A B ROOKDALE S ENIOR L IVING P UBLICATION
Winter 2008
Going Hollywood
Music of Our Lives
Ending Alzheimer’s
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According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Soul music emerged from the African American experience by combining rhythm and blues and gospel. While forerunners of Soul music were performing in the 1940’s the genre earned a great deal of R-E-S-P-E-C-T in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Ray Charles, Little Richard and James Brown are some of the earliest Soul performers; Little Richard even proclaimed himself as the “King of Rock and Rollin, Rhythm and Blues Soulin.” Motown, the Detroit-based record label, introduced many soul artists and songs, even though Motown considered itself to be a pop music label. However, Motown artists like Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight did much to popularize the Soul style.
Coming in February to your Brookdale Senior Living community
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FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the winter edition of Optimum Life®! A New Year is filled with promise and brings with it new dreams, renewed hope and, most importantly, fresh opportunities. I encourage you to embrace the dimensions of living an Optimum Life® this year, and hope the stories in this edition give you inspiration and motivation to commit to living a more fulfilling life. Featured in this issue are stories highlighting each Optimum Life® dimension, including: • Social: Read about a resident who followed the “yellow brick road,” and had the pleasure of reconnecting with old friends while being honored with a Walk of Fame star. • Emotional: Residents from New York are honored with an inclusion in a photographic essay depicting the powerful recovery story post Sept. 11 and their role in the healing process. • Spiritual: Check out this issue for an opportunity to connect with music more than ever before by taking the music theme on the road with Celebrations Road Trips. • Purposeful: Brookdale helps to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. • Intellectual: In the spirit of sharpening your brain to prevent Alzheimer’s and related dementias, a Sudoku puzzle is included to challenge your mind. • Physical: Residents at The Meadows tell the story of what a powerful impact a good coach and exercise can have on their Optimum Life®. Also, read about the Institute for Optimal Aging, and how it has engaged residents and associates to determine its research agenda that will benefit seniors to age more successfully. This year we have a new year of Celebrations to anticipate, including a “Music of Our Lives” monthly music theme highlighting a genre of music. We all have a powerful connection to music, and it can oftentimes evoke vivid memories. I can recall a memory of learning to play the piano at a young age with my mom and the metronome. I still smile about the fact that I never really “complied” with the beat, but chose to play at my own speed. I invite you to engage in all of the opportunities of Celebrations 2008 - “Music of Our Lives” as it comes to life across the nation with residents and associates having fun and celebrating life every day. The New Year will bring many opportunities to engage in an Optimum Life®. This year, make a promise to yourself to focus on living your life to its fullest. The company’s commitment and resolution remains to you - our residents, associates, family members, business partners, and more – to enrich the lives of those we serve with compassion, respect, excellence and integrity.
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CONTENTS 1
SHERIDAN RESIDENT GOES HOLLYWOOD
3
CELEBRATIONS ROAD TRIPS
5
FITNESS & FUN AT MEADOWS OF GLEN ELLYN
7
STEPS TO END ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
9
MILESTONES TO RECOVERY
11 DR. O’NEIL
15
4
SUDOKU
Optimum Life is a publication of Brookdale Senior Living Inc. Optimum Life is published quarterly and is available free of charge to the residents, associates and friends of Brookdale Senior Living communities. Subjects in feature articles are actual residents or associates of Brookdale communities across the country or Brookdale corporate offices in Chicago, Milwaukee and Nashville. Inquiries about content or suggestions for future articles should be directed to the Lifestyle associate at any Brookdale Senior Living community.
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SHERIDAN PLACE RESIDENT Goes Hollywood
“We’re off to see the Wizard,” said Gina Ensley Drown, Executive Director of Sheridan Place in Dublin, Ga. Instead of following the yellow brick road, however, the team strolled the Hollywood Walk of Fame to attend a historical event in honor of resident Karl Slover. Slover was one of the Munchkins in the original movie “The Wizard of Oz.” Nearly 70 years after the movie premiered, the Munchkins received a collective star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Seven of the remaining Munchkins made a fitting entrance to the ceremony in Los Angeles on a horsedrawn carriage followed by a marching band. To add to the fun, the horse was magically of a different color – lavender. The red carpet was replaced with a yellow carpet to symbolize the journey on the yellow brick road in the classic movie. Above the stage, there was a huge rainbow of balloons stretched across the sky. “It was wonderful,” said Slover. “I was so proud.” Slover was 21 when he worked on the set of the movie, first released in 1939. He was one of more than 120 “little people” bringing the fictional Munchkinland to life. “It was fun to work with all of them,” said Slover. It also brought back many fond memories of working on the movie. “The apple trees were rubber and made faces. We all had fun watching them make the goofiest ones at Judy Garland (the main character in the movie, Dorothy),” chuckled Slover. Slover embodies the social dimension of living an Optimum Life®. When asked what his favorite part
of the trip was, he answered, “The part I enjoyed the most was when all seven of the Munchkins got together in Hollywood and sat around and talked.” No stranger to traveling, Slover mentions that several times a year MGM will send some of the Munchkins to events in different areas of the country, where he has the opportunity to catch up with everyone. A Munchkin co-star, Clarence Swenson, and Slover were also in another movie together, and they have remained close for a long time. Sheridan Place associates Pam Green, Sue Carr, Tracie Cannada, Stephanie Bruce and Drown were there to cheer for Slover. The Mayor of Dublin, Ga., coincidentally known as the “Emerald City,” was also in attendance to support Slover. The local historian also made the trip. “Karl is such a nice man,” said Drown. “He has wonderful, engaging stories to tell. He truly is an entertainer.” When he was 9 years old, Slover came to America with a traveling midget show from Germany. Later, he worked for a traveling carnival, which brought him to Los Angeles and, consequentially, his work in the movies. Slover’s film resume includes “They Gave Him a Gun” (1937), “Bringing Up Baby” (1938), “Blockheads” with Laurel and Hardy (1938), “The Terror of Tiny Town” (1938), “The Wizard of Oz” (1939), and “The Lost Weekend” (1945). Beyond the West Coast, Slover also worked in New York City at the Hippodrome Theatre with Jimmy Continued on page 13
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Hit the Open Road with
Celebrations Road Trips
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Celebrations 2008 will not only open hearts and minds with music and all its potential, it will also give residents opportunities to participate in trips of a lifetime. This year, Brookdale Senior Living is in the process of coordinating and planning trips corresponding with Celebrations 2008 – “Music of Our Lives.” “Celebrations continues to offer more and more opportunities every year,” said Sara Terry, Vice President of Optimum Life®. “We encourage our residents to participate in enriching, memorable experiences by celebrating our lives and hobbies together.” The trips will not only give residents memories of a lifetime, but they will embody each dimension of Optimum Life®. Intellectually, travelers are sure to learn fun and historical facts. The trips will offer many physical options, including walking and dancing. As travelers come together, the social dimension will be opened more than anticipated and lifelong friends will be discovered. Many of the places on the itineraries will open the spiritual and emotional dimensions. Experiencing a historical site firsthand oftentimes creates a powerful connection. Finally, the purposeful dimension is fulfilled as residents wake up each morning during the trip, eager to experience what the day has to offer. “With these trips, our culture of caring goes beyond the walls of our communities,” said Terry. “We are here to help residents achieve life-long goals with these new opportunities.” Three trips will be offered throughout 2008 with itineraries and opportunities to celebrate new learning and the musical theme. One trip focuses on Memphis Blues and Nashville
Country for six days from April 29 to May 4. Beginning in Memphis, travelers will stay two nights at the Peabody Hotel, home to the famous red carpet parade of ducks to the lobby fountain. While in Memphis, travelers will visit Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home; cruise along the mighty Mississippi; visit the Center for Southern Folklore and the National Civil Rights Museum; and enjoy dinner and music at the legendary B.B. King’s Restaurant on Beale Street. In Nashville, travelers will stay at the unique Opryland Hotel, a city in itself. Outside of the hotel, travelers will be able to experience the Loveless Café, a spot featured during May on Celebrations’ Dinner Dance, live and in person for lunch; a city tour; a visit to the Ryman Auditorium, home of the original “Grand Ole Opry,” the Country Music Hall of Fame and The Parthenon, the only full-size replica of the Greek Temple in Athens. Also, travelers will visit The Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson’s home, along with a dinner cruise on the General Jackson along the Tennessee River. Other trip itineraries have yet to be finalized, but possibilities include: New York City - Celebrate Broadway and Opera • Attend a Broadway show. • Go see an opera at the Metropolitan Opera. •Enjoy drinks and dancing at the Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Plaza. This is an opportunity to make June’s Celebrations’ Dinner Dance event – “Dancing with the Stars at the Rainbow Room” – come to life. St. Louis and Chicago - Celebrate the Blues Continued on page 13
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Developing FITNESS AND FUN at The Meadows Glen Ellyn Exercise has been deemed the single most important health behavior people can incorporate into their respective lifestyles. The physical dimension of living an Optimum Life® includes taking actions to improve cardiovascular fitness, as well as strength, flexibility, and balance. Engaging in a regular fitness program can help retard and even reverse some of the effects of aging. Many are trying to find the fountain of youth in vitamins, supplements, and cosmetic surgery, but none of these things compare to the benefits realized in a regular exercise program. Not only is exercise good for the body, but it can help emotional and intellectual aspects as well. Regular exercise can be a wonderful antidepressant, and may even help avoid mood-enhancing medication. In addition to keeping brains fit through intellectually stimulating activities, regular exercise can help preserve one’s cognitive function.
Brookdale Senior Living has demonstrated its commitment to fitness through its Optimum Life® culture. Whole person wellness is achieved through fulfillment in six key dimensions of wellness physical, emotional, purposeful, social, spiritual, and intellectual. The dimensions are dynamic in the fact that what is done in one dimension influences the others. Therefore, a regular physical fitness program will have a positive impact not only in the physical dimension, but the other dimensions of wellness. “The good news is we are never too old to start exercising,” said Dr. Kevin O’Neil, Brookdale’s Optimum Life® Medical Director. “The benefits of regular physical activity have been demonstrated even in centenarians.” The Fitness Center at The Meadows of Glen Ellyn, an independent and assisted living community in Glen Ellyn, Ill., has proven a great success in the physical and social dimensions of living an Optimum Life®. Opened in January 2006, the Fitness Center features a full physical program including machines to strengthen the upper and lower body, and a stationary bike and treadmill for cardiovascular conditioning.
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Bob Pates is the Fitness Instructor, Patty LeBlanc is the Physical Therapist, and Mary Hibberd is the Speech Therapist. Together, they see approximately 30-40 residents daily, with a combined total of 90 residents in the program – which equals about 40 percent of their total residents. Pates is retired from a career of 50 years in radio/TV broadcasting. Now, he is a certified fitness trainer, and certified in training older adults. Pates practices what he preaches and bikes to and from The Meadows. He has participated in 63 marathons and is a tri-athlete. He is also a professional sports photographer. In addition to working in the Fitness Center, Pates also helps out with the therapy department so residents can maintain peak wellness levels. Pates helps residents use nautilus equipment to strengthen upper arms, shoulders, and back, as well as hips and upper legs. “Comprehensive rehabilitation, fitness and education programs specifically designed for seniors help residents maintain independence,” said Lee Anne Fein, senior vice president of Innovative Senior Caresm. “Being proactive and practicing the physical dimension regularly helps residents achieve a sense of health, wholeness, and fulfillment.” “We strive to keep our residents aware of the value of exercise and therapy to maintain their physical and mental health,” said Pates. Many studies confirm the benefits of regular exercise to improve physical, emotional and mental health. For example, Medicine and Science in Sports Medicine, the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, found that regular exercise in older adults shows improvement in cardiovascular function and psychological wellness, and overall functional abilities. Residents have embraced the Fitness Center and the benefits of exercise, and look forward to their sessions. They may come for a variety of reasons, but they all have the same result – excitement and progress.
“I have been interested in fitness and exercised for many years,” said Bernice Wunderlich, a resident at The Meadows. “I was very excited when The Meadows opened the Fitness Center. Bob has a professional eye and noticed things that I would not have seen myself, such as my posture and swelling in my legs. He is very considerate and strives to help the residents live a healthier lifestyle. I come down three times a week and feel it has helped me considerably.” “At first I did not sign up,” admitted Hope Marsh, a resident. “Now that I have, I feel it has been very good for me overall. I come to the Fitness Center twice a week and work out on the treadmill, in addition to five other machines. Bob and Patty do an excellent job.” “I started coming to the Fitness Center in the hopes of strengthening my legs. At age 90, I’m still walking without a walker and do not want to use one sooner than needed,” said resident Bud Etscheid. “Now, I’m hooked on exercise. It makes me get up and do something. I have been in the program for two years and come down three times a week. I walk mainly on the treadmill, but also use the machines that strengthen my upper body. I feel that I would not be walking as well as I am without the Fitness Center.” Pates and his staff are very outgoing and interact well with all the residents. Pates is quite a team player, and stepped out of the Fitness Center to play the lion in “Wizard of Oz” when The Meadows performed the show. He enjoyed his acting debut so much, he also played Alfred Doolittle in The Meadows’ version of “My Fair Lady,” performed in November 2007. LeBlanc also appeared in “The Wizard of Oz” as a Munchkin, and danced in several scenes in “My Fair Lady” as a street vendor. Pates works in tandem with the therapy team as well. LeBlanc works physical therapy, primarily dealing with the pain issues and rehabilitation of residents having difficulty walking or moving. Pates takes the therapy one Continued on page 13
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Residents and Associates
Take Steps to End Alzheimer’s Disease Brookdale Senior Living residents and associates broke records this year while embracing the Alzheimer’s Associations’ Memory Walk challenge to “be on the move to end Alzheimer’s,” and the Optimum Life® purposeful dimension. More than 200 communities and the corporate teams from Chicago, Milwaukee and Nashville raised funds and recruited participants to support the cause. Communities and corporate offices conducted many fundraising events with proceeds going to the walk, including bake sales, hosting waffle breakfasts, a chili cook-off, silent auctions and more. This year, the team flexed their creativity to raise money in unique ways as well, including selling stickers for associates to wear casual clothing for an entire week, and auctioning lake house rentals, prized parking spots, and golf packages and fishing trips with top
executives of the company. The Nashville office team won the award for the “Highest Fundraising Team” for 2007 – as well as in the history of the 17-year Mid South Memory Walk in Tennessee. In Milwaukee, approximately 175 associates and family members walked, and the Southeastern Wisconsin chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association honored them as “Largest Team” along with “Most Money Raised by a Team.” The Chicago office team raised more than $14,000, an excellent achievement as well. Altogether, all of the corporate teams raised a total of nearly $105,000, along with the hundreds of thousands raised by the communities as well. In Milwaukee, Clare Bridge of Brookfield residents and staff handed out apples at the half-way point during the walk. “The residents look forward to this event every
More than 200 communities and the corporate teams from
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year,” said Erick Nowak, Executive Director of Clare leading providers of Alzheimer’s and dementia care,” Bridge Brookfield in Wisconsin. “Seeing the said Bill Sheriff, Co-Chief Executive Officer. “We are tremendous support and dedication of the walkers dedicated to the care we provide our residents who warms our hearts.” have Alzheimer’s and other related dementias, and All associates and communities made a strong are committed to do whatever we can to raise commitment to the cause. Each of awareness and funds to help treat them contributed to the cause in and find a cure for this disease.” “corporate teams many ways, including making a Fundraising support allows the raised a total of commitment to walk, providing Alzheimer’s Association to fulfill its baked goods, making cash donations, mission to eliminate the disease nearly $105,000 purchasing items at fundraisers, through the advancement of research along with the donating items for sale, volunteering and promotion of brain health, and their time at fundraising events, and to enhance care and support for all hundreds of even providing inspiration by sharing individuals, their families and thousands raised by their personal stories of the caregivers. challenges of Alzheimer’s. Clare Bridge communities of the communities” “Seeing everyone come together to Brookdale Senior Living focus solely support this worthy cause is a true on Alzheimer’s and dementia care. testament to the amount of care and passion each Clare Bridge communities and other select Brookdale person has for this industry,” said Mark Ohlendorf, Senior Living communities offer secure environments Co-President and CFO. “This dedication reinforces and programs for those with Alzheimer’s and our company culture of enriching the communities dementia, where trained staff provide memory care in which we operate.” services and help ensure Daily Moments of Success for “Brookdale Senior Living is one of the nation’s residents.
Chicago, Milwaukee and Nashville raised funds.
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Hallmark Battery Park Showcased in Photographic Celebration
“Milestones to Recovery” Recently The Hallmark Battery Park, an independent living community in Battery Park City, New York, had the honor of residents featured in a powerful national pictorial essay, “Milestones to Recovery.” The pictures were done by the award-winning photojournalist Susan Watts of the New York Daily News. In 2006, Watts was assigned to take photos of the Battery Park area for a special section in the Sept. 11 anniversary edition of the newspaper. During her assignment,
Watts captured the area in an extraordinary way, and truly showcased the rebirth of the area in the five years since the tragedy. One of the photos highlighted is of several Hallmark residents, ranging in age from 85-92, practicing the physical dimension of Optimum Life® during a water aerobics class at the community. Featured in the picture were residents Edythe Eisenberg, Marjorie Watson, Jean Poirier, Ruth Harris, Judy Schwartz, and Bernice Sherman.
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many photos that were taken for this project and This exhibit went from the New York Daily News to know that we are such a large part of the revitalization a groundbreaking photographic celebration of Lower of the neighborhood.” Manhattan. The “Milestones to Recovery” photo “The exhibit was an extraordinary display of the exhibition features 30 four foot by six foot events of Sept. 11 - the day and photographs displayed in custom the years of recovery and healing built aluminum frames attached since then. It captured in to the winding fence spanning powerful, crystal clear color Battery Park’s walkway. photography the tragedy, the Adjacent to the World Trade destruction, the heroism, the Center Sphere Memorial, the human suffering and the pictures on the walkway wonderful change that has taken illuminate an uplifting chronicle place since then,” said Ulrich of the recovery and revitalization Wall, Executive Director of The of Lower Manhattan. The Hallmark Battery Park. “I lived photographs are a testament to through the disaster with our the strength of New York City, residents, and some of them Battery Park, and those who have were part of the display. It truly helped Lower Manhattan gives me a sense of pride and become what it is today. purpose as we relive those The exhibit was on display Sculpture memorial in Battery Park: For three decades, this sculpture stood in the moments and look upon the June 28-Sept. 30, 2007. Whitney plaza of the World Trade Center. phenomenal recovery since Bryant of the lifestyles Entitled “The Sphere,” it was conceived then.” department at The Hallmark, by artist Fritz Koenig as a symbol of “I was impressed by the size and the water aerobics instructor world peace. It was damaged during the and scope of the exhibit. The of the class featured in the photo tragic events of September 11, 2001, but location and arrangement was exhibit, helped organize the endures as an icon of hope and the above and beyond what I had group of ladies featured in the indestructible spirit of this country. The expected,” said Poirier. “To me, water aerobics photo for a trip to sphere was placed here on March 11, the exhibit symbolizes a sign of Battery Park to see the exhibit 2002 as a temporary memorial to all activity in a growing area. It and attend the special ribbon who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center. An shows that someone is interested cutting ceremony. eternal flame was ignited on September in development and portrays a “I considered it to be an honor 11, 2002 in honor of all those who were variety of interests.” to be part of the entire exhibit lost. Their spirit and sacrifice will never “It was so nice to see us up because it dealt with Sept. 11 be forgotten. there, and the community taking which affected our community part in the event,” said Schwartz. “It was a nice and the residents living here. Seniors are a very community feeling.” important part of the rehabilitation of the The most important revitalization is anything built neighborhood,” said Bryant. “The exhibit warmed my heart. Onlookers can tell by the expressions on the for the young people that are now living down here,” residents’ faces that they truly enjoy the water said Watson. “The most exciting part about living aerobics class, and are receiving fulfillment in their here is the fact that there are so many young families.” life. We feel rewarded that we were chosen out of the Continued on page 14 BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING / 10
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Institute for Optimal Aging
Determines Focus of Research The Institute for Optimal Aging was recently formed with help from resources of Brookdale Senior Living. Governed by a board of directors, including Bill Sheriff, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Brookdale as the President of the Board, The Institute achieved non-profit status on May 7, 2007. Dr. Kevin O’Neil is the Medical Advisor to The Institute, and Caron Petersen is the Executive Director. The goal of The Institute for Optimal Aging is to research and study what helps people Dr. Kevin O’Neil stay healthy longer, and share the information. The Institute’s mission is to seek and distribute funding for research and initiatives that will enhance the wellness of older adults. All of the Institute’s projects are tied to the six dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual and purposeful. Since literally millions of factors impact people’s health, happiness and sense of worth, one of the initial challenges The Institute faced was where to begin when trying to decide which of these factors to research. How should The Institute determine which focus should receive priority? To make the decision process more logical and manageable, The Institute turned to Concept Systems, Inc. This research firm has worked with many large companies in the medical sector, including the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control, and helps groups make an informed decision and an action plan when faced with many options and lots of information. First, The Institute and Concept Systems went to 11 / OPTIMUM LIFE - WINTER 2008
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the experts: Chicago-area Brookdale residents living at the Devonshire of Lisle, the Devonshire of Hoffman Estates and the Kenwood of Lake View.
“The goal of The Institute for Optimal Aging is to research and study what helps people stay healthy longer, and share the information.”
In addition to providing invaluable information, all participating residents and associates exercised the purposeful dimension of living an Optimum Life®. Residents were truly making a difference for themselves and all Brookdale residents. Associates were helping to perform the mission of care on a whole different level. The results of everyone’s assistance will be seen in months and years to come, a complete fulfillment of the purposeful dimension. The Executive Directors and associates at these three communities devoted months to talking with residents, using the following prompt as the opening for a conversation “One specific topic that should be
examined to better understand what seniors need to live a healthy life is …” Multiple sessions were held to get just under 500 responses from residents, associates, and friends and family members. The 500 responses were reviewed, and combined to around 90. Then, residents and executives sorted the 90 phrases by putting the statements into groups and naming each of the groups. Rating came next; for each of the 90 statements, each person rated how important each of the items is using a scale of one to five. Meanwhile, a group of selected professionals in the field of healthy aging were busily reviewing current literature related to the wellness dimensions. Concept Systems then came in and took all the rating and sorting information and combined it with the research reports prepared by the professionals. The data was analyzed and the result is a Concept Map. Thanks to the work of generous volunteers in the Chicago area, the Institute for Optimal Aging now has guidelines for its research and education efforts. Keep watching future editions of Optimum Life® for updates on the specific focus areas.
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Continued from page 1
SHERIDAN PLACE RESIDENT Goes Hollywood Durante, the famous singer, actor, comedian and pianist from the 1920s to the 1970s. Some of Slover’s past hobbies include traveling with MGM to promote events surrounding “The Wizard of Oz,” and training poodles for show. “I even taught one to ride a skateboard,” said Slover. “I love Karl’s cheerful personality and positive outlook on everything,” said Drown. “Even though he is a “famous personality” he is down to earth and is just one of the family members here.” The event was a culmination of both the social and purposeful dimensions of living an Optimum Life®, and Slover couldn’t be happier. He has been a resident at Sheridan Place for three years. “The people are very nice, and I like my little garden spot,” he said. After spending several days in Hollywood, however, Slover was glad to come back to the community, because “there's no place like home.”
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Hit the Open Road with
Celebrations Road Trips • Attend a Blues festival. • Go to famous Blues clubs. • Participate in historical boat and walking tours. • Eat at the Walnut Room in Macy’s on State Street. December’s Celebrations theme, holiday, highlights “Holidays at the Walnut Room.” With this trip, residents have the opportunity to experience the celebration firsthand. “The goal of Celebrations is to offer exceptional exploration,” said Terry. “We are giving residents the opportunity to have fun and stimulate their minds by discovering the birthplace of some of the most
influential music firsthand.” Trips will be anywhere from five to six nights and will be fully escorted. Select meals, transportation, admissions and tips will be included in the total price. Residents can sign up for one, two or all three of the trips. A designated travel agent will take care of all bookings, and residents will have the option to fly out from their preferred airport. Trip opportunities will be offered to all residents and a caregiver or family member. Watch for final details, including prices and dates, coming soon. Celebrations 2008 - “Music of Our Lives” is a yearlong event designed exclusively for Brookdale residents, and is all a part of Brookdale’s ongoing efforts to provide an exceptional lifestyle experience for residents.
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The Meadows of Glen Ellyn
Fitness and Fun step further and keeps residents going with a regular fitness plan so they don’t regress again. Pates and LeBlanc confer on many issues regarding the resident to give him or her the most effective program. Hibberd is in the department as well, and helps residents who have problems with speaking, swallowing, and memory. She teaches residents to strengthen their muscles to improve articulation, volume of voice and prevent drooling. She also teaches strategies to retrieve words and remember appointments, instructions, TV news reports, and more. The therapy is structured to be fun while improving an aspect of a residents’ life that may be causing frustration. “In addition to being very knowledgeable, Bob is also very personable,” said Etscheid. “He treats each resident as if he or she is the only resident.” “He has helped me in many ways,” said resident Al Stevenson. “Bob has given me a fresh look at what my
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health is and certain exercises to correct problems. At first my primary reason for coming was just to exercise, but now Bob has helped to address hip and back issues. He is a great guy to deal with as he knows what he is talking about. I come in to the Fitness Center doing a few little dance steps and Bob always joins me. I have been coming three times a week for the last year and a half, mostly working on the upper body machines.” “Bob makes me feel very comfortable on the machines. He is very motivating, personable, and is spiritually, physically, and emotionally involved with all the residents,” said resident Lorraine Burmeister. Pates and his staff has ventured into the social dimension as well, and made the Fitness Center a gathering area for residents where they come to laugh, tell jokes, and make new friends while exercising. “He is part of our better and different story,” said Marie Gurnik, Executive Director of The Meadows of Glen Ellyn.
Continued from page 10
Hallmark Battery Park Showcased in Photographic Celebration
Milestones to Recovery “I thought it was very nice to have an exhibit showing individuals who are a little older maintain an active lifestyle,” said Eisenberg. This truly was an Optimum Life® event incorporating all six dimensions for the community. Viewers were affected spiritually when viewing the transformation of the area, and how it has overcome huge obstacles to be what it is today. The residents being in the water aerobics class, attending the ribbon cutting ceremony and a trip to Battery Park with all residents to walk through the exhibit fulfills the physical dimension. Socially, this event brought so
many generations and cultures together – both in the pictures and during the exhibit. The purposeful dimension is shown by all those, named and unnamed, that have helped the area not only survive, but thrive. “It was such an honor for the Hallmark to participate in this event. It was a true feeling of unity among our residents and the community of Battery Park City,” said Allison Miller, Director of Lifestyle Programs. “This event incorporated all the dimensions of Optimum Life® on such a personal level for each one of us, as we were all directly affected from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.” Sherman has lived in Manhattan since 1948. She “loves living here because the area has so much to offer – the parks, the winter garden, and more. She is pleased that the area has been developed. Poirier agrees, “I chose this neighborhood specifically for its beauty, convenience to public transportation, and access to cultural activities and events.” “I enjoy living in the Battery Park area very much. I moved from New Jersey, and this is the only part of New York that I would live in. It is quieter and has many parks,” said Ruth Harris. “My favorite part of the neighborhood is the parks. The community is next to Tear Drop Park and there are parks lined all along the river. My favorite is “Penny Park” – the one with all of the interesting sculptures.” “It was very exciting to see our residents and our community featured in this exhibit,” said Cheryl Bambach, Director of Sales and Marketing. “We are the only retirement community in Lower Manhattan and our residents have played a very active role in bringing culture, adversity, and history to Battery Park City. It is always nice to see our residents interacting within the neighborhood. They had fun with it.”
BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING / 14
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Sudoku
✎
While living an Optimum Life®, keeping your mind sharp is just as important as exercising your body. The intellectual dimension can be enhanced through many fun options, such as playing word games, solving puzzles, and learning a new language. For many, numbers are intriguing. Sudoku, a mind puzzle featuring digits, was developed by a 74-year-old retired architect, Howard Garns, in
1979. Known as a Japanese mind game, the game became popular in the United States recently and is featured in several major newspapers such as The New York Times, Washington Post and Boston Globe. Test your ability with the puzzle below, rated “medium” in level of difficulty. The object of the game is to insert the numbers 1 through 9 in the boxes below so each row, column and box use each number only once.
8 4
3 8 6
1
5
7 1
3 5
6 6
2
7 2
4
9 2 8 5
2 4
4
6 7 8
9 9
15 / OPTIMUM LIFE - WINTER 2008
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SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM “Proud to serve the residents and associates of Brookdale Senior Living, and in support of everyone achieving an Optimum Life®”
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
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Enhance Your Diet to Include “Super Foods” “Super foods” refers to food items that are full of nutrients, studied and proven to support good health. “We help our residents tap into the benefits of these “super foods” by using many of these in the daily menu choices at our communities,” said Joska Hajdu, Senior Vice President of Dining Services for Brookdale Senior Living. It has been found through recent research that whole foods are the best way to gain the benefit of these nutrients. Some examples of “super foods” include: NUTS • Have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease. • Are an excellent source of protein, Omega 3 fats, fiber and important antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium. Antioxidants may help protect the body from free radical damage. Free radicals destroy normal, healthy cells and cause disease. POMEGRANATES • Contain some of the highest levels of beneficial antioxidants. • In fact, pomegranate juice contains higher levels of antioxidants than most other fruit juices, red wine or green tea. BERRIES • Are full of vitamin C, folate, and fiber. • Are some of the most powerful disease-fighting foods available. TEA • Contains polyphenols, which give tea its antioxidant properties. • Interestingly, most herbal teas, however, do not contain the “beneficial” antioxidants. TOMATOES • Contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce some cancers and heart disease. • The most compelling evidence so far is the role of lycopene in prostate cancer prevention. CHOCOLATE • Contains flavonoids, a type of good antioxidant. • Especially dark chocolate contains about eight times the antioxidants found in strawberries. FRUITS AND VEGETABLES • Help prevent cancer and strokes. • Studies affirm that eating more fruits and vegetables may prevent breast cancer from returning among breast cancer survivors.
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