Dental Care for Seniors: Keeping Your Smile Healthy
As we age, maintaining dental health becomes increasingly important, yet it often gets overlooked. Proper dental care is crucial for seniors, not only for the sake of a healthy smile but also to prevent other health issues linked to poor oral hygiene. For residents in assisted living Boise and those in a retirement home Boise, prioritizing dental health is essential for overall well-being. Here’s how seniors can keep their smile bright and healthy.
1. Regular Dental Check-Ups
Routine visits to the dentist are vital for detecting and treating dental issues early. Seniors should aim for dental check-ups at least twice a year. Facilities in assisted living Boise often assist residents in scheduling these appointments and arranging transportation to ensure that dental care remains a priority.
2. Daily Oral Hygiene Practices
Good oral hygiene practices are the foundation of dental health. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily helps to remove plaque and prevent gum disease and tooth decay. For those in a retirement home Boise, staff can provide reminders and assistance to residents who may have mobility or cognitive challenges that make oral care difficult.
3. Managing Dry Mouth
Many seniors experience dry mouth, a condition that can increase the risk of dental health problems due to reduced saliva production. Staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes, and using saliva substitutes can help manage dry mouth. Additionally, some medications cause dry mouth, so it’s important to discuss these side effects with a healthcare provider.
4. Eating a Tooth-Friendly Diet
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports dental health. Foods high in calcium and phosphorus, such as dairy products and nuts, help to remineralize teeth. Crunchy fruits and vegetables can also stimulate saliva production, naturally cleaning the teeth. Assisted living Boise and retirement home Boise communities provide nutritious meal options that cater to the dental health needs of seniors.
5. Denture Care
For seniors with dentures, proper care is essential to prevent issues such as sores and infections. Dentures should be cleaned daily and kept moist when not in use. Regular dental check-ups are also important for denture wearers to ensure a proper fit and to check the health of the gums and mouth.
Good dental health is an integral part of senior well-being, contributing not only to a beautiful smile but also to overall health. By following these guidelines, seniors in assisted living Boise and retirement home Boise can maintain their dental health, ensuring a happy, healthy smile for years to come.
Study Shows a Positive View of Aging Leads to a Longer Life
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 Boise, a 55+ community offering independent and assisted living. We are located near quality medical facilities as well as great shopping, dining, green spaces and cultural venues. In nearby downtown, the Boise Centre offers over 100 shops, 80 restaurants and several microbreweries. Residents also enjoy local spots of interest such as the Idaho botanical Garden and Boise River Greenbelt. Our community is designed to meet all the needs of our residents with a range of luxury amenities, senior care, hospitality services, wellness programs, and activities. Please visit our website to learn more about MorningStar’s beautiful retirement home in Boise, ID.
MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity, and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us for more information about the finest retirement home Boise, ID has to offer.
Facts About Over-the-Counter Medications
Medical professionals worry far too many people do not use over-the-counter (OTC) medications according to stated directions. The most commonly used OTC medications are for pain management, allergy treatments and to reduce the symptoms of flu.
US News & World Report conducted a survey in March 2023 of more than 350 pharmacists nationwide from chain, independent and hospital pharmacies regarding their views on patients’ compliance with OTC drugs. The results showed 9 out of 10 pharmacists agreed consumers believe too many myths about OTC medications.
The list of some of the most commonly-held misconceptions includes:
It’s okay for children to take adult OTC medications as long as the doses are reduced.
It’s okay to double-dose OTC medications when I forget a dose.
Natural or organic supplements are safer than other OTC medications.
The bathroom is a good place to store OTC medications.
It’s okay to take OTC medications after their expiration dates.
It’s okay to cut, crush or chew OTC pills.
Brand name OTC medications or products are clearly better than their generic versions.
Debunking the first item, experts explain it is not okay to give infants and young children adult medications as they need smaller doses that are best measured using appropriately designated formulations. They remind the public there are many medications designed specifically for children. Hanna Phan, clinical associate professor at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy in Ann Arbor, Michigan, says, “Substituting adult forms, which are often tablets or capsules, can be inaccurate and may increase risk for medication errors, such as overdose.”
Other myth busting information is to store OTC drugs in a dry, cool spot as recommended for prescription medications. Pharmacists do say it is probably okay to take an OTC a few months after the expiration date; but much longer and the active ingredients may have lost their effectiveness. Also they say for the most part generic versions of a product are as good as a brand name one. Another warning is to not double up on a medication even when you miss a dose. Moreover, just because something is labeled as organic doesn’t mean it is always safe for you to take. Rather check with your doctor.
MorningStar of Boise’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest retirement home Boise, ID has to offer. Please contact us to learn why MorningStar is such a great place to call home.
Source: health.usnews.com/otc/articles/what-are-otc-medications?
Yoga is Good for Your Body and Your Brain
While practitioners have known for centuries the calmness and peace yoga brings into their lives, science has finally caught up with real evidence of its benefits to our brains. Studies show yoga elevates levels of the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GAGA), which helps regulate nerve activity and is associated with better mood and decreased anxiety.
The Harvard Medical School journal writes, “Yoga strengthens parts of the brain that play a key role in memory, attention, awareness, thought, and language. Think of it as weightlifting for the brain.” Their evidence comes from several studies that used MRI and other brain imaging technology. Researchers found participants who practiced yoga regularly had a thicker cerebral cortex, the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory, than participants who did not practice yoga.
This could be significant because as people age, this is one of the areas in the brain that typically shrinks. As the older yoga practitioners had less shrinkage than non-practitioners, researchers say it suggests yoga can “counteract age-related declines in memory and other cognitive skills.”
Other benefits of yoga include helping individuals lose weight, sleep better, lower blood pressure and lower blood sugar levels to improve diabetes. It also helps people gain flexibility and muscle strength around arthritic joints and reduces the pain associated with the condition.
At MorningStar of Boise, our vibrant 55+ community offers a whole host of amenities and care services as well as wellness programs that include exercises geared toward our residents. We are committed to providing the best retirement home in Boise, which includes exemplary service to our residents to ensure their utmost comfort, wellbeing and safety. For more information, please contact us or visit our website. Not only is our staff happy to answer any questions but our website provides information on our community as well as our company’s history, vision, and mission.
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 the finest retirement home Boise, ID offers.
Source: health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/intermediate-yoga
Enjoy the Day by Working in the Garden
A garden full of beautiful flowers and/or home-grown vegetables is a gratifying pastime for many seniors. Not only does it offer beauty and wholesome, nutritional food for you and those you share your bounty with, but a healthier lifestyle.
Experts say getting outside to work in the garden is a wonderful way to get exercise and enjoy nature as well as to get a dose of vitamin D. They warn to protect your exposed skin with a sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher, wear light, loose clothing, and sunglasses to protect your eyes. Be sure to take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and don’t overdo it, and avoid working outside during the heat of the day. Gardening is a great way to reduce anxiety and stress and to forget about your problems, at least for a while. Overall, even a few hours a week doing something as enjoyable as gardening can strengthen muscles, improve mobility and increase flexibility.
Growing tomatoes and lettuce or starting an herb garden is a great place for beginners to start and are appropriate plants for container gardening. For flowers, stick to those suitable for your region. Planning your garden is a big part of the fun and involves critical thinking in deciding what to plant and how to care for it. In fact, studies show that with the physical aspect of gardening and the critical thinking skills involved in planning it, you may lessen your chance of getting Alzheimer’s disease.
Another often overlooked benefit of gardening is the social aspect. While working in your garden may be a solitary activity, gardeners enjoy getting together in the forms of clubs, visiting their local farmers market, nursery trips, or joining a community garden project.
MorningStar of Boise offers stylish independent living and assisted living suites in a variety of floor plans. To ensure the comfort and wellbeing of residents, we offer resort-style amenities and services with beautiful common areas including a fitness room, salon, billiards and game room, restaurant-style dining, strolling paths and raised garden beds. If you are looking for a luxury retirement home in Boise, MorningStar may be the place for you.
MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us for more information about the finest retirement home Boise, ID offers.
Community Living is Often the Solution to Loneliness
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports about 14.7 million seniors live alone. We know various causes including chronic and worsening health conditions, hearing loss, no longer driving, mobility issues, loss of a spouse or other loved ones can result in loneliness and isolation for older adults on their own.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, “Social isolation and loneliness in older adults are serious public health risks affecting a significant number of people in the United States, and puts them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions.” They cite statistics showing social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death, and rivals those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Moreover, studies find social isolation is associated with approximately a 50% increased risk of dementia, a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke. The CDC also warns loneliness is linked to higher risk of depression, suicide and anxiety.
Independent living communities offer older adults a built-in community of people at a similar stage of life as well as a variety of social activities that appeal to many tastes and preferences. The range of amenities and activities make it easy for residents to interact with others and to forge new friendships. Another advantage to 55+ independent living communities is the entire place is designed to accommodate the needs of seniors. This includes apartments with wheelchair accessible doorways, low thresholds, well-lit spaces, handrails, walk-in showers and tubs in bathrooms, and emergency call systems.
At MorningStar of Boise, we provide all the comforts of home with stylish apartments and graciously appointed common areas both inside and out. Our broad range of services and amenities include restaurant-style dining, billiards & game room, fitness room, wellness programs and activities to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please visit our website to learn more about the finest retirement home in Boise, Idaho.
MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us for more information about the finest retirement home Boise, ID offers.
Source: cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html
Learn More About MorningStar of Boise
Since our company was founded in 2003, we have believed it is a privilege to “cast a new light” on senior living guided by the following precepts: to honor God in our business practices and relationships; value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals; and invest generously in our team’s ability to serve well. In addition, we firmly believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless.
MorningStar of Boise provides all the services, resort-style amenities, and programs to ensure residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. Starting with a five-star dining service that includes meals prepared largely from scratch using the freshest ingredients, restaurant-style dining and private dining room, we have an onsite bistro, theatre, and more. Other amenities include a billiards & game room, salon, fitness center and raised garden beds. For your safety, all suites have a handicap-accessible bathroom and 24-hour emergency call system.
To serve the various needs of seniors, we offer apartments for independent living in a variety of floor plans and configurations. Features include high ceilings, full kitchens, private patio or balcony, and private safe. MorningStar’s independent living promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle with maintenance-free living, built-in companionship, predictable budgeting, wellness programs, and activities. Housekeeping services help keep life simple and frees up time for other interests. Maybe it is time to improve your golf game, start or renew a hobby, get closer to the grandkids or volunteer in your community.
If you are a senior who requires help with the activities of daily living, MorningStar provides various levels of assisted living. As a resident, you will have a personalized plan created for you, and updated as needed. Around-the-clock care managers, access to licensed nurses and medication management are just a few of the many services we provide to ensure your safety and to meet your expressed (and even unexpressed) needs.
MorningStar is ideally located and offers a range of cultural and entertainment venues, outdoor activities, quality medical facilities and great shopping and dining nearby. Residents enjoy local spots of interest such as the Idaho Botanical Garden and Boise River Greenbelt using our community’s transportation program. To see our beautiful retirement home in Boise, please contact us to schedule a tour.
MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating true homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us for more information about the finest retirement home Boise, ID offers.