Exploring Genealogy: Tracing Your Family Roots

There’s something deeply rewarding about learning where you come from and discovering the stories that make up your family’s history. Genealogy, the study of family ancestry, is an exciting journey that connects you with generations of relatives and sheds light on the lives of those who came before you. For seniors, exploring family roots can bring a sense of pride, belonging, and personal discovery.

Start with What You Know

The best way to begin a genealogy search is by collecting information from what you already know. Write down names, birthdates, places of residence, and any details you remember about parents, grandparents, and other relatives. If you’re unsure about certain dates, try reaching out to family members who might remember, or look through old family documents and photos for clues.

In many senior housing Kirkland communities, residents often gather to share stories and memories, helping each other fill in gaps. One resident, Evelyn, discovered the year her grandfather came to the U.S. simply by recalling a story her mother had told her years ago about “a long, difficult journey across the Atlantic.”

Use Online Tools for Research

Once you’ve gathered basic information, there are plenty of online resources that can help you expand your family tree.Websites like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and MyHeritage.com offer access to vast databases of historical records, including census data, immigration records, and birth certificates. Many of these sites allow you to create a family tree, which can be a helpful visual as you explore each branch.

While some sites require a subscription, many libraries and senior living Kirkland communities offer free access to genealogy resources for residents. A little time on these sites can reveal amazing details, like the towns your ancestors lived in or their occupations.

Interview Family Members for Stories

Genealogy is more than just dates and records; it’s about stories. Talking with family members can bring your family tree to life, giving you insights into who your ancestors were, what they valued, and the traditions they passed down. Set aside time to interview relatives—either over the phone or in person—and ask questions about family traditions, stories, and memories.

One resident, Tom, started asking his sister about their grandparents and learned about their love for music, which was never mentioned before. These personal stories add depth to genealogy and help you feel more connected to your family’s history.

Organize and Share Your Findings

As you start gathering information, organize it in a way that makes it easy to share with family members. A simple family tree chart or a scrapbook with photos and documents can be a great way to preserve your findings. Some residents enjoy creating small booklets or digital albums that capture their family’s journey, which can be easily shared with children and grandchildren.

In senior housing Kirkland, genealogy groups often gather to share tips and discuss how they organize and present their findings. Seeing others’ family stories can be inspiring and encourage you to keep digging!

Exploring genealogy is a meaningful way to connect with your past and understand your family’s journey. Each discovery is a link to your heritage, creating a legacy that can be shared and cherished for generations.

How Long Has it Been Since You Tried Something New?

How long has it been since you really made the effort to learn something new? As we age, many of us can get stuck in a rut. However, opening our minds to new ideas and trying new activities can provide seniors with a renewed interest in life and help keep the brain sharp. 

The choice of hobbies and activities for retirees is endless and includes dusting off old skills or learning something entirely new. Things like painting and drawing classes can be done in person or online. The same goes for listening to lectures, joining a book club or writing workshop, and learning a foreign language. If you need more computer skills or would like to know more about social media, join a class and get started. 

If you have always wanted to play an instrument, what are you waiting for? Neuroscientists and music teachers say it is never too late to learn. Scot Hawkins, a piano teacher in Silver Spring, Md., says, “Ability is low on the list of what’s required for adult students. Instead, attitude — especially patience — is everything.” Playing music is a great mental exercise and can help keep brain cells alive that would otherwise wither and die.

Chess, trivia, crossword and jigsaw puzzles as well as strategy board games help sharpen our cognitive skills as do various computer and video games. Other suggestions for engaging activities include trips to local museums, concerts, and plays.  

Have you begun the search for senior housing in Kirkland, WA? If so, we encourage you to consider MorningStar of Kirkland.  Our calendar keeps residents busy with a wide range of activities and wellness programs including exercise classes, games, live entertainment and special events. Please visit our website to learn more about our community, inquire about availability and to set up a tour.

MorningStar’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience.  Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest senior housing Kirkland, WA offers.  Please contact us or visit our website for more information. 

Downsizing to a Senior Community

Instead of feeling sad about moving from a home that perhaps is too large or costly for you to care for, think about moving into a smaller apartment or condo as the start of a new adventure. However, to do it right, you should be organized. Experts suggest you only take with you the things that bring joy and find ways to get rid of the rest. If that piece of advice still finds you with way too much stuff, then take a moment to picture how you want your new life to look. Is it a sleek, minimalist décor or more like a smaller, compact version of your present home?
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Some simple solutions to help you decorate your new apartment include bringing with you or buying multi-purpose furniture. This could include upholstered storage benches or cubes, nesting coffee tables, extension desks, and sized-down sofa and chairs more suited to a compact footprint. Attractive baskets and storage carts also help to make a small place feel more organized.

If you want to use some of your current furniture, measure it, and then draw up a floor plan of the new place and lay it all out to see how it will fit. In addition, since your new place is smaller, it will most likely not have as many closets as your old home so go through your clothing and only take the items you truly enjoy wearing. Give the rest to charity. Lastly, consider the amenities at your new place. For example if they have an onsite fitness center, you probably do not need to bring along your own in-home treadmill or stationary bike.

At MorningStar of Kirkland, our beautiful senior community offers stylish suites that are ready to move into and just require your furnishings and personal items. Apartments come in a variety of floorplans with a choice of balcony or patio, and equipped with high-end finishes, full kitchens and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Our broad range of services and amenities include wellness programs and activities, restaurant-style dining, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, art studio, and more to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. If you are looking at senior housing in Kirkland, we encourage you to consider MorningStar, the perfect community to age in place comfortably and safely.

MorningStar of Kirkland’s foundation is based on the mission to honor God, value seniors and invest in our staff to create a unique senior living experience. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide the finest senior housing Kirkland has to offer. Please schedule a tour to learn why MorningStar is such a great place to call home.

Rethinking Your Breakfast Choices

How many times have you eaten breakfast, and after an hour or two, you start to feel hungry? Many breakfast options involve foods such as cereals, breads and granola bars that are high in refined grains and sugar. To solve the problem, nutritionists say you should add protein to every meal including your breakfast. 

When you eat a breakfast with protein, you feel fuller and more satisfied for a longer period and less apt to reach for high-calorie snacks mid-morning. Registered dietician, Lisa Jones, explains an adult’s daily intake of protein should be between 10% and 35% of the calories consumed. She adds, “For example, if your nutritional needs call for 2,000 calories daily, you should get 200 to 700 calories from protein, or 50 to 175 grams.” 

One suggestion for an easy-to-do, protein-rich breakfast is avocado and fried egg on a bagel or enriched whole-grain slice of toast. Omelets are also fairly easy and can be assembled with a variety of fillings such as mushrooms, spinach and bacon. You can increase the protein in a bowl of oatmeal by adding a scoop of protein powder and topping it with almond milk and berries. Try other creative options such as smoked salmon on a toasted whole wheat English muffin spread with cream cheese, or a Greek yogurt parfait layered with granola, nuts, and fruit. Another incentive for eating protein in the morning is nutritionists say it can help you lose weight as you feel more satisfied for a longer period of time.  

MorningStar of Kirkland is a luxury 55+ community with stylish apartments for independent living. 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 services to provide carefree retirement years.  We are committed to providing the best senior housing Kirkland, WA offers and invite you to set up a tour to see our beautiful community.   

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Kirkland, WA has to offer.

Source: health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/high-protein-breakfast

Gardening in Pots and Raised Beds

For many people in apartments, condos, or small patio homes, having a large garden in not feasible, and even for home-owners with large yards, an extensive gardening space may be simply too much work. This is where container gardening and raised bed gardening allows a person the satisfaction of growing something that is good to eat. 

While it doesn’t matter if you use terracotta, wood, or plastic pots, make sure they have enough depth and room for the particular plants. Gardening experts say the best way to give your plants a good start is to buy a good quality potting soil containing manure, sand, perlite, or vermiculite. They warn against using soil from your backyard as it may be contaminated from an earlier time, and most likely not have the nutrients your plants need to thrive.  

For beginner gardeners, TV personality and landscape designer Carson Arthur recommends starting with herbs. He says herbs like mint, thyme, cilantro, and basil are simple to grow, and do not require too much water. If you do expand your choices, Arthur advises to think about your growing conditions. For example, if you want to grow tomatoes, how much sun do they require each day and how much does your space get?

Additionally, keep track of what was planted in a particular pot from year to year as some plants use a lot of the soil’s nutrients. To use the same pots to grow tomatoes in again, experts say you will have to replenish the soil with calcium. Another tip is to research what plants pair together well. One excellent pairing is tomatoes and onions. Not only do they do well but onions provide tomatoes with protection against insects. Another good mix is planting various vegetables from the cabbage family together.     

At MorningStar Senior Living of Kirkland, we offer independent living apartments with a private patio or balcony in a range of floor plans and configurations. As a resident, you will have opportunities for new friendships, predictable budgeting, wellness programs, and the chance to relax and play in beautiful surroundings. Among our many amenities, we have spacious grounds with outdoor dining, sport courts, Zen garden, and raised garden beds.  Contact us for more information about the finest senior housing in Kirkland, WA.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Kirkland, WA has to offer.

Source: learn.eartheasy.com/articles/10-expert-tips-for-raised-garden-beds-and-planters/

Remain Mobile and Healthy in Old Age by Walking

A study from the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) trial concluded that if you want to remain mobile and healthy in old age, you should start walking.  Furthermore, it says even if you are already well into old age, it is not too late to reap the benefits.  

The 2½ year trial included more than 1,600 men and women between the ages of 70 and 89, of whom none had exercised regularly; and all were relatively frail.  The study authors say half of the participants took part in a daily exercise plan that included walking in addition to strength and balance exercises.  The other half of the group did some gentle stretching routines and took part in healthy aging educational workshops.  

Researchers found that those who were assigned to the exercise group were “28% less likely to have become disabled (defined by the inability to walk about 400 yards without help) compared to those in the education group. They were also 18% less likely to have had any episode of physical disability.”  The study’s authors believe the results would be even more marked if those in the “healthy aging workshops” had not discovered the benefits of exercising on their own.  

Walking is easy to do and does not require special equipment other than a pair of good walking shoes.  If you are a senior who wants to start exercising, medical professionals say consult your healthcare provider, and slowly and gradually work your way toward longer distances.  

At MorningStar of Kirkland, we value all seniors as gifted and contributing individuals and are committed to creating a community that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle.  Along with our fitness center and sport courts, residents have many opportunities to exercise and keep moving.   Visit our website to see what sets our community apart from other senior housing in Kirkland, and why our residents are happy to call MorningStar “home.”

MorningStar’s communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest senior housing Kirkland, WA has to offer, we encourage you to consider MorningStar. Please contact us for more information.

Source:health.harvard.edu/blog/walking-exercise-helps-seniors-stay-mobile-independent-201405287173

Lower Your Risk of Health Disease by Getting Enough Sleep

The American Heart Association offers a checklist of eight key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. The Life’s Essential 8 is designed to highlight things we can do to lower our risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems. 

In 2022, the Association added sleep duration to the list as a component of heart health. They say the amount and quality of sleep can influence a person’s eating habits, mood, memory, internal organs and more. 

One advantage to getting enough sleep is being more productive. After spending years working long hours to the detriment of a good night's sleep, Ariana Huffington now says, “The irony is that a lot of people forgo sleep in the name of productivity. But in fact our productivity is reduced substantially when we’re sleep deprived.” 

Professor of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Charles Czeisler, explains being sleep deprived can impair your abilities and is similar to being drunk. Poor sleep habits can cause you to eat more in an effort to feel more energetic, and may increase your risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. 

It is recommended adults get a solid 7 to 9 hours of sleep each day and a sleep routine will help you achieve this goal. Start by going to bed each night around the same time so you can wake up refreshed at the same time each morning. If possible, open your curtains to let in the morning sunshine or turn on the bedroom lights. Research still shows breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should consist of healthy foods. 

Another thing to get your day off right is to take a few minutes each morning doing something like practicing mindfulness or yoga. The other Life’s Essential 8 include maintaining a healthy diet, fitness, quitting nicotine, losing weight, and watching your cholesterol, blood pressure and risk for diabetes. 

If you are looking for senior housing in Kirkland, WA, we encourage you to consider MorningStar, a true destination for successful aging.  We offer residents comfort, security, built-in companionship, and predictable budgeting.  Our beautiful home has 151 stylish apartments 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 about MorningStar of Kirkland.

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Kirkland, WA offers.

Source: 

heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/sleep/how-to-sleep-better-with-tech-tweaks

Considerations When Choosing a Senior Community

Many seniors are realizing 55+ communities offer a lifestyle of comfort and security by combining the privacy and independence of one’s own space along with a community of peers in the same stage of life. If you are thinking about a move to a retirement community, senior living experts offer some tips on how to find the best fit for your needs. 

One of the first things you may want to consider is location. Is it close to medical facilities, shopping, entertainment and local parks? In addition, how important is it to be near family and friends? Experts say even if you are in good physical shape, you may want a place with wide doorways and grab bars to accommodate any limitations you may encounter in the future. Does the apartment need to have a balcony or patio? How many bedrooms do you need, and how many bathrooms?

Is the area within your budget? If not, experts say there is no point falling in love with an apartment you cannot afford. Also, ask about what type of security the community offers such as key cards, locked doors and people on staff all hours of the day. Finally check out the amenities and activities. If you love to swim, is there a pool? Do you want a place that serves alcohol, has a salon and social clubs where you can hang out with friends and relax? Answering these types of questions is a good start to determining where you would be happy.

If you are looking for exceptional senior housing, Kirkland’s MorningStar community may be the place for you. Recently opened, MorningStar of Kirkland is designed to provide active seniors with a carefree lifestyle, as we handle the maintenance, landscaping, and housekeeping. This leaves you free to pursue your interests, explore new hobbies, travel and meet new friends. As our contemporary-styled building is both a gracious home and high-end resort, we offer a range of amenities, activities and wellness programs to promote a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about independent living.

MorningStar of Kirkland is guided by a culture rooted in MorningStar’s mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior living Kirkland, WA offers.

It's Never Too Late to Improve Your Health

It is never too late to improve our health and making changes in our behaviors and attitudes can mean living a happier, longer life. Doctors say getting your weight under control, quitting smoking, eating more fruits and vegetables, and exercising can all significantly improve your health and longevity at any age. 

Remember taking care of our health also includes our brains. Experts used to believe the brain could not make new neuron connections as we aged but research now shows the “brain remains nimble and capable of physical change and growth throughout life.” In fact, studies find people, who step out of their comfort zone and try new hobbies and interests, can improve their cognitive health. 

Another misconception is thinking it is too late to start exercising or to lose weight. A meta-analysis of 39 studies on aging and resistance-type exercises such as lifting weights or using exercise bands, found it is possible to build muscle mass no matter what age. In the studies,  “1,300 adults over the age of 50 who did some form of this kind of training, muscle mass increased by an average of nearly 2.5 pounds in just five months.”

Being positive is a trait that helps people deal more effectively with stress and worry and is linked to longevity. Researchers also find it is better for us to be in charge of our own medical care. One way to do this is to stay up-to-date on medical research and advice regarding care options as well as asking pertinent questions of our healthcare providers. Other things we can do to protect our health is to get appropriate screenings and tests, use our time productively and stay socially engaged. 

MorningStar of Kirkland is a vibrant 55+ community that offers seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellbeing and as much or as little social engagement as you want. Our range of onsite amenities, services, wellness programs and activities are designed for stress-free retirement years. Please visit our website to learn more about the finest senior housing Kirkland offers.  

MorningStar of Kirkland provides the very best in independent 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 senior housing Kirkland, WA has to offer.

Source: verywellhealth.com/boost-longevity-in-your-60s-2223714

Walking May be the Perfect Exercise

Walking is an exercise we can do while hanging out with friends and/or enjoying the sounds of nature while achieving a good workout. We can do it from right outside our home or by exploring parks and nature areas around us. It doesn’t require special equipment, although experts say you do need a pair of good walking shoes and appropriate clothing including sun protection. *Before beginning any new exercise, please consult with your healthcare provider.

The Harvard Medical School says walking may be “one of the most powerful ‘medicines’ available. It can help lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and even keep your memory sharp.” Evidence also shows short walks can be as beneficial as longer ones. In fact just 30 minutes a day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance.

Maintaining good posture during a walk is important in avoiding injuries. If you lean forward or hunch, it can cause backaches as well as make breathing more difficult. Experts say extend your spine as if it is being lifted from the crown of your head. Don’t look down at your feet but rather keep your gaze about 10 to 20 feet ahead of you. To get the feel of your spine upright, place your thumbs on your lower rib and fingertips on your hips. Now as you straighten your spine, notice how the distance between your fingers increases. 

If you have sciatic pain, experts say regular walking can be a good exercise because it spurs the release of pain-fighting endorphins and reduces inflammation but also offer some tips to keep you safe. These include shortening your steps, remembering to maintain your posture and slowing your pace. Your healthcare provider should have other tips to help.    

Great news! MorningStar of Kirkland, the newest senior housing in Kirkland, WA is now open to residents. We offer 151 spacious apartments in a choice of floor plans and configurations along with an array of luxury amenities and hospitality services. Our community is in close proximity to the beautiful forested Totem Lake area, bordered by Juanita Bay (with its beaches and parks), and offers easy access to both private and public walking paths including our gorgeous courtyard. The Evergreen Health Medical Center and The Village at Totem Lake shopping center is less than a mile away with Seattle 20 minutes to the southwest. 

MorningStar of Kirkland is now welcoming residents! Please contact us today about April Move-in Specials, and stay connected with us on Facebook. 

Source: 

health.harvard.edu/promotions/harvard-health-publications/walking-for-health-sep2015-test?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PA20220403-Walking&utm_id=3577265&dlv-emuid=33b2f11b-97ca-447f-ab66-cfb4e7a55fa7&dlv-mlid=3577265

MorningStar’s Senior Housing in Kirkland is Now Open

The wait is over, and the final touches are complete.  On March 3rd MorningStar Senior Living of Kirkland opened with an inaugural reception for well over 100 Kirkland families, businesses and healthcare professionals.  Ken Jaeger, MorningStar’s Founder/CEO and Janet Sederquist, Executive Director of the new community along with first depositor Bonnie Heather cut the ribbon. The celebration continued March 5th and 6th with a Grand Opening Celebration Weekend.

The new MorningStar of Kirkland community is situated in the idyllic Totem Lake area.  Residents will not only appreciate our contemporary apartments and luxury amenities but our location. We offer strolling paths on our sprawling grounds as well as lots of local trails as we are minutes from Juanita Bay, the Sammamish River Trail, and Sammamish Valley Park. Our community is close to the Evergreen Health Medical Center, shopping and restaurants, and around 20 minutes to Seattle.

At MorningStar, we consider serving seniors to be our calling by giving seniors carefree retirement years. Our 55+ community offers a great selection of independent living apartments, concierge services, wellness programs and activities.  Luxury amenities include a fitness center, art studio, bistro bar, swimming pool, spa, sport courts, Zen Garden and resident garden beds.

Apartments range from 475 sq. ft. studios to one-bed, one bath units up to 732 sq. ft., and a variety of two-bedrooms with a choice of one or two baths and as large as 1138 sq. ft. All come with a choice of private patio or balcony. Regardless of the apartment you choose, each has a full kitchen with premium cabinets, countertops, and in-suite washer/dryer. Residents will appreciate the storage space, 24-hour emergency call systems and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Our weekly housekeeping and linen and laundry service helps to keep life simple.  

Under the direction of our Executive Chef, we offer a five-star, all-day dining service. Our restaurant-style meals are served in one of our attractive venues including a stylish main dining room, our Treehouse outdoor restaurant, or in our intimate, private dining room. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about the finest senior housing in Kirkland. We look forward to hearing from you. 

MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003.  We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Kirkland, WA offers.

Independent Living Offers Seniors a Built-in Community

The U.S. Census Bureau reports almost 13.8 million seniors live alone. We know various causes including chronic and worsening health conditions, hearing loss, no longer driving, mobility issues, loss of a spouse or other loved ones can result in loneliness and isolation for older adults on their own. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, “Social isolation and loneliness in older adults are serious public health risks affecting a significant number of people in the United States, and puts them at risk for dementia and other serious medical conditions.” They cite statistics showing social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death, and rivals those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Moreover, studies find social isolation is associated with approximately a 50% increased risk of dementia, a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke. The CDC also warns loneliness is linked to higher risk of depression, suicide and anxiety. 

Independent living communities offer older adults a built-in community of people at a similar stage of life as well as a variety of social activities that appeal to many tastes and preferences. The range of amenities and activities make it easy for residents to interact with others and to forge new friendships. Another advantage to 55+ independent living communities is the entire place is designed to accommodate the needs of seniors. This includes apartments with wheelchair accessible doorways, low thresholds, well-lit spaces, handrails, walk-in showers and tubs in bathrooms, and emergency call systems.  

At MorningStar of Kirkland, we provide all the comforts of home with stylish apartments and graciously appointed common areas both inside and out. Our broad range of services and amenities include all-day restaurant-style dining, bistro, art studio, swimming pool, fitness center, wellness programs and activities to promote a healthy lifestyle for residents. Please visit our website to learn more about the finest senior housing Kirkland, WA has to offer.  

MorningStar Senior Living’s independent and assisted living communities across the U.S. have a passionate commitment to serving seniors, earning a reputation for satisfaction that is second to none. If you are looking for the finest senior housing Kirkland offers, we encourage you to consider MorningStar. 

Source: cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html

Tips to Soothe an Upset Stomach

Every now and then, most of us suffer from an upset stomach. Experts say experiencing a stomach ache once in a while is perfectly normal and can be caused by stress or anxiety, food allergies, eating something that doesn’t agree with you, or a 24-hour bug. To ease symptoms and help you feel better, experts recommend several foods.  

Just as mom told you, chicken-broth is good for an upset stomach as it contains many necessary nutrients. The broth also helps you stay hydrated if you have bouts of diarrhea and vomiting. Plain food like saltine crackers or dry white toast (skip the whole wheat for now) are easy to digest and give your stomach a little something to help it settle down. 

Ginger has been used for centuries to help ease digestive problems including an upset stomach. Drinking ginger tea or eating a couple of ginger chews may help you feel better. Dr. Carolyn Kaloostian, clinical associate professor of family medicine and family medicine specialist at Keck Medicine of USC, says there are several other herbs and spices that can help including licorice, chamomile, spearmint and mint. 

Foods like oatmeal, plain eggs, unseasoned skinless turkey, chicken or fish are all good choices to try to get a little something in your stomach without upsetting it more. Yogurt may be beneficial as it contains probiotics that can help promote healthy digestion but experts advise sticking to low-fat or no-fat varieties. 

The contemporary MorningStar of Kirkland is a new senior housing community in the Totem Lake area in Kirkland. We offer a range of beautiful apartments with a choice of balcony or patio, luxury amenities and all-day dining service. Our extension grounds include strolling paths, a Zen garden and resident garden beds as well as several dining venues such as our Treehouse/Outdoor Dining patio. Our community is close to the Evergreen Health Medical Center, shopping malls and restaurants, and approximately 20 minutes to Seattle. Visit our website for contact information and ask about our Move-in Specials. 

Source: 

health.usnews.com/wellness/food/slideshows/best-foods-to-eat-for-an-upset-stomach?

Moving into a Retirement Community? Tips to Help Downsize

If you are ready to begin a new chapter in your retirement years, love the idea of maintenance-free living, or would like to move closer to family; why not consider a 55+ community. Moving into smaller living quarters also means lower utility bills, less space to clean and less clutter in your life. 

This also means you may have to downsize as senior living apartments are generally smaller than your family home. Think of it as an opportunity to get rid of stuff you have been hanging on to for years, and most likely no longer need. If after looking around your home and realizing you have a big job ahead of you, it may be time to get a few tips from organizing experts?

On top of the list is to take into account the size of your new home. This will give you a good idea of what you should take and what needs to go. If you are helping an older parent go through their home, remember change can be difficult and letting go of possessions, also means letting go of their old way of life. Be respectful and recognize objects are not just things but memories. 

Organizing experts say there are four important questions to ask yourself when sorting through items: 

• Do I need it or want it?

• Does it have sentimental value?

• Do I use it often?

• Do I have another item that performs the same function?

Obviously the most difficult things to get rid of are those with sentimental value but there are other ways to keep the memories. One solution is to find a good home for something you no longer need but know someone who would enjoy it. Even for those items you donate to charity, focus on the good it will do for others. 

Don’t be shy about asking for help from family or friends, or hire a company that specializes in clearing houses. Another thing experts recommend is to take time to say goodbye to the house but to remember you are moving forward with a new, exciting chapter. 

MorningStar of Kirkland is a vibrant, new 55+ community complete with resort-style amenities and hospitality services. Opening in the first quarter of 2022, our 151 spacious apartments are available in a variety of floorplans and configurations. Please visit our website for contact information and to learn more about the finest senior housing Kirkland offers. 

Source: redfin.com/blog/seniors-guide-to-downsizing/