WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF EATING FISH?

Colorado is home to a wide variety of fish species such as bass, trout, and salmon. Although fish species flourish in the high altitudes, they are an overlooked and underestimated source of food for many people. Consuming fish represents an outstanding alternative to eating red meat because of the many health benefits delivered by fish. At our senior living center in Denver, Colorado, our culinary team incorporates fish into many meals to enhance the health of residents.

Let’s take a look at the several health benefits of making fish an important part of your diet.

Enhanced Brain Health

One of the goals at our assisted living facility in Denver concerns keeping our residents mentally active, from playing group games to working on crossroad puzzles by themselves. Fish offers an additional brain boost, especially fish such as salmon that contain omega-3 fatty acids. This type of fat source is important for brain health because a lack of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet can lead to memory loss and cognitive impairment. Some studies indicate that a diet without enough omega-3 fatty acids can cause the brain to shrink during the aging process.

Lower Risk of Depression

Depression is a common mental condition among older adults for different reasons like loneliness and acute anxiety. Although interacting socially with other residents at retirement communities in Denver is an effective way to prevent the development of depression, your diet also plays a role in staving off the common mental health condition for seniors. Many species of fish contain the vitamins required to improve the positive impact of some antidepressant medications.

Decrease Risk of Heart Disease

According to research, omega-3 fatty acids are linked to decreasing the risk of developing heart disease when consumed as a regular part of an older adult’s diet. This type of fatty acid lowers the amount of coronary plaque, as well as reduces the amount of unhealthy triglyceride levels that are directly responsible for sustaining high blood pressure measurements. Making fish a part of your diet is even more effective at fighting heart disease if you exercise on a regular basis.

Rich in Nutrients

Fish is a great source of protein, which is important for maintaining robust-acting organs, muscles, and blood vessels. Protein supports proper cell division to prevent the development of certain types of cancer. Fish also contains helpful iodine, which is an essential mineral that the body cannot produce on its own. Another important health role for fish concerns the nutrient vitamin D, which more than 40 percent of the American population lacks in their bodies. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is required to help older adults prevent the development of osteoporosis. Other vital minerals absorbed by eating fish include iron, niacin, and phosphorus.

Protects Vision

Older adults are vulnerable to contracting age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the most common cause of blindness and other levels of visual impairment. Evidence gathered by researchers demonstrates that the omega-3 fatty acids found in some fish species can protect against the development of AMD. One study discovered eating fish as part of a regular diet can lower the risk of AMD by more than 40 percent in women.

Make Fish an Important Part of Your Diet

The versatility of serving fish makes it a popular menu item at our senior living center in Denver, CO. You can enjoy fish grilled, sauteed, broiled, and even fried in healthy oil. Find out more about our commitment to serving healthy meals by scheduling a tour of our assisted living facility in Denver.

THE BEST WARM-UP EXERCISES FOR SENIORS

Staying physically active is a critically important element of living a healthy lifestyle. However, remaining physically active is especially important for older adults. A physically active lifestyle can strengthen bones, improve cardiovascular health, and prevent the decline of cognitive skills. At our senior living center in Denver, Colorado, we offer residents dozens of activities that stimulate the brain and improve the condition of the body.

How you prepare for a physical activity such as yoga, cycling, and pickleball is just as important as participating in the physical activity itself. Warm-up exercises for seniors make a huge difference between getting hurt and remaining injury-free. Getting involved with warm-up exercises not only elevates body temperature, but also prepares the heart, bones, joints, and muscles for an increase in physical exertion.

The key to maximizing the benefits of participating in warm-up exercises is to start slow and gradually increase speed and exertion. Let’s take a look at the best warm-up exercises for seniors at our assisted living facility in Denver.

Calisthenics

Getting the heart to pump faster helps the other areas of the body, as well as increases your stamina for more physically demanding activities. Calisthenics represents the best warm-up exercise for achieving higher heart pumping capacity. The classic stance for calisthenics involves spreading your legs at a standing position, keeping the legs semi-loose, and raising both arms to touch the hands over your head. Then start moving both the arms and legs in sync, while eventually increasing the movement speed of both limbs.

Arm Swings

Arm swings also help encourage a faster, stronger pumping of the heart, with one additional health benefit. This warm-up exercise for seniors also loosens the muscles and tendons located in both arms, which enhances your flexibility. Assume a standing position and then spread the legs a couple of feet apart. Turn your torso to the left and make sure the arms stay loose. Turn the torso from side to side and let the arms swing across the body. This warm-up exercise also produces a gentle twist to activate the spine.

High Knees

Now, the time has arrived to warm up the knees. High-knee warm-up exercises vary in both length and intensity, but the most effective high-knee exercise for seniors involves holding both arms out at waist length and beginning to march slowly while raising each knee to the palms of your hands. You should slowly raise the knees in short increments until they touch both palms, and then increase the speed that you raise the knees. Do between 20 and 30 knee movements, take a minute-long break, and then repeat the knee-raising movements.

Shoulder Rolls

The shoulders are the next part of the body to stretch. Start shoulder rolls by extending your arms at the sides with your feet positioned at shoulder width. Move your shoulders up and down like you shrug when having a conversation. The key is to move the shoulder blades toward each other between eight and 10 times to loosen the muscles and tendons.

Squats

The muscles in the legs need to stretch as well. And you accomplish this by performing the warm-up exercise called squats. Stand tall with the feet moved to shoulder width. Bend your knees slowly like you are about to sit on a stool. Keep the chest upright and repeat the movement between eight and 10 times. You can hold a free weight in each hand to increase resistance.Schedule a tour today to learn how residents stay active at our senior living center in Denver, CO.

5 TIPS FOR WINTER DRIVING

The result of heavy snowfall and below-freezing temperatures is the ideal recipe for poor visibility and slippery roads. When it snows, reports of car accidents and backed-up roads can deter the most determined motorist from running errands or even heading off to work. With more than 150,000 motor vehicle collisions attributed each year to ice and snow-packed roads, it is important to learn how to drive when Old Man Winter strikes at our senior living center in Denver, Colorado.

Let’s take a quick look at five tips for winter driving that keep you safe, as well as keep other motorists safe.

Wait a Day

The first tip makes the other tips on this list moot points: Drive in winter weather only if it is necessary. The National Weather Service typically alerts residents of Denver of an incoming snowstorm at least one day in advance of its arrival. This means you have plenty of time to get what you need to ride a snowstorm out. Local news stations keep Denver residents updated on road conditions.

Give the snow plow crews the roads to themselves for 24 hours to clear the streets for the residents of retirement communities in Denver.

Know Your Route

If you have to get out to run errands during winter weather, know how you plan to get around the area near our assisted living facility in Denver. Road crews remove snow from the busier streets and highways first, before tackling the mess left behind by Mother Nature on secondary roads. Plan your route, as well as the time of day when you plan to run errands, and you should be able to get around without any issues arising.

Clear Your Vehicle

Clearing the entire vehicle prevents snow from obscuring your view of the road. This involves more than running the windshield wiper for a few seconds. You also must clear the roof of your car, as well as lights, mirrors, and windows. Some municipalities make it against the law to drive a snow-covered car, but the more relevant issue is your safety and the safety of other motorists who share the roads and highways with you.

Warming up your car is an effective way to expedite the snow removal process.

Invest in Winter Tires

Also referred to as snow tires, winter tires provide the traction required for a motor vehicle to move through ice and snow. Winter tires are especially effective at helping motorists remain in control of their vehicles, as well as move through deep snow. If you venture into the mountains, Colorado law mandates that motorists of all types of vehicles must have chains put on each tire or alternate traction devices (ATD) on two or more tires.

Drive Smart

The rules that apply to driving a motor vehicle take on more significance while driving in winter weather. Put more space between you and other vehicles than the space you create under normal road conditions. Slow down, particularly when navigating highways such as Interstate 25 and Interstate 70. Take curves much slower than you usually traverse them. The most important tip for driving smart in snow involves turning off or putting away all electronic devices.Our senior living center in Denver, CO offers a shuttle service for residents who need to run errands, such as buying groceries. We offer shuttle service during the worst weather as well, with highly-trained drivers ready to tackle ice and snow. Find out more about how you can get around Denver while living at our assisted living facility by scheduling a tour today.

MOST POPULAR SOLO GAMES FOR SENIORS

One of the most common reasons why older adults move into senior living centers in Denver is to socialize with other seniors in a safe environment. Retirement communities in Denver such as MorningStar at Observatory Park organize an activities calendar every month to keep residents mentally and physically active. However, residents at our assisted living facility in Denver, Colorado might find that on rare occasions they do not get the opportunity to interact with fellow residents in a group setting. When that happens, it pays off to know how to play the most popular solo games for seniors.

Solitaire

Solitaire, which is also referred to as Klondike and Patience, is a wildly popular card game that has become a staple in computer gaming. This solo game is more than a great way to pass the time on a slow day. It also helps improve planning, attention, and concentration skills. All you need is a deck of cards or access to a personal computer, both of which our senior living center in Denver, Colorado makes available for residents.

Civilization

Since the first version was released in 1991, Civilization has challenged players of all ages to achieve world domination. For more than 30 years, Civilization has transformed into different, more complex versions to challenge the most accomplished players. You need access to a personal computer to enjoy this popular solo game. Once you sit down to start a game of Civilization, you should find that time flies by quickly.

Sudoku

The classic puzzle game based on numbers is renowned for hooking people to play it for hours at a time. Sudoku is all about placing the numbers one through nine in a grid measuring nine by nine spaces. However, you cannot repeat the same row, column, or three-by-three box. You can find this timeless game in newspapers and puzzle books to help improve your logic and problem-solving skills.

Friday

Assuming the role of Robinson Crusoe’s helper, Friday represents a deck-building card game in which you try to survive, even thrive on a deserted island. The challenge of the popular solo game is to make correct, rapid-fire decisions within a short period. One of the most important skills learned by playing this popular solo game is overcoming a wide variety of difficult challenges. Although more complex than other popular solo games, Friday is ideal for older adults who want to enhance their cognitive skills.

Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective

Have you ever wondered what it is like playing the role of a World-class detective such as Sherlock Holmes? You can find out about the reality of playing detective by mastering this popular solo game. Some of the detective work foisted upon you includes interviewing witnesses, gathering physical evidence, and unveiling the mysteries of the world. The mental stimulation generated by Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective is perfect for older adults to pass the time on a rainy day.

Stay Active at Our Senior Living Center in Denver

You get many opportunities to stay active at our assisted living facility in Denver. Whenever you cannot find the time to engage with other residents in a group encounter, you can instead remain mentally active by playing one of the most popular solo games for seniors. Stop by MorningStar at Observatory Park to learn more about our monthly activities calendar.

5 BENEFITS OF MAKING FRIENDS AT A SENIOR LIVING CENTER IN DENVER

It is one of the most daunting events that we experience in our lives. We are talking about relocation. Everything from planning a move to trying to fit in a new neighborhood can cause us to toss and turn throughout many restless nights. Although moving is often hard on all of us, it is especially hard on older adults who transition from independent living to an assisted living facility in Denver. Leaving behind the familiar for the unfamiliar can trigger numerous bouts of loneliness.

According to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the risk of becoming lonely increases as we grow older. Children leave the nest, which frequently creates a deep void that is difficult to fill. Loneliness produces severe negative side effects that impact our mental and physical health. In another study sponsored by Science Daily, people who lose their partners feel less lonely when they begin to participate in activities held outside the home.

According to research performed by the National Institute of Health (NIH) people who suffer from the symptoms of loneliness have a 45 percent greater risk of dying, as well as a 59 percent greater risk of enduring mental and/or physical ailments. Let’s review the benefits of making friends at retirement communities in Denver, Colorado.

Enhanced Mental Health

Living a lonely life turns a once active brain dormant. The result is a decline in the ability of the brain to make connections with other people. The most advanced technologies cannot replace human connections. A computer cannot help you enjoy the positive self-esteem that comes with playing a friendly game of checkers to yelling out bingo numbers among a large group of fellow residents at a senior living center in Denver.

Improved Physical Health

Just as sitting around in a room all day causes the brain to stagnate, doing the same thing also quickly leads to a decline in physical health. At our assisted living facility in Denver, we offer countless physical activities that keep the body working like a well-oiled machine. Participating in physical activities with other residents reduces the risk of developing cancer, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases.

Expands Your Professional Network

When you lived an independent life, you depended on friends and family members to guide you through different tasks and obligations. Making friends at a senior living center in Denver allows you to develop friendships that help you build your professional network. For example, you might receive a recommendation from a resident to see a physician who can help alleviate arthritic pain.

Prevent Dementia

The mental health benefits of making friends at retirement communities in Denver are more than feeling good about yourself. Interacting with other residents also strengthens your cognitive abilities. Whether you and your new friends work together on a puzzle or answer the questions posed by a trivia game, you can expect to keep your mind sharp.

Gain Purpose

Growing friendships with other residents at an assisted living facility in Denver helps you gain purpose. Without purpose, you start to live life like a ship that does not have a rudder. You simply go through the motions of life. Building friendships gets you excited about what you have planned for the next day at our senior living center.

Building friendships helps you create an active lifestyle at our assisted living facility in Denver, CO. Discover why MorningStar at Observatory Park receives highly positive reviews from residents by scheduling a tour today.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR VISITING GARDEN OF THE GODS

Residents of our senior living center in Denver have many options when it comes to spending a day among nature’s most popular attractions. Rocky National Park is just a short drive from our assisted living facility in Denver, and another wildly popular day trip destination sits less than a two-hour drive south of retirement communities in Denver.

We are talking about Garden of the Gods, which represents one of the most impressive natural attractions in the United States that is located in Colorado Springs.  Massive red rock formations form columns that look like they are reaching for the sky. The views inside the 1,367-acre natural attraction are some of the most spectacular of any other view in the State of Colorado. Open to the public throughout the year, here is what you need to know for visiting the Garden of the Gods.

Hiking

Although you can find spectacular views from the comfort of your car, experiencing the Garden of the Gods is best done on foot. More than 15 miles of trails run through the massive red rock formations, with most of the trails offering short excursions that do not take a lot out of you physically. For example, the Perkins Central Garden Trail is an easy, 1.5 round-trip trail that provides a concrete pathway for easy navigation. The family-friendly trail also does not gain elevation as you absorb your natural surroundings. For a more challenging hike, the Chambers/Bretag/Palmer Trail is a three-mile round-trip, with an elevation gain of more than 250 feet.

Other Outdoor Activities

The Garden of the Gods offers much more than trails where you get to traverse among the massive red rock formations. Front Range Climbing schedules rock climbing trips every 30 minutes for the more adventurous visitors. You have the option to rent a bicycle to ride on the designated paths established by park management. One of the most popular park events is the annual Starlight Spectacular bike ride that takes place at night. Academy Riding Stables organizes horseback riding trips that take place on horse-friendly trails. Several educational classes present information that ranges from the park’s history to nature-specific topics.

Planning a Visit

The first place to visit when you arrive at the Garden of the Gods is the Visitor & Nature Center, which includes shopping, interactive exhibits, and a movie theater. The park is open every day of the year from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. Parking spaces fill up quickly, which means you should arrive early and ride one of the complimentary shuttles that run from early June through the Labor Day weekend. Although you cannot camp inside Garden of the Gods, several camping spots located nearby give you a convenient place to call home while you visit the park. Cheyenne Mountain State Park offers full-service camping that includes showers and a laundry facility. Colorado Springs is renowned for its lodging options, such as the Broadmoor Hotel and Great Wolf Lodge.

Explore Colorado While Living at MorningStar-Observatory Park

One of the primary reasons why seniors move into retirement communities in Denver, Colorado is the numerous choices available to soak in the natural beauty present in the Rocky Mountain State. At our senior living center in Denver, our staff organizes several day trips throughout the year that provide residents with up-close views of the state’s natural wonders such as the Garden of the Gods. Learn more by scheduling a tour of our assisted living facility in Denver, CO.

FOOT CARE TIPS FOR HIKERS

At our senior living center in Denver, Colorado, we organize a busy activities calendar to keep residents active. One of the activities that we schedule is organizing day hikes to soak in the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The City of Denver also has created hundreds of miles of trails within city limits.

When you hike, you need to take several steps to maximize the enjoyment of viewing your surroundings. One of the most important steps to take involves foot care tips for hikers.

Protect Against Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis represents an injury that develops from over-exertion. The annoying initial pain can turn into a debilitating injury that slows down or even ends the hiking season. It is an inflammation in the ligament that runs across the bottom of both feet. At our assisted living facility in Denver, we encourage residents to take it easy during the first few hikes of the season to build up strength in both feet, as well as stamina throughout the entire body. 

Prevent Blisters

Blisters can develop all over the foot caused by friction generated with hiking shoes. However, blisters most often develop between two or more toes. You can prevent blisters by first cutting your toenails short to avoid toes scraping against a hiking boot to account for large toenails. If you hike using a certain gait that causes friction between two or more toes, place a barrier such as a band-aid between the toes to cushion the friction generated while you hike.

Use Insoles

Insoles offer two significant health benefits for hikers. First, they provide sufficient cushion for both feet to absorb blows. Second, they help keep both feet stable even when you hike over rugged terrain. Wearing two socks on each foot also provides the cushion you need to prevent the feet from sustaining strong impacts.

Sock Material Matters

Wool socks represent the most popular choice for hikers of all ages, but you need to select the right material to maximize the comfort and health benefits. Hiking socks designed with Merino wool do the best job of preventing the development of blisters, as well as providing superior breathability. The last thing you want is to hike with damp feet. If you plan to hike in wet conditions, neoprene or Merino wool socks should keep both feet dry. You also should change into dry socks whenever you feel your feet turning damp.

Break in Hiking Shoes

When you shop for hiking shoes at a store, you probably try on different pairs and then walk around the store to assess comfort and stability. However, you need much more time to break in a pair of hiking shoes to enhance comfort and stability when you are out on a trail. Break in a pair of hiking shoes by wearing them for a couple of hikes on a trail defined as “easy.”

Enjoy the Activities Calendar at MorningStar-Observatory Park

Retirement communities all over Denver boast about their activities calendar. Nonetheless, we are proud of the diverse nature of the activities calendar at our senior living center in Denver. We schedule organized day hikes, as well as encourage residents to take advantage of the natural splendor nearby by going on hikes together.

WHY EXERCISE MATTERS FOR SENIORS

At our senior living facility in Denver, we make maintaining robust health for residents a top priority. Our caregivers follow a preventive strategy, such as ensuring residents receive regular checkups, as well as follow a nutritious diet. One preventive strategy does not receive as much hype, but it should. The preventive strategy is about adhering to an exercise regimen.

Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining the robust health of every adult, but it is especially relevant for older adults. Let’s look at the reasons why exercise matters for seniors living at an assisted living facility in Denver.

Bolster the Immune System

It is not a secret that our immune systems weaken as we grow older. We tend to contract colds much easier than adults several years younger. Research indicates that moderate exercise can substantially bolster the strength of the immune system. This is especially true for preventing the development of acute respiratory infections.

Mitigate Arthritis Pain

The pain generated by a disease such as osteoarthritis can make it difficult to hold a utensil. Regular exercise can relieve the pain associated with arthritis. Low-impact aerobic exercises can take the pressure off aching and inflamed joints by helping muscles gain strength. Physical activities help older adults enjoy a full range of motions to reduce joint stiffness.

Strengthen Bones

We lose bone density as we grow older, but strength training can counteract bone density loss and possibly even reverse it. Stronger bones help you do a better job of remaining balanced while you walk, which dramatically decreases the risk of falls. You also maintain strong bones to prevent the risk of a fracture that results from a fall.

Prevent Chronic Health Issues

Regular exercise is a proven strategy for fending off the development of chronic diseases. Studies demonstrate physical activity reduces the risk of contracting diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. The results of a study released in 2017 by the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease discovered moderate exercise is a potent weapon to fight against cognitive decline.

Boost Energy Levels

It seems counterintuitive, but moderate-intensity exercises can help generate more energy. The body works to restore the energy depleted after exercises like hiking and cycling. Combined with a nutritious diet, regular exercise can increase the amount of time that you exercise, as well as generate the level of energy required to complete certain strenuous tasks.

Enhance Mental Health

Exercise is not just for boosting physical health. A regular exercise routine also represents an effective way to improve mental health. The brain fires more neurotransmitters at a much faster rate, which produces a level of clarity that enhances morale. Low-impact exercises such as yoga that incorporate mindfulness techniques help boost mental health. Research also shows regular exercise can improve memory and help you solve more difficult mental challenges.

The Bottom Line: Stay Active

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults 65 years and older complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. As one of the highest-rated retirement communities in Denver, MorningStar at Observatory Park encourages residents to stay active. We offer a wide variety of activities that boost both mental and physical health. Learn more by scheduling a tour of our senior living center in Denver, Colorado.

3 COMMON SAFETY ISSUES FACED BY RESIDENTS AT AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

It is one of the most difficult decisions of your life. After you make the tough decision to move a loved one into a senior living center in Denver, Colorado, the next decision is about as tough to make. That decision revolves around finding the right assisted living facility in Denver. With many retirement communities to choose from, which one makes the grade as the next home for a loved one? Choosing the best of the retirement communities in Denver requires you to consider factors such as amenities, dining options, and activities calendar. You also have to consider the safety issues that can cause harm to your loved one.

Let’s look at five common safety issues faced by residents at an assisted living facility.

Slip and Fall Accidents

A slip and fall accident is lurking around every corner at a senior living center. As the most common type of accident at assisted living facilities, a slip and fall incident can cause serious injuries. This is especially true for older adults who become more vulnerable to sustaining slip and fall injuries such as lacerations, brain trauma, and broken bones. Confirm the presence of handrails throughout an assisted living facility. Other helpful tools to prevent slip and fall accidents include wheelchairs and walking aids. Check the common areas to ensure there are not any obstructions that can force a loved one to fall. Helpful caregivers who provide walking support also play a role in minimizing slip and fall accidents.

Poor Safety Alert System

Despite their devotion to protecting residents, caregivers cannot watch over residents 24 hours a day. This means it is essential that all of the retirement communities in Denver on your shortlist have installed a comprehensive safety alert system. If a resident experiences an accident and a facility does not have an adequate safety alert system, the resident runs the risk of developing severe health consequences due to the significant time lapse between an accident and receiving medical care. A comprehensive safety alert system should provide easy access to communication devices up and down every hallway in common areas, as well as inside the apartment of every resident.

Transportation Accidents

Residents at retirement communities in Denver often need to leave a facility to take care of errands. Meeting appointments, receiving healthcare, and spending time with family members require residents to ride in a van operated by a properly credentialed driver employed by an assisted living facility. Not only should assisted facility drivers acquire the proper driving credentials, but the vans used to take residents around town must be equipped with the right safety equipment. The vans should provide easy access to prevent harm to any of the passengers. Make sure the van at a senior living center in Denver is designed for residents with mobility issues. This includes the installation of handrails, as well as creating plenty of space between the seats.

Resident Safety Comes First At MorningStar-Observatory Park

MorningStar at Observatory Park has earned the reputation as one of the best senior living centers in Denver, CO. Many factors play a role in helping our assisted facility receive positive reviews on sites such as Yelp and Google. The most important factor is our commitment to creating the safest living environment for residents. Find out more by scheduling a tour today.

WHAT IS A ROLLOVER IRA?

Many of the residents of our senior living center in Denver, Colorado have many decisions to make before they move into their new homes. Many of the decisions involve financial issues that revolve around how to handle money during the retirement years. One of the most important financial issues stems from how to handle the money that has accrued in a retirement plan, such as a 401k sponsored by an employer. To get the most out of your money while living at our assisted living facility, you should understand the answer to the question, what is a rollover IRA?

A rollover Individual Retirement Account (IRA) represents a financial account that allows you to transfer financial assets from an employer-sponsored retirement plan into a traditional IRA. The primary reason to rollover a 401k is to maintain the tax benefits provided by traditional retirement accounts. A retirement account such as a 401k grants you the right to defer taxes until you reach a certain age. Rollover IRAs do not limit how much money you can switch from a traditional retirement account like an employer-sponsored 401k. You also can invest in a wide variety of financial assets, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

What Options Do I Have for a 401k?

If you plan to retire, you typically have three options for handing the money that has accrued in a 401k. First, if your ex-employer permits it, you can leave the money where it has accrued in a 401k. However, this option leaves you on your own, as the HR department no longer is available to answer questions. You also might be charged much higher account processing fees. Second, you can cash out your retirement savings, but you become subjected to incredibly high taxes levied by the IRS, as well as onerous penalty fees for cashing out your retirement plan early. Third, by far the most appealing option is to roll over your 401k into a traditional IRA.

How to Transfer Money Accrued in a 401k Retirement Plan

The first step in opening a rollover IRA is to choose the type of IRA you want to open. Traditional and Roth IRAs represent the most popular rollover options. The main difference between the two IRAs is how the IRS taxes each retirement plan. With a traditional IRA, you can claim a tax deduction on any contributions made throughout a tax year. On the other hand, you must pay taxes on any withdrawals made from a traditional IRS during your retirement years. With a Roth IRA, you cannot claim any tax deductions, but all withdrawals after you turn 59 1/2 years old remain tax-free.

Next, you must select a provider for the rollover IRA. Although choosing a provider for a rollover IRA is not the biggest factor that determines the growth of your investment portfolio, it is an important decision because of the fees and how easy it is to access the most profitable investments. The two most popular types of providers for opening a rollover IRA are an online broker and a robo advisor. After you select a provider, the time has come to transfer your money to a rollover IRA. Contact your former employer’s plan administrator, complete a few forms, and then follow the instructions of the manager of the rollover IRA to begin your new financial journey during retirement. As one of the highest-rated retirement communities in Denver, MorningStar at Observatory Park offers assisted living and memory care services. Learn more by scheduling a tour of our assisted living facility in Denver, CO.

HOW TO STAY BUSY ON A SNOWY DAY

If you have heard the phrase, “If you aren’t happy with the weather, just wait a few minutes for it to change,” the first place you probably think of that matches the meaning of the phrase is the city of Denver, Colorado. Because of the topography of the area combined with Denver’s location, the weather often changes without giving any advanced notice. This is especially true during winter, when a seemingly calm winter day can change on a dime to unleash a raging snowstorm.

Snow evokes many emotions, from stirring the adventurous in us for a ski day to relaxing in front of a roaring fire to riding out a snowy weather event.  At our senior living center in Denver Colorado, we help residents learn how to stay busy on a snowy day.

Join an Online Book Club

Before the Internet, reading on a snowy day involved picking out a book and reading in quiet solitude. An Internet connection changes how you read on a snowy day by getting you in touch with other avid readers located around the world. Joining an online book club not only introduces you to exciting new books, but also allows you to interact with other people that you would otherwise never get to meet.

Call Friends and Family Members

When you feel lonely and isolated, such as what can happen during a classic Colorado snowstorm, the antidote for your feelings is getting out your phone and connecting with close friends and family members. The Internet once again acts as the conduit that allows you to interact with other people. Schedule a time for everyone to join a video call to enhance your communication by seeing smiles and hearing laughter.

Be Active

Staying active is the most effective way to beat the doldrums that develop due to a snowstorm. At our assisted living facility in Denver, CO, we offer residents access to a world-class fitness center to help them burn off calories during a snowy day. However, physical activity is not the only type of activity you should engage in to maintain robust health. Staying active mentally also is important, which you can achieve by playing games like chess or completing crossword puzzles with the help of other residents.

Listen to a Podcast

The Internet saves the day one more time by giving you a way to listen to a podcast. Podcasts have morphed into one of, if not the most popular forms of communication due to the low costs associated with producing each show. As the new alternative to talk radio shows, podcasts can help you learn a new skill or discover something that you never knew existed. Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Podcasts represent three of the most popular podcast mediums.

Organize Your Life

You have planned to do it many times, but something always has come up to divert your attention. We are talking about organizing your life by starting in your apartment at our assisted living facility in Denver. A snowy day represents the ideal day to declutter your life, while at the same time giving your apartment a thorough makeover. Make sure to lift what you can handle to avoid sustaining a back injury.As one of the most popular retirement communities in Denver, Colorado, MorningStar at Observatory Park offers residents a wide variety of ways to stay busy on a snowy day. Find out more by scheduling a tour today of our senior living center in Denver.

6 HIKING TIPS FOR SENIORS

Getting away for a day from our assisted living facility in Lynnwood, Washington by taking a hike is an excellent way to maintain robust health. Hiking is the ultimate aerobic exercise by circulating a healthy blood flow that benefits the heart. Your muscles also get a good workout, from your ankles up to the shoulders. Whether you get away for a day to hike in Olympic National Park or one of the many municipal parks in greater Seattle, you should follow six hiking tips for seniors.

Get a Thumbs Up From Your Doctor

Our bodies do not respond as quickly to physical exertion when we reach retirement age. Before you participate in any type of strenuous physical activity, check with your doctor to ensure you are clear to optimize your enjoyment. Not only does your doctor assess your health status, but your doctor also can recommend the level of exercise that is most appropriate for you.

Hiking can be a dangerous physical activity if you do not account for your health status.

Be Prepared

After you get the green light from your doctor, start preparing for your hike. Work yourself into excellent physical condition by completing shorter trails until you can master longer trails that move over different levels of terrain. Not only do your muscles need to build up tolerance to the uptick in physical stress, but your feet also need to become acclimated to a longer hike. Stretch before you begin the hike, as well as bring along all of the gear that makes the hike easier to take.

Choose the Right Trail

You should never feel pressured to hike beyond your comfort zone. Hiking is not a race, as well as a test of endurance. It is all about soaking in the sights, sounds, and scents of nature. Several factors play a role in choosing the right trail, starting with picking the most reasonable distance. You also have to consider elevation, especially if you plan to hike a mountain trail located inside Olympic National Park. The terrain also should match your comfort level.

Wear the Right Apparel

Clothing can make or break your hike. Dress in layers to account for different temperatures that vary because of height and weather conditions. You can take off a coat when you climb a hill and then put it back on once you come across cold, windy weather conditions. Wearing the most comfortable hiking boots that withstand constant punishment is important as well. Hiking boots about a half-size larger than your foot prevent your toes from jamming when you move on a downward slope.

Use a Hiking Stick

A hiking stick or a trekking pole is a great addition to your hike. It provides you with more stability, especially when you move over rocky and undulating terrain. Hold the stick or pole that keeps your elbows at a comfortable angle of 90 degrees. Hiking by using two sticks or poles can help you increase exertion to get over particularly difficult terrain.

Drink Enough Water

One of the most important hiking tips that we share at our senior living center in Everett concerns receiving enough hydration. Even if you hike during a cool day, water is an essential ingredient for completing a hike. If you are concerned about having enough water for a day hike, bring along a water filtration system to give you access to water from lakes and streams.Getting outdoors is one of the common themes of the activities planned at our assisted living facility in Arlington, WA. Discover what makes us the best senior living center in Arlington by scheduling a tour.

5 TIPS FOR SENIORS TO MAINTAIN MUSCLE MASS

The aging process ushers in some facts of life that involve changes to how we look and think. A few extra lines start to form on the face and the area around the stomach grows larger. The mind is not as quick as it was when we were younger and we tend to forget things much faster than ever before. However, one change in our bodies is not easy to notice.

We are talking about the loss of muscle mass.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, sarcopenia, which is also known as age-related muscle loss, is a common component of the aging process. After we turn 30 years old, we lose as much as five percent of our muscle mass with each passing decade. This means that when you reach 70 years old, you might have lost as much as 20 percent of your muscle mass.

There is some good news concerning muscle loss as we age. You can maintain muscle strength by following five tips to maintain muscle mass. At our senior living center in Everett, Washington, retaining muscle mass is an important goal of our fitness programs. It is not too late to incorporate the five tips to maintain muscle mass into your daily routine.

Resistance Training

When you think of strength training, you probably think of lifting weights. Although weight training is an effective way to increase strength, when it comes to building muscle mass, resistance training is the more proven strategy. Taking a fitness class at our assisted living facility in Arlington can help you learn resistance training techniques that you can perform outside of a formal fitness class setting.

Walking

Just getting up from a sitting position and moving around throughout the day can help you maintain muscle mass. Walking utilizes a wide variety of muscles, from the hamstrings to both triceps. Aerobic exercises such as walking benefit from the body’s response to the development of insulin, which encourages muscle repair. Taking 10-minute walks several times a day helps maintain muscle mass, as well as enhances balance and mobility.

Increase Protein in Your Diet

Our bodies break down protein-rich foods into amino acids, which help build muscle strength. Beans, eggs, chicken, and red meat represent great sources of protein to help you build muscle mass. You can consume these types of proteins as standalone dishes or incorporate them into recipes that include other types of ingredients.

Boost Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D assists with muscle protein synthesis, which is an important process that improves muscle strength. Exposure to the sun in small amounts over short intervals is a good way to boost vitamin D levels. However, it takes adults over 60 years old four times as long to absorb enough vitamin D via sun exposure. Taking a vitamin D supplement can help you make up for any vitamin D insufficiency, but make sure to consult with your doctor before taking a vitamin D supplement.

More Omega-3

Omega-3, which is plentiful in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed, is easy to add to your diet. Salmon is an especially popular protein at our assisted living facility in Lynnwood that contains Omega-3. This helpful antioxidant improves the muscle protein synthesis process, which slows down or even prevents inflammation.MorningStar at Silver Lake is committed to providing compassionate service for the residents. If you are looking for the finest senior living center in Everett, WA, we encourage you to consider MorningStar at Silver Lake.

WHAT ARE DENVER’S MOST POPULAR PARKS?

One of the many perks offered by our senior living center in Denver is the opportunity for our residents to take day trips. From cultural attractions to theatrical productions, the residents at MorningStar at Observatory Park spend plenty of time outside of our assisted living facility. One of the more popular day trips involves taking our residents to a Denver city or county park. The entire area of Denver County contains more than 200 parks that total over 5,000 acres. This means our residents enjoy a seemingly endless selection of urban recreation options that are open year-round.

Let’s get quick overviews of Denver’s most popular parks. 

City Park

With the perfect combination of woods and vast green spaces, City Park is located next to Uptown. The wildly popular and world-renowned Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science are close by. Denver’s Parks and Recreation Department organizes sports leagues for softball, soccer, and flag football enthusiasts. Two large ponds in the park offer visitors a much-needed dose of tranquility.

Cheesman Park

Cheesman Park is the ideal venue to hold reunions, as well as a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily living. Constructed in 1910, the park pavilion acts as a magnet for visitors. Behind Cheesman Park sits the Denver Botanical Gardens, which presents stunning exhibits throughout the year. One of the quirks of the park is that city engineers built it on top of a sprawling former cemetery, which has added intrigue because of all the ghost stories.

Ruby Hill Bike Park

Denver offers several bike parks, as well as nearly 200 miles of on-street bike lanes. The gem of the bike path system is considered to be Ruby Hill Bike Park, which attracts cyclists of all ages. In addition to several bike paths, the park also includes playgrounds and an outdoor pool. The Ruby Hill Mountain Bike Park hosts both a small and large pump track, as well as a skills course, a slopestyle course, and plenty of challenging dirt jumps.

Lookout Mountain Park

Denver is known as The Mile High City, but you do not have to venture far from downtown to climb another 2,000 feet to reach the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The more than 7,000-foot Lookout Mountain provides a stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Located one and a half miles due west of Golden, Lookout Mountain Park offers access to large acres of wooded foothills, several mountain meadows, and a hiker’s paradise, Beaver Brook Trail

Washington Park

Located in one of the most popular neighborhoods in Denver, Washington Park is known for its large grass field and flat landscape that makes the park perfect for holding a wide variety of sports tournaments. Soccer and volleyball represent the two most popular sports, with the park also attracting walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The two-and-a-half-mile outer loop is typically bustling with activity.

Stay Active at MorningStar at Observatory Park

One of the most important factors used to choose retirement communities in Denver, Colorado concerns the options residents have to pick from an activities calendar. At our senior living center in Denver, we offer a wide variety of activities to keep residents engaged, as well as to enhance their mental and physical health. Find out why our assisted living facility receives rave reviews by scheduling a tour today.

KALE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS LEAFY VEGETABLE

You probably first saw it as a garnish on a plate full of breakfast dishes such as omelets. Eventually, it worked its way up the food chain as one of the ingredients mixed with other lettuces in a salad. Once the nutritional benefits of the leafy vegetable became known, kale transformed from a decorative garnish to an essential part of a healthy diet. At our senior living center in Denver, kale is one of the most popular ingredients used for a wide variety of dishes.

Although it seems like kale made a recent transformation from a garnish to a meal staple, the leafy vegetable has been around for centuries. Thomas Jefferson experimented with using the leafy vegetable in dishes dating back to his Monticello estate days during the early 1800s. The leafy vegetable represented a vital part of northern European cuisine centuries before it found its way onto American restaurant menus.

The chefs at our assisted living facility in Denver, Colorado work with four primary types of kale. You can find the leafy vegetable at your favorite grocery stores, as well as on food stands displayed at a local farmers market. The highest quality kale should present a dark green appearance, with small to medium-sized leaves that do not show any signs of brown or yellow coloring. Kale leaves should be firm and dry, not damp and wilted.

What Are the Health Benefits of Kale?

Kale is a nutritional heavyweight delivering more nutrient punch than just about any other type of food source. The nutritional value of kale includes abundant amounts of vitamins A, B6, C, and K, as well as plenty of fiber, folate, and manganese. One cup of chopped kale provides just 20 calories, with none of the calories coming from fat. The sugar-free and cholesterol-free leafy vegetable does not have any restrictions when it comes to the amount of it that you can consume.

Only one cup of chopped kale delivers more than 20 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A, which is a crucial vitamin that supports eye health. The same one-cup serving of kale also offers more than 100 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which is associated with dramatically reducing the risk of developing cataracts. Rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, kale also decreases the risk of macular degeneration.

The large quantities of essential nutrients such as fiber, folate, calcium, and potassium make kale one of the most important food sources for maintaining a healthy heart. Kale can reduce the risk of developing heart disease by lowering bad LDL cholesterol. The leafy vegetable also lowers blood pressure because of the abundance of magnesium and potassium. As a non-dairy source of calcium, one cup of kale is a crucial food source for maintaining healthy bones, which is a common health issue for older adults.

The Importance of Nutrition at Retirement Communities in Denver

The best retirement communities in Denver, CO place a strong emphasis on serving nutritious, as well as delicious meals. Versatile kale is served in a number of different ways, including steamed, stir-fried, and of course, raw. You can even blend kale minus the rib section into a morning smoothie or use a whole kale leaf as a wrap that replaces bread when making a sandwich. Roasted kale chips also make the perfect meal companion with roasted potato chips.Discover how our senior living center in Denver works kale into different menu items by scheduling a tour.

4 IMPORTANT SKIN CARE TIPS FOR SENIORS

There is nothing more natural than the aging process. Although growing older allows us to gain wisdom along the way, aging also can trigger some healthcare issues. One healthcare concern that does not receive the attention that it deserves concerns our skin. At our assisted living facility in Lynnwood, our caregivers make it a point to keep residents on top of skincare, especially residents who have reached the age of 70 years old.

You might not think of your skin as a protective organ, but protecting your body is the skin’s most important job. Along with other body components such as nerves, sweat glands, and blood vessels, the skin also performs important functions like sensation and thermos regulation. As you age, the skin can develop several issues, which include feeling dry and itchy, as well as irritating easily. Your skin also might bruise more easily and heal more slowly after sustaining an injury.

Here are four important skin care tips for seniors as presented by the team of caregivers at our senior living center in Everett, Washington.

Gently Wash

Dry, mature skin requires more than an average amount of moisture to retain its vibrancy. However, we lose the essential oils that keep our skin moist and looking healthy as we enter our senior years. You avoid drying out your skin by gently washing it and not washing it as often as when you were younger. Make sure to use mild cleansers as well to avoid contact with abrasive ingredients.

Moisturize Daily

Instead of washing your skin throughout the day, apply moisturizer to maintain robust skin health. The highest quality moisturizers contain a combination of emollients and fatty acids that are just like the skin’s lipids. A high-quality moisturizer develops a barrier that traps hydration and prevents water loss. Moisturizing works best on dry skin.

Control Sun Exposure

One of the most important strategies implemented for maintaining healthy skin as we age involves minimizing exposure to sunlight. You have heard about the health benefits of sun exposure, such as the absorption of vitamin D. However, too much sun can quickly dry out the skin to produce unsightly wrinkles and other maladies. Avoid the sun when its rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. In addition, apply a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30.

Follow a Skin-Health Diet

Yes, you can eat your way to achieving healthy skin during your senior years. The old saying “you are what you eat” has special relevance for your skin. Following a diet that delivers at least the daily recommended allowance of vitamins and minerals is an effective way to incorporate diet into developing healthy skin. Include skin-friendly foods such as berries, walnuts, avocados, and oily fish like salmon into your diet.

Skin Health Matters at MorningStar at Silver Lake

You can spend money on anti-aging treatments and not enjoy the many benefits that are associated with developing healthy skin. By following these four tips, you can prevent your skin from falling victim to the aging process. You can expect to develop wrinkles, age spots, and fine lines as you grow older, but you can wear them with pride knowing you are doing all the right things to maintain healthy skin.Learn more about all the healthcare initiatives implemented at our assisted living facility in Arlington.

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CAREGIVER?

You have several factors to consider before choosing a senior living center in Santa Clara, California. The facility’s safety and security features are a top priority to protect your loved one around the clock. Meal time is important to ensure your loved one follows a healthy diet jammed packed with nutritious foods. Other factors to consider include a venues ‘activities calendar and the opportunities your loved one has to socialize with other residents. One factor sits alone in importance at our assisted living facility in San Tomas, and that is the quality of our team of caregivers.

What are the most responsibilities of a caregiver? Let’s take a look.

Personal Care

Residents of the memory care wing at our senior living center in Santa Clara receive much more attention because of their personal care needs. Memory issues can lead to a decline in personal care, and that is when our compassion caregivers make one of their most significant contributions. Personal care includes bathing, cooking, dressing, and maintaining healthy personal hygiene. It is critical for a caregiver to possess a high level of empathy and show considerable respect when tending to a resident’s personal care issues.

Housekeeping

Once a caregiver ensures your loved one has personal care issues under control, then the time comes to help with housekeeping chores. A caregiver working at our assisted living facility in San Tomas, CA can expect to perform household chores such as cleaning dishes, doing laundry, vacuuming the carpet, and completing whatever else needs to be done around a resident’s apartment. Memory care residents typically do not have the ability to keep things organized, and that’s when our caregivers step in to lend a helping hand.

Healthcare

Caregivers remind residents of our senior living center in Santa Clara to take their medications in the prescribed doses, as well as at the right time of day. This is just one healthcare responsibility carried out by our team of licensed and certified caregivers. They also closely monitor the health status of the residents under their watchful eyes. One resident might need a massage to loosen tight muscles, while another resident requires daily assistance with walks around our assisted living facility in San Tomas. Completing physical therapy sessions represent one of the most impactful ways our caregivers tend to the healthcare needs of our residents.

Companionship

Feelings of isolation can quickly cause a mental health decline in vulnerable seniors. The cure for feeling isolated is to remain engaged with other people. One of the most important roles of a caregiver at our senior living center in Santa Clara involves providing companionship for residents assigned to their care. Companionship can involve a daily game of scrabble in a resident’s room, as well as helping a resident move about well enough to interact with other residents in one of the common areas at MorningStar at San Tomas.

The Heart and Soul of MorningStar at San Tomas

Caregivers are the heart and soul of MorningStar at San Tomas. Because of the important responsibilities caregivers carry out, we carefully vet every candidate to ensure they are the right fit for our culture of “to honor, to value, to invest.” We recruit caregivers that possess a calling to serve others. That calling to serve helps our memory care residents live fulfilling lives.

Find out more about our team of caregivers by meeting many of them during a tour of our assisted living facility in San Tomas.

WHAT KIND OF SENIOR LIVING IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Moving away from the comfort of a home you have lived in for many years to a new home at an assisted living facility in Arlington can be one of life’s most traumatic events. From the familiarity of the old home to a completely new living arrangement, transitioning into a senior living center in Everett triggers many more questions than answers. One of the most important questions, and a question you should ask at the beginning of your search, is “What kind of senior living is right for me?”

Moving into an assisted living facility in Lynnwood is not just about a new place to live. It also is about gaining access to a healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious meals, a busy activities calendar, and amenities that promote personal safety. Moving into an assisted living facility also is about choosing the type of senior living that matches your lifestyle:

What is Independent Living?

As the name implies, independent living represents a lifestyle option that allows older adults to follow the same type of lifestyle that they followed in their previous home. While you enjoy independent living at our senior living center in Everett, Washington, you also benefit from perks such as communal meals, free transportation to run errands, and a wide variety of activities to keep you busy. Seniors who opt for our independent living arrangement do not require personal care, but they want to make new friends to ward off the common debilitating feeling of isolation.

What is Assisted Living?

Seniors who choose the assisted living option receive personal care services based on their needs. Not every senior who chooses the assisted living lifestyle option at our senior housing center in Everett, WA requires the same type of personal care. For example, one resident might need help with getting dressed, while another resident requires close monitoring of a medication schedule. Assisted living is the ideal living arrangement for residents of our assisted living facility in Arlington who need help with some personal care responsibilities, but still want to live in a somewhat independent living environment.

What is Memory Care?

Memory care is a type of long-term care that is designed to help residents deal with memory loss caused by a disease such as Alzheimer’s. Although a resident can receive some types of memory care services while a part of an assisted living arrangement, it mostly is a separate type of care for residents assigned to live in a specific section of the senior living community. Memory care typically is a highly monitored environment to ensure resident safety and security. Caregivers not only assist memory care residents with daily tasks, but they also get memory care residents involved in activities to develop memory skills.

Learn More at MorningStar at Silver Lake

Outside of these three lifestyle options, a senior loved one has three other living arrangements to choose from: A nursing home, a skilled rehabilitation center, or a continuing care retirement community. One of the attractions of three lifestyle options available under one roof is it allows residents to start in an independent living arrangement. As circumstances warrant, residents can transition into an assisted living or memory care living environment.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SALMON?

It is not official, but it is a fact that Salmon is America’s fish. Salmon also is a popular entree at our assisted living facility in Lynnwood. The firm, pink, and tender fish delivers a rich, buttery flavor that makes it ideal as a standalone entree or as part of a dish such as seafood pasta. In addition to its rich, buttery flavor, salmon also is a popular dish due to its health benefits, especially how the fish is healthy for the heart.

Living close to the Pacific Ocean makes salmon a convenient dish to serve the residents of our senior living center in Everett, Washington. Our chefs have the opportunity to choose from a handful of different Pacific Ocean salmon, including Pink, King, Coho, and Sockeye. Many of the salmon that our chefs prepare come from the wild. Wild salmon imparts more flavor than farm-raised salmon.

Let’s take a quick look at the many health benefits of making salmon a regular part of your dining experience.

Bolsters Heart Health

Perhaps the most significant health benefit of eating salmon is how it bolsters heart health. Salmon contains plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute greatly to promoting a healthy heart. Salmon is a heart-healthy source because it reduces artery inflammation, as well as helps maintain blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. Salmon also contributes abundant potassium to prevent the excess retention of fluids.

Good for the Brain

Another reason why the chefs at our assisted living facility in Arlington incorporate salmon dishes into the menus offered to residents is that the fish contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and selenium to improve brain function. Doctors often use omega-3 fatty acid supplements to treat patients living with psychological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Studies indicate that women who consume salmon during pregnancy improve fetal brain development

Repairs Damaged Tissue

Salmon is a great source of protein, which our body needs as the foundation for building strong, healthy skin, bones, blood, and muscles. Protein also helps repair damaged body tissue quickly, which is a particularly important benefit for seniors who sustain the types of injuries that have less of an impact on younger people. Since losing bone strength and density is a concern for older adults, the high amount of protein available in salmon does a good job of helping seniors avoid bone health issues.

Promotes Healthy Eyes and Skin

The omega-3 fatty acids found in all types of salmon are effective at slowing the aging process in two key areas: Your eyes and skin. Along with vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids help cure dry-eye syndrome and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) symptoms. The same combination also improves skin health by significantly reducing the free radical damage that is primarily responsible for accelerating the aging process.

Eat Health at MorningStar at Silver Lake

The family of MorningStar assisted living facilities emphasizes the importance of eating healthy. Our chefs meticulously craft menus that include dishes such as salmon to promote healthy living. Our passionate commitment to serving seniors has helped MorningStar at Silver Lake rate as one the best seniors living centers not only in the Seattle area, but also across the Pacific Northwest.

Learn more about the healthy meals served at MorningStar at Silver Lake by scheduling a tour today of our assisted living facility in Lynnwood.

5 POPULAR ATTRACTIONS IN SEATTLE

At our senior living center in Everett, Washington, residents have numerous opportunities to take day trips to one or more of Seattle’s most popular attractions. Organized group tours at our assisted living facility in Lynnwood help residents make new friends, as well as learn about the finest of what Seattle has to offer. We do not need research studies to tell us about the benefits of going on group tours.

However, we could use a little input that helps us plan entire days devoted to visiting one or more of the five most popular attractions in Seattle.

Space Needle

It’s featured as part of the introduction to the iconic television show Fraser. The Space Needle attracts both locals and tourists for its amazing views and rich history. Constructed for the Seattle World’s Fair held in 1962, the Space Needle has turned into an attraction that symbolizes the Emerald City more than any other attraction in Seattle. It measures 605 feet, with the revolving observation tower sitting more than 500 feet off the ground.

Observation tower views include the Puget Sound and more distant Olympic Mountains.

Pike Place Market

Featured on several Food Network shows, Pike Place Market includes the first Starbucks cafe, as well as more than 200 artists that sell their creations. Best known for fish-tossing at the seafood market, Pike Place Market offers enough attractions to keep visitors busy for an entire day. In 2017, the market expanded to offer a place to relax in the open-air plaza, as well as soak in the scenic views of Elliot Bay.

Museum of Pop Culture

Referred to as the MoPOP Museum, this attraction pays homage to Seattle’s most influential cultural icons. Founded by Microsoft’s co-founder Paul Allen in 2000, MoPOP presents film festivals, constantly changing art exhibits, and a battle of the band competitions that feature Seattle’s up-and-coming bands. Science fiction memorabilia is a part of the museum, as is a section devoted to the grunge era of music that emerged in the city during the 1990s.

Woodland Park Zoo

As a Seattle attraction that is ideal for the entire family, the award-winning Woodland Park Zoo features displays of animals from regions located around the world. Located next to Green Lake Park in North Central Seattle, this massive attraction started as a small zoo more than 100 years ago, and it has morphed into one of the largest zoos in the United States featuring more than 300 species and countless exhibits.

The most popular animal exhibits include lowland gorillas and Malayan tigers.

Washington State Ferries

Another attraction that showcases the finest of what Seattle has to offer is the Washington State Ferries that traverse Puget Sound. As a common mode of transportation for commuters, the ferries provide scenic views of the natural splendor that surrounds Seattle. The largest fleet of ferries in the United States consisting of 20 boats takes visitors from Seattle to places like Port Townsend and Vashon Island. The Hiram M Chittenden Locks bustle with activity on the rare, hot days when temperatures rise well into the 90s.

Learn More About the Best Seattle Has to Offer

One of the keys for seniors to enjoy their golden years is to stay involved with activities. At our assisted living facility in Arlington, we offer a busy activities calendar that includes organized group outings to Seattle’s most popular attractions. Whether we spend a day at Pike Place Market or rise to the top of the Space Needle, our residents enjoy an active lifestyle that helps them stay engaged with other residents.