Beatitudes Community

Film Festival Fun!

Do we need diversion during the dog days of August? Do we want to see some of our favorite stars minus aliens, rock music, guns and mayhem?

If your answer is YES, come to a film festival this Thursday and Friday. The theme is “A Hollywood Tribute to Aging With Spirit.” LifeLong Learners committee members chose four movies and established a lunch plan too. Here’s how it will work.

The movies are free. On Thursday and on Friday, at the Life Center, there’s a movie at 9:30AM and a movie at 1:00PM. Each day, Dining Services will provide an optional buffet lunch so you won’t have to go out into the heat between movies. Purchase tickets for lunch at the Bistro with your B-card for $6.50 each. Movie trivia quizzes will decorate the tables. At the end of each movie, we’ll have a drawing for a $25 Harkins gift card. You won’t want to miss that! Check out the schedule here…

  • Thursday at 9:30AM: Florence Foster Jenkins (Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant)—A misguided New York matron sings at Carnegie Hall.
  • Thursday at 1:00PM: Driving Miss Daisy (Jessica Tandy, Morgan Freeman)—A Southern matron forms an unlikely friendship with her driver.
  • Friday at 9:30AM: Quartet (Maggie Smith + a host of British performers)—Retired British music performers are amusing but complex.
  • Friday at 1:00PM: Grumpy Old Men (Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ann Margret)—Two retirees bicker over ice fishing and an attractive new neighbor.

 

Our Thursday special guest is Arlyn Brewster, active in Valley music circles for many years and well-known for directing church music and taking groups on tour. She has conducted at Carnegie Hall and knows the New York setting of our first movie. She will introduce it, and afterwards wrap it up with a few comments.

On Friday, our own Jessica Meyer, Director of Success Matters, who knows a lot about the challenges and successes of aging, will follow up the movies so far with comments and feedback from you. Is Hollywood doing it right? Then—the final movie is just for fun!


This week’s guest writer is Carole Vendrick,
Beatitudes Campus Resident and LifeLong Learners Committee Member
Staff Liaison is Jon Schilling

Keeping Older Adults Connected to Community

The word “community” is a tricky term to pin down nowadays. Members of a Facebook group may have never met in real life and consider their digital interactions, wherein they’ve never heard each other’s voice, to have communal components. And residents of a large apartment building might be part of a community, although their only interactions with neighbors are awkward silences in the elevator, or a nod as they pass each other in the hallway. In senior living communities, the term means something very different.

One can think about a retirement community in its most basic form: a roof, four walls and many resident apartments and rooms in various buildings with a lot of furniture. But the people who make up a community make it much more than just a roof over residents’ heads. There are the residents, their families and the employees. As I leaf through some photos from holiday parties at previous communities at which I have served as well as those at Beatitudes Campus, I’m struck by how many employees brought their own children and other loved ones into the communities to celebrate the holidays.

That sort of interconnectedness reflects what Beatitudes Campus is all about: the people. Connectedness is about people. When prospective residents come to visit the campus, the most common things they ask are whether the community is right for them and, if would it be OK if they talk to other residents. We actively encourage prospective residents to get to know the people who live at the campus by sharing a meal, going shopping or just hanging out together over coffee. It’s kind of like dating. You can tell after half an hour or so if the person on the other end of the table, or beside you at the bar, is someone you want to go out with again or hang out with as friends.

Feel the energy of connectedness. In my 25 years working in aging services, I’ve noticed something about senior living communities. You can feel the energy of the community – or the lack thereof – very quickly. Are people active and engaged? I’ve seen enough to know that when that energy and activity are present, it’s very likely due to the cultivating efforts of the senior management and the staff. When they hold this value high, they can facilitate a great energy and sense of interconnectedness. How proud I am to know that is a core value and a daily determined effort by not only our life enrichment department, but of the campus as a whole—staff and residents alike.

The wisdom of staying connected? That interconnectedness not only makes residents feel more comfortable and engaged, it also has tremendous health benefits. When residents were surveyed who are at least 100 years old for the e-book “100 Years of Wisdom: The Perspective of Centenarians,” many of the centenarians cited their marriages and their relationships with family and friends as factors in their longevity. Of course, there were differences; some centenarians felt that abstaining from alcohol and smoking helped them live very long lives, while others swore by the efficacy of their regular whiskeys. But the benefits of communal living and close relationships were a common benefit that was cited frequently.

Most people want to feel a sense of belonging and satisfaction in finding their purpose and meaning. And many residents of senior living communities find that sense of belonging amongst their peers who are all living together within a common context and vision.
As aging takes place, we may find it harder to remove ourselves from our comfort zone. Meeting new people and welcoming them into one’s life can be stressful and difficult even under the best of circumstances. But as people age, they refine and fine-tune their emotional intelligence. In a community where members bring long lives full of wisdom and experience, a lot of great ideas and stories are sure to get shared.

Staying connected doesn’t mean loss of privacy. And, of course, there’s no pressure. Residents have their own living spaces. They can choose to stay in their apartments and read a book, or they can meet a small group of friends in a community room, or invite them over for coffee. They can be as active as they want to be.

As we near the end of another fiscal year here at the campus, I’ve been thinking about how Valen-tine’s Day falls in February. Wouldn’t the day celebrating love and warm connections make more sense in the spring or summer? Irrespective, what is great to know is that no matter what point on the calendar, whatever sort of relationship or friendship residents are looking for, the key is to feel part of a larger community, where they can feel comfortable, safe and appreciated and where, as my friend Rev. Jerry Roseberry often quips, “to have a great third act.”

Make Exercise A Habit

One of the best ways to stay physically active is to make it a life-long habit. Set yourself up to succeed right from the start by seeking to make exercise a regular part of your day. When it becomes a normal part of your everyday routine, like brushing your teeth, then you’ll be less likely to stop and will find it easier to start up again if you’re interrupted for some reason. If you can stick with an exercise routine or physical activity for at least 6 months, it’s a good sign that you’re on your way to making physical activity a regular habit.

Many of us lead busy lives, and it’s easy to put physical activity at the bottom of the “to do” list. Remember, though, being active is one of the most important things you can do each day to maintain and improve your health. Make it a point to include physical activities throughout your day. Try being active first thing in the morning before you get busy. Think of your time to exercise as a special appointment, and mark it on your calendar.

If it’s difficult, costs too much, or is too inconvenient, you probably won’t be active. You are more likely to exercise if it’s easy to do. Put your 2-pound weights, canned food, or exercise band next to your easy chair so you can do some lifting while you watch TV.

Do more of the activities you already like and know how to do. Walk the entire mall or every aisle of the grocery store when you go shopping. When you go out to get the mail, walk around the block. Join a gym or fitness center that’s close to home. You can be active all at once, or break it up into smaller amounts throughout the day.  On campus, there are many opportunities for classes, fitness center or walking around the campus with friends.

Upcoming Events in June

Step right up and… put in your suggestions and ideas to the Life Enrichment Committees’ new boxes.  Resident, Una Thomas, has taken the time to create new suggestion boxes for the campus.  There are two boxes, one located at the entrance of the Life Center and another at the Information Station, located near the Fitness Center.  We encourage you to use these boxes to submit your ideas for trips, interactive programs or just a simple note to share how we are doing.  All events will be discussed at the Life Enrichment Committee meeting, with the goal of putting them into our calendar.  When submitting a trip idea, please be sure it is at least two months in advance to the program date.  This will give us time to plan properly, as we schedule 30 days prior to the upcoming month.

Lights, camera, action!

Join us at our Fourth Annual Variety Show being held in the Life Center on Friday, June 16th at 10AM.  With talent including singing, dancing, poetry reading and more, you will not want to miss it!  We will have some returning talent as well as new talent taking the stage.  Come cheer on fellow residents and enjoy a great time with us all!

Jennifer Jolls will be here on Saturday, June 17th at 3PM in the Life Center, showcasing the talent of young pianists.  The theme of the performance is “Let’s Go to the Movies.”  Jennifer will be sharing the talent of over 16 students who attend her piano lessons year-round.  After the performance, enjoy refreshments and chatting with the performers.  Everyone is encouraged to attend.

Be sure to stop by Igor’s Jam and Jazz Session on Saturday, June 24th at Buckwald’s. With guest entertainers and a great show, you will not want to miss out.  The show will begin at 3PM.  Look for Igor’s small pocket fliers for additional information.

As always, if you have questions, please call Monica at 18526 or Didi at 18473.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Community Town Hall Recap – May 2017

Below is a summary of information and news discussed at the May Town Hall meeting.

Going Places

One of the toughest decisions that older adults make is to give up driving. Cars mean independence. However, younger generations are finding they may not be so eager to buy a car. There may be economic reasons for this, but there are also new technological developments that let people of all ages get where they want to go without the full cost of owning a car.

Grit and Determination

On Super Bowl Sunday recently, I was watching the pre-game ceremonies, enjoying some of the tremendous promotion and frankly, “hype.” It’s rather astonishing that over $400 million has been spent by companies on Super Bowl ads and that $14.1 billion will be spend by Americans on Super Bowl related activities. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching a good football game and the ultimate in that genre is today. By the time you read this, the outcome will have come and gone, but as of this moment, it’s still up in the air. What I do know is that it all seems very important. Companies from Skittles to Buick to Mr. Clean to Budweiser (with a nod to the ghost of “Spuds” McKenzie) are banking much of their upcoming year of sales on today. And that is, of course, pretty significant—but it’s pretty rarified air for most of us.

In the world in which generally most of us are living, we seek a day to day value to that daily living. We’re not in the Super Bowl, but we’re certainly running a race toward what may be the real question. I was reading recently about an event held every other year in which athletes aged 50 and older, from all around the country, gather in a new city for the National Senior Games. Athletes compete at state competitions in events including golf, swimming and track and field for a chance to ultimately strut their stuff in a national competition. It’s not the Super Bowl—but it’s probably more relevant to many of us.

Recently, luxury fitness chain, Equinox, spotlighted a few of this year’s athletes in its editorial publication, Furthermore—and the author of the piece I was reading, wrote, “their stories left us feeling oh-so inspired (read: super ready to get back on track with those New Year’s resolutions that have since fallen by the wayside).” He’s got that right. Read what a few of them had to say and check out the ages.

Fitness doesn’t have to be complicated.

“The mailbox is about 100 meters from the house, so I don’t walk to the mailbox. I run,” says Norman Meeker, 88, who will compete in the 400- and 800-meter dashes. “We also go dancing once a week.”

The way you start your day changes everything.

“I get up in the morning and stretch the body for 15 minutes,” says Norman’s wife, 89-year-old Misako Meeker, who will compete in the discus event. “Instead of getting up or staying in bed, I stretch. I do that for 15 to 20 minutes every day, no question.”

It pays to listen to that encouraging little voice inside your head.

“When I first saw the list of events [back in November 2002], I said to myself, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve never done any of this!'” says Joann Sampson, 76, who now competes in the 50- and 100-meter dash events. “A voice said to me, ‘You can do this.’ So, I’ve learned to listen to the soft voice now that speaks to you because that voice normally is the right voice to listen to.”

On March 1st, a group of 13 senior athletes from Beatitudes Campus will be competing in the 3rd annual LeadingAgeAz Fitness Challenge at North Phoenix Baptist Church. I have been given the privilege of being a part the event once again. I have to tell you that every year I feel a little more proud—and maybe a little more chagrined about my own lack of attention to that little voice when I see our residents pushing themselves to excel in the events of the day, doing just that—hearing their brains say “you can do this.” I can’t wait to see inspiring seniors from throughout Arizona showing us that all of the grit and determination isn’t just at the Super Bowl.

Speaking of the Super Bowl—in the most stunning upset in Super Bowl history, New England prevailed over the Falcons, leaving many wide-eyed and a little speechless.

Regardless of who anyone wanted to win, no one can deny that “never give up” spirit—the voice obviously awake in many of the Patriots players that kept saying “you can do this.” So—good lessons all around for us; the inspiration of the pros and the motivation of our indomitable seniors—I love them both but, as you might imagine, I really am most impressed with the grit and determination I see every day on this campus. Go, Beatitudians! You are my heroes!

 

 

Photo Caption: Melvin Larsen running the 100 meter dash during the National Senior Games

Have You Seen What’s Coming Up?

Our 3rd Annual Resident Art Show is just around the corner and if you have never been to our resident art show, you won’t want to miss it!  From wood work to ceramics, photography to acrylic/water paintings, sewing to knitting and much more, it’s always such inspiration to see the talent.  The art show will be taking place on Thursday, February 9th from 10AM-4PM and Friday, February 10th from 10AM-2PM in the Life Center.  Please take time to pass on through and enjoy the art show with your neighbors.  Some pieces will be available for purchase.  30 percent of all sales are then donated to the Resident Assistance Fund on campus.  We hope to see you there!

Valentine’s Day is here!  Join us for our Dancing with the Stars dinner on Tuesday, February 14th in the Life Center.  We will be celebrating with the 11 piece Havin’ Fun Band with dinner included.  Tickets are limited and must be purchased before the dinner (prior to Feb. 13th). You can find tickets at all dining venues on campus beginning Tuesday, February 7th for $11.00.

If you missed the first Game Classes for All with Marc Adelman, be sure to make the next one! Marc will be teaching folks how to play Rummy Cube. If you would like to join the group and just play, that’s fine with us!  The next class will be taking place on Wednesday, February 15th at 10AM in the Recreation Center. No sign up required, just show up.

Interested in showcasing your furry friend at our upcoming Dog Show? Please contact Didi Cruz at x18473 for details. This is a fun event with resident judges, treats for your pet and prizes to win! We’d love to have you!

A few changes have been made since our February Synopsis was distributed.  The Paradise Valley Community College Readers Theatre Group performance of “Misconceptions” scheduled for Friday, February 24th, has been cancelled.

Also, the movie and lunch trip scheduled for Tuesday, February 28th has been cancelled due to the Black History Month Celebration taking place on campus the very same day.  This trip will be rescheduled in March. Please make note of these changes and we look forward to bringing them back to the calendar.

For any questions, please call Didi at x18473 or Monica at x18526.