The Risk of Osteoarthritis Increases with Age

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition of the joints that affects over 30 million Americans, and while it can occur at any age, the risk of developing OA increases with age.  OA is caused by damage or breakdown of joint cartilage between bones.  It is believed there is a hereditary component that predisposes some people to OA, and that being overweight can contribute to the severity and early onset of the disease.

Cartilage is the firm, rubbery tissue that lines the joints and allows them to move smoothly as well as cushion the bones.  Stress placed on joints over the years wears away the cartilage causing stiffness, swelling, and pain.  OA most commonly affects hips, knees, hands, feet, and spine but can affect any joint.  Sports injuries and fractures can cause OA later on in life and certain jobs that are strenuous on joints (kneeling or standing for long periods of time) can put you at added risk. 

While there is no cure for OA, it is treated with pain management, strengthening the muscles surrounding the joint, and reducing the weight on the joints.  An occupational therapist can teach you ways to move to lessen the pain without adding more stress to the joint.  A physical therapist will show you the exercises to do to strengthen your muscles and work to improve things like walking and posture.  Some OA sufferers have turned to alternative therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, relaxation, and massage techniques. 

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

cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm

webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/osteoarthritis-basics#1

Seniors Believe Technology is a Positive Thing

Despite often stereo-typing seniors as not knowing how to use or even liking today’s technology, a recent study from the Pew Research Center shows that may not be actually true.  Monica Anderson, the lead author of the study, explains that, "Even though they might be less likely to use these forms of technology, they do believe that technology is a quite positive thing for our society."  Moreover there are several new technologies that seniors have happily embraced. 

According to the research that involved surveying 3,015 adults, one of the most popular tech items older adults have adopted are smartphones.  The Pew study reports that the number of people 65 years and older who now own a smartphone is more than double from what is was just three years ago.  The rate of ownership went from 18 percent in 2013 to 42 percent of seniors not only owning a smartphone but willing to learn new ways to use them.  In fact Sanette Chao, a spokesperson for Verizon, states that the majority of the people who attend their Intro to Smartphone sessions are seniors. 

Another tool that seniors are using is the Internet.  Compared to the 12 percent of seniors who used the Internet in 2000, two-thirds of them are now using it.  However the numbers do change when you start looking at older seniors as the majority of those over 80 do not use the Internet.   Tablets are owned by approximated a third of seniors 65 years and older and 19 percent of older adults read their books on an e-reader.  E-readers offer the advantage of downloading a book whenever you want as well as the ability to change font size, which is great for seniors who are visually impaired.  

Other new technologies being adopted by older adults include direct deposit and online banking.  More seniors are also using social media and the Pew study found that one-third of all seniors’ survey used facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.   

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:money.usnews.com/money/retirement/aging/articles/2017-07-24/5-technologies-older-americans-have-embraced 

Assisted Living Offers Peace of Mind for Families

For family members, assisted living and memory care can offer peace of mind knowing that your parent or loved one is receiving the care and companionship they need to live safely and as independently as possible.  However we recognize that for some adult children or spouses, considering assisted living brings up feelings of guilt as you think you are not doing enough for them.   

As an adult child, you may realize that you have too many responsibilities already on your plate including your own children, a job and other constraints but still feel guilty about not offering your parent a home with you.  Even if you are a caregiver that has reached the point where you know the job is taking a toll on your own health and well-being and you are no longer able to provide the level of care your loved needs, you may still be hesitant to make changes.   

This is why assisted living and memory care communities such as MorningStar of Sparks offer the perfect solution.  Our purpose is not to replace you in the life of your aging parent or spouse but rather to assist you in your efforts to make their lives easier, safer and more comfortable.  

Our community was designed and built to accommodate the needs of seniors.  Every aspect of our interior common rooms and suites as well as the outdoor grounds is intended to make our residents feel like they are in a true “home.”  From beautiful, private suites that are just waiting for your personal furnishings, delicious three meals a day served restaurant-style, activities galore or companionship; we provide a lovely home.  Please contact us with any questions you may have or set up a visit to see firsthand our beautiful community.   

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.

 

Become Educated about Heart Disease

According to the American Heart Association, heart attack warning signs involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes (or that goes away and comes back). They describe it like an “uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.”  Signs can also include discomfort in other areas of the upper body such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.  Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or lightheadedness.  As heart disease is the number one killer for both men and women in the U.S. as well as globally, it is important to know the facts and a great resource for up-to-date information is the American Heart Association’s website.   

The site has lots of current information on the causes and treatment for atherosclerosis, which is the disease that develops when plaque builds up inside the arteries.  Once plaque has built up and narrowed the arteries, it is more difficult for the blood to flow through and increases the chance of a blood clot forming that can stop blood from flowing altogether.   Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease.     

Ischemic strokes are the most common type of strokes and occur when a blood vessel that feeds the brain is blocked (typically from a blood clot).  Hemorrhagic strokes are caused when weakened blood vessels rupture.  There are two types of weakened blood vessels that are typically responsible: aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).   

Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart is not pumping blood as effectively as it should, and thus, not meeting the body’s blood and oxygen needs.  It is one of the most common causes of hospitalization in adults 65years and older.  Treatment includes medications, surgery and lifestyle changes.  If left untreated, the problem can worsen.     

Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice from your health care provider.

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:heart.org/HEARTORG/Caregiver/Resources/WhatisCardiovascularDisease/What-is-Cardiovascular-Disease_UCM_301852_Article.jsp#

 

The Best Memory Care for Your Loved One

Along with an increased awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases, there has been a move to advance best care practices for those suffering from the disease over the last couple of decades.  In addition to medications that can help slow down the progression of the disease, many specialists in the field have worked to improve the approaches to care.   

At MorningStar of Sparks, our Reflections Neighborhood is dedicated to the individualized care of those suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia-related diseases.  Our holistic care begins with the utmost respect and compassion for our special residents that is borne out of a deep understanding of the disease.   Furthermore, we recognize that a prognosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia is frightening to not only the individual but to their family and strive to provide support for them as well. 

Our Reflections Neighborhood is equipped to care for your family member at the onset of the disease as well as in the most advanced stages.  Our community has secure outdoor space reserved for our memory care residents and we provide assistance in whatever way your loved one needs us including eating and daily personal care activities.  Right from the start, we interview the family so we may become familiar with the resident’s personal preferences, background, and hobbies, and then design a care plan suited around their needs.     

Our care techniques include a variety of multi-sensory cues designed to calm and awaken memories as well as to support the person’s capabilities and affirm their dignity and value.  We strive to make each day as special as possible for our memory care residents and we have a wonderful team of caregivers that put their hearts and souls into helping us achieve that goal.  Please contact us to learn more about MorningStar of Sparks’ quality memory care.  

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.

Annual Eye Exams are Important for Seniors

Eye problems are a common complaint among the elderly.  The American Optometric Association advises that older adults need to be aware of the warning signs of age-related eye health problems as they can cause loss of vision.  Also since some eye diseases have no early symptoms, they recommend annual eye examinations for everyone over age 60.  It is important to remember that while many eye conditions are easily treated, diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to serious eye problems. 

One almost universal vision change experienced by older adults is Presbyopia, which is the gradual, age-related loss of the eyes' ability to focus clearly on nearby objects.   Typically the condition is not treated with any intervention other than a pair of reading glasses.  

Floaters are another problem seniors experience and appear as tiny specks or spots that seem to float across your field of vision.  The Mayo Clinic says that most eye floaters are caused by “age-related changes that occur as the jelly-like substance (vitreous) inside your eyes becomes more liquid. Microscopic fibers within the vitreous tend to clump and can cast tiny shadows on your retina, which appear to you as floaters.”  It is important to have the condition checked by an eye doctor as it can also be a sign of more serious eye problems including retinal detachment.   

Dry eyes are also common in seniors and can cause itching, burning and even loss of vision.  Treatment includes nutritional supplements, medications to reduce inflammation, or eye drops that simulate real tears.  On the other side some older adults can have too many tears that may result from temperature changes or sensitivity to light.  Taking precautions such as wearing sunglasses can help but you should be checked by your doctor as it could signal an infection or blocked tear duct.     

In addition cataracts and glaucoma are frequent problems affecting older adults.  In the case of cataracts, once they begin to affect your eyesight they can usually be removed by surgery.  Glaucoma is not curable but it is treatable, and without treatment, it can eventually lead to permanent blindness.   

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:aoa.org/patients-and-public/good-vision-throughout-life/adult-vision-19-to-40-years-of-age/adult-vision-over-60-years-of-age?sso=y    nia.nih.gov/health/publication/aging-and-your-eyes 

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/basics/definition/con-20015113

How to Prepare for Your Doctor Appointment

Who of us has not left the doctor’s office and thought about all of the questions we meant to ask?  It is an easy thing to do and this is why it helps to take some time to prepare before your next appointment.  Here are some simple steps you can do to ensure this does not happen again.

First, you should stop and think about all of the concerns and questions you may have before you leave home.  Think back to your last doctor visit and make a note if anything has changed in your health since then.  Include any symptoms you are experiencing such as aches, pains, lack of sleep, weight loss or gain, and any mood changes.  Be specific with your symptoms as to how often they occur and the severity.  Write down everything you can think of that is relevant to these concerns.

Now go over all the medications you are currently taking and write down the names and the dosage.  Some doctors will even ask that you bring all of your medications in their containers so they can go over them.  You should include any over-the-counter drugs or herbal remedies along with vitamins and eye drops.  Be sure to list any allergies to drugs that you may have.

Add to your list any other questions that have not been addressed up to this point.  Mention any life changes you may have had since your last visit and be ready to answer questions about your diet, are you still driving, physical exercise, social activities, etc. 

Remember this is your health and take ownership.  You and your doctor are a team working together to make sure you get the best medical care.  Do not hesitate to ask for the reassurance and guidance you need to make the best decisions regarding your medical treatment.

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.