Finding Happiness in Uncertain Times

As many of us know, cooperating and caring for others are traits that make us happy, and an expert hopes the coronavirus pandemic will encourage people to practice these qualities even more so across the globe.  The co-director of the Wellbeing programming at the LSE’s Centre for Economic Performance, Prof Richard Layard explains that “To get through this we’re going to have to develop a much higher level of social responsibility. Some people are going to have to stay in quarantine, and others are going to have to support them to do that. My hope is that it will encourage a move from an atomized society to a much more caring one.” 

Thus we need to remember that it is not “us against them” but rather it is all of us against this virus, and that we are in this together.  Moreover, social scientists say that it is the feeling of powerlessness that makes us unhappy, and when we take control, especially in times such as these, it helps us to cope.  

Vanessa King, lead psychologist for Action for Happiness, the UK partner organization to the World Happiness Report, gives us some tips for finding happiness.  She says we should all be conscientious about how much news we consume each day.  While it is okay to update ourselves with the situation at hand, it does not help to obsess.  Instead make sure to stay in touch with people including your family and friends as well as someone you care about that may not have a good social network. 

When we concern ourselves with the welfare of others, it helps us to feel good. Remember even when we practice social distancing, we can still be friendly and smile at others.  You will feel better inside as you spread a little cheer.   

MorningStar of Happy Valley senior living community offers 61 bright suites for assisted living and 27 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.  Please visit our website to learn more about our community and the steps we are taking to ensure the safety of our incredible residents.           

MorningStar of Happy Valley 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 give us a call or visit our website to learn more about our exceptional senior living community. 

Source:theguardian.com/society/2020/mar/20/happiness-is-contagious-too-caring-for-each-other-makes-us-feel-better-experts

Social Isolation and Loneliness May Affect Your Health

While children are encouraged to socialize, we often forget it is important for all of us, especially older adults, to socialize.  However, as we age, circumstances such as retirement, the death of a spouse, and friends moving away or falling ill can makes it difficult for seniors to maintain healthy social connections.   

The National Institute on Aging reported on several studies that appear to suggest a strong correlation between social interactions and the health and well-being of older adults.  The research indicates social isolation and loneliness may have significant adverse effects on the elderly and impact their physical as well as mental health. Scientists explain that, “Positive indicators of social well-being may be associated with lower levels of interleukin-6 in otherwise healthy people. Interleukin-6 is an inflammatory factor implicated in age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer.”

The studies suggest that socially isolated older adults have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality.  Loneliness may be a contributing factor for elevated systolic blood pressure as well as put older adults at risk for symptoms of depression.

Researchers believe that strong social connections may help to reduce stress and stave off anxiety and depression.  One study even showed a 70 percent slower decrease in cognitive decline in those with a strong social network.  

At MorningStar of Happy Valley, a senior living community southeast of Portland, OR, we offer a whole host of wellness programs and activities that enhance and support mental, physical, spiritual and social connections.  Each day residents have the opportunity to engage the mind, body and spirit as well as find ways to learn and contribute. Please visit our website to learn why MorningStar is such a great place to call home.  

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Happy Valley 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. We invite you to give us call or visit our website for more information about our new senior living community. 

Source: nia.nih.gov/about/living-long-well-21st-century-strategic-directions-research-aging/research-suggests-positive

MorningStar of Rio Rancho Provides Comfort, Wellness and Community

Opening soon, MorningStar of Rio Rancho offers the security and comfort to age in place and is designed to provide our residents carefree retirement years.  As a resident, you will have a beautifully-appointed suite to provide you with all the privacy you need as well as the opportunity to make new friends and participate in a wide assortment of wellness programs and activities.  

Both inside and out, you will find a community complete with warm and inviting common areas to sit and enjoy a chat with friends or to enjoy the weather from one of our courtyards featuring artwork and trellises, strolling paths, and resident gardening areas.  If you take a look at our web page’s photo gallery, you will find pictures of our cozy living areas, comfortable dining room, our suites, bistro and more.  

As a resident of MorningStar, you will also discover we have a monthly calendar of meaningful wellness programs as well as creative and social activities to choose to participate in.  We recognize that staying physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things we can all do for ourselves, so our activities include a variety of exercise programs of which you are sure to find some of them to your liking.  Other activities include word and board games, puzzles, trivia, Bingo, movie nights and much, much more. We also have interesting special outings and events as well as scheduled transportation.   

With 51 bright suites for assisted living and 26 secure suites devoted to the individualized, care of those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, MorningStar of Rio Rancho is designed with all the comforts of home.  In case you were wondering, we are pet friendly. Please visit our website to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho NM has to offer.

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting.  Opening soon, we invite you to learn more about the finest senior housing Rio Rancho NM offers.

One of the Area’s Top Assisted Living Facilities is Pet Friendly!

MorningStar of Rio Rancho, opening any day now, will offer 51 modern, private assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans to meet your preferences and needs.  In our Reflections Neighborhood, we provide another 26 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases.  

As you will see from our website, our architectural renderings highlight the exquisite beauty and comfortable, home-like setting of our community.   Along with the smart design and safety features found in each suite, MorningStar of Rio Rancho is also pet friendly.  We recognize that our residents do not want to leave behind their four-legged family member when they move into assisted living.  We also know that animals offer tremendous benefits to seniors’ wellbeing.

Research has found that being around animals is good for seniors’ wellbeing as they not only provide loyal companionship and decrease feelings of loneliness but provide health benefits as well.  Studies show that dogs are especially good pets for seniors as they require them to be more physically active than their non-pet owning counterparts. Other studies find “having a pet can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well as decrease stress.”  Moreover, “Pets have proven to increase serotonin levels, which make us feel good, and decrease cortisol levels, which leads to stress.”

If you are interested in joining our MorningStar of Rio Rancho family, we ask that you speak to us regarding our pet policy as we do assert our right to assess an animal’s appropriateness for our community on a case-by-case basis.  We do have some restrictions on breeds. MorningStar also requires a one-time nonrefundable pet fee.

MorningStar of Rio Rancho’s leadership team, seasoned care providers experienced in every facet of senior living, is putting together an exceptional group of individuals to serve our residents.  For what promises to be one of the area’s premier assisted living facilities, we invite you to visit our website or to come by our onsite Information Center at the northwest corner of Westside Boulevard and Golf Course Road to learn more.  

At MorningStar of Rio Rancho, we are proud to offer the best senior living with our distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents in a beautiful setting.  Please visit our Information Center to learn more about the finest senior housing in Rio Rancho, NM.

Source: seniorliving.org/assisted-living/pets/

Smartly Designed Floorplans at MorningStar of Fountain Hills

MorningStar Senior Living has some of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills, Phoenix, Peoria and Glendale AZ has to offer. With four communities in Metro Phoenix, MorningStar has a location which is convenient to all seniors in the area.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, our community was meticulously designed to accommodate every need of our assisted living and memory care residents.  For assisted living, we offer 63 graciously appointed suites in configurations that range from spacious studio to one- and two-bedroom floor plans as large as 870 sq. ft.   Our Reflections Neighborhood is devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases and has 28 secure suites.

Each of our stylish units offers high ceilings, large windows, lighting, wall-to-wall carpeting and mini blinds and is equipped with full, handicapped-accessible bathrooms and emergency call systems.  Moreover basic cable TV and utilities is included in your monthly rent and every suite has its own heating and air conditioning system. We also offer weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services along with daily spot cleaning and trash removal.  Also, in case you wondered, MorningStar of Fountain Hills is pet friendly.

We encourage you to visit our website and take a look at the gallery photos, suite features and variety of floor plans.  Keep in mind what you see on our site are representative floorplans and a full inventory of our many suite shapes and sizes can be obtained by contacting our Director of Community Relations, Traci Gregory.

While at our website, you can also set up a tour or email us for pricing and availability. We love showing off our community and we think you will see why our residents are proud to call MorningStar of Fountain Hills “home.”

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the very best in senior living with our unique 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…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful, serene setting. Please call to schedule a visit to see firsthand one of the finest senior living communities Fountain Hills AZ has to offer.