Spectrum Spring/Summer 2015 by Alive Publishing Group

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

R E L AT I O N S H I P S

COMMUNITY

This Feels Like Home SPRING | SUMMER 2015

Living LONGER, Living

STRONGER SECRETS TO THRIVING LATER IN LIFE

A PUBLICATION OF SPECTRUM RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES, LLC

Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC offers flexible, affordable month-to-month rental apartment homes, enabling residents to enjoy the luxury they desire without a prohibitive financial commitment or buy-in fee. Lifestyle options include independent living, assisted living, transitional memory care and memory care. Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC has multiple locations in 11 states across the country. To learn more or to find a community near you, call 888-516-2188 or visit us online at spectrumretirement.com

John Sevo MANAGING DIRECTOR

Healthcare Therapy Services, Inc.

Jeff Kraus MANAGING DIRECTOR

Phillip Luebbers SENIOR VP & CFO

Joe Mikalajunas

PHYSICAL

SENIOR VP & COO

Kathleen MacDonald

OCCUPATIONAL

EDITOR & VP OF MARKETING

SPEECH ◆ State-of-the-Art Therapy Equipment to Reduce Pain and Speed Healing ◆ Expert Advice, Education and Treatments to Keep You Complimentary Safe and Maintain balance screen for Your Independence every

resident!

Flexible Scheduling - Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm Convenient Location - Onsite clinic at Meadow Brook Senior Living

Call Therapy at: 317-695-4113

S P E C T R U M R E T I R E M E N T. CO M

(800) 852-0857 HUNGRYEYEMEDIA.COM Brendan Harrington PRESIDENT

Lindsay Burke ART DIRECTOR

Tom Wilmes EDITOR

Susan Humphrey MARKETING OPERATIONS MANAGER

Welcome to

Spectrum WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF AN exciting phenomenon: People around the world are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. Not only is the average life expectancy trending upward, but seniors in general are leading more active lifestyles and report feeling happier and younger than their actual age. It’s a trend that speaks to the deep personal connections and meaning we create later in life, as well as sweeping improvements in lifestyle and senior care. Aging gracefully is both an art and a science. So, can we identify certain factors that contribute to a high quality of life as we age? In this issue, we look at trends here in the United States that are leading to longer, happier lives. And we examine parts of the world renowned for their longevity, where researchers have discovered the Power 9—nine defining characteristics they believe help people age well. But to discover the real secrets of thriving later in life, we turn our attention toward our own Spectrum residents who lead full and vibrant lifestyles. Three of them share their perspective on what it takes to stay happy and have fun every step of the way. See “The Bright Side of Life” on page 24 to read more. To that end, it is truly you—the Spectrum residents—who make our communities so strong. Your lifetime experiences and unique perspectives weave the very fabric of who we are and what we do here. In “Sacrifice and Honor,” on page 10, we profile three Greatest

MANAGING DIRECTORS JEFF KRAUS AND JOHN SEVO

Generation residents who witnessed defining moments in our world history. And, in “Making a Difference,” we meet two residents who continue a legacy of giving back to the community at large. Read their stories on page 13. These are the stories that define us as a community: your stories. And they encourage us all, everyday, to stay engaged, to get involved and to age with grace and dignity. Thank you for the trust you instill in us. It’s you, your family, and the entire Spectrum team that drive us to offer the best housing solution for seniors today. It’s why we like to say, “This Feels Like Home.” John Sevo and Jeff Kraus Managing Directors Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC We’d love to hear from you! Do you have any ideas to share after reading this issue? What would you like to learn more about? How can we best celebrate the people and personalities that helped to shape our nation?

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LIFESTYLE

GREATEST GENERATION

SACRIFICE & HONOR

From the Battle of the Bulge to storied Iwo Jima, these men witnessed events that changed our nation and defined their generation.

DISTINGUISHED RESIDENTS

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

These residents exude the spirit of giving and service.

SENTIMENTAL CENTENNIAL

These Spectrum centenarians celebrate the memories they’ve made and the lessons they’ve learned in the past ten decades.

ADVISOR

19 FULL SPECTRUM

5 0 06

NEW AGING TRENDS

Getting older is getting easier.

A RISING TIDE

Average life expectancy is trending upward around the world and changing global perceptions of “old age.”

WELLNESS

SHADES OF GREY AND ZONES OF BLUE

What aging looks like around the world.

S P E C T R U M R E T I R E M E N T. CO M

P RACTICAL WAYS TO PREVENT FRAUD Seniors, and their families, need to be in the know.

A NEW CONCEPT IN OLD AGE

Assisted living communities are gaining favor among the country's aging population, and for good reason.

INSIDE SPECTRUM

THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE

Meet three Spectrum residents who exemplify the meaning of young at heart.

LOOKING AHEAD

Introducing Lombard Place Assisted Living & Memory Care.

NEW

Aging TRENDS

GETTING OLDER IS GETTING EASIER. HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES, IMPROVED CARE AND LOWER STRESS LEVELS MEAN OLDER ADULTS CAN RAISE THEIR GAME LATE IN LIFE. AN ARTICLE PUBLISHED LAST YEAR emotional instincts they’ve built with experience. in the Huffington Post cited a string of studies, articles “It’s a very encouraging fact that we can expect to and general societal shifts that all make the same be happier in our early 80s than we were in our observation: Aging need not be an ominous endeavor. 20s,” Andrew J. Oswald, a professor of psychology at For starters, aging isn’t as lonely as it was a Warwick Business School, told the New York Times. couple decades ago. There are more people leadAnd these emotional instincts contribute to sharper ing active lives into their 80s and 90s today, which mental acuity than you had just a few decades earlier. means that they can enjoy the company of their A University of Illinois study found that older air trafpeers as they reach these milestones together. fic controllers excelled at their challenging jobs—and Between 2000 and 2050, the number of people performed as well as younger peers—because they 80 or older is expected to quadruple. More chilwere so good at navigation and at handling several dren will know their grandparents and even their airplanes at once. They were able to overcome any great-grandparents. weaknesses by tapping into their wealth of experience. These are all factors in our increased All around the world, life expectancies For more happiness as we age, too. A recent study are rising and, more importantly, quality facts and reports that people are happiest in their of life metrics are trending right along in figures about youth and again in their 70s and 80s. developed nations. This means that your aging around Why? Some experts believe it is because the world, turn best years could very well be ahead of you, the page » older people are able to tap into social and as we all strive to age with grace. SPECT RUM | SP RING/SU M M E R 2 0 1 5

A RISING Tide

AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY IS TRENDING UPWARD AROUND THE WORLD AND CHANGING GLOBAL PERCEPTIONS OF “OLD AGE.”

Life Expectancy Around the World TOP 5 Monaco: 89.57 Macau: 84.48 Japan: 84.46 Spain: 81.47 Switzerland: 82.39

BOTTOM 5 Yemen: 64.83 Haiti: 63.18 Mozambique: 52.60 Afghanistan: 50.49 Chad: 49.44

United States: 79.56 Ranked #42 worldwide.

LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA

NICOYA, COSTA RICA

Source: cia.gov The World Factbook 2012

BLUE ZONES

By 2030, over

70 million Americans (2.3 in 10) will be over

the age of 65.

Source: Transgenerational.org

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Researchers with National Geographic identified five zones around the world where people reach the age of 100 at rates 10 times greater than in the U.S. The people in these zones share nine specific characteristics, called the Power 9. The lead author of this study, Dan Buettner, recently published a new book offering an in-depth look at the foods and lifestyle habits of people in these unique regions. Order The Blue Zones Solution online at bluezonessolutions.com. FOR MORE ON THE POWER 9, TURN TO PAGE 8.

FACT According to World Health Organization, creating “age-friendly” physical and social environments can have a big impact on improving the active participation and independence of older people.

Life Expectancy at Birth for Boys and Girls Worldwide

Determinants of Life Expectancy

25% GENES

75%

EVERYTHING ELSE: ATTITUDE, LIFESTYLE, GEOGRAPHY, LUCK

YEARS OF AGE For children born in 2012. Source: theguardian.com

SARDINIA, ITALY

IKARIA, GREECE

Young At Heart

OKINAWA, JAPAN

A Pew Research Center Study found that

2000

60 percent of adults over 65

2050

report feeling

younger than their actual age.

11% 22% Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 60+ Population

Who lives the longest?

Japanese women

87.0

Spanish women

85.1

Swiss women

85.1

Icelandic men

81.2

Swiss men

80.7

Australian men

80.5

Source: World Health Organization

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WELLNESS

Shades of

GREY Zones of AND

BLUE

REVEALING THE POWER 9: LIFESTYLE TRAITS THAT LEAD TO INCREASED LONGEVITY. By Dawn Carr

YOU CAN HARDLY OPEN A NEWSPAPER OR TURN on the television these days without seeing a report on aging. That’s because aging well is a hot topic as people around the world live longer, healthier lives. But what specific factors contribute to this increased longevity? Curiously, researchers have identified five distinct communities around the globe where people simply live longer. In fact, people in these areas are ten times more likely to reach the age of 100 than the average American. Scientists call these communities “Blue Zones” and note that people not only live longer there, but maintain a high quality of life. What makes people in Blue Zones so much more likely to thrive into their ninth and tenth decades? How do their cultures and lifestyle contribute to their endurance? Despite their relative distance and stark cultural differences from one another, all of the Blue Zone societies share a set of characteristics that the researchers refer to as the Power 9. Here, we look at those nine lifestyle traits and how each is manifest in the Blue Zones’ cultures.

S P E C T R U M R E T I R E M E N T. CO M

1. MOVE NATURALLY Routine rather than planned exercise seems to be a hallmark of the five Blue Zone cultures. In Ikaria, Greece, for example, gardening and hiking are not ancillary activities or hobbies but rather part of everyday life for the people who live in the inland highlands. They drive very little and spend a lot of time outdoors.

2. SENSE OF PURPOSE Researchers, like those who initiated the Okinawa Centenarian Study, suggest that the concept of ikigai—which

translates approximately to “sense of purpose”—likely plays a role in the longevity of people in Okinawa, Japan. According to Yoshiko Matsumoto, a Stanford professor and author of Faces of Aging: The Lived Experiences of the Elderly in Japan, ikigai guides aging adults to remain engaged and integrated in society. Matsumoto notes that elders are expected to play a productive role in their communities and can be seen walking on the streets, practicing Tai Chi, and they have a visible media presence. Other Blue Zones have their own versions of the concept. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, it’s called plan de vida or “reason to live.” In those communities, people transitioning into retirement actively reevaluate their life’s purpose.

3. DOWN SHIFT Living a long life means avoiding age-related diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Many of those are linked to chronic inflammation, which is linked to high stress levels. An activity as simple as laughing has been shown to reduce stress. In Sardinia, Italy, men gather in the street each afternoon to gossip and laugh together. In Loma Linda, Adventists observe a 24-hour Sabbath to focus on family, God, nature and their community.

4. 80-PERCENT RULE Another Japanese concept known as hara hachi bu, or the

80-percent rule, is noted as a key factor in healthy eating. The idea is that it is healthiest to eat until your stomach is 80-percent full. Similarly, many of the cultures have strong opinions about when you should eat. The Adventists in Loma Linda, Calif. for example, eat a very light, early dinner, which helps promote better sleep and a lower body mass index—a key indicator of heart-disease risk.

5. PLANT SLANT Without exception, all of the Blue Zones follow food philosophies that champion a plant-based diet. From the Mediterranean-style diet common in Ikaria and Sardinia to the Caribbean diet of the Nicoyans, from the strict vegetarianism of the SeventhDay Adventists in Loma Linda, to the soy- and veggie-heavy meals of Okinawans, Blue Zoners eat relatively little meat and plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains.

6. WINE WITH FRIENDS The key here, it seems, isn’t so much that you drink wine in moderation but rather that you drink it in the company of friends. Sardinians drink Cannonau, a wine that has three times the level of flavonoids as other wines. Incidentally, another shared beverage of choice among a few of the Blue Zones is goat milk, which contains tryptophan, a hormone known to lower stress.

7. BELONG Strong social ties are another consistent characteristic in the Blue Zone communities. According to bluezones.com, “attending a faith-based service four times per month—no matter the denomination—adds up to 14 years of life expectancy.” Okinawans and Nicoyans share a cultural belief that isolation is bad for older people and that cultivating meaningful relationships is a key aspect of maintaining a purposeful later life. Adventists in Loma Linda put a strong emphasis on volunteerism as a way of fostering community and a sense of purpose and belonging.

8. LOVED ONES FIRST Most of the Blue Zone societies celebrate rather than relegate their elders, and elders remain activelate in the lives of their kids and grandkids, which is good for all generations.

9. VALUED MEMBERS Many of the Blue Zone communities foster opportunities for members of society to be active late into their lives, they encourage and enable smart eating by making healthy food sources readily available, and they treat their elders as equal members of society.

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GREATEST

GENERATION

SACRIFICE & HONOR FROM THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE TO STORIED IWO JIMA, THESE MEN WITNESSED EVENTS THAT CHANGED OUR NATION AND DEFINED THEIR GENERATION. By Cris Caufield

HE GREATEST GENERATION IS characterized by men and women who were committed to doing the “right thing.” Three Oaks resident Joe Brcich represents his generation well. He was 18, just out of high school in Chicago, Ill., when he was inducted into the Army. He trained at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in Arkansas. From there, he was stationed in New Jersey before heading across the Atlantic to Europe. Joe was a “doughboy” who walked across France and Germany during the winter months to fight in the Battle of the Bulge, one of the bloodiest battles of WWII. The walk across France into Germany was brutal. The roads were muddy

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and icy. The soldiers moved so fast, they had to eat as they marched. Joe recalls that he had a little folding can opener and a spoon in his pocket to eat K-rations on the move. Sleep was brief, as the soldiers only had a short time to rest before they had to move on. Joe carried grenades and rifle grenades to use in the battle. He describes the battle as long, hard and ugly, but he is grateful that he survived. “I was one of the lucky ones,” he says. When the war ended, Corporal Brcich returned to Chicago. He worked as a security guard at Wrigley Field, a dream job for the Cubs fan. One day, he met a young woman named Mary who was visiting friends there.

JOE BRCICH

Three Oaks, Cary, Ill.

They would later marry and raise a daughter, Jean, together. Today, Joe most enjoys spending time with Mary, who calls him her hero. “He’s a good man,” Mary says. “Gentle and kind.” Joe and Mary have been married 58 years.

Serving with the Navy in the Pacific during WWII, Crescent Park resident Bob Boyce found himself in Japan at the time of the Japanese surrender in 1945.

OB’S FATHER AND MOTHER, Robert Perry Boyce and Clare Agnes Bramble Boyce, met in Texarkana, Ark., and were married in Shanghai, China, while Robert was there working for American Express. When Clare became pregnant, she traveled alone to Portland, Ore., and delivered Bob there so that he would have American citizenship. He was born in 1921, and shortly thereafter, he and his mother returned to Shanghai, where they stayed for five years. After Bob’s younger sister was born, the family returned to the States, this time for good. Bob’s father began working for Southern Pacific Railroad, which required frequent transfers. The family lived all over the U.S., from Portland to Texas to New Mexico. They eventually settled in Cottage Grove, Ore. After graduating high school, Bob continued his studies at Oregon State University, while working part time for Southern Pacific. When WWII broke out, Bob joined the Navy and worked as a Marine Corps medical corpsman on the USS Massachusetts in the

BOB BOYCE

Crescent Park Senior Living Eugene, Ore.

South Pacific Islands. Bob served in Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, Philippines, New Guinea, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and mainland Japan. He was in Japan when the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. When Bob returned home after the war, he went to work for Southern Pacific Railroad, where he would stay for 44 years. In 1946, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy, and they had three sons. Ronald lives

in Camas, Wash., Roger lives in Medford, Ore., and Robert “Bill” lives in Corvallis, Ore. In 1986, Dorothy passed away from lung cancer after 40 years of marriage. Thereafter, through friends, Bob met Bonnie, whose husband also had passed away. Bob and Bonnie were married on September 29, 1989. Bonnie has two daughters: Patricia and Judy. In October of 2014, Bob was invited to participate in the Honor Flight. He shared this experience with his son, Roger, who is also a Marine Corp veteran who served in Vietnam. Roger worked security at the American Embassy in Saigon and later at the American Embassy in Portugal. Together they traveled to Washington, D.C., viewing the service monuments. Bob was given the honor of placing the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Bob is a HO-scale model train enthusiast. He built an amazing display in his home. He also enjoys designing and building wooden birdhouses and toys for children—little wagons for the boys and doll beds for the girls. SPECT RUM | SP RING/SU M M E R 2 0 1 5

WELLNESS

GREATEST

GENERATION

URCHARD NEEL LANDED in Europe on Christmas Eve, 1944, and served on the front line in the Battle of the Bulge. He was 21 years old, and had been active duty since early 1943. A radio operator in the infantry, he was part of the effort that overtook Wesenberg, Schweinfurt, Furth, and Munich from the Germans. He also served as a member of his division’s intelligence and reconnaissance platoon, which was considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the military at the time. It required soldiers to get out ahead of the front line of infantry, essentially to spy on and gather information about the enemy without drawing attention or fire, and then to carry that information back to the commander and the troops who were waiting to attack. A few months later, with the war coming to an end, he was among the troops that liberated the Dachau concentration camp outside of Germany, which he recalls as the most moving experience of

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BURCHARD NEEL Westview at Ellisville Ellisville, Mo.

his wartime service. After the war, Burchard lived in Vienna, Austria, and Southern France for eight months. While he was waiting for his orders to return home, he studied art, music and culture at the University of Vienna. He also attended the Biariettz University in France, where he studied education and French language. When asked how war affected his life, he says, “It was the [most significant] experience I ever had. It was great to be a part of some of the greatest happenings in the world.” When Burchard returned home, he became an

elementary school teacher. While teaching, he met his wife, Ruth, who was also a teacher. They fell in love and got married on June 30, 1951. Together, they raised two daughters, Charlotte and Cecelia. Burchard taught elementary school for seven years before being promoted to principal. By the end of his career, he was the deputy superintendent for personnel for the entire St. Louis School District. In November 2012, Burchard, now 92, and Ruth moved into Westview Assisted Living & Memory Care. Since joining Westeview, Burchard and Ruth enjoy participating in exercise class and playing word games, bingo, and board games. They enjoy meal times and socializing with their new friends. The things that Burchard likes most about being at Westview are the conveniences such as transportation assistance. He also feels more secure knowing that there is assistance here when and if he or Ruth ever need it.

Distinguished Resident

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

For these two Spectrum ladies, what you get out of life is a direct reflection of what you put in. They exude the spirit of giving and have touched countless lives with their service to others.

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE HELEN Hagen? Trailblazer. In 1944, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Webster University in St. Louis and promptly landed a job teaching liberal arts. At that time, television was just emerging, but Helen thought it was a medium worth exploring. She went to New York City where she studied television production and worked as an apprentice at CBS studios. Despite the appeal of The Big Apple, New York wasn’t home, so Helen returned to St. Louis in 1953. Together with American film producer and future Academy Award winner Charles Guggenheim, Helen founded KETC, one of the country’s first public television stations. It wasn’t long before the local CBS affiliate took note of her talents and recruited her to create and produce a morning news show called “Montage,” that aired every Sunday morning for 10 years. She also worked on a documentary about the civil

Helen Hagen

SOUTHVIEW, AFFTON, MO.

rights movement and one about the first moon landing. She won the Albert Lasker Medical Journalism Award and was also a producer on the feature film “The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery” starring Steve McQueen. In 1968, in the midst of a skyrocketing career in film and television, Helen stepped away to

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LIFES T YLE

take care of her ailing mother. You might think she had some regret and resentment, but nothing could be further from the truth. She said television was exhausting and materialistic, and she always knew she would move on to more important things like helping people. Helen’s time with her mother was not only precious to her, it opened Helen’s eyes to the lack of community resources for elderly adults. She says she can’t imagine someone thinking that caring for their parent would be a burden. For her, it was an honor and a privilege. She was so affected, in fact, that after her mother’s death in 1980, Helen returned to Webster University, where she earned a master’s degree in gerontology. She wanted to understand what her mother was going through and to make sure she was providing the highest quality of care. Helen spent the remainder of her professional career working in social services as a director, overseeing staffing, grant writing and management efforts. In conjunction with Upjohn Pharmaceutical company, she established a homecare company and did all of the education for the staff, saying her goal, “was to help them become better caregivers and better people.” A successful stretch for anyone, let alone a woman born in 1921, Helen’s achievements and contributions don’t end there. In 2007, Helen established an endowed music scholarship in celebration of her long connection to Webster, and she named it in honor of her

grandniece, who developed a love of music early and was fortunate enough to follow her passion all the way to a master’s degree and then back into the classroom, just as Helen had done. “At 88, I thought it was time…to contribute in a small way to the life goals and dreams of aspiring students,” she says. “I believe that music education embodies all the disciplines

"GIVING IS EASY. ACCEPTING BEARS RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMITMENT."

SP E C T R U M R E T I R E M E N T.CO M

and creative effort for all art forms. Also I believe that, in an era that devours music— both good and bad—like a camel at the watering hole, we need professionally educated musicians to purify the water.” “Giving is easy,” she says. “Accepting bears responsibility and commitment.” This spring, Helen’s commitments and contributions to Webster and the city of St. Louis will be recognized when she earns an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Webster. Helen is adored by her eight nieces and nephews and more than 20 great nieces and nephews. She says her greatest accomplishment was producing early educational programs for schools and communities, and all she ever wanted was “to do things in life that had not been done by others.”

Ursula Evans

PINE RIDGE OF HAYES, STERLING HEIGHTS, MICH.

THERE’S A WOODEN SIGN ON THE kitchen counter in Ursula Evan’s Pine Ridge of Hayes apartment in Sterling Heights, Mich., that reads: “It’s never too late to live happily ever after.” She looks at it every day and is reminded that each day ahead of her, as well as all the days behind her, are gifts. It’s a lesson she learned as a young child. When she was just five years old, she was hit by a car and her injuries were so severe that she spent a long time in the hospital recovering. Just a year later, she wound up back

"IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER."

in the hospital with pneumonia, and it was after another extended stay there that she developed a strong and ever-lasting affection and respect for the nurses who cared for her. At six years old, she knew that nursing was her life’s calling. When Ursula was 17, her mother died, leaving her to help care for four younger siblings and dashing her dreams of attending nursing school. Or so she thought. Her father was very supportive and urged her to go to school, and her uncle loaned her the funds. She attended nursing school and graduated with her certificate. “Going to nursing school was the best thing that ever happened to me,” she says. Ursula’s first job was as a labor and delivery nurse. Soon after, she was transferred into the operating room where she worked as an ENT nurse. Although she got a lot of personal satisfaction from working in the operating room, once she and her husband had children, she began work as a school nurse to allow her more time with her family. Ursula spent the remainder of her career helping children in the local school system. Ursula brushes aside the valuable impact she had on many people, especially children, over the course of her 43-year career. She modestly reminisces about the contributions she made to her community, with an understated, “[I’m glad] I could help somebody.”

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LIFES T YLE

Sentimental

CENTENNIAL THESE SPECTRUM CENTENARIANS CELEBRATE THE MEMORIES THEY’VE MADE AND THE LESSONS THEY’VE LEARNED IN THE PAST TEN DECADES.

In 1915, the U.S. House of Representatives rejected a proposal to give women the right to vote, Alexander Graham Bell made the first transcontinental telephone call from New York to San Francisco, Typhoid Mary was arrested and quarantined, Babe Ruth hit his first home run, the Ford Motor Company manufactured its 1 millionth Model T, and these seven incredible people came into the world. So much has changed in the past 100 years, and these folks have seen it all. Here’s what they’ve learned. »

Agnes Block Southview Assisted Living Affton, Mo. BIRTHDAY: June 1, 1915

Ruby Blake Pine Ridge of Garfield

Clinton Township, Mich.

What do you value most in life? Family. I have eight children, 31 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren.

What are some of your most vivid memories? Pop bought an orange grove in Texas, and we used to drive from there down to the Rio Grande Valley and then go over to Mexico. I also remember that my mom made the very best pies and canned everything: vegetables, fruit, jellies, and tomato juice.

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BIRTHDAY: March 24, 1915

What is the major principle you live by? Love the Lord and trust in Him.

What big world event do you remember from the time you were growing up? The armistice when WWI ended.

What are some important lessons you’ve learned? Friendships are very important. Prior to moving to Lincoln Meadows, I made sure to spend time with my friends. Now, I have outlived them all. Here at Lincoln Meadows I've been able to meet such great people that I consider my friends.

What were some significant turning points in your life? Getting married was a turning point. Becoming a wife and a mother was a big responsibility.

What’s the secret to a happy marriage? I was happily married for 50 years, and I helped Malcolm along all the time. I was his support system. I think that wives should support their husbands, and I was there for him every step of the way.

What are your major values in life? I never take anything for granted.

Ann Shanower Lincoln Meadows Parker, Colo. BIRTHDAY: March 5, 1915

What’s the biggest difference between life today and life in 1915? It seems like everything is so fast around me. Life seems like it used to be much slower paced and easier.

What was your happiest moment? My happiest moment had to be the birth of my daughters; I have really enjoyed being a mother all of my life, and I still enjoy it. I have two daughters, four grandkids and nine great-grandkids.

Ruth Roecklein Parkrose Estates Liverpool, N.Y. BIRTHDAY: February 23, 1915

To a certain extent, the first daughter was a challenge and it was difficult learning how to be a mother. The first was a challenge, but the second was much more fun and much easier than the first.

What was your most influential experience? I was a housewife for most of my life. I just enjoyed having kids and having a husband come home after work. When he walked through the door, he would sit down and I would have dinner ready. I enjoyed cooking and spending time at home during the day but when my husband came home, I would make sure that we would spend some good time together. I remember him walking through the door; he was good looking, had a goatee, and was always happy to come home.

What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned? To be happy and take things as they come.

What have you liked best about your life so far? Knowing that people have and will care for me.

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LIFES T YLE

Dorothea Polst Crestview

Crestwood, Mo. BIRTHDAY: June 11, 1915

What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned? Family is very important to me. I believe in the law of reciprocity. What you give in life, you get back.

What is your most vivid memory? Walking six blocks to school, back home for lunch, and then back to school and home again with my girlfriends each day. One of those girls was my friend for life until she died.

What big world events do you remember from the time you were growing up? The Depression. We couldn’t get paper products and had to get coupons for shoes. Gasoline and cigarettes were rationed. I remember seeing newsreels of the long lines of people waiting for work.

How is life different today than it was when you were a kid? We just had a good time. We didn’t need all these electronics. We could just talk, roller skate and laugh together. We’d play jacks on the front porch.

What inventions do you most remember? Electricity—it was wonderful.

Helen Stoetzer

Pine Ridge of Garfield Clinton Township, Mich. BIRTHDAY: March 5, 1915

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What’s the best compliment you ever received? When my husband said, ‘I love you.’

How should a person prepare for growing older? By being healthy and happy and enjoying your friends and family.

Evelyn Sasak Three Oaks Cary, Ill. BIRTHDAY: June 3, 1913

What do you remember about your childhood? Life on a farm wasn’t easy. I learned to work hard, get up early, and do lots of chores.

How is life different today than it was when you were a kid? Young people today have so many material things. When I was growing up, I had to be resourceful to find enjoyment. I would take scraps from the clothes my mother sewed for us, and I’d make clothes for my dolls. That hobby became my career: I started making my own clothes and then made clothes for friends, all without patterns.

What are you most proud of? I loved making wedding gowns. I liked collaborating with the bride to create the dress she would wear on her special day.

ADVISOR

Practical Ways to

PREVENT FRAUD SENIORS, AND THEIR FAMILIES, NEED TO BE IN THE KNOW. By Lydia Manning

FINANCIAL FRAUD OF SENIORS IS becoming increasingly common and is now a major problem in the United States. Elder financial exploitation varies in type and extent, but always leaves older adults and their families vulnerable. The epidemic is becoming so widespread, in fact, that award-winning author and journalist John F. Wasik has described elder financial abuse as “the crime of the 21st century.” While it is challenging to define, experts at MetLife have described elder financial abuse as any type of unauthorized use of funds or the illegal taking of resources or property of people over 60 years old. In the “Broken Trust: Elders, Families, and Finances” study, MetLife reports that one million elders are defrauded of about $2.6 billion each year in the U.S. While it is estimated that one million older adults are victims of financial abuse each year, some experts argue that this number is too low, because many cases go unreported. Most people assume that the perpetrators are

usually strangers, but the majority are actually close friends, family members or trusted individuals with access to the victim’s personal and financial information. Research reveals that the most common perpetrators are financial professionals, attorneys, fiduciary agents, family members, and non-agency related caregivers. Given the unfortunate reality of the problem, older adults and their families need to be aware and arm themselves with knowledge and protective practices. Here are seven strategies to help protect your assets, resources and wealth: 1. STAY INVOLVED IN YOUR FINANCIAL MATTERS AND REMAIN CAUTIOUS. At the very least,

monitor your account statements, credit card bills, and bank balances. Meet with your financial advisor at least once a year and be sure to notify your attorney or accountant of any major life changes, such

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ADVISOR

as the sale of an asset, a move to a new home, the loss of a loved one, or an inheritance. According to James L. Flanagan, founder of Bentron Financial Group, a wealth management firm specializing in planning for people age 60 and older, “Client involvement is critical. It does not mean understanding the details of every prospectus or legal document you read, but rather having a basic understanding of what you own and why you have it. There is really no bad question to ask. It is your money and your life; anyone who is put off by your questions should probably not be your advisor.” 2. SEEK PROFESSIONAL AND TRUSTWORTHY COUNSEL BEFORE MAKING FINANCIAL DECISIONS. If something sounds too good to be

true, it probably is. Don’t be taken in by promises which don’t pass the “smell test.” You can begin by checking references at your local chamber of commerce or Better Business Bureau. Here are a few other places to check out professionals before engaging their services: · finra.org allows you to research brokers, brokerage firms, investment advisor representatives and investment advisor firms · cfp.net allows you to check the registration of a certified financial planner · naela.org allows you to find attorneys that specialize in elder care · caregiver.org allows you to do background checks on caregivers 3. AVOID ISOLATION AND STAY IN TOUCH WITH TRUSTED FAMILY MEMBERS. As we age, and

our circle of family and friends shrinks, we crave human connection. This natural desire for connection can put us at risk if we trust the wrong people. People who are isolated face a greater risk of financial abuse because they are often more vulnerable. It is important to maintain a sphere of healthy and trusted relationships.

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4. BEWARE OF PEOPLE WHO ASK TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR FINANCIAL MATTERS OR BECOME YOUR LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE. When

someone asks to have their name added to your bank accounts and property titles, it should be a major red flag. Be careful sharing control of your assets. 5. KEEP YOUR LEGAL AND FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS IN A SAFE PLACE. It used to be common-

place to store these documents in a bank safety deposit box. However, this can be problematic. According to a recent New York Times article by Paula Span, “Most of the time, [hospital] patients who have advance directives somewhere and don’t bring them to the hospital have simply left them at home. But lawyers’ offices and safety deposit boxes are also popular locations. All of which are useless if a person can’t direct his own care, or if family members are at odds, or they are rummaging through drawers and files looking for the paperwork while the ER staff stands by.” Flanagan suggests that his clients keep these very important documents in a fireproof safe in their home and “always make sure someone you trust has the combination,” he says. “These documents need to be available in an emergency and especially on a weekend.” 6. BEWARE OF TELEPHONE SOLICITATIONS OR EMAIL SCAMS.

Flanagan notes two recent scams targeting seniors in Chicago, Ill. The first he describes as the “grandparent scam.” This is when someone posing to be your grandchild calls on a very muffled phone saying they need money to get out of jail. They will usually say they are traveling or at school and have gotten into trouble that they would prefer not to share with their parents. The grandparent is then directed to send money to the child via some money transfer agent. Another scam involves people calling and saying they are

from the IRS. This is extremely popular near tax season. The caller explains they are from the IRS and that you owe back taxes. They threaten to lien your assets, bank accounts, and your home if you do not pay immediately. They will accept payment by credit card to “solve your tax problem.” Flanagan explains, “The IRS does not work that way. You should be notified in writing through the U.S. Mail. If someone calls saying they are from the IRS, and you have not received a letter, hang up immediately.” 7. PROTECT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESSES AND PASSWORDS. Remembering

all of your usernames and passwords to navigate life on the web can be difficult for even the most organized person. You need to guard this information and only share it with your most trusted family members or financial advisors. Do not leave it in public view or write your passwords on a Post-It note next to your computer. If you have concerns, or feel that you or a loved one may be a victim of elder financial abuse, do not hesitate to report the issue to authorities. Look for the agency that provides services to older adults in your area. They will be able to assess what the next steps should be or what protections you can put in place. For immediate needs, call the local police department who in turn should contact the local state’s attorney. You can also discuss these concerns with a trusted loved one, family member, or professional (attorney, bank manager, or financial advisor). It is vital to address your concerns in a timely matter. Trust your gut, and let someone you trust know about your discomfort.

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ADVISOR

A New

CONCEPT in Old Age

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES ARE GAINING FAVOR AMONG THE COUNTRY’S AGING POPULATION, AND FOR GOOD REASON. By Barbara Hall

AGING IN AMERICA IS A RELATIVELY new phenomenon. In 1900, the median age of U.S. residents was 23; now it’s 35.3. The 65-and-over population rose from about 4 percent in 1900 to more than 12 percent today. But the most dramatic increase has been in the 85-plus age group, which numbered 122,000 in 1900 and now sits at more than 4 million people. With these changing demographics have come many changes in the way we think about, and care for, our aging residents. Assisted living communities are a relatively new concept designed to provide a healthy and personable alternative to aging in home or the more clinicalfeeling, old-fashioned nursing home. The philosophy of assisted living is to provide highly individualized care that evolves with a person’s specific needs while allowing the resident to remain independent.

A BRIEF LOOK BACK Before 1800, elderly people who needed help were often placed in homes along with the insane, the inebriated and the homeless. Later, women’s groups and churches operated homes for older people who had no family and little financial support. When Social Security arrived in the middle of the 1900s, so came the notion that retired people 22

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had the right to skilled care as they aged. Nursing and retirement homes that addressed the specific needs of the older residents, specifically those with numerous medical needs, became the norm. But over the decades, Americans became increasingly dissatisfied with that type of care. It was oftentimes seen as clinical and impersonal, and the costs skyrocketed. There were few affordable middle-ground solutions for people who were aging in good health, and needed transitional housing and communities that helped them age vibrantly. In response, assisted living was developed and has quickly become the fastest growing long-term care option in the U.S. There are now more than 30,000 assisted living communities in our country and more are being added every year. Nearly one million adults live in these communities, and many are on waiting lists.

A NEW WAY FORWARD The concept behind assisted living is to provide privacy and independence along with daily care that is appropriate to each member’s individual needs. For example, a new resident may not need any care

THE SPECTRUM DIFFERENCE AT SPECTRUM RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES,

services at all, just a maintenance-free lifestyle in a lovely community with the opportunity for activities and socializing. As the resident ages, he or she is able to stay in the community, adding services such as assistance with bathing or dressing, as they become necessary. When the concept was first introduced, assisted living was extremely popular among family members because it was seen as a more affordable option and one that was more palatable than traditional nursing homes, which are often considered sterile and impersonal. But after it caught on, the enthusiasm for the concept grew among the seniors themselves as they began to see the many options and amenities offered in the best of the communities. As assisted living has continued to evolve, seniors have more choices than they could have dreamed of just 10 years ago. There are now housing options specific to differences in ethnicities, sexual orientations, and interests. Many provide opportunities for continuing education, so seniors can continue to expand their minds as they age. Work is being done on the federal level to make sure that the wide variety of the best types of housing is affordable for all.

we have taken the basic concept of assisted living, introduced in the 1970s, and brought it into the 21st century. One of the main concerns of seniors and their families as they are pondering the next stage of life is affordability. Many assisted living communities require a large outlay of cash or buy-in fee, which is daunting to many families. Spectrum offers month-to-month rental programs, allowing residents to enjoy all the amenities without a large financial commitment. We back up our commitment to service with a 60-day money-back guarantee. At Spectrum, our focus is on a quality lifestyle. Some of our activities include book clubs, outings for movies and shopping, cards, crafts, and so much more. If there’s something you like to do that’s not in our current program, we’ll add it. Our options include independent living, assisted living, transitional memory care and memory care, with the flexibility to transition between all of those options, or offer one level of care to one spouse, with another level for the other. Our unique offerings include stateof-the-art fitness centers and lifestyle enrichment programs. We offer a variety of dining services that rival the best restaurants. We welcome family members to be a part of our residents’ lives as much as they wish. Dogs and cats are more than welcome; we know they are an important part of your family. And, every one of our communities employs a Director of Fun; what could be better than that?

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INSIDE SPEC TRUM

The BRIGHT SIDE of Life MEET THREE SPECTRUM RESIDENTS WHO EXEMPLIFY THE MEANING OF YOUNG AT HEART. ACCORDING TO LAURA CARSTENSEN, a psychology professor at Stanford University, as we age our motivations change and we become more focused on emotionally meaningful experiences. Not only do we become better at regulating our emotions as we get older, we seek out emotionally gratifying interactions with our friends and family. This means we become better able to withstand some of the challenges that cross our paths and, in fact, create strategies to avoid them altogether. While this increasing focus on a positive lifestyle is a natural aspect of aging, some people seem particularly adept at focusing on the bright side of life. They live young at heart by leveraging this positive attitude in the best way possible, staying

BARBARA SEARS LAKEVIEW LAKEWOOD, COLO.

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socially engaged and living life to its fullest. Here we introduce three Spectrum residents who encapsulate this positive attitude. Barbara Sears, of Lakeview in Colorado, prides herself on being on time, first to introduce herself to new residents, and a social butterfly. A cancer survivor, her positive attitude is her antidote to the hard parts of life and the foundation for her service to others. Ed Spencer, who in his early 90s still seeks out adventures like riding motorcycles, flying airplanes, and painting believes his positive attitude is a key to his handling the tough times. And Betsy Parrot, a five-year resident of Pine Ridge of Plumbrook, is actively engaged in a number of activities that help enhance the lives of others in her community.

BARBARA SEARS HAS been at Lakeview since it opened in 2009. She is a remarkable lady. She is never late to any of the activities, and is always there to help anyone in need and make sure new residents feel welcome by visiting them or sitting with them for meals. She is always the one participating in fun games during happy hour. She is on the hospitality committee, exercises every day, and walks with our walking group

on Thursdays. She stays busy going out with friends and enjoying life by doing fun things. Barbara always has a smile and exudes genuine happiness. She has traveled to many places throughout her life and is a veteran. She has even overcome cancer three times. No doubt, her positive attitude has helped her through some tough battles. She continues to see the glass as half full at all times and her laugh is absolutely contagious.

ED SPENCER THREE OAKS

ED SPENCER IS CARY, ILL. always ready to embrace adventure, an attitude that keeps him young at heart. For his 90th birthday, he flew a Piper Cub plane and went indoor rock climbing. For his 91st birthday, he and his son rented a Harley Davidson threewheeler and drove 150 miles to Wisconsin, enjoying the fall scenery on all of the side roads. Flying planes and driving motorcycles are activities that Ed has enjoyed throughout his adult life, but painting is a hobby he started more recently. He creates a painting about every three weeks and displays his work in the community, where residents enjoy seeing it. When Ed held a painting demonstration for everyone to attend, it was standing room only. Ed truly enjoys his life. He found the right girl, his wife Jean, with whom he had three wonderful children. Now he enjoys 14 grandchildren and, by May, will have 34 great-grandchildren to brag about. Ed’s family gets together on a regular basis to talk and have fun. Last Christmas, the children in his family even came to Three Oaks to meet Santa … Ed, in costume. Ed believes that his attitude has a lot to do with being young at heart and energetic. He advises others to think positively and choose to be happy and cheerful. When faced with tough times, Ed fought to keep going, to do what’s right, to keep working until he was back on top. It’s a positive outlook that gets a person through difficult times and helps him or her enjoy the good times. And what is Ed planning to do for his 92nd birthday? Indoor skydiving, of course.

BETSY PARROT

PINE RIDGE OF PLUMBROOK STERLING HEIGHTS, MICH.

BETSY PARROT HAS BEEN A RESIDENT at Pine Ridge of Plumbrook for about five years. She takes part in more activities than any other resident in the building. She loves to stay outside of her room whenever possible and even helps run activities such as Pictionary, Bunko, Walking the Halls, and more on the weekends. Betsy is always one of the first residents to attend an activity and she will always go around beforehand to ask other residents to attend or join in. She is a huge help to the activity department and is part of our HUGS committee, for which she gets a list of new residents’ names, room numbers, and move-in dates. Betsy personally visits each new resident, and usually bakes cookies or something special as a welcome gesture. She introduces herself and provides an activity calendar and newsletter. Betsy attends almost every activity we offer. When she first moved into our community, she wasn’t a painter. Now she paints more than twice a week, creating beautiful works of art that are always on display around the community. She even sold some of her paintings and drawings at our 2015 Heart of Art Intergenerational Art Show. She is always available to help new residents get acclimated to the community and is there with a smile and looks forward to helping anyone. SPECT RUM | SP RING/SU M M E R 2 0 1 5

INSIDE SPEC TRUM

Looking Ahead INTRODUCING LOMBARD PLACE ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE.

BESIDE BUDDING TREES AND FRAGRANT spring flowers, the newest Spectrum Retirement Community in Illinois is coming into bloom. Lombard Place Assisted Living & Memory Care in Lombard will be Spectrum’s third new community in the Chicago area. The town of Lombard, sometimes referred to as Lilac Village, is known for its attractive, sweet smelling lilac flowers that bloom a few weeks before the roses and other summer flowers. The lilac has been admired for generations for its beauty, fragrance and dependability. In fact, it was so popular that travelers and traders carried it from its native lands in the Balkans along the Silk Road to Istanbul. Later, early settlers brought the flower to North America in their luggage. Every May, Lombard hosts the internationally known Lilac Festival Parade that attracts 55,000 onlookers. The town is also known regionally for its Lilacia Park, which exemplifies the historic beauty of Lombard in bloom. The 8.5-acre park is fragrant with flowering lilac bushes, tulips and other spring blooms. Keeping with the vibrancy of the town, Lombard Place Assisted Living & Memory Care, which is 26

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projected to welcome residents this fall, will offer modern amenities, signature programs and delectable dining. Similar to its sister communities Cedar Lake Assisted Living in Lake Zurich, Ill., and Three Oaks Assisted Living in Cary, Ill., this new building will offer a fine balance between independence and care all within its three levels. Situated in an urban neighborhood but surrounded by convenient shopping, parks and recreation, Lombard Place will offer assisted living and memory care, along with Spectrum’s very own unique transitional memory care program—the Residence ClubSM. A total of 93 studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom apartments will be available to residents. Just over 40 percent of the community will be utilized for community space features, such as a library, full-service salon/ beauty parlor, bistro, wellness center and more. Lombard Place, located at 300 West 22nd Street, will offer month-to-month rental apartments, with no buy-in fees. For more information or to reserve your future home today, call 630-953-7472 or visit www.LombardPlaceAssistedLiving.com. Visit SpectrumRetirement.com for more information on Lombard Place.

Introducing Saturday Night Prime Rib Dinner! Available at all Spectrum Retirement Communities. We serve only the finest ingredients â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including Certified Angus Beef ÂŽ.

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This feels Actual Spectrum Residents

like home

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