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

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.