Spectrum Summer Fall 2017

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

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

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COMMUNITY

This Feels Like Home SUMMER | FALL 2017

Making a

DIFFERENCE Seniors Are Creating a Legacy Through Volunteerism and Giving

A PUBLICATION OF SPECTRUM RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES, LLC


In every home, there’s a story. In every home, there’s a story.

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

We’re celebrating 50 years We’re celebrating 50 years of of caring for America. caring for America.

options include independent living, assisted living, transitional memory care and memory

At Interim HealthCare, we provide quality home Interim HealthCare, we provide quality home care At services for our neighbors and friends. care services for our andtoo. friends. We’d like to be part ofneighbors your story, We’d like to be part of your story, too.

multiple locations in 12 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

• Shared Care Skilled Nursing Nursing Shared Care Care •Skilled Therapy Services • Palliative •Therapy • Hospice Palliative Care Private Services Duty Private Duty Hospice View our Stories: View our Stories: InterimHealthCare.com/Stories InterimHealthCare.com/Stories (913) 381-3100 (913) 381-3100 www.interimhealthcare.com www.interimhealthcare.com •

care. Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC has

John Sevo MANAGING DIRECTOR

Jeff Kraus MANAGING DIRECTOR

Brad Kraus PRESIDENT & COO

Phillip Luebbers SENIOR VP OF FINANCE & SPECIAL SERVICES

Joe Mikalajunas CHIEF COMMUNITY OPERATING OFFICER

Kathleen MacDonald EDITOR & VP OF MARKETING

To you, it’s about making the right choice...To us, it’s personal. • • • •

Companionship Care Personal Care Dementia Care Meals & Nutrition

• Household Duties • Respite Care • Hospice Care Support Services

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

HomeInstead.com/Denversouth South Denver

303.389.5700

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Douglas CO.

303.688.7852

Ser vI N G

ART DIRECTOR

Alithea Cessna DESIGNER

N VER FO R

YEARS

303.463.1900

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20

North Denver

Lindsay Burke

Heather Shoning EDITOR

Susan Humphrey MARKETING OPERATIONS MANAGER


Welcome to

Spectrum

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LIVING A LIFE OF SERVICE AND leaving a legacy is one our greatest joys as human beings. Many of our amazing residents have given to the organizations they hold dear through monetary gifts and scholarships. And many have shared their talents throughout life by way of education, acts of service, mentorship and volunteerism. Whichever avenue you choose for leaving your legacy and making a difference in someone’s life, it’s never too late to start. Choosing the traditional route of volunteering for national and even international organizations, as in our feature article (Seniors Making a Difference, page 7), is a wonderful way you can keep or begin sharing your gifts and time. Another way to make an impact in your immediate community is by starting or getting involved in a Spectrum organization or event. Be sure to read about Ken Dulinski who put his experience in retail stocking to work at the Villas of Shelby General Store (Be a Volunteer, page 27). Distinguished Resident Agnes Meyer, is leaving a legacy in her hometown. She donated a piece of land she and her husband had owned for many years to the local library so they could build a new branch with more space and updated equipment. It was her way of sharing a love of reading with generations to come (page 14).

MANAGING DIRECTORS JEFF KRAUS AND JOHN SEVO

Some of our tips for downsizing for a move to a senior living community (page 24) might inspire you to make some donations that will leave a lasting impression on someone in your neighborhood or even create value for an organization you cherish. There are so many ways to make an impact, serve others and create a legacy. We hope you’ll find inspiration in these pages. Don’t wait to make an impact in someone’s life through giving. Enjoy the issue, John Sevo and Jeff Kraus Managing Directors Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC We’d love to hear from you! Do you have an interesting story to share? An idea for a future issue of the magazine? What would you like to learn more about? Help us celebrate the people and personalities that make Spectrum such a wonderful company. Send your ideas to editor@spectrumretirement.com.

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FINDING FRIENDSHIP Get involved to meet new people.

LIFESTYLE

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Simple tactics for a positive outlook on life.

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Making a Difference

WELLNESS

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5 WAYS TO GET IN SHAPE

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BE A FREE WHEELER!

Get moving for health and fun. Don’t let mobility issues slow you down — keep moving for life.

VACCINATIONS AND OLDER ADULTS The shots that keep seniors healthy.

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GREATEST GENERATION

MAKING A LIFE OF IT A military deployment inspired a marriage and made a life for this couple.

FEATURE

SENIORS

SHARING PASSIONS Spectrum residents share stories and passions that keep them active and engaged in their communities.

PRACTICE GRATITUDE

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DISTINGUISHED RESIDENTS

CELEBRATING OUR CENTENARIANS Reflecting on a century of life and a lifetime of memories.

ADVISOR

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DOWNSIZING TIPS Ways to make your move to senior housing easier.

CREATING A LEGACY Think beyond a dollar amount.

INSIDE SPECTRUM

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LOOKING AHEAD

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BE A VOLUNTEER

Spectrum offers affordable, luxurious senior living to retirees in Arizona. Working in your community is a great way to serve and make new friends.


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Finding FRIENDSHIP By Katie Rapone

Making friends later in life can be challenging, but friendship is important for our health and wellbeing, especially as we get older. Finding an activity you enjoy, that can be shared with others, is a great way to meet new people.

START A CLUB

TAKE A CLASS

GET MOVING

PLAY GAMES

You will likely find an abundance of people who enjoy reading as much as you do. Starting a book club is an excellent way to start a conversation on a topic of mutual interest.

If being creative is your passion, participating in an art class is a great way to meet other people who share your sense of artistry.

If you have a love for the outdoors, walking is an excellent low-impact way to get your body moving and make friends to boot.

Nothing brings people together quite like a game of trivia or bingo. People who play games tend to be more cheerful, energized and socially engaged.

THOUGHTS ON LIVING WELL “My life has been a journey based on my faith in God and my service to others. As I look through my album of memories, I see that God has had a lot of faith in me, and those that I served gave me much more in returned trust and love.” – BONNIE GRUMME, LAKE TRAVIS INDEPENDENT LIVING

“The secret to life is to re-invent yourself from time to time.” – BILL BARTLING, LAKE TRAVIS INDEPENDENT LIVING

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Settle In BEING THE NEW RESIDENT

Bob Drummond, from Creve Coeur Assisted Living & Memory Care, had a difficult time settling in because his wife was still living in their home — he missed her desperately. To help Bob transition into his new home, his wife shared some personal information with the Creve Coeur team. Bob is a Veteran Army Sergeant who served in Korea, during WWII. He retired as a Sales Manager for International Paper Company where he often led meetings. Today Bob serves as proctor for the morning sessions reading the meeting notes and devotional, which he does with aplomb! He is a grand master storyteller who shares stories of his experiences during WWII and various adventures he has had throughout his life. He used to seem defeated, but now he is energetic, eager and involved every day! 6

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Practice GRATITUDE USE THESE SIMPLE TACTICS FOR A POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON LIFE By Emily O’Brien

“Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible,” according to Harvard Health Publications, and is also touted “to strongly and consistently be associated with greater happiness.” If you’re looking for ways to get the most out of this beneficial practice, try fostering a healthy habit below:

1 NOTICE THE BEAUTY OF NATURE Our natural surroundings regularly shift throughout the day. Keep an eye out for beautiful moments, like when the sun warms your room as it filters through the window, or when you catch a glimpse of a colorful sunset.

2 LOOK FOR WAYS TO GIVE THANKS Pay close attention to people who help you throughout the day. Make a point to look them in the eyes and give thanks — no matter how big or small the task.

3 SEE AREAS FOR GROWTH Have you come across a stumbling block in life or feel like you’ve made a mistake? Take a moment to seek out the positive. Could this be an opportunity for growth or a chance to make amends? Changing your perspective to the bright side can help you see a negative situation in a more positive light.

INSTITUTE A ZERO COMPLAINTS DAY 4 Choose one day a week to ban all verbal complaints. This may take some practice. But this type of restriction will help redirect your focus to notice the good instead of the bad. You might just find yourself feeling a little bit more peaceful!


SENIORS

Making a Difference SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE BY VOLUNTEERING FOR A CHARITY YOU LOVE

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MEALS ON WHEELS OF BOULDER AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF METRO DENVER

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Humans are wired to require social interaction and a sense of purpose. With older adults living longer, healthier lives, retirement has become a life stage brimming with opportunity. Relieved of many career and family obligations, seniors finally have time to devote the lifetime of experience and knowledge they’ve earned to interests and causes about which they are passionate.

CONNECTING WITH COMMUNITY Volunteerism is a powerful way for seniors to connect with new people, maintain a sense of purpose and feel an ongoing sense of contribution to their community in later years. After all, public health and social scientists have long documented the benefits of social engagement for older adults, including promoting longevity and increased vitality by reducing the risk of heart disease, hypertension and other chronic

By Camille Wilson

illnesses. Beyond stimulating the brain, social engagement can ward off feelings of loneliness, isolation and depression common after retirement. Fortunately, many seniors already experience these benefits from the time they give volunteering. In fact, last year more than 21 million older adults (a quarter of all people 55 and older) contributed more than 3.3 billion hours of service in their communities according to the Center for National and Community Service. Seniors make up approximately one-third of the volunteer base and put in more than 40 percent of the total hours. Based on the estimated value of a volunteer hour, the economic benefit of senior volunteers is $75 billion.

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND Top-ranked volunteer roles among seniors include providing professional or management

assistance to nonprofits and collecting and distributing food. Two specific organizations are profiled on the following page, but there is no shortage of volunteer opportunities for retirees of any physical ability level who are looking to get involved. See sidebar (page 9) for additional ideas.

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“The wheels would fall off of our organization without the valuable time devoted by all of our senior volunteers.” –LORY HOWLETT-BARTON

choose not to drive as well. Daily help is needed to sort hot and cold foods and pack the meals for drivers. Other opportunities vary by location but include things like clerical tasks and trimming and cutting flowers for birthday bouquets. HowlettBarton says all of these roles are critical to their operation. “The wheels would fall off of our organization without the valuable time devoted by all of our senior volunteers,” she said.

BUILD THE FUTURE

HELP THE HUNGRY Hunger affects individuals and families throughout the country. Approximately one in six older adults face the threat of hunger and millions more live in isolation, according to Meals on Wheels America, an organization of more than 5,000 nutrition programs nationwide devoted to preventing hunger and malnutrition. With 2 million volunteers — close to half of whom are retirees — serving 2.5 million people annually, Meals on Wheels programs prepare, pack and deliver a daily meal to individuals who need it. Most recipients are living independently and can stay in their homes longer with security and dignity thanks to the service. Lory Howlett-Barton, director 8

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of development and marketing at Colorado-based Meals on Wheels of Boulder, describes clients as members of the community’s “invisible population.” She says they’re isolated and often experience challenges due to an inability to navigate transportation and technology. “We knock on the door each day knowing we might be the only human the client gets to interact with that day,” Howlett-Barton said. “Our delivery volunteers get to know the folks and build a relationship, so it’s healthy for both the volunteer and the client.” There are plenty of opportunities for volunteers who can’t or

Habitat for Humanity is a homeownership program for lowincome families where volunteers work side by side with qualified buyers to build both a house and a sense of pride and community. Many retired volunteers work with Habitat for Humanity either on build sites, in affiliate offices or, most often, at Habitat for Humanity ReStore, a thrift store of new and used materials donated by the community providing a low-cost home improvement store. There are jobs for seniors of every physical capability, and all ReStore proceeds benefit other Habitat programming. Habitat for Humanity International sponsors homes in nearly 70 partner countries and has worked to build strength, stability and independence for 6.8 million people at home and around the world. No prior construction experience is required to help on build sites, and there are tasks for


SENIOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES all types of individuals and abilities. Professionally trained staff help teach and guide volunteers on all activities, and volunteers walk away from a task feeling empowered. For those looking to give time at a ReStore location, tasks may include — but certainly aren’t limited to — sorting and pricing donations, helping customers find items or working as a cashier. “Volunteering with Habitat gives one a sense of completion,” said long-time volunteer David “Ziggy” Ziegler. “What a joy to see the progress each day! It is a great way to give back and help others while learning new skills.” Robyn Burns, Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver director of communications & marketing says they love all volunteers and couldn’t do what they do without them, but seniors have the added benefit of more flexible schedules. They also bring a special level of life experience that others haven’t yet earned. “Our regular volunteer program includes people who can make a longer-term commitment of 26 days or more per year, and 90 percent of these folks are age 55 and older,” said Burns. “These regular volunteers make a big difference for Habitat families because they help us meet construction goals and timelines and keep our ReStore locations running. It’s this community of volunteers that helps us build a community of homes.”

Giving time through volunteerism is good for both mental and physical health as you age. You’ll make connections, friendships and relationships with other volunteers, and it’s good for your community! These are just a few of the organizations eager and willing to welcome you into their family. WORK WITH KIDS

• Senior Corps Foster Grandparent program connects senior volunteers with children in schools and youth facilities to mentor and tutor students in literacy, math and writing. http:// www.seniorcorps.org/rsvp/ foster-grandparents/ • Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs adult volunteers with kids in need of a caring adult to build long-term one-on-one relationships. http://www. bbbs.org/become-a-big/ • Many children's hospitals rely on volunteers to assist families during a child's stay. This may include things like reading stories or monitoring a playroom. Contact your local children’s hospital.

BUILD SOMETHING

Help build, renovate or restore a home for low-income families in your community

or around the world. Or, if construction isn’t your thing, help out at ReStore, the home improvement thrift store. https://www.habitat.org/ volunteer

SHARE YOUR PASSION

Make an interest or hobby into something more through volunteering as a docent or tour guide. Many universities and museums offer training programs to ready retirees to help preserve a landmark, educate visitors or lead a tour.

FEED SOMEONE

Supporting senior neighbors in your community by providing a nutritious meal, companionship and a watchful eye on their health and safety so they can live healthier and more nourished lives in their own homes. http://www. mealson-wheelsamerica.org/ take-action

NOTHING CATCHING YOUR EYE YET?

RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), operated by SeniorCorps, partners with a wide variety of nonprofits. Each nonprofit is vetted for safety and the treatment of volunteers to ensure respect and responsibility. Each potential volunteer is interviewed about mobility, transportation and skills. Coordinators match volunteers and provide customer service to both parties throughout the relationship. https://www.nationalservice.gov/

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WE LLNESS

5 WAYS to Get in Shape MOVE MORE FOR YOUR HEALTH AND FUN By Heather R. Johnson

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WHAT’S ONE THING YOU CAN DO THAT WILL HELP boost your mood, give you more energy, prevent or delay many diseases, improve balance and control your weight? Exercise! Regular physical activity can prevent many age-related health problems. It also keeps your muscles, bones, heart and lungs strong so you can keep doing the things you love — including more exercise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults over age 65 with no limiting health conditions should get at least two-and-a-half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (such as brisk walking) and two strength-training sessions each week. You can break aerobic activity into sessions as short as 10 minutes or as long as an hour. Need a bit of inspiration? Here are six fun activities to get your feet moving and keep your spirits high.

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1 \\ WALKING

2 \\ YOGA

Walking is easy, convenient and oh-so beneficial. For sedentary adults, CDC recommends starting with five to 10 minutes of brisk walking and build gradually from there. You can walk anywhere: on a trail, on a neighborhood path, in the mall or at a museum. You can walk alone, with family or with the Spectrum Steppers walking club. “It's something everyone can do,” says Michelle Major, Spectrum's Regional Director of Fun. “We even have residents in wheelchairs and walkers that walk with us.”

Low-impact yoga and Tai Chi benefit your mind, body and spirit. The various poses improve strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health. Instructors can tailor exercises to accommodate people with limited mobility. A resident at Spectrum’s Creve Coeur, Missouri, community walked into a chair yoga class with hesitation. She took a deep breath and jumped in anyway. At the end of the class, she cried, “This is what I've been waiting for!” She instantly became a chair yoga regular.

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3 \\ DANCING Dancing not only offers cardiovascular benefits, but also improves coordination and balance. Dance to the songs on the radio or attend one of Spectrum’s many dance classes and socials. No partner? No problem. Instructors often rotate partners so you can dance with (and meet) a number of people.

4 \\ SWIMMING Water does wonders for the body. Swimming uses all major muscle groups, especially your core, which is important for good posture. And because you’re weightless, people with arthritis can exercise with less discomfort. If you don’t like to swim laps, water aerobics and aqua jogging offer cardiovascular benefits as well.

5 \\ WII Video games aren’t just for your grandkids. Nintendo’s gaming console, which works with your body movements, offers everything from tennis to skiing to help you stay in shape. There’s nothing like a Spectrum bowling tournament to fuel the competitive spirit and bring out the laughter and high-fives.


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VACCINATIONS AND OLDER ADULTS

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By Lydia K. Manning, Ph.D.

WE LIVE IN A COUNTRY where today people are rarely diagnosed with polio, smallpox or the measles; having access to and receiving the proper vaccinations makes this a reality. Vaccinations have fundamentally changed modern medicine. Experts from the Gerontological Society of America argue that when it comes to saving people’s lives and reducing human disease, the invention and implementation of modern vaccinations has done more to improve public health than any other invention with the exception of the availability of safe drinking water. Vaccines help prevent many serious diseases, and as a result more than 6 million lives are saved each year. Vaccinations in the early stages of life are commonplace; most adults vaccinate their children. Conversely, in the U.S. many middle aged and older adults are not receiving necessary vaccinations that aid in preventing morbidities or early mortality. This is major public health

concern. Experts argue that low rates of adult vaccinations and the resultant persistence of disease and unnecessary deaths related to vaccine-preventable disease are unacceptable. According to the CDC, there are some diseases that particularly impact adults over 65, the most common being pneumonia and shingles. Older people may be at greater risk of developing the conditions; proper vaccines will help prevent infections in the blood and lungs. The herpes zoster vaccine helps prevent shingles in older adult populations. For the list of vaccinations by age group recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, visit: https://www. cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/ downloads/adult/adultcombined-schedule-bw.pdf Check with your Medicare provider about where you can get them. Protect your health by getting vaccinated.

IMPORTANT VACCINATIONS FOR SENIORS Getting vaccinated is an important part of healthy aging. Consult with your health care provider to see if these vaccines are right for you. Important CDC-recommended vaccinations for older adults include: • INFLUENZA (Flu) • SHINGLES (Herpes Zoster) • DIPHTHERIA, TETANUS, PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough) • HEPATITIS B • PNEUMOCOCCAL DISEASE (Pneumonia)

Lydia Manning is a gerontologist, educator and entrepreneur with a wide range of experience in the field of aging. She is an associate professor of gerontology at Concordia University Chicago. Dr. Manning received her Ph.D. in social gerontology from the Department of Sociology and Gerontology at Miami University.

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WE LLNESS

MAINTAIN INDEPENDENCE

Be a Free Wheeler AGAIN!

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WHAT WAS ONCE AN EASY WALK, GOLF game or trip to the store may require extra effort when experiencing changes in mobility. Transitioning to a wheelchair, walker or scooter can impact feelings of independence; but once new ways of getting around are embraced, “wheelers” are able to be as adventurous as they choose. Mobility changes can affect a lifestyle, but many beloved activities can be done with slight modifications, patience and determination. Using a walker or wheelchair allows a person who has an uncertain gait a little extra stability. The additional mobility to remain active and independent offers new opportunities for fun and friendship.

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KEEP MOVING

Tight joints, muscles, stress and anxiety can all be relieved with regular activity. Exercise at even a light intensity keeps the heart healthy, boosts the immune system and improves overall fitness. Fitness classes geared to seniors offer targeted and fun exercises, easy-to-perform movements and special equipment so everyone can participate whether sitting or standing. Circuit courses or games are often incorporated to encourage movement and aerobic activity. Celebrate! If you’re a wheelchair or walker user, wheel with pride and confidence and inspire those around you. Scheduling time every day to take part in a wide range of activities is a great way to become a free wheeler, regain a sense of independence and combat mobility issues. Don’t let a wheelchair or walker define the next years of life.

DON’T LET MOBILITY ISSUES SLOW YOU DOWN By Jules Marie

Chairs and walkers may take time to get acquainted with, so simple stretches, short treks around the house or simply reading in the chair will increase comfort. Many communities have local “Wheeling Clubs” for get-togethers with other users. Wheeling clubs encourage movement and socialization which also improves health. Rolling outside, especially with a friend, to stretch, read, write and soak in the sunshine are all good for the soul. Wheelchairs can open the world to new adventures. Most state and national parks have beautiful wheelchair-friendly paved trails. Accessible-tour companies offer mobility-impaired adventurers opportunities to experience indoor and outdoor events without limitations. Outings include museum, live theater and sporting event trips; others offer fishing, camping and outdoor experiences.


LIFEST YLE

Sharing Passions

DISTINGUISHED RESIDENTS

SPECTRUM RESIDENTS SHARE THE STORIES AND PASSIONS THAT KEEP THEM ACTIVE AND ENGAGED IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.

Sharon BRUNNEMER WESTBROOK SENIOR LIVING Streamwood, Illinois

SHARON BRUNNEMER WAS BORN approximately 2,696 miles from Streamwood, Illinois, in Port of Spain, the capital of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Her father was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and her mother was a homemaker. Sharon spent the first six years of her life between the islands of Trinidad, Tobago and Puerto Rico. From the ages of six to 17, Sharon and her sister (with her parents) were constantly moving and visiting such places as: Holland, France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, England, Scotland, Austria, Italy and the continental U.S. (Louisiana and Virginia).

She enjoyed making new friends, assimilating to new cultures, enjoying each country’s ethnic cuisines and taking in multiple genres of music. Sharon ranks Puerto Rico as one of the best places she has ever lived. The sea turtles and exotic fish are also vivid memories that Sharon equates with Puerto Rico. She occasionally visits Puerto Rico and makes sure she includes a trip to a beach and the Porta Coeli Catholic Church in San German, Puerto Rico. The family attended services there every Sunday, when they were able. Sharon has always had immense pride, patriotism and a great admiration for her father’s unwavering attitude and service for the U.S. She loves her “Colonel” of 92 years young. He continues to share his experiences of the Army life. His recollections are detailed and delightful. Sharon will tell you that her relationship with her “Colonel” is “priceless.” Sharon, a Westbrook resident since 2016 and a world traveler, is very pleased with the “new and modern conveniences” of Westbrook. She’s made many friends and is actively involved with fun programs such as card games, bingo and adult coloring. Many of her vibrant designs of red, orange and yellow were on display in the February 2016 Westbrook Art Show. She often participates in the Creative Art Club of jewelry making. She especially enjoys creating unique glass beaded necklaces of blues, greens and yellows. Sharon is an enthusiastic woman who has the innate ability to make new residents feel a part of the Westbrook community. She shares her experiences of traveling the world much like her “Colonel” does with Army life. SP ECTRUM

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Agnes MEYER

THE HOMESTEAD AT HICKORY VIEW RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Washington, Missouri

AGNES MEYER WAS RAISED ON A farm, and her first job after school was to climb up in the hayloft and throw down the hay for the cattle to eat. She gathered eggs, milked cows and corralled the cattle. Agnes learned to make butter and cheeses. If Agnes had any free time she could be found reading, which was her passion. She loves biographies and reading about famous celebrities, especially the royal family. She looks forward to receiving the local newspaper, the Missourian. Agnes and her husband opened a Western Auto store in downtown New Haven, Missouri. The business went over well so they decided to expand and built a new store on the highway. They owned the Western Auto stores for more than 25 years. They owned a 1.5-acre site that sat vacant for many years. Agnes donated the property to New Haven’s Scenic Regional Library, so they could build a new branch. “The town needs it,” she says. “It’s close to the school and it will be good for the community.” Thanks to Agnes’ generous donation, others in her community will have the chance to develop the same love for reading and education that she has enjoyed throughout her life. 14

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AFTER A LIFETIME OF WORK AND several careers, Gordon Blankenship arrived at Lakeview Senior Living in September 2016. Gordon spent 26 years working in numerous managerial and corporate positions before running his own business for 25 years. During all those years photography was a constant companion and recorder of his family’s history. After more than 50 years in business, he retired in 2015. Gordon developed an interest in photography while serving in the U.S. Army in Germany and continued taking photos of his travels, his children’s growth and activities ever since. “I have thousands of slides, prints and negatives that chronicle my family and our travels,” he says. Although photography has changed in the digital age, Gordon still values good composition, lighting and those things that distinguish a photograph that tells a story from a simple snapshot. Since coming to Lakeview Senior Living, Gordon has become the ‘unofficial’ photographer of people and activities and is currently featured in Spectrum Retirement’s latest television commercial.

Gordon BLANKENSHIP LAKEVIEW SENIOR LIVING Lakewood, Colorado


Faye GRIEGO

PALMILLA SENIOR LIVING Albuquerque, New Mexico

FAYE GRIEGO GREW UP IN CENTER, Colorado, and later moved with her family to New Mexico. She attended school through the 7th grade and then worked on the farm to help the family. She met her husband, Joe, who served in the Armed Services and was stationed in Saipan. They kept the relationship alive over the distance and were married for 66 years. During her life, Faye worked in a variety of positions from working on the farm to working in a creamery. She also worked for Zales, at a church as a Sunday school teacher and her most important job was working at home taking care of her children. Faye’s interests include nature walks, helping others, Bible study, decorating, listening to music and singing. She also used to do a lot of crocheting. “I hate to be idle,” she says. “I love to be around the action, and if there is no action, I will create it.” Faye loves to stay involved and finds new things to do every day. When moving into Palmilla Senior Living, she asked about Bible study. Her heart was filled with joy when Palmilla had its first Bible study and three residents came to learn about the Lord. By the fourth meeting, the group had grown to 12, and Faye was overjoyed and tearful that, due to her request, there were so many people getting together to enjoy and learn the word of God.

ROBERT “BOB” PASWATERS WAS AN avid tennis player until he moved to Hong Kong in the mid-’90s to work as a Missionary sharing the gospel with the people in their mother tongue, Cantonese. With no one to play tennis with, he turned to running for exercise. After returning to the U.S., he began running competitively in 2002 and has since run the Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half Marathon seven or eight times — so many he can’t remember! At 70 years old he won 1st place in the 70+ age group — it’s his favorite running memory. He also won 2nd place twice and 3rd place once. This year alone, Bob has competed in four 5K races. His most recent race, in May, was the BolderBoulder 10K. There were 12 men in his age group (82 years old), and he won 1st place. Bob has run more than 100 races. He finds joy in running; its good exercise and keeps him in shape. He also thinks that the competition is fun. “If you want to race, you need to practice and run every day,” he says. Bob trains by running either a 5K or a 10K every morning (except Sunday) at 6 a.m.

Robert “Bob” PASWATERS

LINCOLN MEADOWS SENIOR LIVING Parker, Colorado

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LIFEST YLE

GR EAT EST GENERATION

Glen & Carolyn Cotta CRESTVIEW SENIOR LIVING

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CRESTWOOD, MISSOURI

IN 1955, DRURY UNIVERSITY HAD NOT yet celebrated its centennial and President Eisenhower declared his support of South Vietnam, beginning the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. At the time, Glen Cotta was a junior at Drury studying economics and enjoying time with his Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers. Prior to graduation, Glen decided to voluntarily join the U.S. Marines. “No other branch of the service instills the feelings of pride and brotherhood ... once a marine, always a marine,” he says. After graduating in the spring of 1956, he found himself in Quantico, Virginia, for officer candidate school. That December, he was commissioned as second lieutenant in the reserves and spent the

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next eight months in basic training. During his periods of leave, he would visit his Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers. He asked a brother to help him find a date and was set up with a Kappa Delta, Carolyn Boewer. The couple began a long distance relationship. After finishing up his active duty in 1959, Glen headed home to St. Louis. Carolyn was finishing up her degrees in biology and chemistry at Drury University. Because Glen was heading to graduate school at the University of Minnesota and Carolyn was heading to a medical technology internship in Springfield, Missouri, they thought this would be their last date. By the time Glen was leaving later that night, the two were engaged and ready to start a life together. After Carolyn graduated in 1960, her mentor helped her transfer her internship to a hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, so she could live closer to her fiancé. The two were married later that year. After the birth of their last child, Carolyn worked as a medical technologist in the lab at St. Joseph Hospital in Kirkwood, Missouri, for 23 years. In addition to her work at the hospital, she was an active volunteer and board member at Southside Early Childhood for 50 years. Glen completed his MBA and began working at Southwestern Bell. He joined the marine reserves unit where he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and served for 27 years. Glen and Carolyn have a large family: six children, 12 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and counting. The couple has traveled in more than 20 countries, from Russia to Peru. They enjoy adding to their list as often as possible.


LIFEST YLE

Celebrating Our

CENTENARIANS REFLECTIONS ON A CENTURY OF LIFE, A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES.

them as a human being and I feel warmly towards them. I look for the things that I have in common with every person that I meet. We are not to judge them. That is for God to do.

Helen Fitzpatrick THREE OAKS ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

CARY, ILLINOIS BIRTHDAY

JUNE 20, 1917 What are some of the most important lessons you feel you have learned over the course of your life?

I believe that everyone deserves respect. No matter whom I meet, whether they are dressed in the most ragged clothes, I look on

Some people say that they have had difficult or stressful experiences but they have learned important lessons from them. Is it true for you?

Yes, absolutely I had many difficult experiences in my life. One example is that due to my husband’s work we moved many times. Some people might find moving difficult or stressful but to me it was advantageous. I always gained from new experiences, always found things to be interested in. The first thing my children and I would do is search the neighborhood for a church, next we would look for the school, then we would find the library. I learned to take advantage of the moves instead of seeing them as a hardship.

What DO you know now about living a happy and successful life that you didn’t know when you were younger?

When I was younger I thought there were levels that were decided by how much education you had and what kind of job you had, etc. I thought that the best people were at the top. Now I know that some of the people who are the lowest are the best people and some of the people at the top, well…

What would you say are the major values or principles that you live by?

Help people, love all kinds of people, be generous and caring to others and last but not least, have an appreciation for nature, trees, mountains, and oceans. What a beautiful world!

What’s the hardest thing about growing older? The best thing?

Not being able to hop in my car and go exploring is hard, but the best thing is that I am still here, making friends.

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got a job to help out, working at a bakery baking bread.

What big world event impressed you the most in your life?

Bill Vorel CEDAR LAKE ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

LAKE ZURICH, ILLINOIS BIRTHDAY

AUGUST 6, 1917 Were you born and raised in Illinois?

I was born in Chicago, the fourth of five children. My parents were immigrants, my father from Yugoslavia and my mother from Czechoslovakia. She never learned to speak English, but my sisters and brothers and I went to Bohemian school every Saturday to learn to speak Bohemian so we could talk with her. When I started high school, we moved to New Buffalo, Michigan. My father always wanted a farm. We had cows, chickens, pigs and crops. Before school I milked five cows and my brother milked the other five! In 1927 and ’28, the crops and farm flooded, and my father had no money to pay the taxes and lost the farm. We had to go on relief. I was still able to graduate high school. I didn’t go on to college, I

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The Second World War. I was drafted as an infantryman and my job was as combat engineer working on and repairing bridges and roads. I was stationed in North Africa and Algiers but I also traveled to Ireland and England. Even though I didn’t see combat, we were under the command and direction of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Our additional duties were watching his quarters. You had to get by me first to see the general! Every month, we were issued a carton of cigarettes for ourselves. I didn’t smoke, so I sold my carton on the black market for $50, quite a sum in those days. I sent the money home to my savings and when I came home I had enough to buy a new 1941 Plymouth.

Was World War II a turning point in your life? I would say so. I came back and met my wife, Marjorie. We married on April 30, 1946, and had a son, Terry. We moved to Bridgeman, Michigan, where I worked for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway for thirty years before retiring. My son met a girl from Illinois and they married and settled in Lake Zurich. When my wife passed away, my son moved me to Cedar Lake where I am now closer to him.

So what is your secret to such a long life?

I never smoked a day in my life! I don’t know much more than that. I like my newspaper every day. I don’t take any medication, I never wore glasses, I have a little trouble remembering but my friends here help me with that.

Very important to any Chicagoan … Cubs or Sox?

Neither, New York Yankees!

Evelyn Collier LAKEVIEW SENIOR LIVING

LAKEWOOD, COLORADO BIRTHDAY

SEPTEMBER 7, 1917 Evelyn Ione Lull Collier was born in Sundance, Wyoming, the oldest daughter in a family of five girls and five boys. She was married to Charles Collier, Jr. (Chuck) August 26, 1937, and had four children Charles III (Skip), Robert (Rob), Linda, and Barbara.


What are some of the most important lessons you feel you have learned over the course of your life?

The most important lesson I learned early on was not to overspend. If you watch how you spend your money, you’ll have more for later. Also, I think it is so important to truly listen to what other people have to say. You don’t always agree, but that is okay. Listening to others helps expand your own knowledge.

Are there any “turning points” that changed your life or set you on a different track?

I wasn’t able to go to college right out of high school, as I married and had my first child when I was 20. So, once my husband and I had our final daughter in college, I decided to go to school myself — at 50 years of age. But I loved going to college and learning. It was a highlight of my life. It allowed me to acquire and complete a wonderful career with the federal government working in financing at the VA.

What’s the secret to a happy marriage?

My secret to a happy marriage was making my husband think that he was the boss. It was a different time then, but really, the two of us were a team, and we never forgot how important that was. When he needed a ‘boost’ I gave it to him, and when I needed a lift because something was hard, then he was there for me too.

Did you have any heroes or role models when you were a child?

In my younger years, after we had moved to Denver, my family was poor and so I was able to take part in a program called Big & Little Sisters. My “big sister” was Hilda Freeland, the sisterin-law of the Mayor of Denver. She instilled in me confidence. She said I was smart and pretty and could do anything I wanted. Her encouragement helped me become a strong woman. The next role models I had were Dr. Frank Roberts and Mrs. Roberts. He was the vice chancellor at University of Denver, and I cleaned for them, but my most important job was reading to Dr. Roberts. He had had a stroke, and needed someone to read the newspaper to him each day. They both encouraged me to be an avid reader, which I still am today, and gave me courage to try new things. I am lucky enough to have some personal treasures from the Roberts that they gave to me when I married.

What’s different about growing up today from when you were growing up? The biggest change is the importance of computers and technology on everyday life. I can remember getting my first computer and first cell phone when my husband and I were easily in our 70s. And the changes that have happened since then are huge. I love having an iPad and regularly communicate with my children, grandchildren,

nieces and nephews on FaceTime. Technology will always be a bit magic to me, and I’ll keep learning as long as I am able.

What’s the most memorable family vacation you took?

We traveled via car with our children each summer, but one vacation stands out from the rest. We had the opportunity to take several weeks and drive to the east coast where we spent time with family in upper New York and really experienced all there is to do in New York City. We then traveled to Washington D.C. and toured the White House, we saw the Smithsonian Museum, we visited the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial and so much more. We even rode an elevator with Eleanor Roosevelt. It was fabulous learning experience for us all.

How should a person prepare for growing older?

I tell my children and grandchildren this all the time — save, save, save. Putting money aside and preparing for retirement solves most problems that might arise.

What have you liked best about your life so far?

I loved being a mother and a wife, and raising my children to be good people was so important. My husband and I were happily married for 66 years. My proudest moment was seeing all of my children and grandchildren complete their educations and become successful adults.

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What’s the secret to a happy marriage?

We let each other do our own thing. Respect!

What would you say are the major values or principles that you live by? The 10 Commandments.

Alberta Bishopp RIGDEN FARM SENIOR LIVING

FORT COLLINS, COLORADO BIRTHDAY

JUNE 23, 1917

Proudl y

What’s your first, most vivid memory?

A horse drawn ice cream cart. He would ring his little bell and I would ask my mother for a nickel to get some ice cream. It was a little wooden cart with one horse pulling it.

serving ®

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The

hisTory of cafe busTel o ®

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What inventions do you most remember?

Television. We would all gather and listen to the radio but then the TV came around so we had to change how we gathered.

What’s different about growing up today from when you were growing up? Today material things are easy to come by. Back then everything we had we cherished and we did not have a lot.

What are your happiest moments?

Being with my family and giving birth to my first child.


What are some of the most important lessons you feel you have learned over the course of your life? You should love your kids for who they are.

What’s the secret to a happy marriage?

Gertrude Matusofsky CREVE COEUR ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

CREVE COEUR, MISSOURI BIRTHDAY

APRIL 3, 1917

Some people say that they have had difficult or stressful experiences but they have learned important lessons from them, is that true for you?

Yes, never plan ahead for a lifetime. My husband and I did that and he passed away prematurely. Take each day as it comes and be flexible.

What’s the secret to a happy marriage? Be faithful.

What would you say are the major values or principles that you live by?

Be honest, faithful and true to your partner and love your kids for they will be your future caregivers. Love the Lord and follow His teachings.

We always got along because we agreed on most things; we were on an even keel.

Did you have any heroes or role models when you were a child?

My parents were my heroes; they were from the old country and worked very hard. I started working at age 12 and have worked most of my life.

What’s different about growing up today from when you were growing up? Kids have more now. When we were growing up, we got by with very little and no one noticed because we all were the same.

What’s the best thing about growing older?

The best thing is I still feel in control and I am in good health.

What’s your happiest or proudest moment in your life so far?

I have three daughters, one son and nine grandkids. And everyone gets along. I’m proud that they all have a college education because that’s one thing you can never take away.

What inventions do you most remember?

Electric lights. When they were put into our house, I was seven; I ran from room to room and turned every switch on because I was so fascinated.

What’s the hardest thing about growing older?

Not able to do everything I used to do due to poor health and aging in general. One of the best things about getting older has been living at Parkrose with all my friends and having all my needs met.

How should a person prepare for growing older?

Miranda Teater PARKROSE ESTATES RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

LIVERPOOL, NEW YORK BIRTHDAY

SEPTEMBER 14, 1917

Take care of yourself and be active! Try to stay healthy in mind and body.

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What is the most important lesson You’ve learned? To be on the ball and make sure things are done correctly. Learned to have a good hard work ethic, treat people decently and help others who are less fortunate.

What’s the secret to a happy marriage?

Walter DiPietro GARDENS AT WESTLAKE SENIOR LIVING

Married to Alma for 53 years. Keeping busy, doing the chores and sharing responsibilities.

What’s your first memory?

WESTLAKE, OHIO

Having chickens in the yard .

BIRTHDAY

What’s different about growing up today?

JULY 3, 1916

People lived with their families even when they got older. And

always doing something to make money — kids today don’t seem to have to do that.

What’s the hardest thing about growing older? Friends are no longer around. Being with family is the best.

What have you liked best about your life so far? My daughter Natalie. She played sports and is a good kid.

What have been the most influential experiences?

All the different jobs I did to make money for the family: selling newspapers, polishing shoes, food delivery and delivering coal in wheelbarrows.

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• Complimentary Registered Nurse Wellness Checks* • Employed Staff - We Don't Use Temp Agencies • Try Before You Commit First 2 Hours of Care FREE for New Clients

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Some people say that they have had difficult or stressful experiences but they have learned important lessons from them. Is that true for you?

Jack Mettham MOUNTAIN PARK SENIOR LIVING

PHOENIX, ARIZONA BIRTHDAY

JULY 28, 1917 Jack Mettham was born in Blackpool, England, a seaside resort. He had three sons with his wife of many years. He worked in the meat packing industry for approximately 12 years after graduating from high school, went into the Navy from 1943 to 1946 and worked on a Tugboat as an electrician. He spent most of his time in the Mediterranean. After the Navy, he went back in the meat packing industry for a short time and went on to become a firefighter.

What are some of the most important lessons you feel you have learned over the course of your life? You cannot have everything you want. My dream was to be a police officer, and it didn’t work out. I became a firefighter instead, and was still able to live a happy, fulfilled life.

I’ve had many stressful experiences being in the Navy and especially working as a firefighter. What I’ve learned from these experiences is to learn to trust and to be able to get along well with everyone.

As you look back over your life, do you see any “turning points” that changed the course of your life or set you on a different track?

My dream was to be a police officer … I took the test and passed, but during that time, the college graduates were having a difficult time finding jobs, so they were given extra points on their test scores and were pushed up ahead of me, so I did not get chosen. Someone I knew asked me if I had ever thought about becoming a firefighter, and I told him no. I then thought about that as a profession and pursued it. I was chosen to do the training and became a firefighter and worked for 30 years on the fire department in New York. I went from firefighter to lieutenant to captain.

What’s the secret to a happy marriage?

Knowing the person and being good friends. I met my wife when I was 15 years old on a beach in Manhattan, and she passed away in 2006.

What would you say are the major values or principles that you live by?

Honesty and respect for everyone. I was brought up in a time when people had respect for other people. Things are different now.

What inventions do you most remember?

I remember when cars were invented. It was such a difference from the old horse and buggies!

What’s different about growing up today from when you were growing up? EVERYTHING! Lack of respect for others has changed over the years and the way children are brought up. I worked as a young kid and gave half my salary to my parents. I delivered flowers and food to people as a very young teenager, and I also worked at a movie theatre changing the marquee.

What’s the hardest thing about growing older? The best thing?

Hardest thing is just slowing down. The best thing is being able to look back at my wonderful life.

How should a person prepare for growing older?

Exercise every day and drink two jiggers of scotch a day!

What have you liked best about your life so far?

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ADVISOR

MAKE YOUR MOVE

EASY

TEN TIPS FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION TO SENIOR LIVING By Emily O’Brien

W

WHEN YOU MOVE TO A retirement community, you won’t need to bring everything you own. In fact, you’ll need just enough for your room. Downsizing may sound daunting at first, but it’s easy once you’re in the right mindset. Below are ten tips to help you shed unnecessary items in preparation for this next phase of life:

1 Start early. If time is on your

side, ease in. Begin by creating a list of things you own and then color-code them into categories, like “keep,” “sell” and “donate.”

2 Gather important

documents. Medical records, journals and legal documents can go in one box that’s easy to access.

3 Ask grown children to collect their keepsakes and memorabilia. Now is the perfect time to pass along family heirlooms you’ve been storing for loved ones. 24

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4 Discard

unneeded items of no monetary value. Anything broken, stained or badly worn can be placed in the trash.

5 Sell items of monetary

value through a garage sale or online classified platform. Sites like craigslist.org and other online community bulletin boards are great ways to make some extra cash and lighten your load.

6 Hire a move manager or senior relocation specialist. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or would rather not enlist a family member for help, bring in a professional to act as a guide. 7 Work room by room.

Bite-sized areas are much easier to digest.

8 OHIO rule: Only Handle It Once. This theory will put the kibosh on a “maybe” pile and help you sort belongings into actionable sections. 9 Use the new space as a guide.

Measuring cabinets and closets in your new room will help guarantee all your items will fit.

10 Keep a box of essential

items. This will ensure you’ll have all medications, toiletries and important photos with you on your first night. While you may not have as many personal belongings at the end of the process, the memories and experiences you’ve collected in your mind are what truly matter.


ADVISOR

CREATING A LEGACY FOR MANY, LEGACY GOES WELL BEYOND FINANCIAL GIVING By Heather R. Johnson

F

FOR ALMOST 18 YEARS, LOU LROY, A resident at Crescent Park Senior Living in Eugene, Oregon, has volunteered at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend, in nearby Springfield. Every Friday, Lroy, age 91, directs visitors and answers questions. “It's very satisfying to be able to help people,” she says. “It also gives me an outlet and gets me out of the house.” Lroy is helping her community and staying active, while leaving a legacy of community service. People volunteer, start businesses, write books, raise families and develop loving relationships in hopes of making a positive difference in the world. From our actions and values, we leave a legacy.

SHARE YOUR FAMILY HISTORY. Your knowledge, wisdom and history are priceless to friends and family. Create photo albums that chronicles your family’ history. Ask a child or grandchild to record your family legacy using a smartphone. Talk about your grandparents, childhood, teenage years or whatever else comes to mind. “This is a great way to trace your family history beyond what you can find online,” says Stephanie Bruno, a financial planner and wealth advisor based in Denver, Colorado. “And your family will learn so much about you.” Another way to share your history is through keepsakes. In her 90s, Mary, an avid baker, gave her box of recipes to one of her four granddaughters. When Mary passed away, at 100, that granddaughter had a wonderful keepsake as well as the secret to Mary’s incredible oatmeal raisin cookies.

GIVE TO CHARITY. Contribute money or other assets to causes you support and that reflect your values. Families of wealth often build family foundations or trusts around a core value or problem they want to solve. Donor-advised funds allow you or your family to make a contribution to a public charity and then recommend grants from the fund over time. Local community foundations and some financial institutions offer donor-advised funds. When you get your children and grandchildren involved in the grant process, you instill the importance of giving back to younger generations.

VOLUNTEER. To help your heirs understand on a tangible level your passion for certain causes, volunteer together. “Get your kids or grandkids involved in an activity around that charity,” says Bruno. “Do something together even once a year.” Serve Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless. Make phone calls for a local nonprofit. Take tickets at a neighborhood festival. Volunteering is a great way to learn more about prospective charities, as well.

LEAVE DETAILS IN YOUR WILL. If you decide to leave heirlooms to family members, explain what the items mean to you in your will. “I ask my clients to write down why someone is receiving an item and what was important about that item,” says Bruno. “Put a story behind it. Then it's clear why they're getting it. It carries on the legacy and eliminates any conflict.” Find creative ways to pass on your legacy to loved ones and your community.

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INSIDE SPECTRUM

Looking Ahead

T

SPECTRUM OFFERS AFFORDABLE, LUXURIOUS SENIOR LIVING TO RETIREES IN ARIZONA!

THE ENCLAVE AT ANTHEM SENIOR Living — a resort-style senior living community located less than an hour from Phoenix — opens its doors in mid-August! Here, residents can enjoy a full lifestyle that balances activity, independence and personal assistance. The award-winning Anthem neighborhood gives its residents city convenience with small town simplicity. Visit lovely parks, hike the Mariposa Trail, fish community lakes or go birding around Gavilan Peak. And with nearly 200 golf courses — two of them here in Anthem — the Phoenix-Scottsdale area is a golfer’s dream. Offering a full spectrum of living options, residents are given a continuum of care opportunities. Spectrum’s signature Transitional Memory Care program, The Residence ClubTM, is a step between assisted living and memory care for people who can complete daily tasks but may be confused, forgetful or show signs of mild to moderate memory loss. The Enclave at Anthem features a combination

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of 159 independent, assisted living and memory care comfortable, maintenance-free apartments, along with upscale amenities, chef-prepared meals, concierge services, free scheduled transportation, covered parking and enriching daily activities. Amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, theatre, library, swimming pool, beauty salon and plenty more. Spacious apartments include kitchens fully equipped with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, individually controlled thermostat and ceiling fans. Larger apartment options are also available with several different floor plan options. Most independent living apartments include balconies. The Enclave at Anthem Senior Living will be Spectrum Retirement’s fourth community in the Phoenix area with four more currently under construction. Located at 42015 N. Venture Drive, The Enclave at Anthem Senior Living will offer month-to-month rental apartments. For more information or to reserve your future home, visit TheEnclaveAtAnthemSeniorLiving.com


BE A VOLUNTEER WORK IN YOUR COMMUNITY TO SERVE FELLOW RESIDENTS AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS

KEN DULINSKI KNOWS a thing or two about putting in a long day and working hard! He moved into the Villas of Shelby in April and right away found his calling in the community! Ken worked for Spartan Foods as a stocker and became proficient at “facing fixtures” (making items look full on the shelves). Ken saw the FUN Coordinator opening the store a couple days after he moved in and came over to offer his services.

The store is resident run. They take turns volunteering, and Ken came at just the right time. Several of the regular store volunteers had fallen ill. Ken said he would love to work, and has been there every day since. Other residents work there too, but when their shifts end, Ken is waiting in the Café to take over. He says volunteering has given him the chance to meet new friends — no awkward conversations about being new,

he just had to ask them what they needed and the conversation flowed. He’s only lived in the community for a short time but has made a huge impact. His work ethic makes it possible for residents to get items like toilet tissue or even a snack when the store would normally be closed. Weekends, holidays, special events … you can be assured that Ken will be there with a smile!

BE CONNECTED with

Introducing an exciting, new, FREE amenity at Spectrum Retirement Communities! A user-friendly iPad kiosk lets you receive video greetings from your loved one, see highlight reels of community activities, and much more.

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Don, 86

This Feels s fee Thi ls Like Home Getting older doesn’t mean you have to throw in the towel. While a lot of things change over the years, some things don’t. And getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop doing what you love. So we encourage our residents to keep on doing their thing while we take care of the rest.

ARIZONA | COLORADO | ILLINOIS | INDIANA | KANSAS | MICHIGAN MISSOURI | NEW MEXICO | NEW YORK | OHIO | OREGON | TEXAS

This feels like home.® Independent Living, Assisted Living, Transitional Memory Care, Memory Care SpectrumRetirement.com | (888) 516-2188

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