nurse who always remembers my stories” creates a sense of shared goodness.

Others hold short circles where participants offer a kind word to one another or thank a staff member. These gatherings stay informal but often leave people lighter and more connected. They also give quieter residents in assisted living Scottsdale a chance to hear different perspectives on what makes life feel worthwhile.

Gratitude is not about pretending everything is fine. It is about letting small, genuine pleasures sit beside the hard parts so they are not the only story. 

Spotting Diabetes Early in Older Adults

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Staying on top of blood sugar is easier when you know what to look for before things snowball. Diabetes often develops slowly, and early signs can be brushed off as “just getting older.” 

Learning how to spot patterns gives seniors in assisted living and families a chance to ask for testing sooner and make changes while the body still has more flexibility.

Small changes that deserve attention

Early symptoms of diabetes are not always dramatic. They tend to show up as everyday changes that do not quite make sense. Paying attention to how often they appear and whether they show up together is more helpful than worrying about one moment in isolation.

A few common early signals include:

  • Feeling thirsty more often, even when you are sipping through the day

  • Needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night

  • Feeling worn out or “draggy” even after a full night of sleep

  • Sudden blurry vision that comes and goes

  • Little cuts, scratches, or bruises that seem to linger instead of healing

On their own, any of these can have other explanations. When two or three show up together and stick around, that is the time to bring them up with a clinician.

What to do if you notice a pattern

You do not need to decide by yourself whether symptoms “count.” The next right step is a conversation. Make a short list of what you have noticed, how long it has been happening, and anything that makes it better or worse. Bring that list to your next appointment or call the office if the changes feel significant.

Common tests include:

  • A fasting blood sugar check

  • An A1C test, which reflects average blood sugar over several months

  • Sometimes an oral glucose tolerance test

These are straightforward and give a clearer picture of whether you are dealing with normal variation, prediabetes, or diabetes that needs active treatment.

Habits that help lower risk

There is no perfect diet or exercise plan, in assisted living Scottsdale but small, steady habits protect your body. 

Helpful steps include:

  • Building meals around vegetables, whole grains, beans, and lean protein

  • Choosing water or unsweetened drinks most of the time

  • Walking, stretching, or doing chair exercises most days of the week

  • Keeping regular checkups for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar

The goal is not perfection. It is learning to notice your body’s early signals and partnering with your care team so problems are caught early and managed with as much ease as possible in senior living Scottsdale.