Keeping Healthy as You Age

Growing older can open the door to chronic diseases, impaired mobility and other distressing health concerns. While there are many challenges we encounter on our path to old age, medical experts say there are some things we can do to improve and protect our overall well being. Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, explains, “It’s important to recognize the things that are most supportive of a good immune system are a healthy lifestyle.”

This starts with the basics like making sure we get enough sleep each night, following a healthy diet, and staying physically active. Other things we can do to improve the immune system is to support our gut microbiome by eating plant-based foods and whole grains to naturally get probiotics. The best sources of probiotics are from fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha and kimchi.

Experts say drinking responsibly is okay but evidence of excessive alcohol in both human and animal research indicates “overconsumption of alcohol decreases immune reactivity, reducing the body’s ability to fight infection.” The 2015-20 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends women consume no more than one drink a day and men no more than two.  

Additional ways to protect and strengthen our immune system is to keep up-to-date with vaccines as well as follow the medical community’s recommended exercise guidelines. Quit smoking, get seven to eight hours of sleep a night and try to reduce stress are other ways we can strengthen our immune response. So is eating foods high in antioxidants such as artichokes, beans, blackberries, strawberries, dark chocolate, red cabbage and spinach.

For exceptional independent or assisted living, Hayward area seniors are encouraged to consider Casa Sandoval, a true home offering a lifestyle of security, comfort, and community. Our many services include beautifully prepared, nutritional meals and a variety of wellness programs and activities. For more information, please visit our website. 

Casa Sandoval offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please contact us for more information about the finest independent and assisted living Hayward, CA has to offer.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/slideshows/ways-to-boost-your-immune-system?slide=11 

Downsizing from a Family Home into Senior Housing

If you are moving from your own home into an independent or assisted living community, most likely you will want to downsize. While it can sound overwhelming to go through a whole household of stuff and whittle it down to fit into a modest sized apartment, a few tips will help. 

Without question it is a lot of work and can be stressful and emotional but the Internet offers lots of useful information from organizing experts. Most say the trick is to prepare in advance by making a plan and allowing plenty of time. Remember, if you are interested, there are companies who offer these services and will do everything from helping with the downsizing process to packing up, and moving your things to your new home. 

Now you are ready for the sorting out process deciding what you will bring and what to give to family, donate, or throw away. This is the hardest task as your house is full of memories but again here is where a system works. Experts say sort by rooms and simplify the task by making a “yes” pile and a “no” pile. They warn not to make a “maybe” pile as it can end up growing in size and complicate your plan. Again, remember the goal is to simplify your life and not overcrowd the new place with useless stuff.   

Things to consider are the size of your new place and its layout (get measurements). You will want furniture scaled to fit as well as room for hobbies or musical instruments that are important to you. Also consider the amenities your new place offers such as a dining service. If most of your meals will be prepared by your new community, you will just need the basics in your kitchen. If the new place has a fitness center, there is no need to bring your own equipment.

Looking for independent or assisted living in Hayward, CA?  Casa Sandoval is a 55+ community that offers a vibrant, active lifestyle. Residents will enjoy carefree retirement years as we handle the maintenance and provide onsite luxury amenities, care services and a community of friends. Visit our website for contact information and take a look at our virtual tour, floorplans, and amenities.

Casa Sandoval offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please contact us for more information about the finest independent and assisted living Hayward, CA has to offer.

It is Important for Seniors to Get Routine Health Screenings

As we age, it is important to stay up-to-date with our health care including routine screenings as many diseases do not show signs of symptoms until the problem is harder to treat. Screenings also allow your physician to compare today’s readings to past tests to look for concerning signs. However, medical experts estimate over half of all adults over 65 are not current with the recommended screenings. 

In many cases our age determines the type of screenings we should get. Some tests are recommended once a year, while others, like a colonoscopy, may be based on past test results and/or on the advice of your doctor. 

Common screenings include annual cholesterol tests to measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Cholesterol tests can help “determine your risk for the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body (atherosclerosis).” Your blood pressure should be checked each time you visit a healthcare professional, and if readings are high, it should be monitored. 

Mammograms are a valuable tool to help detect breast cancer. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women 50 to 74 with an average risk of breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. For younger women and those with a higher risk, consult with your doctor. 

Other types of screenings for seniors include annual skin checks to look for signs of skin cancer and bone density tests to check for loss of tissue and bone, which might indicate early signs of osteoporosis. Eye exams are important to screen for cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Hearing tests can help seniors get the help they need if there is a problem. Talk to your doctor about which tests they recommend for you.   

Casa Sandoval is a 55+ community with a range of onsite amenities, hospitality and care services, wellness programs and activities designed for relaxing, stress-free retirement years. Visit our website for a full list of amenities and photos as well as links for pricing and availability for trusted assisted and independent living in Hayward, CA.  

Casa Sandoval offers the very best in senior housing with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We create a true home for residents with a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please schedule a visit to see the finest assisted and independent living Hayward, CA has to offer.

Source: bethesdahealth.org/blog/2021/10/14/senior-health-screenings-promote-a-long-healthy-life/

How Practicing Yoga Benefits Your Health

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.       

If you are looking for exceptional independent or assisted living, Hayward, CA’s Casa Sandoval may be the place for you. We are honored to offer adults 55+ a vibrant and carefree lifestyle to help live life to the fullest. Our community offers stylish apartments, amenities such as an outdoor dining deck, a billiards lounge, beautiful gardens, and a fitness center to promote a healthy lifestyle for residents. Contact us or visit our website to learn more.

Casa Sandoval offers the very best in senior housing with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We create a true home for residents with a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please schedule a visit to see the finest independent and assisted living Hayward, CA has to offer.

Source: health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/intermediate-yoga

Do Something You Have Always Wanted to Do

If you are retired, you probably have more time on your hands so why not try something new or something you have always wanted to do. This should include adding a physical activity to your daily routine as studies find many adults 65 years and older spend up to 10 hours a day sitting or lying down. Some of the best exercises for seniors are Nordic walking, swimming, golf, tai chi, and yoga. Experts say focus on improving your strength, balance and flexibility and check with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise routine.  

In addition, you may want to include activities or hobbies that bring you into social contact with others. This can be done by taking a class online or in person. Suggestions include joining a book club, learning to play an instrument or taking an art or photography class.

Retirement means more time to learn how to cook or to be more adventurous in the types of food you prepare. It can be lots of fun and help you eat healthier and save money. Take the challenge by learning to cook foods from around the world, and then share the fruits of your labor by inviting family or friends over.  

Birdwatching is a hobby that ties in several objectives. You get out into nature, which has been shown to lower anxiety; learn something new, and get physically active. Moreover, if you join a birdwatching club, you get to meet people who enjoy the same things you do. For anyone wanting to improve their photography skills, shooting pictures of birds is a good way to do it; and the hobby offers a great activity to do while traveling.  

Other enjoyable hobbies, which can help seniors cognitively, include putting together challenging traditional jigsaw puzzles or 3-D ones. Crossword and Sudoku puzzles, trivia games, chess and other brain games are also mentally challenging. Another hobby becoming more popular with seniors is online gaming that can improve memory and enhance cognitive skills. 

If you are looking for exceptional assisted or independent living, Hayward’s Casa Sandoval may be your answer. Now under the management of MorningStar Senior Living, the renovated Casa Sandoval is designed to provide seniors with a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Along with inviting common areas both inside and out, we offer a range of amenities and wellness programs to promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle. 

Casa Sandoval offers the very best in senior housing with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We create a true home for residents with a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please schedule a visit to see the finest assisted and independent living Hayward, CA has to offer.

Supporting a Loved One’s Move to an Assisted Living Community

Once mom or dad has made the decision to move to an assisted living community, you will want it to go as smoothly as possible and this includes helping them choose the right place to meet today’s needs as well as the next 5 to 10 years. In some cases, a move to an assisted living community is precipitated by a worsening medical condition or an injury due to a fall and the time to mentally prepare oneself is short. This is why MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval has a guide to help families navigate through such a momentous change in a senior’s life.  

Googling senior living in the Hayward, CA area will bring up quite a few hits so experts recommend narrowing down the candidates to 3 or 4 communities that offer assisted living. Start with reading reviews from families and residents’ themselves to see what they say about the place, and then consider location, price and amenities. 

Touring a community is a real eye-opener and the Internet offers many tips on what to look for during your visit. At Casa Sandoval, our online virtual assistant allows you to inquire about pricing and availability as well as set up a tour. We recommend setting aside a couple of hours for a tour and to get ready for a lot of details. Take notes and bring any questions you would like to ask. Focus on the overall ambiance, and take a look at our Monthly Expense Comparison and Senior Communities Comparison Chart beforehand to weigh value against cost. We also advise revisiting your top one or two choices, and remember many seniors find a trial stay; we offer them for up to a full month, is a good way to find out if it is the right community.

Casa Sandoval offers comfort, security, built-in companionship, and predictable budgeting. Our assisted living suites are available in a selection of floor plans and offer a broad range of amenities and services to meet your every need including a nutritional, delicious dining service. Visit our website to learn what sets our community apart from other assisted living Hayward offers and why our residents are happy to call Casa Sandoval “home.

Casa Sandoval offers the very best in senior housing with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  We create a true home for residents with a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  Please schedule a visit to see the finest independent and assisted living Hayward, CA has to offer.

The Benefits of Community Living for Seniors

Unlike years ago, when elderly people wanted to live in their own homes for as long as possible, many of today’s seniors see a real advantage to senior housing and love the idea of a more active community life. In fact, studies indicate community living provides a higher quality of life for many seniors and may contribute to a longer life and better physical and emotional health than those who remain in their own homes. 

Experts say this may be due to the fact senior living offers a less stressful, carefree environment in which seniors no longer have the responsibilities and unexpected expenses of home repairs and maintenance. Furthermore, a retirement community is built around the needs of its residents as it is designed to be safely navigable for older folks as well as offers the benefit of others being around in case the need arises such as in the event of a fall. 

Another reason a senior living community such as Casa Sandoval enhances quality of life for residents is the five-star dining experience for better nutritional health. Additionally, wellness programs, social activities and special events mean there is something to look forward to each day. Whether taking an exercise class, playing a challenging game of trivia, or relaxing with friends on the patio you will be engaged, stimulated and have a sense of purpose.   

Casa Sandoval strives to be the best independent and assisted living Hayward, CA has to offer, and we take the well-being of our residents very seriously. Our 233 stylish apartments offer floor plans that range from studio and alcove to one- or two-bedroom configurations.  Depending on the location within our community, some apartments have a balcony or patio.  

Our all-inclusive community offers all of the amenities, services and enrichment programs to give you the best retirement years possible.  In addition, Casa Sandoval’s East Bay location offers scenic views in every direction including the Bay, the San Francisco skyline, and the Hayward Hills.  Please see our website for more information.

We proudly provide the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  If you are looking for exceptional independent living or assisted living, Hayward CA’s Casa Sandoval may be your answer.

MorningStar Began with the Mission of Honoring Seniors

While there are a number of senior living options in the Bay area, we encourage you to consider Casa Sandoval.  Casa Sandoval is now under the management of the MorningStar Senior Living Company, an experienced company with 40 senior communities in operation or under development in the western half of the US.

At first glance, you may not think that makes much difference but MorningStar was started in 2003 based on a unique mission statement, principles and philosophy.  As Ken Jaeger, founder/CEO of MorningStar explains, his intention was to create senior living that was “defined by the human touch. I wanted to recreate my grandmother’s house, a place where one can go and feel a sense of family.” 

Out of this vision, came a mission statement that still guides the way we deliver service to our residents:  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.”  Even the name “MorningStar” was inspired by Mr. Jaeger’s contemplation of the bible and his commitment to relieve poverty around the world. 

However, while founded on a Judeo-Christian tradition; please know that we welcome and honor all faiths and worldviews in our communities, and are committed to meeting not only residents’ social, emotional, and physical needs but their spiritual ones.  In our pursuit of creating a loving home, honoring spiritual preferences is part of caring for the whole person.  

Casa Sandoval is a vibrant 55+ community located in the East Bay region just 25 miles south of San Francisco.  Our all-inclusive community offers a dining service under the direction of an Executive Chef, a wide range of floor plans to meet our residents’ varying needs, and onsite amenities and care services to provide carefree retirement years.    Please visit our website for more on the finest assisted and independent living Hayward, CA offers.    

We proudly provide the very best senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  If you are looking for exceptional assisted or independent living, Hayward CA’s Casa Sandoval may be your answer.

A Fresh Start to Healthier Life Habits

If the pandemic caused you to gain a couple of pounds or waylaid your efforts to get to the gym or take a walk, now is the time to resume your resolve to be a better you. “Research shows that the start of any new phase — be it the resumption of post-pandemic life, turning a year older or the invigorating days of spring  — can serve as powerful psychological motivation to kick-start new habits. It’s called the fresh-start effect.” 

In fact, according to behavioral experts, anytime we have a change in our lives such as the stage we are now going into is a good time to think about habits we want to change. However, they advise many of our actions are habitual and many of us may need more than motivation to create new habits. 

One tip to healthier habits is to gradually lay the foundation for a new habit by setting realistic and specific goals. For example, if a goal is to begin walking, start by putting on your walking shoes every day at a time anchored to something you already do such as right after dinner. From there evolve your habit into actually walking. 

Professionals say it is easier to adopt a new habit into your routine if it is something you enjoy. Adding a social component like walking or taking an exercise class with a friend can make exercise more pleasurable. Studies find people who team up with an “exercise buddy” have more success, and researchers say it is probably the combination of enjoyment and accountability. 

Casa Sandoval is a senior living community offering older adults a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and security. Amenities include a fitness center, healthy meals served restaurant-style, enrichment activities, and more. Remarkable for our beautiful surroundings and luxury amenities, we are most proud of our dedicated team who understands it is a privilege to serve seniors.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information about independent and assisted living in Hayward, CA.

Casa Sandoval provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please contact us to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Hayward, CA has to offer.

Source: aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2021/creating-healthy-habits.html

What are Advance Care Directives?

An advanced directive is a legal document giving you a voice involving medical decisions in the event you are incapacitated. Many people shy away from creating such documents as they fail to realize how important they are, and mistakenly worry they are signing away their lives, and/or don’t like thinking about being so ill they are unable to make decisions.    

Advance care planning documents may include a living will, power of attorney and health care proxy. By planning ahead, they guide decisions made on your behalf if you are unable, and suffer from an incurable, irreversible illness, condition or disease determined to be terminal. Living wills specify the kind of medical treatment desired and many simply express the desire to not be given life-sustaining measures that only serve to prolong a person’s death. Specific details may regard care including the use of pain medications, antibiotics, hydration, feeding and the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation or ventilators. 

A health care proxy is someone designated to express your wishes for medical care and has the same rights you would in requesting or refusing treatment. A durable power of attorney document names a person to act on your behalf if you are incapacitated and gives them the power to make financial decisions. 

The Harvard Medical School reports on some of the myths people have regarding advance care directives. They say you need to realize more care is not always better but can prolong the dying process without respect for quality of life or comfort. Refusing life support does not mean you are committing suicide but rather allowing your medical problem to be the cause of your death. Moreover, refusing life-extending treatment does not mean you are refusing comfort measures for pain management and symptoms. Talk to your family and doctor about your medical preferences, and be sure each has a copy of your advance directive documents.

If you are looking for exceptional independent or assisted living, Hayward CA’s Casa Sandoval may be your answer. We offer residents comfort, security, built-in companionship, and predictable budgeting.  Our beautiful home has 233 suites in a selection of floor plans and a broad range of amenities and services to meet every need.  Please see our website for more information.

Casa Sandoval provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest independent and assisted living Hayward, CA offers.

Assisted Living at Casa Sandoval

As a vibrant 55+ community, Casa Sandoval offers 233 bright suites offering seniors a choice of independent living or assisted living. Our independent living is designed for active seniors who love the idea of someone else handling the maintenance and housekeeping giving them more time to socialize, travel and pursue their hobbies and interests. 

Assisted living is for seniors who require help with the activities of daily living (ADLs) to improve their quality of life. As an assisted living 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 needs.

Many residents report being surprised by how full their lives are after a move into an assisted living community. Moreover, rather than lose their independence as many fear such a move would do, most are pleased to discover once they get the daily care they need, they are more ready than ever to lead productive lives. 

Community life solves the problem of loneliness as well as problems with meal prep many elderly adults experience, often resorting to frozen meals or fast food. Casa Sandoval residents enjoy beautifully prepared meals, served restaurant-style and eaten in a relaxed, community setting. No longer driving? No worries as we offer scheduled transportation to area shopping malls as well as trips to the doctors and running errands.  

We also know it is important for seniors to continue to learn and contribute, which is why we offer a wide range of meaningful wellness programs, activities and entertainment. Moreover, if we do not have a program or activities that attract your interest or offer a hobby you would love to explore, we encourage you to start a club.  

Located in the East Bay, our property borders the beautiful Hayward Japanese Gardens, a 3+ acre botanical garden that features a teahouse and koi pond and is close to shopping, medical facilities, and other services.  In addition, our community offers scenic views in every direction including the Bay, the San Francisco skyline, and the Hayward Hills.    Please visit our website to learn more about the finest independent and assisted Hayward, CA offers. 

We proudly provide the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  If you are looking for exceptional independent or assisted living, Hayward CA’s Casa Sandoval may be your answer.

The Importance of Getting a Flu Shot

Medical professionals stress the importance of getting a flu shot this year. They worry too many people may assume given the relatively small outbreak last year, it won’t be a problem this season. To illustrate, the CDC reported only 818,939 specimens were tested for influenza from late September 2020 through late May 2021, and only 0.2 percent came back positive as compared to 26 to 30 percent during a normal season. 

The concern of experts now is that the few cases last year may actually result in a worse season this year. Clare Rock, an infectious diseases physician and hospital epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine say the light flu season last year “means some of the natural immunity that would be in the population is not going to be in the population now.” He adds, “We may have more vulnerable people.”

It is hard to predict the severity of this year’s flu season as health professionals do not yet know the extent of people who will still practice social distancing and mask wearing due to COVID-19. It is also hard to predict how close this year’s flu shot will address the various strains of flu that turn up. Other good reasons to get a flu shot are many hospitals are filled with COVID patients and the fact that children are physically back at school.  

There is also another roadblock to a more accurate prediction of this year’s flu numbers. In typical years experts look at the number of cases in the Southern Hemisphere (their flu season is during our summers) to use in predictions. This year things are not normal given the amount of COVID currently affecting the area as well as strict mitigation rules in effect in many countries. With all of these unknowns, healthcare providers stress the importance of everyone eligible getting a flu shot.   

At the Casa Sandoval senior living community, our mission is to enhance quality of life for residents.  We do this through a full component of wellness programs and activities, hospitality and care services, luxury amenities and a team that feels honored to serve seniors. Contact us to learn what sets us apart from other assisted and independent living Hayward offers and why residents are happy to call Casa Sandoval “home.”

Casa Sandoval offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please call for more information about the finest assisted and independent living Hayward, CA has to offer.

Is a Senior Living Community Right for You?

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 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. 

Independent living and assisted living 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. 

At Casa Sandoval senior living community, we offer all the comforts of home with 223 stylish apartments with graciously-appointed common areas both inside and out. Our broad range of services and amenities include wellness programs and activities, restaurant-style dining, billiards lounge, fitness center, gardens, and more to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. For exceptional assisted or independent living, Hayward, CA seniors are encouraged to consider Casa Sandoval, a destination for successful aging.  

Casa Sandoval provides the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to learn more about the finest assisted living and independent living Hayward, CA offers.

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

Psychologist Finds Many People Are Happier in Old Age

Many people believe growing older is awful and that everyone in their eighties is sickly and depressed. However, in 86-year-old psychologist Katharine Esty’s fourth book called, EightySomethings: A Practical Guide to Letting Go, Aging Well, and Finding Unexpected Happiness, she strongly dispels this notion. In fact, her research found elderly adults are happier and hold a more positive outlook than most of us thought. Esty explains, “The stereotypes that people have in their minds about old age are just completely wrong.” She adds, the type of activities people in their eighties are doing is stunning and many are pain-free, living full productive lives.

It turns out a lot of octogenarians are still working full- or part-time jobs, or finding fulfillment in doing some sort of volunteer work through their communities or church. Esty says having a purpose in life, regardless of age, gives a person’s life meaning. In addition, most 80-year-olds have already experienced loss and hardships in their life and have developed coping mechanisms to better deal with difficulties. 

The majority of octogenarians also reported feeling less anger, worry and stress than they did when they were younger; and while they may have some regrets, most had come to terms with their decisions. Lastly, the contentment 80-year-olds express about their lives is they recognize time is short and should not be wasted.   

Casa Sandoval’s goal is to provide the best independent and assisted living Hayward offers, with a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and security. Our community offers enrichment programs to stay active and involved in life physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially. Residents will enjoy amenities and beautiful common areas including a billiards lounge, ice cream parlor, theatre, outdoor dining deck, garage parking and gardens.  We encourage you to visit our website for contact information, virtual tour, list of amenities, various services and floorplans.  

Casa Sandoval offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Please call for more information about the finest independent and assisted living Hayward, CA has to offer.

Source: cnbc.com/2020/10/03/why-people-are-happier-in-their-80s-86-year-old-psychologist.html

Assisted Living at MorningStar Senior Living’s Casa Sandoval

Some people think a move to an assisted living community signals an end to their independence but nothing could be further from the truth. At MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval, we respect the fact that seniors have spent a lifetime living independently, raising families, working jobs, and making their own decisions, and consider it our job to continue to help them lead full, purposeful lives. 

We know many of the challenges that come all too often with aging. Worsening medical conditions, failing eyesight, hearing impairments and mobility problems as well as the death of a spouse or friends can make it tough for seniors to live on their own. Isolation and loneliness can bring on feelings of hopelessness and depression; have a negative impact on mental health, and even affect quality of life.

As one of our Casa Sandoval’s assisted living residents, you will receive the personal daily care you need to help maintain your independence. Our services include help with the ADLs (activities of daily living) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, eating and more. Our trained care managers are there to help navigate any changes in your health and ensure you get the proper level of care you need. 

Casa Sandoval’s scheduled transportation services, medication management, and pharmacy services make it easy to safely get to important doctor visits, and keep prescriptions filled and dispensed as needed. Residents also enjoy the built-in companionship and numerous perks of community living, including all day dining with healthy and delicious meals served restaurant style.  Just some of the amenities include a fitness center, general store, theater/chapel, and salon. 

Located in the East Bay with spectacular views, we offer trusted senior living with predictable budgeting, freedom from endless home maintenance and opportunities for new friendships and relaxation. We encourage you to contact us to learn more about availability and pricing for the finest independent living and assisted living Hayward offers.

We proudly provide the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. If you are looking for exceptional independent or assisted living, Hayward CA’s Casa Sandoval may be your answer.

Independent and Assisted Living in the East Bay Area

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. 

If you are looking for exceptional independent or assisted living, Hayward’s Casa Sandoval community may be the place for you. Now under the management of MorningStar Senior Living, the recently renovated Casa Sandoval is designed to provide seniors with stress-free living, as we handle the maintenance, landscaping, and housekeeping. This leaves you free to pursue your interests, explore new hobbies, travel and meet new friends. Along with inviting common areas both inside and out, we offer a range of amenities and wellness programs to promote a healthy and engaged lifestyle. 

If you are a senior who requires help with the activities of daily living, Casa Sandoval 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.

Centrally located for your convenience, Casa Sandoval borders the beautiful Hayward Japanese Gardens, a 3+ acre botanical garden that features a teahouse and koi pond and is close to shopping, medical facilities, and other services.  In addition, our East Bay location offers scenic views in every direction including the Bay, the San Francisco skyline, and the Hayward Hills.    

Our 233 stylish apartments offer floor plans that range from studio and alcove to one- or two-bedroom configurations.  Depending on the location within our community, some apartments have a balcony or patio. For peace of mind, all apartments have handicap-accessible bathrooms and 24-hour emergency call systems; and we offer secure, garage parking. In addition, since we are pet friendly, you will not need to leave behind your beloved furry friend.  Please contact us for more information.

Casa Sandoval offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true home for residents. Please call for more information about the finest independent and assisted living Hayward, CA has to offer.

Healthier Food Choices are a Key to Losing Weight

Experts say it isn’t just our imagination that losing weight gets harder the older we become, but is most likely due to having less muscle mass, which burns more calories than fat. To help, they offer easy tips on how to painlessly replace calorie-laden foods with healthier, lower-calorie substitutes. In addition to the fact that nutrient-rich foods appear to help individuals be successful in their quest to lose weight, meals do not necessarily have to be smaller than your average intake. 

Dietitians suggest an easy food swap is to drink water flavored with lemon slices or sparkling water rather than sugary sodas. One study found by replacing refined grains with whole grains it “improved blood cholesterol levels and decreased percent of body fat in postmenopausal women.” Replacing sugary granola with heart-healthy oatmeal can also help control your weight. Not only is oatmeal a good source of soluble fiber known to reduce cholesterol but it contains magnesium and potassium known to promote healthy blood pressure. Also dietitians suggest trying sprouted grain breads, which many find tastier and healthier than even whole-grain breads.

Other ways to get healthier and lose weight is to include more plant-based foods into your diet. Make a pledge to have a couple of meatless dinners each week and get your protein from bean burgers, lentils, and quinoa instead of hamburgers and steaks. To get more veggies into your diet, top your bean burger with spinach or lettuce, tomato slices and mushrooms instead of cheese. Rather than pasta, use squash or zucchini noodles.

At MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval senior community, we offer a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and security.  Residents enjoy built-in companionship and numerous perks of community living, including healthy and delicious meals prepared by our Executive Chef.  Just some of the amenities include a fitness center, general store, theater/chapel, and salon.  Please visit our website to learn more about trusted assisted living and independent living in Hayward, CA. 

We proudly provide the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  If you are looking for exceptional assisted or independent living, Hayward CA’s Casa Sandoval may be your answer.

Source: health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/slideshows/11-healthy-food-swaps-to-lose-weight?slide=2

Want to Benefit Your Health? Get Out and Take a Walk

The former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Thomas Frieden, is quoted as saying that walking is "the closest thing we have to a wonder drug.” Many in the medical profession agree. While it is universally acknowledged that any exercise is beneficial to our overall health, walking offers some unexpected advantages. 

A study from a group of Harvard scientists concluded that walking seems to counteract the effects of weight-promoting genes. The project involved looking at “32 obesity-promoting genes in over 12,000 people to determine how much the genes actually contribute to body weight.” Within the group of participants who walked briskly for an hour a day, researchers found the effects of the weight-promoting genes were cut in half.    

Another surprising result of walking is it was shown to actually diminish a person’s sweet tooth. In a recent study out of the University of Exeter, researchers found walking appears to curb cravings for chocolate and other sugary treats. Their study showed even 15 minutes of walking a day could reduce the habit of eating sweets when stressed.  

While doctors recognize any physical exercise is beneficial to reducing the risk of breast cancer, an American Cancer Society study found women who walked seven or more hours a week “had a 14% lower risk of breast cancer than those who walked three hours or fewer per week.” Researchers say walking helped decrease a woman’s risk for breast cancer even when she had an increased risk due to obesity or supplemental hormones. Other studies show walking helps to reduce joint pain and lubricates and strengthens muscles as well as boost the immune system.  

At Casa Sandoval, our vibrant 55+ community has 223 bright suites for independent living and assisted living. Along with our beautiful studio, alcove, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans, we offer a whole host of amenities, care services, and wellness programs.  Please visit our website for more information regarding the finest independent and assisted living Hayward, CA offers.

We proudly provide the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  If you are looking for exceptional independent or assisted living, Hayward CA’s Casa Sandoval may be your answer.

Source: 

health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/5-surprising-benefits-of-walking

Independent Living or Assisted Living?

Often families are confused with the terms “independent living” and “assisted living” and are not sure which one is best suited for their needs.  To clarify, the term independent living is used to describe senior living communities that are designed specifically for seniors 55 and older who want to and are able to live without any help.  Assisted living is designed for seniors who still wish to live independently with personal privacy and autonomy, but require a little assistance in their daily lives.  

Independent living is ideal for individuals who no longer wish to maintain their own home and desire a more carefree lifestyle.  While each community can vary, many offer amenities such as social activities, day trips and meals.  Senior independent communities offer residents the freedom to enjoy their retirement years without being tied down with mowing lawns, shoveling snow and other routine chores that need to be done when owning a home.    

At assisted living communities, residents get help with daily personal care and are provided with an array of services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, daily meals, and 24 hour supervision.  Generally a community assesses in-coming residents to determine the level of assistance needed that is agreeable to the senior and their extended family.  Other amenities offered by assisted living communities may include a range of activities and wellness programs.

If you are looking for the finest senior living Hayward, CA offers, MorningStar’s Casa Sandoval is it.  We are a true home that offers privacy, comfort, and security, and a staff that works hard to meet the needs of our remarkable residents.  Our community has 233 private suites for independent and assisted living in a broad range of floor plans.  Along with stylish suites, our community has fenced gardens and courtyards, theatre/chapel, salon, general store, fitness center, garage parking and much more.  We would love the opportunity to tell you more about our beautiful community. 

At Casa Sandoval, our mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Hayward, CA offers. 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 and assisted living.

Another Vaccine Important to Seniors’ Health

Currently Shingrix is the only vaccine approved for adults 50 years and older to protect against shingles. This vaccine is important as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports nearly one in three people in the U.S. develop shingles at some point, and every year an estimated 1 million people are diagnosed with the disease.  

Symptoms of shingles include pain, rash, itching, and at first fluid-filled, then eventually crusting blisters. People can additionally suffer from a hypersensitivity to touch or light as well as headaches and fevers. The disease can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months and pain is generally most intense in the first few weeks. Some individuals may require pain medication to sleep or get comfort.   

Medical professionals say now is the time to get a Shingrix vaccine. When it first came on the market in 2017 so many people wanted it there weren’t enough dosages to meet demand. Now manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline reports there is plenty of supply available for anyone who wishes to get the shot. 

The vaccine requires two doses given any time between two to six months; and studies show it to be highly effective against the shingles in both older healthy adults and frailer ones. “In a large multicenter study of approximately 27,000 people vaccinated with Shingrix or a placebo, effectiveness ranged from about 90% in frail participants to nearly 96% in non-frail participants.” 

If you are looking for the finest independent living or assisted living Hayward offers, we encourage you to consider Casa Sandoval.  Our recently renovated community has 233 stylish suites in a range of floor plans including alcove, studio, and one and two-bedroom apartments.  Please visit our website for contact info, list of amenities, floorplans, photos, and map as well as information about MorningStar Senior Living, who manages Casa Sandoval.  

We proudly provide the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  If you are looking for exceptional independent or assisted living, Hayward CA’s Casa Sandoval may be your answer.

Source:health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/shingrix-shingles-vaccine