Commun ty Matters Manor of the Plains
June 2015
8 myths about aging, debunked
By Pamela Blair for Next Avenue
The attitude that surrounds us is that old age in its most problematic sense starts somewhere between 50 or 60. Why is this? To age successfully, we need to be aware of the newer and older myths about aging that our current culture holds true. Here are eight examples of the myths I’ve heard and what I know to be true: #1 Myth: Older women are depressed and lonely. Truth: Depending on circumstances, we may get sad and lonely from time to time, but the research shows that the least lonely and depressed women are over 75. #2 Myth: Older women are less successful in new pursuits. Truth: Some of the best and brightest women, though past the half-century mark in years, are still climbing the ladder of success in the world. #3 Myth: Older women have more stress in their lives. Truth: According to psychologists, older women have more stress-free days than younger ones. MYTHS continued on page 4
Our gardens will soon be full The raised garden beds outside of the independent living dining room will soon be overflowing with fresh produce thanks to the efforts of residents and the maintenance staff. We caught this photo of Alverna Cantrell and Ken Burrell, along with maintenance supervisor Dave Harmon, preparing the soil for planting the raised garden beds. As you can see, Dave enjoys the work as well. The residents really enjoy the raised gardens because it’s easier to move around and access the beds from walkers or wheelchairs. Did you know? The sign on the plot is the original sign installed in front of Manor of the Plains when it was built. Lisa Montoya, along with many independent and assisted living residents, put a lot of time into the garden. It does pay off — the residents have fresh produce most of the summer, with the tomatoes being one of the favorites. Who knows? We may have watermelon or cucumbers this year. One of the beds is full of irises. When Shirley Ballard moved in last fall, she just had to bring her bulbs with her. They have been a beautiful addition to our garden this year.
Left: Phyllis Battles, independent living resident, has taken an interest in photography, with the help of Activity Director Lisa Montoya. Manor of the Plains has many bird houses to feed birds and squirrels. Phyllis recently caught this bunny and bird at one of the feeders. Below left: Independent living resident Shirley Ballard helps a Dodge City student working on his reading skills. Below right: Ken Burrell and Everett Fieser enjoy the afternoon putting together a puzzle. Bottom: Dot Myers visits with Audrey Peterson while working on an embroidery project.
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, activities director Jacque Soltero, health care activities 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
2
Community Matters June 2015
Now is a great time to flex your moving muscles! Thanks to a housing market that’s heating up this spring, more and more buyers are looking for homes. It’s prime time to look at your living choices — including a move to Manor of the Plains. Here, you’ll enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle coupled with a variety of amenities so you can enjoy a more carefree future.
Right now and for a very limited time, you could enjoy significant savings on your residency plan options AND receive an allowance for moving expenses! This offer expires June 30, so call 620-682-4754 today to learn about all our Spring Savings.* *Specials applicable to independent living and only assisted living private-pay prospects.
Manor of the Plains
200 Campus Drive | Dodge City, KS 67801 | ManorofthePlains.org
Manor of the Plains
3
Manor of the Plains 200 Campus Dr. Dodge City, KS 67801-2760 Return Service Requested
MYTHS, continued from page 1
#4 Myth: Growing older is synonymous with the loss of meaning and purpose. Truth: Research and the older people are demonstrating that one’s later years can be the richest ever in wisdom and spirituality. #5 Myth: If you are older and reminiscing about the past or are becoming garrulous about the past, you are exhibiting signs of senility. Truth: These recollections are natural and appropriate, and their purpose is to resolve conflicts of life and to do a life review. #6 Myth: The older you get, the faster time passes.
Truth: Mathematically, those proverbial endless summers of your childhood were not even one minute longer than last summer.You have more routines now and routines lend uniformity, which makes it very easy to be oblivious to time. #7 Myth: Everyone wants to, and should be willing to, hear our wisdom and opinions just because we are older.
Truth: Creativity is not just for geniuses and the gifted. It is the energy that allows us to express ourselves in unique ways; it enables Truth: Even though we’re older and us to view life as an opportunity for wiser, we don’t necessarily know exploration and it knows no age. everything and are OK with that. #8 Myth: Creativity is only for the gifted few and talents dim with age.
Copyright© 2014 Next Avenue, a division of Twin Cities Public Television, Inc.
Coming Up in Community Matters Everyone has a story to tell... We’ll be talking about education in an upcoming edition of Community Matters. Were you a teacher or a school administrator? Do you have fond memories of what school was like when you were young? Are you amazed at the changes in schools now that your grandchildren and great-grandchildren are attending?
If you’d like to share your thoughts or memories, contact Marketing Director Kurt Lampe and your story may be selected for inclusion in an upcoming Community Matters newsletter.
4
Community Matters June 2015
Sign up to receive our newsletter by email. Visit ManorOfThePlains.org and enter your email address in the subscription box. It’s that easy!