Commun ty Matters Manor of the Plains
April 2016
Courtesy of ThinkStock
The surprising secret to really aging well By Barbara Knickerbocker Beskind for Next Avenue
Walking has enormous benefits — emotionally and even creatively — as recent studies show.This is in addition to the well-known benefits to the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. A sturdy gait pattern with alternating arm/leg movement helps maintain balance reflexes and strength in lateral hip muscles. Good posture goes hand-in-hand with good walking, stride and vertical balance. Going out for a walk midday frees up the frontal lobes from the clutter of study or business.This can enhance creativity as well as reduce stress and/or depression. Poor posture, compromised gait patterns and less daily walking lead me to think that people under 30 in particular, but also others tied to electronic devices throughout their lives, have a heightened risk of early aging. POSTURE, continued on page 2
Gus Liebl and Mae Rodgers wave hello from the Texas state line.
Mystery trippers make three states in one day The suspense builds every month until it’s time to board the Manor of the Plain bus and hit the road for another Mystery Trip. In February, residents were surprised by a trip to Beaver, Okla., home of the World Championship Cow Chip Throwing Contest. Beaver is about 80 miles due south of Dodge City. Health Care Activity Director Jacque Soltero launched the monthly Mystery Trip a little over a year ago. Residents have a lot of fun guessing where the next destination will be, but it’s a closely held secret until they are well on their way. The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual chip throwing contest in tribute to the town’s pioneer past. In frontier days, fuel for heating and cooking was scarce, but they discovered that well-dried buffalo and cow chips burned cleanly—and even odorlessly. The chip was key to their survival, and now Beaver TRIP, continued on page 3
POSTURE, continued from page 1
Carrying heavy backpacks or sports bags causes the hips to thrust back to maintain walking balance when the shoulders are hunched forward. By age 50, people may already be at risk of losing their balance. Now consider the more common ills of aging, such as loss of joint range and flexibility, loss of strength in lower extremities, loss of balance due to a variety of causes and loss of vision. There’s an even greater need for maintaining good balance from the proprioceptors of the weight-bearing joints as well as the vestibular system of the ear.
For those already in the aging arena, my motto is “stay vertical and moving forward.”
provide valuable push-off at every step so it feels like I’m “floating” down the corridor.
This is best done by keeping “ears over hips and hips over heels.”
Ski poles seem to provide better stability than a cane.They also imply healthy, active aging and that one is fully engaged in life.
Consider poles over canes For the past three years, as my vision has decreased, I have depended on regular use of a pair of ski poles.The vertical grip promotes good posture and enables me to use the natural gait patterns. Ski poles have assured me of the terrain and protected me from stumbling. I apply rocker bottoms (these are available at sporting goods stores) to
Seeing results Having been an occupational therapist for 44 years, I have seen the benefits of good posture and balance. The path to healthy aging begins early. Good posture and good walking habits can optimize bone density, muscle strength and body balance—and are essential to safe mobility.
Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Manor of the Plains by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org.
Jerry Korbe, executive director Kurt Lampe, marketing director Lisa Montoya, activity director Jacque Soltero, health care activity director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Kurt at klampe@pmma.org. Telephone: 620-225-1928 Fax: 620-225-3982 Address: 200 Campus Dr., Dodge City, KS 67801-2760
Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. ManorofthePlains.org
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Community Matters April 2016
Secret Pal Program surprises residents with caring gifts Mae Rodgers received a special, secret Valentine this February, thanks to the Secret Pal Program. Health Care Activity Director Jacque Soltero started the program about six years ago, encouraging all Manor of the Plains employees to adopt at least one resident as their Secret Pal. Many even have two or three. On special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and more, our staff members surprise their pals with little gifts. Jacque said she started Secret Pals because she wanted every resident to get at least one gift on holidays—especially birthdays. And they are always so very appreciated. Like us on Facebook
TRIP, continued from page 1
celebrates this colorful heritage every year during the Cimarron Territory Celebration, which is April 9-16 this year. According to the Chamber’s website, “A wagon load of chips could be gathered, taken to town and traded for food or anything else that the pioneer needed. In the fall of each year, early settlers would take their wagons to the pastures to load up cow chips for the winter. With the whole family along, it became a sport as to who could throw the chips into the wagon with the most accuracy.” Today, Beaver is also a popular destination for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation. It’s also a tradition to hunt for the Big Beaver, a huge statue of the town’s mascot, holding a cow chip (naturally). Jacque and Chris Kephart, transportation manager, drove around until they found their quarry hidden between two buildings. Back on the bus, one resident noted how close they were to the Texas border.
Above: Residents take a three day road trip and reach points as far as Texas. Right: Jacque Soltero, health care activity director, and Chris Kephart, transportation manager, tracked down the town mascot, Big Beaver, in Beaver, Oklahoma.
The group voted in favor of heading to the state line. As a result, this mystery trip officially reached three states in one day. The trips have been a great way to visit places that some residents have not seen in a long time. Another jaunt was scheduled for March 14, and the next one is April 8. Try to guess where we’re headed next!
Manor of the Plain’s Post-Acute To Home (PATH®) program isn’t just about getting you home— it’s about getting you back to your life. Call 620-225-1928 today to schedule your personal appointment and tour. Phil Strong enjoys the nice weather for the trip to Beaver, Okla. Like us on Facebook
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Community Matters April 2016
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