Spectrum Enriched Senior Living Magazine

Enriched Senior Living winter 2010

Easy ideas to

TRAIN YOUR

BRAIN page 22

Dance your way to fitness in our new Arabesque program

Wow the crowd join a jug band AND

Hit the Open Road

ALSO: Tips for staying in touch } page 12 1

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A Publication of Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC

John Sevo managing director Jeff Kraus managing director Robert Landau editor & vice president of fun rlandau @ spectrumretirement.com Kathleen MacDonald Vice President of Marketing Caren Ermel senior vice president of operations Phil Luebbers Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration Maureen Regan Cannon vice president – group publisher

mregan @wiesnermedia.com Brendan Harrington editor

Lindsay Hayes creative DIRECTOR

A memory change that affects daily life is 1 of the 10 warning.signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward doing something about it. For more information, and to learn what.you can do now, go to alz.org/10signs or call 877-IS IT ALZ.

Susan Humphrey director of digital media

WIESNERMEDIA, LLC 6160 south syracuse way, suite 300 GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 80111 (303) 662-5200 PHONE (303) 397-7619 FAX WWW.WIESNERMEDIA.COM WWW.CUSTOMPUBLISHINGCO.COM

©2009 Alzheimer’s Association. All Rights Reserved.

change that affects daily life is 1 of the 10 warning.signs er’s disease. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step ng something about it. For more information, and to learn an do now, go to alz.org/10signs or call 877-IS IT ALZ.

ation. All Rights Reserved.

DIRECTING THE WAY TO THE FUTURE! Do we have the most innovative activities program around? You bet cha!

• Conductorcise Fitness Program • Hollywood Legends Lecture Series • Great Destinations Travel Series • HUGS Good Will Program

• Arabesque Ballet Fitness Program • BrainFitness Classes • World Events Weekly Round Table Discussions • Broadway Theatre Appreciation Series

Visit a Spectrum Community today and be a part of what’s happening.

Your mind, body and spirit will thank you!

888.516.2188

www.SpectrumRetirement.com

Welcome to Spectrum O n b e h a l f o f a l l o f u s at Spectrum Retirement Communities, we hope you enjoy this complimentary issue of our Enriched Senior Living magazine.

It is our intent to share what we’ve learned about longevity and wellness so our residents, and seniors in general, can enjoy a longer, healthier and happier life. In future quarterly issues, we’ll continue to present

what’s current and newsworthy in the vast and ever-changing world of senior living and wellness.

We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you.

John Sevo and Jeff Kraus Managing Directors Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC

CONTENTS

14 life, well lived Get to know some of Spectrum’s spectacular centenarians.

Inside Spectrum

Spectrum Wellness

05

looking ahead

20

getting to the pointe

06

a special place

22

training the brain

24

what’s that you say?

Announcing a new community, with a new design, in Peoria, Arizona.

The Memory Care Unit at Lincoln Meadows sets a new standard of care.

Spectrum Lifestyle

08

a real juggernaut The Ocean Ridge resident

4

Introducing “Arabesque,” a dance fitness program from Colorado Ballet.

Staying mentally sharp requires cognitive exercise.

How to help a loved one with hearing loss.

Jug Band hits the big time.

Spectrum Advisor

10

just being there

26

12

staying connected

Time together is what matters most to your parents.

The Internet provides an easy way to stay in touch long distance.

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why buy?

Finding the perfect place for your parents — without the outrageous fees.

INSIDE

Looking Ahead Another Spectrum community comes to life!

Con struc tion h a s be gun on Spectrum’s newest community, Palos Verdes Senior Living in Peoria, Arizona. The new building will feature 140 independent, assisted living, and memory care apartment homes and is a new design for Spectrum in that it is slightly smaller and more intimate in scale.

The building is designed in accordance with the local environment and architectural style that surrounds it, and has a different look and feel than Spectrum’s recent builds in Colorado, Missouri, and Illinois.

The city of Peoria is directly adjacent to Sun City, Arizona. Palos Verdes Senior Living is close to shopping and other public amenities and just minutes away from sports and cultural venues. A new major medical center is being built nearby as well.

Spectrum will welcome Palos Verdes into its evergrowing portfolio of senior retirement living options when it opens in the Fall of 2010.

Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC, a Denver-based senior housing owner and developer, was founded in 2003. The company specializes in

By Robert Landau, Vice President of Fun

developing and managing retirement, assisted living, and memory care communities from coast to coast.

Spectrum has grown from six communities in 2004 to 21 communities in 2009, representing more than 2,000 units with more than 900 employees.

Spectrum Retirement Communities offers spacious retirement apartment homes at an affordable monthto-month rent, with no expensive entrance fee or buy-in.

Each community also offers an all-inclusive service program with “At Your Service” hospitality, casualelegant dining with choice and flexibility, multiple dining venues, housekeeping, and limousine and bus transportation. They feature innovative and engaging activities programming and one-of-a-kind resort-style amenities that include private physical therapy in the state-of-the art fitness centers, theaters, sky lounges with outdoor decks, beauty salons, greenhouses and more.

At Spectrum Retirement Communities, residents can continue to age in place with access to assistance as needed, all at an affordable price. For more information about Spectrum, visit www.spectrumretirement.com.

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INSIDE

By Robert Landau, Vice President of Fun

A Special Place

The Memory Care Unit at Lincoln Meadows sets a new standard in care By Robert Landau, Vice President of Fun

“ A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body.”

-Benjamin Franklin

A home should n ot only be comfortable and peaceful for the body, but a healthy and positive stimulant for the mind and spirit as well. A person can only feel truly balanced if both mind and body are fully taken into account. This is also true when it comes to the design and operation of memory care units.

Across the country, state-of-the-art memory care units are becoming an integral part of retirement communities that offer residents a full spectrum of care. In the past, these memory care wings were all too often an afterthought. But today, many retirement communities are rushing to meet the rising demand for superior memory care.

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Memory care in this day and age is not only an emerging health science, but a true art as well. An environment that combines the loving feelings of home with state-of-the-art care is the perfect combination. It is in this type of setting that one quickly discovers everyone’s daily needs are different—as different as the many stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s. To see memory care residents who are happy, comfortable, and healthy is a sure sign that the care and love they are receiving is making all the difference in the world.

Spectrum Retirement Communities recently opened a new memory care wing at the brand new Lincoln Meadows Senior Living Community

in Parker, Colorado. There, residents are in the process of finding new homes in independent, assisted, or memory care divisions.

“I was immediately taken with the way Lincoln’s memory wing looked and felt when I toured it recently,” said a health care professional who attended the grand opening of Lincoln’s memory care unit. “Anyone seeing it would know that this truly is something unique and special. Kudos to the folks that had a hand in creating this!”

This is where Mike Longfellow, A.I.A., comes in. A licensed architect, Longfellow has a broad range of experience in designing innovative hospitality, health care, commercial, and residential properties. He is involved with the design and construction of Spectrum’s new communities across the country. We recently caught up with Longfellow and asked him to tell us about Lincoln Meadows’ memory care division, a wonderful new and fresh design that is to his credit. Here is what he said: “The visual approach is different when you first see it. For one thing, our memory care wing is connected to the rest of the Lincoln Meadows campus. This has everything to do with our aging-in-place concept where, if there’s a couple and the husband should need memory care services, he resides there while his wife remains in their apartment in another part of our community.

“The entire memory care unit is designed with a country cottage feeling. You can see and feel this just about everywhere you look, from the off-white wainscoting in the common areas to the plantation shutters and hardwood flooring.

“Let’s talk about the apartments first. The front

door of each apartment is designed to look like the front porch of a country cottage, complete with mailbox and porch light. The mailboxes, each a different color, are unique in that the resident’s full-size color photo can be placed on it. There’s also a curio cabinet so items that act as a memory cue for the resident can be lovingly displayed. Apartments are generously sized and offer a lot of natural light. Each unit features a unique memory station where special items of a personal nature can be placed. In fact, all through the memory care unit there are many design cues and features that serve to activate memories for people who live there.

It’s a place that almost reaches out and touches you on many different levels.

“We wanted all of it to be very bright and full of natural light. We took into account extensive research that shows that primary colors help stimulate one’s memory. The same goes for the common areas, where residents will find a variety of unique and inviting spaces that are very generous in size compared to industry standards.

“One the most exciting parts of the design is the memory garden. This can often be an afterthought, but here it’s an integral part of the facility. Both in terms of its size and its content, our memory garden is second to none. It features a large amount of plantings, gathering spaces, raised planting beds, and activity spaces. The paths of the garden were laid out to draw residents through the space, creating points of discovery and places of activity.

“We’ve created this unit to be a special place where our residents can take advantage of the best care possible in surroundings that are comfortable, stimulating, and healing—everything one’s new home should truly be.”

To see memory care residents who are happy, comfortable, and healthy is a sure sign that the care and love they are receiving is making all the difference in the world.

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LIFE S T YLE

A Real Juggernaut The Ocean Ridge Jug Band ignites passions with every performance

Local Band on Their Way to the Big Time!

Who would have guessed that a Spectrum-resident Jug Band could take the world by storm? As you will soon see, what started as a glimmer is quickly becoming an audience favorite, complete with five-minute standing ovations at major conferences.

Mary Luther, Spectrum’s Director of Fun at Ocean Ridge Assisted Living in Coos Bay, Oregon, took it upon herself to pilot a project that is now reaping major rewards—for her, the band, and all of the people they touch each and every time they perform. Here, we check in with Luther and discuss the Jug Band phenomenon.

Spectrum: How did this all begin?

MAry luther: We started the Ocean Ridge Jug

Band in 2006, shortly after I became the Director of Fun. We began with about seven members and our first performance was in front of an audience of about 200 at the Senior Idol Competition that we held here at Ocean Ridge. The band was such a big hit that we just kept going with it. As our residents saw how much fun the Jug Band was having, more and more decided to join. We now have 14 members and a waiting list of about six.

S: Have things changed at Ocean Ridge since the band’s inception?

ML: Jug Band has done so much for the energy and attitude of our residents, whether they are band members or not. Creative energy is flowing and it’s common to hear members working over songs in the dining room. The Senior Rockerettes are our Jug Band dancers and have regular practices in the dining room after breakfast. One of the dancers was in Vaudeville at the age of three, but didn’t dance too much after that until he came to Ocean Ridge. Now he’s 88 and back on stage dancing, reciting humorous poetry, and singing. Another member has never sung a solo in his life and now gets so much pleasure out of singing in public. Virginia, our 96-year old,

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can recite poetry like you wouldn’t believe. She’s a natural born actress and didn’t even know it until she joined this band. Another member is a published writer and keeps us in parodies, taking popular songs and changing the words that make us laugh so hard we cry. There are no auditions, so anyone can join.

“ Watching the band perform made me very proud to be part of an organization that loves and supports seniors the way Spectrum does.”

S: Do the band members have any kind of a

mission that underlies what they do?

ML: The band members consider it their mission to entertain and bring happiness to people who may not be doing or feeling so well and they take it very, very seriously. Their goal is to make people forget their problems and sickness for just a little while and in doing that, it enriches the band members’ lives.

We have a job to do and each and every member is committed to making each performance the best we can. It doesn’t matter if there are five or 500 people in the audience, our Jug Band will deliver!

Resident Jug Band Wows the Crowd!

The O c e an Rid g e Jug Band re c en tly perfor med for an audien c e of 400 people. The occasion? The Oregon Health Care Association’s Annual Conference in Portland. The reaction of the crowd? Nothing short of stellar!

Carol Hull, Spectrum Retirement Communities Vice President of Operations, attended the record-breaking performance and had this to say about what she observed.

Spectrum: So what was that day like? carol hull: At first I didn’t think anyone would

listen to the band. They had taken their places on stage but since this was during a luncheon, there was a lot of noise in the large ballroom. By the second song, you could have heard a pin drop! Things really shifted as people were truly engaged with what was happening on stage rather than at their table.

patriotic songs, and loved the band’s old favorites as well. It actually brought tears to some people’s eyes, seeing people perform on stage so vibrantly and totally engaged with what they were doing. It was very clear to one and all that the band was having a wonderful time and they truly deserved to win the award that they received. Their leader, Mary, Ocean Ridge’s Director of Fun, was absolutely amazing to watch too.

S: What was the reaction of the band, how did

S: What did you come away with from this

they handle all of this? cH: The joy the band was experiencing was very obvious to the crowd. The applause was huge at the end of each song. At the very end, everyone—all 400 of them—stood for a very long time just clapping! This was truly an amazing series of moments, one that I’ll never forget. The audience laughed during the band’s funny songs, clapped to the rhythm of the band’s

experience? cH: Watching the band perform made me very proud to be part of an organization that loves and supports seniors the way Spectrum does. That love and support is there everyday and the residents feel it. Anyone watching the Jug Band perform that day also felt it and that’s one of the many things that made that day so very special.

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LIFE S T YLE

Just Being There Time with family can cure those winter blues

By Robert Landau, Vice President of Fun

“ Alone again for another year! Jack’s gone and the kids are in another state and I’m left with a house full of memories. If there’s a way I could just go to sleep and not wake up until January 2, I’ d do it right away, no questions asked!” »

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Does this somewhat sad parental refrain sound familiar? It’s more common than you may think, and not just during the holidays. For many seniors that period of time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s day, when the world is focused on joy and the prized company of others, is when loneliness hits the hardest. And it’s a feeling that can endure.

The holidays remind us exactly how important it is to spend time with family. Really, when it’s all said and done, nothing matters more. But the value of spending time together goes well beyond the holiday season. Just being there for your parents, any time of the year, will cheer their spirits immensely. It’s as simple as spending some time.

Why so blue?

Your parents probably miss you more than you know.

It’s easy to forget how much they value your company when you get bogged down by life’s daily demands. It doesn’t have to be anything special, but just being with your parents can really turn things around for them.

It’s difficult for them to see your smile over the phone.

Work with Them If your folks are down, get them to talk about what’s going on. Just knowing you care can work wonders. Sharing what ails them isn’t a sign of weakness, it can actually be very empowering. Try to do more things with them during this time of year such as shopping or going to the movies. Increased physical activity, such as walking, may also help.

Close Proximity Works like a Charm Being near you and the rest of the family is more meaningful than you’ll ever know. Consider getting them into a nearby retirement community. Then, they’d be near you and also have social interaction with new friends as they take part in an innovative and stimulating activities program. Staying home alone should never be an option if at all possible.

Just Called to Say “I Love You!” If nothing else, call your parents and tell them how much they mean to you and that you love them.

Why are they depressed?

It could be any number of things. Look to the past year for clues: The loss of a loved one or close friends or not being able to drive places they could in years past.

Often, the biggest source of depression is loneliness — because they aren’t with you.

Spending just a little bit of time together can turn what would have been a frown into a smile…and it’s easier than you think.

Get them involved socially Spend as much time as you can with your parents during the holidays and all throughout the year.

Remember, it’s about making memories that will last.

How many parents are mired in the past looking at the same scrapbook year after year? Living in old memories may not be the best thing for the soul, but making new memories brings new life and joy into one’s experience — during the holidays and beyond.

If you can’t be there as much as you hoped, make sure your parents are involved in social events with friends or other seniors.

Depression... ... has much more of an impact on our health than arthritis, diabetes, or asthma, and can often go untreated. ... is responsible for approximately $87 billion a year in lost productivity in the United States. ... is on track to becoming the second most disabling disease the world over. ... affects close to 10 percent of America’s population each year.

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LIFE S T YLE

Staying Connected The Internet makes it easy to stay in touch with family across the country

By Molly Parker, Spectrum Retirement Communities

The modern fa mily i s r arely confined by geographical boundaries. Rather, members of a single family often live in different towns, states, or even countries, making it difficult for families to remain close. When long distance is compounded with busy schedules, it is no wonder that people often lose touch with their loved ones. While the literal distance between family members is an increasing reality, access to a family member’s voice or face is really just a click away.

Daily multigenerational use of the Internet can solve these issues of communication. Unfortunately, many Americans find themselves out of the loop as technology has rapidly advanced in the past decade. With all of the “foreign lingo�

used in social networks such as Facebook, Skype, and Twitter, it is no surprise that people feel lost when dealing with the Internet. The normal avenues for communication are changing, and you must evolve with them in order to keep in touch with all generations of your family.

Here is a guide to help you become a bit more tech savvy and use these new technologies to your advantage.

www.facebook.com With more than 200 million users worldwide, Facebook is the most popular social networking site in the world. Initially designed as a forum for college students, this network has expanded to include users from the ages of 13 to 104! Yes, even savvy seniors are enjoying the benefits of this social site. The network allows you to keep tabs on busy relatives, whether by viewing photos from their recent trip to Europe or sending a quick greeting via a Facebook message. Facebook is the perfect way to keep in touch on a daily basis with minimal effort. The site is free of charge and easy to use, and you can navigate the site within mere minutes of signing up.

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www.skype.com This software application has revolutionized long-distance relationships. Users can talk to anyone worldwide free of charge. Skype users can even video conference and instant message with one another, making it a popular means of chatting for free while abroad or at home.

Seeing a loved one’s face live on your computer screen is the next best thing to an actual visit, allowing you to feel closer to your friends and family than you may actually be.

we’re here to Help!

Spectrum Retirement Communities helps families and residents to stay connected!

Log into any of our on-site computers and we’ll show you how you can:

* Find out what’s happening daily at the Spectrum community of your choice.

* E-mail, Tweet, Facebook, etc. with www.twitter.com Twitter, like Facebook, is a free social networking Web site. Twitter uses micro-blogging messages called “tweets” to update people about activities on a day-to-day, or even a minute-to-minute, basis. These “tweets” can consist of thoughts, videos, or new links in which the user is interested. Twitter has become so popular that even celebrities are “tweeting” for everyone to see. Similar to a blog, it is a good way for people to keep in touch and follow what their friends and family are doing everyday.

The Internet provides many easy-to-use forums for communication among friends and families. However, a handwritten letter, phone call, or face-to-face visit is still the best way to keep in touch and really make it count!

Spectrum residents and family members.

* Personalize your own Web page. * Join online discussions. * E-mail photos to residents, friends and family.

All of this is FREE to residents and family members. It’s another perfect way families can stay in touch with residents and residents can stay in touch with their families at Spectrum Retirement Communities. s p e ct rum / w in t e r 20 1 0

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day out ig b ’s a Ad

Life Well

LIVED Some of Spectrum’s centenarians share their secrets to a long and glowing life

By Robert Landau, Vice President of Fun

They con stit u te one of the fastest growing segments of America’s population. Centenarians—those 100 years old or better—have a story to tell and more and more people are listening.

What is it that makes these wonderful folks tick? What’s the secret to living a long, healthy, and happy life? Spectrum Retirement Communities is honored to have a number of residents across the country that fit into this group rather nicely. For this issue of Spectrum Magazine, we decided to focus on four amazing centenarians who live at Spectrum’s Pine Ridge Hayes community in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

Read on, their stories are sure to impress you. »

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Ada Scot t Spectrum: What’s the most memorable

thing you accomplished in your life thus far?

ADA: I had some dear friends in Florida.

When they became suddenly ill, I cared for them and helped them with anything they needed. It’s what you do for dear friends.

Spectrum: What’s your secret for staying

Ada Scott, 102 Motorcycle Mama Extraordinaire At 102 years of age, Ada Scott really packs a wallop! There isn’t a thing she’s afraid of or won’t conquer if she puts her mind to it. A role model?

Yes. A perfect example of what you can accomplish in life if you have the right mindset? You betchya!

ADA: I’m originally from Winnipeg, Canada and

fell in love with and married an American citizen.

I still remember the day I received my United States citizenship papers. What a memorable day that was! I was so very proud.

so young minded and healthy?

ADA: I think it has a lot to do with determination and the way you feel. I’m determined and I feel pretty. I’m also bullheaded. Last winter I was clearing snow off my patio in nothing but a light sweater when I should have been totally bundled up. I did it and felt good doing it! You know what? I’m looking forward to my 103rd year and all the wonderful things it will bring.

Spectrum: You are known for doing a

couple of very daring things. Care to elaborate?

ADA: Well, when I turned 100, the local Harley Davidson club in these parts came by and I rode on the back of one of the guy’s Harleys. What a day, what a ride! I wasn’t afraid at all, never having been on a motorcycle before. You have to live each and every day to the fullest. Don’t be afraid to experience things you haven’t done before, you may never get the chance again.

“ You have to live every day to the fullest. Don’t be afraid to experience things you haven’t done before, you may never get the chance again.”

Spectrum: What do you remember most

Juanita Keller, 101 Hard Work Never Hurt a Soul

ADA: My Dad had a farm. When I was eight

Juanita will be 101 by the time you read this.

A West Virginia native, she was raised on a farm, as well, where hard work was not only expected but an integral part of each and every day.

about your childhood?

years old, my five brothers and I had to help on the farm each and every day. It was tough work but it taught me a lot about life and what was really important. Hard work makes you a strong person, even at an early age.

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juanita: Growing up wasn’t easy for me

and my sister. We never met our father as he passed a month before I was born. It was just the three of us and boy, we truly could have used six!

Spectrum: Did you marry? juanita: Oh yes. He’s gone now but I can

still remember seeing him for the first time.

He used to drive a Greyhound bus. I was in High School at the time and the first thing I noticed was how he looked in his bus uniform.

“ What’s important to me is that I cherish and am so thankful for each and every day. Don’t worry about the future, the present is what’s important.

Spectrum: What was his reaction? juanita: Oh, he never knew. I was always in

the back of the bus making fun of him. We married and ended up having two boys. We moved to Pittsburgh and then to the Detroit area. My husband ended up building roads and tunnels.

Spectrum: Did that ever worry you? juanita: Oh, yes. I was plenty worried but he

always came home so it turned out just fine.

Spectrum: What’s important to you at this

point in your life? juanita: Living where I do. I’m involved in the wonderful activities offered here. I’m very well taken care of by Mary, our activities person, and the rest of the staff. My son is also extremely important to me. He visits me almost every week. He’s very good and thoughtful to me. I lost my other son to a brain tumor.

Spectrum: What do you attribute your long

life to?

Juanita Keller Spectrum: How so? juanita: Well, in those days, all the Grey-

hound drivers wore these really tight pants, made of some sort of leather or spandex type of material. Honestly, you couldn’t help but notice.

I started to make fun of how much bigger his bottom looked in those tight fitting pants.

juanita: Hard and dedicated work. Work on the farm when I was younger and work in my various careers, too. At one point I owned a bed and breakfast, at another I worked for the local arts center. Even now I find ways to always make myself involved and useful. It keeps me alive, it keeps me young. I don’t think about the future much—what’s important to me is that I cherish and am so thankful for each and every day. Don’t worry about the future, the present is what’s important.

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Irene

Bann

Spectrum: May we ask how old you are? irene: Sure, why not? I’m 102.

Spectrum: How do you feel? irene: I feel great…really I do!

Spectrum: Any advice for those who wish to

follow in your footsteps and live a long and healthy life? irene: Don’t overeat. That isn’t being healthy.

Eat in moderation. As I look to my future, I hope to continue on as I’m doing right now. You have to take it day by day and accept things as they are.

Life is good!

Stella Seweryn, 101 Dancing Queen

Irene Bann, 102 Life is Good!

Irene has been living at Pine Ridge Hayes for eight months and already feels very much at home. irene: I come from Dayton, Ohio. I had two

sisters and a brother. My parents were from Austria and Hungary. I speak Hungarian and I can even write it. I was just like all the other school kids. I went to school each day, came home and did chores.

Stella’s love for a good polka and a good night’s sleep keep her going strong. stella: I’m from Poland. My parents were

farmers but my father died when I was very young.

He was 32 years old and it left our family at odds.

Spectrum: What happened then? stella: We emigrated to the States and settled

in an area of Detroit where a lot of Polish people lived. That’s where I met my husband.

“ You have to take it day by day and accept things as they are. Life is good!”

Spectrum: What type of chores? irene: Clean house, cleaned the kitchen floor.

Spectrum: Did doing chores around the

house help you any way later in life? irene: Funny you should mention that. I think it’s a question of discipline and responsibility.

Doing chores helps prepare you for things—for life in general. It keeps you humble.

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Spectrum: How did the two of you meet? stella: We met at a friend’s house. I

remember that so clearly, pretty good for 101 years old, don’t you think? They had an accordion they loved to play. My future husband was there and we started to dance. I love to dance, especially the polka. There’s nothing like a good polka!

Spectrum: Did you have a career? stella: My husband did. He used to work at

the Chevrolet factory here in the Detroit area. We had a son and a daughter. My son passed away.

I have two granddaughters that live close by. I owned a deli for a while.

Spectrum: What has kept you so young at heart? stella: Dancing! Work and dancing! I always

worked and once I retired I would dance. I found it to be great exercise to keep me going, still do.

“ Life is so very precious, don’t you think?”

Spectrum: What else do you like to do now? stella: Hmmm…let me see...sleep!

Spectrum: Well don’t let us keep you. stella: No, no, that can wait. I also think it’s

Stella Seweryn

important to always be dressed well. I also drove my car until I was 96. All of these things, caring enough to dress well, dancing, driving and, yes, even sleeping, have kept me young. Life is so very precious, don’t you think?

*U.S. News & World Report since 1998. © 2008 National Jewish Health.

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19

WELLNE SS

Spectrum Communities and Colorado Ballet pilot new senior fitness program called “Arabesque”

By Anne O’Connor, Director, Education & Outreach, Colorado Ballet

At ten o’c lock on an y given morning, the sun streams through floor-to-ceiling windows on the second floor of a 100-year-old former Dodge Brothers’ dealership in downtown Denver. Silhouetted in the light are nearly 50 ballet dancers, stretching, taping their toes and tying their pointe shoes, getting ready for a two-hour warm up. This is Colorado Ballet Studios.

Under the direction of Artistic Director Gil Boggs, Colorado Ballet’s dancers come from all over the world. They have practiced these movements since they were children. Every day, they jump a little higher, bend a little deeper, and stretch a little longer, always striving for perfection. They will rehearse until long after the sun has set, leaving exhilarated and exhausted.

“We’re trying to stretch our muscles creatively. It gives us so much more freedom.”

— Mikhail Baryshnikov

Established in 1961 by Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker, Colorado Ballet is a not-forprofit organization presenting superior quality classical ballet and innovative dance through performances, training, and education programs that enhance the cultural life of the community.

One of Colorado Ballet’s top priorities is to

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“ To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak.”

— Hopi Indian Saying

make dance accessible to everyone. The Education and Outreach Department has served more than 600,000 students, teachers, families, people with disabilities, and lifelong learners in the last ten years, through programs like Dance Renaissance, an after-school dance program at 13 under-served elementary schools, and audio-described ballets for blind and visually impaired patrons attending productions at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

Now, Colorado Ballet is proud to partner with Spectrum Retirement Communities on Arabesque, a fitness program incorporating movements from the classics of ballet. Colorado Ballet dancers and dance teachers worked together to create

Dancer: Maria Mosina; Photo by Allen Birnbach

Getting to the Pointe

“Dance is your pulse, your heartbeat, your breathing. It’s the rhythm of your life. It’s the expression in time and movement, in happiness, joy, sadness and envy.”

— Jaques D’ambroise

seated exercises based on variations from The Nutcracker, and piloted the program with Denver residents in November. Participants learned the behind-the-scenes history of the work, took part in a modified ballet warm-up, and worked with dance professionals to transfer scenes from The Nutcracker—including the classic “Snow Scene” and the spirited “Waltz of the Flowers”—from the stage to their seats.

Residents then traveled to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the Denver Performing Arts Complex to see a full-length performance performed by Colorado Ballet.

Future plans for Arabesque include expanding the program to explore other classics such as Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Romeo & Juliet and more.

“ Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.”

— Martha Graham

Innovative

fitness Introducing our dynamic new Wellness Centers

By Kathleen MacDonald, Vice President of Marketing

A number of Spectrum retirement communities are opening their doors to a revolutionary new Wellness Center. Spectrum is excited to announce a very recent partnership with Technogym USA, one of the nation’s most innovative designers of fitness equipment. Spectrum’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Caren Ermel, says, “We are very excited about this Wellness Center because we believe it will make a huge difference in the lives of our residents.”

How so? Many of Spectrum’s Wellness Centers are developed and staffed by experts with active aging in mind. Technogym’s equipment is designed to be non-intimidating and approachable. All adjustments are color-coded and accessible from the seated position. Technogym enables residents to work out safely and efficiently, all while enjoying themselves and having fun.

“We are pleased to be partnering with Spectrum Retirement Communities to deliver Wellness to their residents. Spectrum has a strong commitment to providing excellent equipment, programming, and staff to help their residents maintain independence and enjoy life to the fullest,” says Brian Greene, of Technogym USA. s p e ct rum / w in t e r 20 1 0

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Training the Brain

Mental stimulation and social interaction are key to cognitive wellness

By Taylor Moss, Spectrum Retirement Communities

M an y pe ople are con c erned about developing dementia as they age and want to know what they can do to prevent it.

While there are not yet any specific medical treatments available, there are many lifestyle factors known to significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia. Three such factors are a healthy diet, physical exercise, and mentally stimulating activity.

Many chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers show lower frequency among people who eat a diet of vegetables, fruit, nuts, and lean meats and seafood.

Dementia is also less common among people who eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Physical exercise is associated with improving health in a very broad way, benefiting everything from diabetes and heart disease to simply making one feel more energized. Numerous studies also demonstrate a strong link between

don’t have to be a marathon runner to enjoy the mental benefits of exercise.

Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, thereby providing more energy and nutrients to the brain’s cells. Exercise also releases many chemicals that promote growth of new nerve cells and new connections between nerve cells.

Finally, mental exercise is something that more people are becoming acquainted with through the recent popularity of “brain games.” Many studies show how important mental stimulation is to preventing dementia.

Mental stimulation comes in many forms.

Activities such as reading, playing music, or doing crossword puzzles can be very beneficial, as can more social activities such as playing cards, volunteering, or simply interacting with friends. Nearly any activity that requires active mental engagement is thought to be beneficial. While consumer brain training video games have not been studied enough to show any correlation, it would seem logical that they have similar effects to activities such as crossword puzzles.

Many studies show how important mental stimulation is to preventing dementia. physical exercise and cognitive health. One study found regular exercise correlated with a 30 percent reduced risk of developing dementia.

Another study found benefits from as little as 90 minutes of leisurely walking per week. So you

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Keep it Fresh Not all mental exercise is created equal, however.

Any mental activity will show diminishing returns after years of repetition. A person who has done the Sunday New York Times crossword every week for 30 years, for example, will get much less mental exercise from it than somebody who has never done a crossword puzzle before. This leads many experts to recommend a variety of mental activities to maintain their benefit. A music lover who is proficient at playing the piano could learn another instrument; or an avid bridge player could take up crossword puzzles.

There is no reason to stop doing activities you enjoy, but there is much to be gained from trying new activities—and there are nearly limitless options available.

Spectrum has designed its retirement communities and innovative activities programs to promote all three areas of wellness. Chefs prepare a variety of nutritious and delicious meals each day. Wellness

centers feature an assortment of exercise equipment, fitness programs, and classes that meet the fitness goals of any resident. And Spectrum offers group activities designed to stimulate the mind, such as the Brain Fitness program, which includes a twice weekly helping of brain teasers, word games, fun facts, and friends.

The new and unique Conductorcise and Arabesque fitness programs effectively combine classical music education and ballet history with aerobic exercise into a win-win situation for the brain and body. Stimulating lecture series and other innovative events keep residents active on many levels throughout each and every day. This type of continuous social interaction is one of the best things people can do to reduce the risk of dementia...not to mention it’s a whole lot of fun!

For more information about Spectrum’s dynamic wellness programs, visit us online at www.spectrumretirement.com.

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• Experts in minimally invasive procedures • Its own entrance & family center with a soothing, healing ambiance • A dedicated inpatient floor with rehab area • Pre & post surgery education & classes

For all the moves of your life.

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The Spine & Total Joint Center

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We strive to provide patient care as we would wish to be cared for ourselves. Our orthopedic specialties include but are not limited to: • • • • • • • • • •

General Orthopedics & Fracture Management Surgical and Non Surgical Orthopedic Care Minimally Invasive Procedures Joint Replacement Hip Dysplasia/Disorders Foot and Ankle Injuries Arthroscopic Surgery EMG (Electromyography) Hand and Upper Extremity Injuries Spine Disorders, Deformities and Diseases

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I-25 at Lincoln • Lone Tree

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What’s That You Say? The best way to help with hearing loss may be not helping at all

By Terry Ball, M.AuD., CCC-A

H e a r i n g lo s s co m e s i n m a n y shapes and sizes. It can affect people of all ages and for various reasons. But unless the hearing loss is caused by a trauma to the ear, either physical or acoustical, the loss tends to be a slow, gradual onset. This gradual loss makes it even harder for people to recognize that they are having as much difficulty as they are. But most people, as they get older, do experience some degree of hearing loss and even mild hearing loss can significantly affect quality of life for people and their families.

Loved ones often act as the ears for people who no longer hear like they used to hear. As such, they end up repeating themselves, speaking louder, interpreting the conversation of others, or maybe just saying, ‘forget it!’

According to an article published by the Better Hearing Institute, the number one reason why people purchase their first hearing aid is that they recognize their hearing has

Solutions—The Impact of Treated Hearing Loss on Quality of Life).

So why wait to get a hearing aid? Oftentimes, the hearing-impaired individual fails to recognize there is a problem and resists taking responsibility for it. But untreated hearing loss can be associated with fatigue, irritability, anger, avoidance of social activities, negativism, loneliness, less alertness to the environment, impaired memory, less adaptability to learning new tasks, reduced general health, reduced coping skills, and reduced overall psychological health.

There is data to support the idea that improved hearing improves quality of life for the hearing-impaired and their loved ones. Working with the National Council on Aging, 1,500 hearing aid owners and 1,500 family members were surveyed on various components of quality of life issues. The findings clearly demonstrate that those who sought help for their hearing loss had better relationships at home and with family, improved mental health, social life, emotional health, and physical health.

Dr. Firman, of the National Council on the Aging, stated in a speech to the media in 1999, “This study debunks the myth that untreated hearing loss is a harmless condition.”

So what can you, the family, do to help? First, don’t be the ears of your loved one.

If you repeat what you say, constantly raise your voice, or act as the messenger, then they don’t need to seek help. Your goal is to assist them in hearing better, independently of you, and especially as they transition into an environment where they interact more with others or have the opportunity to engage in more social activities.

No one likes being pushed, but when gentle, helpful guidance in the form of love and compassion comes, so will change. Don’t be a hearing helper! worsened. The second reason is pressure from family members who are negatively impacted by an individual’s loss. The average age of firsttime hearing aid wearers is close to 70 years old, despite the fact that the majority (65 percent) of people with hearing loss are below the age of 65; and nearly half of all people with hearing loss are below the age of 55. (Source: Hearing

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Be a Real Hearing Aid Recognize life patterns in both you and your loved one who is having hearing difficulties. We all react differently and do things in certain ways.

If you recognize general patterns of behavior and attitude, it may give you insight as to how to best address the issue. Likewise, you have your own patterns. Have you been assisting them for so long that they now expect it and you are now part of the pattern? You need to lovingly tell them you will no longer repeat yourself and then make a conscious effort to stop interpreting for them.

Make the commitment not to be an enabler.

Once you make up your mind to accept only

How to Help There are several ways that you — the family — can help a loved one with hearing loss. The first way?

Don't help at all.

That's right. If you constantly repeat yourself, raise your voice, or act as a messenger, they will become dependent on you and not seek the professional help they may need.

what is best for your loved one, you can make it happen. But don’t force it—create it. No one likes being pushed, but when gentle, helpful guidance in the form of love and compassion comes, so will change. Don’t be a hearing helper!

So everyone’s decided to make an appointment for the hearing test. Now what? Look for an experienced audiologist. Be sure that he does a complete hearing evaluation, takes the time to do a communication needs assessment, and offers several options for meeting your loved one’s hearing needs. And be sure that you are invited to the appointment. Be a part of the process in working with the audiologist to come to the best solution for your loved one.

Terry has been fitting hearing aids and working with individuals with hearing loss for more than 20 years. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University in 1985 and her Masters of Audiology from the University of South Carolina in 1990. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and the American Speech Language Hearing Association. She has been assisting patients in a private audiology setting with Aspen Hearing Center in Denver, Colorado since January 2004. Terry can be reached at 303-722-0886.

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advisor

Why Buy? “ I’ll Know it the Moment I See It!” What type of community is perfect for your parents?

By Robert Landau, Vice President of Fun

So you need to find senior housing that will work for your parents. What do you do now? As we grow older, we want to continue to live in a home-like environment that provides us with four basic elements: Security, comfort, good food, and socialization.

If you think about it, this is what made your parents’ home so special to them. So it’s important to find them somewhere new that offers the same type of surroundings that their home provided for them for so many years.

the market is down and selling one’s home isn’t as easy as it used to be.

So, why not rent instead? You get the same apartment and same amenities for a monthly fee instead of a six-figure entry fee. Even better, you get to hold on to your savings. If you wish to move out of the community at any time, all you do is give notice and on you go.

Spectrum Retirement Communities has never asked residents to pay an entry fee.

Giving people peace of mind during their years in a retirement community should be at the top of everyone’s list. Knowing one can afford to reside there and still have plenty of savings left will make all the difference in the world.

Whatever your folks’ needs may be, there is a community that is perfect for them. You can find out more about what the senior retirement world has to offer and how to help your parents make the transition by ordering a complimentary copy of Spectrum’s helpful booklet A Place Like Home.

To Buy In or Not To Buy In? Say you’ve started to visit a few senior retirement communities but one thing kept turning you off: The buy-in!

What’s a buy-in? Many Active Adult/Age Restricted Communities and Independent Living Communities charge something called a buy-in. Buy-ins—or entry fees as they are sometimes called—are an up-front expense that can amount to tens of thousands of dollars and typically require a monthly fee as well. Sometimes, you can get a portion back if you choose to leave the community, but any way you slice it, buy-in fees can be prohibitively expensive.

You may think that you’ve found the perfect community for your folks when you discover that it is necessary to plunk down about $200,000 before they can move in. Would you want them to go through with this? This is the question thousands of people in a similar position are faced with each and every day. The decision becomes even harder when

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A Place Like Home Caring for your aging parents can be a challenging and emotional time. You have so many questions, but don’t know where to turn for the answers.

That is why we wrote A Place Like Home, a comprehensive guide to finding the best retirement living option for your parents.

This informative booklet is full of great ideas and important questions to ask as you search for the next, and best, move.

Call 888-684-1160 today for your complimentary copy of this invaluable resource.

A Variety of Options Where c an you g et the infor m ation you need ab ou t wh at t ype of community works best for your folks? The straight facts are a good place to start. The senior housing industry has done an excellent job providing various living options for different levels of need. To that end, here are some senior housing classifications to help you out:

Active Adult/Age Restricted Communities These are defined as single family or multi-family residential properties restricted to adults 55 years of age or older. Most of these communities do not provide meals for their residents. Many offer community space and some offer activities programs.

Independent Living Communities Independent Living Communities are best defined as age-restricted multi-family properties. Here residents are provided with meals, housekeeping, activities/wellness programs, transportation, and socialization. This is a perfect option for people who choose not to—or no longer can—cook or drive.

These services are provided while one’s independence is respected and encouraged. Independent residents that may end up needing services that deal with daily living such as bathing or medication reminders have the option of contracting with home health care providers on an individual pay basis.

Great strides have been made to make independent living communities look and feel like a comfortable resort with friendly staff who cater to the residents’ every need. Studies now prove that Independent Living activities and wellness programs keep people younger because of the worry-free lifestyle.

Assisted Living Communities Assisted Living Communities are state-licensed and provide the same services as Independent Communities do. Additional bathing, medication reminders, dressing, personal care, and more are all a part of the everyday routine here. These services are provided by the on-site staff as part of the everyday life routine. Meals are typically served three times a day and are included in the cost of residing in this type of community. Housekeeping, maintenance, activities, transportation, and all meals are also included.

Skilled Nursing No longer called Nursing Homes, this type of living option has come a long way in a short time. Today’s Skilled Nursing facilities are convalescent in nature and a good fit for those who might also require acute care.

In terms of cost, is it always month-to-month?

Active Adult/Age Restricted Communities and Independent Living Communities

Assisted Living Communities and Skilled Nursing Communities

Typically a buy-in (or entry fee) as well as a monthly fee

A monthly fee that varies depending on a resident’s needs

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“He made the rigHt decisions for me, now it’s my turn. ” Perfectly appointed communities, affordable month-to-month senior living with no expensive buy-in, flexibility and choice...you’ll live life to the fullest!

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Gardens at Westlake | Westlake, OH Maple Heights | Allen Park, MI Parkrose Estates | Liverpool, NY Pine Ridge Garfield | Clinton Twp., MI Pine Ridge Hayes | Sterling Heights, MI Pine Ridge Plumbrook | Sterling Heights, MI Pine Ridge Villas of Shelby | Shelby Twp., MI

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West Communities Lakeview | Lakewood, CO Lincoln Meadows | Parker, CO Rigden Farm | Ft. Collins, CO Spectrum Retirement Communities Please call or visit today:

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