Newsletter | Winter 2015
Discover independent retirement living on the North Shore
Being ‘PARC FIT’ has its longlasting benefits. Getting to your 90s is quite an accomplishment. Remaining relatively healthy is quite another. And then there are those who defy age and take an active, preventative role in maintaining or even improving their health or fitness level. Patricia*, a 96-year-old resident at Summerhill, is proof enough one can see results even this late in life. Patricia decided to participate in Summerhill’s PARC FIT program six months ago, performing a series of exercises several times a week. Before she started, the staff at Summerhill PARC measured her abilities, in order to establish a baseline. Then, after six months of participation, she was measured again. In one particular area: the arm curls, Patricia saw a 50% improvement in her abilities. At the beginning of her training, she could do 10 arm curls, and after six months of PARC FIT exercises, she could do 15, placing her above average in comparison to her gender and age group. *Real name not used to protect privacy.
You are what you eat. We’ve all heard that before. So presumably, if one eats healthy, one IS healthy. With that in mind, here are some of the long-lasting effects from a variety of healthy foods: > Dark chocolate (made with greater than 70 % cocoa): can help reduce blood pressure through the polyphenols it contains. Studies have even shown that after eight weeks of consuming small amounts of regular dark chocolate, older adults scored much better on memory tests. > Berries, such as blueberries and raspberries, are high in total flavonoids, and when eaten several times a week in small quantities, may slow memory decline, a common occurence in older women. > The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin (which gives curry its yellow colour), and has been shown to prevent the formation of amyloid plaques involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory compound, which plays a major role in prevention of disease.
NEW PARC Retirement Living videos: now live online! Considering 65 percent of the population are visual learners, it’s no wonder the world has fallen in love with video as a way of observing and learning. That’s why PARC Retirement Living is proud to share some “slice of life” videos to give you an insider’s look at daily life and the lifestyle here. Learn all about PARC Independent Living+ and how you can live a healthier, independent lifestyle. You’ll find our videos online: on our YouTube channel, Facebook page and website: www.parcliving.ca/summerhill.
retirement living with a plus
Wellness Nurse, Susan Sollis
135 West 15th Street, North Vancouver, BC V7M 1R7 parcliving.ca/summerhill 604.980.6525
PARC Retirement Living facebook.com/parcretirementliving @ParcLiving
Resident defies all stereotypes. Looking at 80-year old Hanne Kruger, one may wonder why she moved into Summerhill PARC. After all, she looks the picture of health. She is active with Tai Chi, yoga and her book club, adores line dancing, drives a SMART car, texts on her SMART phone or ipad and is currently writing her autobiography on her iMAC. “I text constantly with my children,” she says. “And I plan to start making my doctor appointments electronically.” Hanne is not exactly the retiree people imagine. But that’s exactly the point at PARC Retirement residences. We inspire healthy, independent and active living.
PARC SMART soup warms winter right up. PARC SMART recipes are those created by PARC Executive Chefs to meet guidelines that include low sodium, low fat and low sugar. The expanding PARC SMART program will offer a healthy alternative at lunch or dinner, and can be made easily in your own kitchen. Here is an example of a typical PARC SMART recipe. Try it yourself! Curried Apple and Zucchini Soup > 25 mL (2 tbsp) olive oil > 2 apples, peeled, cored and chopped > 1 large onion, chopped > 5 to 15 mL (1 to 3 tsp) curry powder > 500 mL (2 cups) water > 500 mL (2 cups) sodium-reduced chicken or vegetable broth
Hanne explains with a sparkling smile. “I love to be social and I like life and action,” She had been living alone in an oceanview suite in West Vancouver “but I was so lonely,” she explains. Hanne loves knowing there are people there if she wants company. She doesn’t feel a need to always socialize with other residents. And she has a great view to 15th street, which is constantly bustling. “If you have movement outside your window, you will never be lonely,” she smiles. When asked about her happiness, her bright eyes convey a content woman. “I found my peace here at Summerhill. I am a very happy and healthy person.” Hanne always had her eye on Summerhill PARC, but it wasn’t until years later that the timing was finally right. “I always knew I was going to come here – it was just a matter of when.” With classical music playing in the background, knitting needles and an ipad at the ready, Hanne couldn’t be happier.
> 750 mL (3 cups) diced (unpeeled) zucchini (375 g/12 oz) > 50 mL (1⁄4 cup) rice, brown preferred > 2 mL (1⁄2 tsp) salt > 375 mL (1.5 cups) 2% milk Directions In saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat; sauté apples and onion for 5 minutes or until softened. Sprinkle with curry powder; cook, stirring, for a few seconds. Pour in water and broth; bring to boil. Add zucchini, rice and salt. Cover and simmer over low heat until zucchini and rice are very soft and soup is slightly thickened. In batches, pour into blender or food processor; blend until smooth. Return to pan and add milk; heat through.
Isolation may be endangering our health.
Upcoming events January: Robbie Burns dinner Tea & Trumpets: “The World of Shakespeare”
According to life transition consultant Dr. Amy D’Aprix, “As we age, our support system shrinks. Sometimes we don’t realize how isolated we’ve become until we’re around people again.” She also points out that social isolation may be endangering our health. According to a 2003 report by the World Health Organization, social isolation makes us candidates for premature death, depression and higher levels of disability from chronic diseases. “When someone moves to a retirement residence, they have personal contact again,” says D’Aprix. “Since everyone’s at the same life stage, they have tremendous support.” That, in turn, leads to overall better health and well-being.
February: Tea & Trumpets: “World Traveller” Chinese New Year entertainment with The Orchid Club – Taiwanese Women of the North Shore March: Sinfonia Concert Tea & Trumpets “Sibelius at 150” St. Patrick’s Irish sing-along with John Cronin Concert with The Ambleside Orchestra
Attend our Taste of the Tropics event & ENTER TO WIN* a cruise for two! Join us for a Carribean-themed afternoon, featuring entertainment, food, fun and prizes to be won! Plus, enjoy a tour while you’re here, and if you provide a deposit by March 31 st , receive $1,000 off your first month’s rent! February 4, 2015 2 - 4 PM Please RSVP your attendance by calling 604.980.6525 *Chance of winning is based on the total number of entries received by February 20, 2015.
retirement living with a plus
135 West 15th Street, North Vancouver, BC V7M 1R7 parcliving.ca/summerhill 604.980.6525