independent living MorningStar Senior Living Blog 2 independent living MorningStar Senior Living Blog 2

Independent Living at MorningStar of Mission Viejo

Within the category of senior living, there are several options available for older adults including independent living, which is specifically designed for adults 55+.  The reason so many seniors are turning to independent living is they love the many advantages it offers. 

Senior living communities like the new MorningStar of Mission Viejo allow seniors to enjoy stress-free retirement years, extend their independence and continue the adventure. Now under construction and scheduled to open in May 2023, we will offer stylish floor plans for independent living in a variety of sizes and configurations.  Each suite is designed for your every comfort and comes equipped with a kitchenette, handicapped-accessible bathroom emergency call system, and private heating and air conditioning.  Basic cable TV and utilities and housekeeping are included. 

With a focus on community and wellness, residents will enjoy five-star meals prepared under the direction of our Executive Chef and served in multiple dining venues.  In addition, we offer spacious common areas including an art studio, salon, theater, game room, fitness center, sky terraces and swimming pool. Residents will also enjoy participating in daily activities and special events.  

Unlike many other retirement communities, if your needs should ever change while living in independent living, MorningStar of Mission Viejo will also offer 41 suites for assistant living.  Assisted living residents will receive the daily care they need to help them stay as independent as possible and include 24-hour caregivers, access to a licensed nurse and medication management among other services. In addition, we will have 30 secure memory care suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Meticulously designed to address the needs of our most tender residents, we use Montessori-based therapies to engage residents and find ways to celebrate life regardless of the extent of memory loss. 

We are proud of the loving atmosphere that permeates throughout our communities and attribute this to our exceptional care teams that help make MorningStar a great place to call home. Please contact us for more information or stop by our Information Center adjacent to the construction site. 

MorningStar Senior Living’s communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. Please contact us or visit our website to learn more about exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Mission Viejo, CA

Read More
independent living MorningStar Senior Living Blog 2 independent living MorningStar Senior Living Blog 2

Independent Living Offers Stress-Free Retirement Years

Looking for the freedom to pursue new interests and hobbies, and to do more than just dream about exciting adventures? Independent living offers a refreshing change of lifestyle and gives you the opportunity to say goodbye to the endless chores and maintenance associated with homeownership. Other often overlooked benefits include built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, activities and programming, and delicious meals you no longer need to cook. 

Independent living communities may differ but many let you enjoy the comforts of home along with an array of luxury services and amenities. These may include housekeeping, transportation, onsite salon and fitness center, and meal plans. In most, residents can lead a lifestyle as active or relaxed as they choose.

At MorningStar of Mission Viejo, scheduled to open in May 2023, our community will allow seniors to enjoy stress-free retirement years, extend their independence and continue the adventure. For the most active seniors, we offer 61 independent living suites designed to maximize space in a variety of floorplans and configurations.    Each apartment has high-end finishes, emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Residents will enjoy amenities including a fitness center, swimming pool, art studio, salon, sky terraces, multiple dining venues and more.

While our operating license does not permit us to extend care to those in our independent living neighborhood, we can arrange for home health agencies to serve you if the need arises. Moreover, if the time comes for a more formal arrangement, you will be familiar with MorningStar of Mission Viejo’s assisted living and memory care, and as a member of our community, you will receive priority access. 

MorningStar is conveniently nestled in the heart of Mission Viejo, close to shopping, restaurants and the medical community. Mission Viejo Country Club, Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club and Niguel Botanical Preserve are nearby, and beautiful Laguna beach is only 11 miles away.  Please contact us or visit our website to learn more.   

MorningStar of Mission Viejo’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 independent living, assisted living and memory care. 

Read More
independent living MorningStar Senior Living Blog 2 independent living MorningStar Senior Living Blog 2

Are You Considering a Move to a Senior Living Community?

As more and more seniors watch friends and relatives move into retirement communities, many wonder if it is the right step for them. While obviously a decision of this magnitude should be carefully made, there is data showing the majority of seniors in retirement communities are happy they made the move. In fact, studies further indicate seniors in such communities tend to live longer. One report from the United States General Accounting Office (GAO), states “seniors who choose to live in retirement communities live 1.5 to 2 years longer than seniors who choose to retire in their homes.”

Researchers explain that many communities offer seniors a higher quality of life with their wide range of activities including physical fitness classes, group games and other entertainment opportunities. Also, we all know maintaining a home can be stressful and even more so as we age, while retirement communities provide a virtually carefree lifestyle. 

Senior communities seamlessly provide the chance to interact and socialize with like-minded people in the same stage of life, making it easy to meet and connect with people who share your interests. Again, studies find “seniors are 22% more likely to live longer and lead more fulfilling lives if they're given the chance to socialize with others.” Moreover, researchers say active seniors have better immune systems and a lower risk of dementia; and that loneliness can lead to a greater risk of high blood pressure, depression and early mortality. 

MorningStar of Mission Viejo, an independent living, assisted living and memory care community, offers all the comforts of home with spacious apartments and graciously appointed common areas both inside and out. Our broad range of services and amenities include wellness programs and activities, restaurant-style dining, swimming pool, game room, fitness center, art studio, and more to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. MorningStar of Mission Viejo’s traditional Spanish style building is now under construction and scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2023. Please contact us for more information and be sure to ask about our “Founders Club Specials.”

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Mission Viejo, CA.

Source: retirefearless.com/post/do-people-in-retirement-communities-live-longer

Read More
independent living MorningStar Senior Living Blog 2 independent living MorningStar Senior Living Blog 2

Stay Healthier as You Age by Being Positive

Social scientists say “aging gracefully” should not be just an expression but rather something people should take to heart as they enter their senior years. Maintaining a positive attitude as we age can help us better weather the many ups and downs we encounter along the journey. 

A comprehensive study from the Yale School of Epidemiology and Public Health followed 660 seniors aged 50 years and older and found those who held a more positive view on growing older lived on average 7.5 years longer than those with a negative view. Researchers added negative views on old age may even make someone more susceptible to developing the brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. However they report if a person shifts to a more positive way of thinking, the adverse outcome may be mitigated.   

Dr. Manfred Diehl, professor of human development and family studies at Colorado State University, advises people on how to develop a more positive approach to aging. His first recommendation is to be physically active at least 30 minutes each day. Then he says to keep your brain active and challenge it by continuing to learn new things. Other tips include: get enough sleep each night, stop smoking, avoid excessive alcohol, maintain a healthy weight and follow a healthy diet. Dr. Diehl says a healthy social life is important and to nurture a healthy relationship with your spouse, family and friends.   

Another positive step is to get regular medical check-ups and screenings. Additionally protect your mental health by taking the time to relax, unwind and to have fun. 

Let us introduce you to MorningStar of Mission Viejo, a new senior community currently under construction and due to open in May 2023. Our beautiful home is designed to meet all the needs of our residents with a range of luxury amenities, senior care, hospitality services, wellness programs, and activities.  Located in the heart of Mission Viejo, we are close to Providence Mission Hospital, The Shops at Mission Viejo, Niguel Botanical Preserve and Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

At MorningStar of Mission Viejo, our mission statement “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 residents exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care.

Read More
independent living MorningStar Senior Living Blog 2 independent living MorningStar Senior Living Blog 2

As We Age, Staying Fit is Important to Mobility and Independence

As we age, staying fit is important to both our mobility and our independence; and even if you haven’t spent your life as a serious fitness buff, experts say it doesn’t mean you can’t start now. However, it is important to check with your healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise. 

The Harvard Medical School recommends several exercises that provide all-around conditioning and don’t require a gym membership. Any one of them can help keep your weight under control, improve balance and range of motion, strengthen bones, protect joints, prevent bladder control problems, and even ward off memory loss.

Swimming is recommended for its low impact on the body as the water’s buoyancy supports the body and takes the strain off painful joints. Dr. I-Min Lee, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, explains,  “Swimming is good for individuals with arthritis because it’s less weight bearing.” Researchers also report swimming can help improve our mental health. Water aerobics is another low impact way to stay in shape and burn calories.  

Tai chi, a century’s old Chinese martial art, has also been shown to be beneficial for older adults. Along with incorporating movement and relaxation, experts say Tai chi helps improve balance, which is something we lose as we age. To find a class, check your community center, senior center, YMCA or local health clubs.  

Other good physical activities for seniors include walking and strength training exercises. For strength training, experts say start slow and learn the proper form. To begin walking, wear the proper clothing for the weather including sun protection and good footwear. Finally, an often overlooked area of wellness for seniors is maintaining strong pelvic floor muscles that can help prevent incontinence. Kegel exercises are beneficial for both men and women; check the Internet or talk to your doctor to learn how.  

MorningStar of Mission Viejo offers adults 55+ a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and security. Our new community will open in May 2023 with a variety of floor plans for independent living, assisted living and memory care.  Residents will enjoy resort-style amenities and beautiful common areas including an art studio, fitness center, multiple dining venues, swimming pool, sky terraces, salon and theater. Please contact us or visit our onsite Information Center to learn more.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us for more information about exceptional independent living, assisted living and memory care in Mission Viejo, CA.

Source: health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/starting-to-exercise

Read More