Commun ty Matters Clay Center Presbyterian Manor
Chapel
Tuesdays at 2 p.m. December 4: Pastor Coleman December 11: Pastor Lingle December 18: Father Weber
Vespers
Sundays at 4 p.m. In the Healthcare Dining Room
December 2018
New resident reflects on Christmas memories Velma Lang is a recent addition to our independent living residences, and while we all know there’s “no place like home” for the holidays, we know that home can have different meanings to different people. We asked Velma to share some of her favorite Christmas memories and traditions, as well as some words of wisdom to those who are finding themselves in a new place during Christmas time.
“My favorite traditions are going to church services on Christmas Eve, and baking cookies and fruitcakes—but not the hard as a brick kind that no one wanted to eat, it was edible and rich tasting!” said Velma. “I always enjoyed getting new pajamas from Santa Claus for Christmas, and I hope I’ve given lots of memorable gifts.”
When asked, “What is the most important thing for new residents to be able to enjoy the holidays in their new home away from home?”Velma replied, “Enjoy the friendliness of everyone around you.” We hope Velma, and residents new and old, enjoy the friendly, warm, welcoming atmosphere during the holidays at Clay Center Presbyterian Manor.
Why people in their 70s, 80s and beyond might want to meditate I am sitting comfortably in my chair taking a course on mindfulness and meditation. Like those around me, I want to cope better with stress and feel more relaxed. But more than that, I am intrigued by my fellow “students.” After all, an assisted living community is hardly your usual meditation venue.
Walkers and canes dot the room. Behind me is a woman in her 80s wearing a jaunty glittered cap. She is tethered to an oxygen tank that whooshes in and out.
Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Clay Center Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org.
Christian Gilbert, executive director Heather Germann, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Heather Germann, hgermann@pmma.org.
Telephone: 785-632-5646 Fax: 785-632-5874 Address: 924 Eighth St., Clay Center, KS 67432-2620
Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. ClayCenterPresbyterianManor.org
2 COMMUNITY MATTERS DECEMBER 2018
The whooshing sound fades as I follow my instructor’s words: “Close your eyes. Now breathe in through your nose, then exhale, feeling the breath go from your shoulders to your rib cage and into your belly. If your mind starts to wander, and it will, simply let those thoughts float away and go back to the breathing.” Many benefits of meditation Our instructor is Bob Linscott from the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He believes that mindfulness and meditation, often referred to as “mindfulness meditation,” can help adults in their 70s, 80s and beyond come to terms with the challenges of aging. Why? Research shows the profound psychological and physiological benefits of meditation for reducing stress, depression, pain, and boosting emotional well-being.
Questions and answers about meditation
I asked Linscott to talk more about our course geared to older adults:
Q:What are some of the issues around “mindful aging” that meditation helps? A: Everything! When people get older, they tend to ruminate: Am I going to run out of money? What will happen to me when I can’t stay in my home? Am I going to die alone? There’s worrying about how they will cope if their spouse dies first, going over and over a
strained family relationship, or perhaps anxiety about burdening their kids with their care.
Credit: Adobe Stock
The benefits of mindfulness meditation for older adults
Meditation is like a pause button that breaks the cycle of worry. It can help older adults better accept their changing bodies or chronic pain. It puts them more in control of their lives.
Q:When people meditate, the focus is on the present.Why is that significant? A: Older adults often live in the future with their fears or get caught up in the past.With mindfulness, you can catch yourself and think, “In this moment, I am okay.” Meditation quiets the mind and is very calming.
Q: So meditation is a different way of dealing with stress? A:Yes! We used to think of stress as a lifethreatening incident when the body has to prepare for fight or flight. But as we age, stress can also be ruminating and worrying. When you have all this extra time alone, it’s easy to ruminate. Meditation teaches us to let go of that and work with negative thoughts and how we react to stress.We learn new patterns of responding and that’s where we begin to see transformation.
It’s harder for older people because they’ve spent their entire lives with these MEDITATION continued on page 4
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
Here at Clay Center Presbyterian Manor, we have many wonderful holiday traditions to enjoy! Dates will be announced soon for these fun, festive events:
Clay Center High School Tiger Choral will sing for the assisted and independent living Christmas party.
Santa Claus will visit the residents during their Christmas Party, along with special entertainment.
Residents and family members always enjoy the Tiger Chorale performance.
Staff service anniversaries will be awarded and recognized in December as well.
Call to action for families!
Please RSVP your attendance to the Christmas parties for your loved ones. This helps us plan the seating and the food.
Make sure you have your reservations in for the Christmas and NewYear’s meals that you want to eat with your loved one. Spaces fill up fast! Contact the business office.
Santa’s visit is greatly anticipated each year. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
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MEDITATION continued from page 2
patterns. Meditation helps them slow down and take a minute to react.
Personal reflection on meditation
I may not be in my 70s or 80s yet, but as I get older, I have become more anxious about the future. I also find myself But along with that, it also teaches us to be kinder to, and less rehashing some of the same stuff and the “If only I had. . .” critical of, ourselves. I find that I am more relaxed and calm after I have meditated. Q: How are you seeing meditation’s impact in your As someone in my class so aptly put it, “When I meditate I don’t know where I go, but I would like to go there more!” classes? A:There have been several situations where people have had By Sally Abrahms significant health crises, like a brain tumor or prostate cancer. © Next Avenue - 2018. All rights reserved. When I told them not to worry about attending class, they’ve said, “No, I need this right now” or “When I was in the ER, I wouldn’t let my mind think that I was dying and instead I stayed with my breath.” Q: How does meditation work when you have mobility issues? A: As we age, we may have issues with balance, strength and agility. But with mindfulness meditation, you can do it all sitting in a chair regardless of mobility or ability.You can also do it anytime and anywhere — walking, standing in line with a walker or cane, lying down or sitting.
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