Help Make Your Senior Years Healthy Ones

While it is true that we are all living longer, there are some steps you can take to help make those years healthier than ever.  The National Institute of Health recommends that seniors incorporate the following habits into their daily lives: eat a balanced diet; keep your mind and body active; do not smoke; get regular checkups; and practice safety habits to avoid accidents and prevent falls. 

The Family Doctor website also offers some commonsense advice on how even small changes in your lifestyle can improve your health even if you are already a senior.  Their primary recommendation is to add physical activity to your daily life and eat food that is enriched with fiber.   

By increasing your daily physical activity, it will help improve the strength of your bones and muscles.  In addition we know that stronger muscles can help to prevent falls, and in the event you do experience a fall, those stronger bones are less apt to break. 

Another benefit to daily physical activity is that your brain also benefits.  The article cites studies that indicate people who regularly exercise are better able to make decisions.  Furthermore, even if you have never exercised on a regular basis, the experts say the benefits outweigh the risk of an exercise-related injury.   By daily exercising, you can help improve many chronic health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.   

Seniors new to exercising should consult their health care provider before they begin.  Once they are given the go ahead, they need to start slowly.  Walking is one of the easiest exercises to do and experts recommend breaking up 30 minutes of daily activity into two or three increments.  Consider walking for 15 minutes twice a day or do 10 minutes 3 times a day.   Strength training also offers seniors benefits but again the suggestion is to begin slowly.  Start with 1 or 5-pound weights and do a few exercises at a time.  Resistance bands are also easy to use and can help to strengthen upper arms and leg muscles. 

Lastly the article suggests increasing the fiber in your diet; it can improve your health in a number of ways.  Fiber gets your colon working better and reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.  In addition it may help to lower cholesterol levels. 

This post is for information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for seeking medical advice. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Sources:nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthyaging.html, familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/staying-healthy/good-health-habits-at-age-60-and-beyond.html

Eight Signs of Health Problems in Aging Parents

Being aware of changes in our loved ones’ health can be a first step toward addressing the issue.  Since we know that catching problems early can be instrumental in preventing more serious problems later on, it is worthwhile to know some of the warning signs that indicate changes may be occurring. 

The Mayo Clinic has put together 8 signs for children (and caring relatives) to look for in regards to potential health problems with their aging parents.

• Are your parents taking care of themselves? 
  Pay attention to your parents’ appearance to determine if they are neglecting their personal hygiene.  Also look at the condition of their home.  Is it being kept up?  A home neglected and in disrepair can be a sign of dementia or depression.
• Are your aging parents experiencing memory loss?
  Memory loss is a normal part of aging but there is a difference between forgetting keys or an appointment to serious problems that interfere with peoples’ lives.  More concerning would be your parent forgetting common words when speaking, getting lost in their own neighborhood, or not being able to follow directions.
• Are your aging parents safe in their home?
  Inspect the home for unsafe conditions that may exist.  Has either parent fallen recently?  Are they still able to read directions on their medicine containers?
• Are your aging parents safe on the road?
  Does either parent get confused while driving?  If you are concerned and think they should be off the road, provide the information for other means of transportation.
• Have your parents lost weight?
  Losing weight without trying can be a sign that something is wrong.  It may be a symptom of an underlying health problem.  Also a loss of smell or taste can interfere with the pleasure of eating or it may be they are having trouble cooking and preparing food.
• Are your aging parents in good spirits?
  Have you noticed a marked change in your parents’ mood and outlook?  Ask how they're feeling. A significant change in attitude about life could be a sign of depression or other health concerns.
• Are your aging parents still social?
  Are they keeping up with friends? Are your parents still interested in hobbies and/or involved in organizations or clubs?  If a parent gives up social ties it could be a sign of a problem.
• Are your aging parents able to get around?
  Do your parents have difficulty walking any kind of distance?  Would they benefit from a cane or walker?  Do they have problems with their knees or hips?  Are your parents unsteady on their feet and at risk of falling?  Falls are a major cause of disabilities for seniors.    
   
  Communicate with your parents that you care about their wellbeing and want what is in their best interest.  Encourage them to talk to you about any problems they may be having and make sure they see their doctor for regular check-ups.  If you have found problems with their living conditions, address them.  If it seems like your parents need more assistance than you are able to provide, consider looking into an assisted living community.

MorningStarof Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Source: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/aging-parents/art-20044126

Visiting Your Loved One in a Memory Care Community

MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks emphatically agrees with the Alzheimer’s Association about the importance of visiting your loved one in a memory care community.  While it can be hard to see your parent or family member struggling with memory loss, many times they are aware that they have a visitor even if they do not know your name. 

The Alzheimer’s Association wants you to remember that you are an important link to your loved one’s identity and to keep in mind that there is more to them than just their memory.  They recommend keeping visits simple and to try to limit distractions and excess noise.  In addition they remind visitors that they may have to adjust their expectations and to not take it personally if your loved one becomes angry or upset with you.  It is also helpful to know as much about the disease as you can as it will help you to better understand the struggles of memory loss.

Jolene Brackey also shares some tips from her book, Creating Moments of Joy for the Person with Alzheimer’s Disease, to help family members when visiting.  She suggests you begin your visit by introducing yourself, and to use their given name rather than calling them “mom” or “dad” as they may have forgotten that their kids are already grown.  If your loved one has a familiar nickname, you can use that.   

Ms. Brackey also recommends that you visit “one on one” or in small groups, and to bring the conversation around to pleasant memories from their past.  If you do get them talking, give them plenty of time to respond to a question or to follow directions.    

MorningStar of Sparks reminds family members that a new voice is always a welcome change and a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers can lift the spirits of someone struggling with dementia.  Your friendly, loving visit can have a positive effect on your loved one for the rest of the day. 

MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Source:  alz.org/stl/documents/Visiting_Your_Loved_One.pdf

Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke

According to the Mayo Clinic, the following is a list of the signs and symptoms you need to know if you think someone may be having a stroke.  They recommend noting the time when you first notice the symptoms as it is important to know when seeking medical treatment.   

The first sign is any difficulty with speaking or understanding as well as confusion.  A person may slur their words or have trouble processing what is being said.  Another thing to look for is any sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body.  Ask the person to try and raise both arms over their head at the same time.  If one arm begins to fall, it may be a stroke.  Also another indication of a stroke is if one side of the mouth is drooping when you ask the person to smile.   

Other signs of a stroke can include trouble with seeing in one or both eyes and exhibiting symptoms such as blurred or blackened vision or seeing double.  In addition trouble walking as well as dizziness or loss of balance and coordination can also be signs of a stroke.    Further stroke symptoms include a sudden onset of a severe headache along with vomiting, dizziness or altered consciousness.  

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the signs of a stroke regardless of whether they appear to fluctuate or disappear.  The American Stroke Association’s F.A.S.T. acronym is an easy way to remember the signs of stroke. They state that you need to call 911 immediately if you or someone you are with experiences any of the following signs: 

F        Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?

A        Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S        Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?

T        Time to call 9-1-1 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.  

Remember the longer a stroke goes untreated, there becomes a greater potential for brain damage and disability.  Once you have called for emergency assistance, continue to carefully watch the person.  

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 of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Sources: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/

strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/WarningSigns/Stroke-Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms_UCM_308528_SubHomePage.jsp 

Seniors and Leg Cramps

It is not uncommon for seniors to develop problems that interfere with getting a good night’s sleep. Leg cramps, which occur more often at night, can be one of those things.  They are painful, involuntary contractions that happen suddenly and for no reason but are usually harmless. Occasionally, they can be a symptom of other underlying medical conditions.

Night leg cramps can be associated with:

• Peripheral artery disease
• Type I and type II diabetes.
• Parkinson’s disease
• Addison’s disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Blood pressure medications or diuretics.  

According to the Mayo Clinic you should seek immediate medical care if you:

• Experience severe and persistent cramping
• Have night leg cramps after being exposed to a toxin, such as lead 

Schedule an office visit with your doctor if you:

• Have trouble functioning during the day because leg cramps interrupt your sleep
• Develop muscle weakness and atrophy along with leg cramps 

There are some things you can do to help relieve the incidents or severity of leg cramps: 

• During the day, be sure to drink plenty of fluids as dehydration may lead to more leg cramping. 
• Try stretching your calf muscles periodically especially before bed, and flex your foot upward toward your knee.
• A hot shower or bath right before bed might provide some relief.
• Massaging the muscle or rubbing it down with an ice pack.
• Wearing good, comfortable shoes during the day.
• Loosen the covers at the bottom of the bed so your legs can move freely at night. 

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 of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Warning Signs from the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association’s website is loaded with the most up-to the-date information regarding all the various aspects of Alzheimer’s disease.   Part of their extensive information includes a check list of 10 early warning signs of the disease.  This is important to know as an early diagnosis allows someone an opportunity to seek treatment and to make plans for the future.  While everyone’s journey is different, they recommend if you or a loved one is exhibiting signs of memory loss, to consult with a doctor. 

The first sign of Alzheimer’s as stated by the Association is memory loss that disrupts a person’s daily life. This is the most common sign of Alzheimer’s, especially in the early stages.  Examples include forgetting important dates or events as well as recently learned information. 

The second sign is experiencing difficulties in developing a plan or working with numbers.  It may affect everyday tasks such as balancing a checkbook or keeping track of monthly bills. 

Next they cite new problems that develop in completing familiar tasks around the home, at work or leisure.  The person experiences difficulties when driving to a familiar location, managing a budget or remembering the rules of a favorite game.  

Fourth on the Alzheimer’s Association’s list is signs of confusion regarding time and place.  Examples include losing track of dates and what time of the year it is as well as forgetting where they are or how they got there.  

Another sign of Alzheimer’s is problems understanding visual images and spatial relationships. This can mean difficulty reading, judging distances and determining color or contrast.  Further along in the disease, a person may not recognize their own reflection. 

The sixth sign on their list includes experiencing new problems with words when speaking or writing.  Another sign is misplacing things and not having the ability to retrace their steps.  People suffering from Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. 

The eighth sign includes decreased or poor judgment such as giving away large amounts of money to fraudulent causes or paying less attention to grooming habits.  The ninth sign stated by the Association is withdrawing from work or social activities.  Last on the list is a significant change in mood and personality.  People with the disease can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious.  Please see the Alzheimer’s Association’s website for the complete details on the early warning signs of the disease.    

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 of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Driving Safety Tips for Seniors

Older drivers can still be good, safe drivers, but there are some things to consider both for your safety and the safety of others.  The Mayo Clinic recommends that seniors stay as active as possible in their day-to-day life which helps to maintain overall strength, flexibility, and range of motion.  Drivers need to be able to turn and look over their shoulder and move their head with ease.  They must be able to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and legs need to be strong enough to apply pressure to the gas pedal or brake. 

A senior’s peripheral vision can decrease with age or from certain medications and other eye problems may cause drivers to have trouble seeing in the dark or experience blurred vision.  Hearing problems can interfere with detecting sounds of sirens from emergency vehicles or approaching cars.  Be vigilant about scheduling vision and hearing tests regularly as part of your wellness care and follow your doctor’s advice as to how often they should be done.  Many problems can be corrected if caught early enough. 

Remember that certain medications can cause drowsiness so make sure you know the side effects of your prescription drugs and do not drive if you are feeling sleepy.  It may be a good idea to limit trips in the car to daylight hours and when the weather is good.  Keep in mind that a person’s reaction time slows with age as do their motor skills.  You may need to re-evaluate your driving every so few months, especially if you find yourself having incidences of accidents that almost happen. 

The MedicineNet website has some safe driving tips for seniors:

Planning before you leave:

• plan to drive streets you know 
• add extra time for travel if conditions are bad
• don't drive when you are stressed or tired

While you are driving:

• always wear you seat belt
• stay off the cell phone
• avoid distractions

MorningStarof Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

It is estimated that 7 to 10 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s disease.  In the U.S. alone, a million people are living with the disease and as many as 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.  While there is not a cure for the disease, there is treatment; however anyone with symptoms needs to have a medical diagnosis in order to rule out other causes.  

The Mayo Clinic’s website provides a list of some of the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s.  The first sign can be a tremor that affects one hand and a person may frequently exhibit a back-and-forth rubbing motion of the thumb and forefinger known as a pill-rolling tremor.  Tremors usually occur while the individual is at rest, and can affect the hands, limbs, and posture. 

Another common sign of the disease is slowed movement known as bradykinesia. This can worsen over time and eventually affect a person’s ability to walk well or have trouble getting up out of a chair.  In some cases one foot may drag, making walking even more challenging.  

Other symptoms of the disease include rigid muscles and stiffness within any part of the body, and impaired posture and balance that may cause a person to become stooped or lead to falls.  The disease can also cause a loss of automatic movements such as blinking, smiling or swinging your arms as you walk.  In addition many people experience changes in their speech such as speaking in a monotone or more softly, more quickly or with a slur.  

Finally many people suffering from Parkinson’s have problems writing.  Often their writing becomes smaller and it is more difficult to do because of the tremors. 

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 of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Source:pdf.org/en/parkinson_statistics

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/symptoms/con-20028488

Your Eyes May Change with Age

As we age, our vision declines much like other parts of our bodies.   So while some loss of vision is normal, there are other signs that may be an indication of more serious medical problems.

Presbyopia is a normal condition of the eyes that starts around the age of forty and is the hardening of the lens.  It causes the eye not to focus as well on objects close at hand.  While it is easily corrected by reading glasses or multi-lens glasses, it does continue to worsen as we age.  Generally people need stronger and stronger prescriptions through the years or several different sets of glasses for different tasks.  There are surgical procedures called conductive keratoplasty or monovision lasik that can be done to correct the problem.

Cataracts, which are a clouding of the eyes’ lens, are so common among seniors and easily treated that they are now considered a normal part of the aging process. Surgery is very safe, and in most cases, the doctor removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a plastic lens.

Glaucoma is another disease that strikes mainly older people and is caused by too much fluid pressure inside the eyes.  There is no pain associated with early stages of glaucoma and it may lead to vision loss and blindness.  It can be treated so early detection is important.

Vision Aware, the American Foundation for the Blind recommends contacting your doctor if you experience any of the following changes in your vision:

• severe. sudden eye pain
• recurrent pain in or around the eye
• hazy, blurred, or double vision
• seeing flashes of light or sudden bright floating spots
• seeing rainbows or halos around lights
• seeing floating "spider webs"
• seeing a "curtain coming down" over one eye
• unusual, even painful, sensitivity to light or glare
• swollen, red eyes
• changes in the color of the iris
• white areas in the pupil or the eye
• sudden development of persistent floaters
• itching, burning, or a heavy discharge in the eyes
• any sudden change in vision

There are several other vision problems that can lead to blindness.  Macular degeneration (also called age-related macular degeneration or AMD) is one of those.  It is the leading cause of vision loss or blindness among older Americans.  The All About Vision website states: “Early signs of vision loss from AMD include shadowy areas in your central vision or unusually fuzzy or distorted vision.  An Amsler grid (used to diagnose AMD) consists of straight lines, with a reference dot in the center. Someone with macular degeneration may see some of the lines as wavy or blurred, with some dark areas at the center.”

It is very important for seniors to have regular eye check-ups and see their doctor if something changes.  Eye diseases can be very serious and early intervention is important.

For informational purposes only, please consult your health care provider if you have any questions regarding your health.

MorningStarof Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Sources:  visionaware.org/info/your-eye-condition/eye-health/symptoms-of-vision-problems/125

allaboutvision.com/conditions/amd.htm, http://www.mayoclinic.org/

How to Help Your Loved Ones When They Are Grieving

We all feel helpless when someone we care about is going through a tough time.  It is difficult for a person to experience the loss of someone they love and as a friend or family member; it is hard to watch.  There are some things you can do to help a person with the grieving process.

It is important to let the person know that you care about them and want to help out in any way possible.  Do not let your discomfort with the situation allow you to shy away from the situation.  The best thing you can do is to be supportive.  Be prepared to listen (avoid giving advice) and allow the bereaved person to talk or just sit quietly.  Let them know you hear and acknowledge their pain without minimalizing their loss.

Here are some suggestions to use as a guide when trying to comfort someone who is experiencing a loss:

• Acknowledge the situation.  Example: "I heard that your_____died."  Use the word "died".  That will show that you are more open to talk about how the person really feels.
• Express your concern.  Example:  "I'm sorry to hear that this happened to you."
• Be genuine in your communication and don't hide your feelings.  Example:  I'm not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care."
• Offer your support.  Example: "Tell me what I can do for you."
• Ask how he or she feels, and don't assume you know how the bereaved person feels on any given day.

    *Source: American Cancer Society

Just keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, nor is there a set time table.  Everyone grieves in their own way, but do keep in mind that there are some warning signs that a person is not adjusting to their new situation.  The loss of the ability to function in their day-to-day life, extreme feelings of anger or guilt, withdrawing, and abuse of alcohol or drugs may be a signal that they need professional help.

Morningstar of Sparks' unique mission statement "to honor, to serve, to invest" sets us apart from other senior communities.  Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve.  We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living.

Source: helpguide.org/articles/grief-los/supporting-a-grieving-person.htm