Commun ty Matters Topeka Presbyterian Manor
June 2015
4 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? Perhaps we still buy into some outdated myths that life after 50 is the beginning of our decline. Living passionately and well, however, doesn’t stop at a certain point in one’s life followed by the destructive forces of aging. To age successfully, we need to be aware of the newer and older myths about aging that our current culture holds true. Here are four 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. MYTHS, continued on page 2
Resident Betty Couch recalls life on the road For 10 years, Topeka Presbyterian Manor resident Betty Couch, her husband, Robert, and their dog traveled across the country in their 30foot coachman motorhome in search of new sites and warmer winters. Betty’s cousin, resident Kathryn Planz, traveled with them. “At first we drove from Central Canada to the west coast and were gone for 33 days,” said Betty. “The second trip was up through New Hampshire and New England for three weeks. For two winters we went to Texas, but for eight or 10 winters we went to Casa Grande, Arizona the first of December and stayed until mid-April. We thoroughly enjoyed it.” For Betty, there were many things to enjoy about camping with the motorhome. “You didn’t have to stay in motels and carry your luggage in and out, it was all right there. The kitchen area had a dinette. The table and cushions lowered and made into a bed for when we had grandkids with us. We had twin beds in the back, and as lazy as I was, I even had sleeping bags instead of blankets. They were just as warm as could be!” Robert, who passed away eight years ago, was disabled but could drive the motorhome with hand controls until the last two years that they owned the RV. Then Betty took to the wheel. Was it hard to drive? BETTY, continued on page 2
BETTY, continued from page 1
“Not at all. A friend gave me good advice: ‘Where the front end goes the back end’s gonna follow.’” Betty and Robert took family along for the ride, too. Grandkids would enjoy summer trips to Sabetha when they were young. Relatives, such as resident Kathryn Planz, accompanied them. Kathryn experienced the couple’s first two trips through Canada and the east coast. “I wish I was still doing it, but there’s a time in life when you have to stop,” Betty said.
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MYTHS, continued from page 1
#3 Myth: Older women have more stress in their lives. Truth: According to psychologists, older women have more stress-free days than younger ones.
#4 Myth: Growing older is synonymous with the loss of meaning and purpose. Truth: One’s later years can be rich in wisdom and spirituality. Copyright© 2014 Next Avenue, a division of Twin Cities Public Television, Inc.
Make a joyful noise
Joyful Noise is a new activity that started at Topeka Presbyterian Manor in January. Residents enjoy singing and we encourage them to share their voices with us and join the group. Our talented group includes a resident who plays the violin and another resident who plays the accordion. Join us!
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Community Matters June 2015
Topeka Presbyterian Manor announces Art is Ageless® winners Topeka Presbyterian Manor recently hosted a reception for the winning artists in the annual Art is Ageless® juried competition.
Fiber Arts (professional): Barbara Fuller, “Friendship is Ageless Too”
“We are honored to exhibit artwork by seniors,” said Marsha Anderson, marketing director. “Art is Ageless is unique in featuring only the works of artists age 65 and older. Our artists prove that art, in any form, is an ageless ambition.”
Mixed Media/Crafts (amateur): Lowell W. Wendland, “Catepillar Tractor”
Winners in the Topeka Presbyterian Manor Art is Ageless juried competition were:
Local competition winners will join winners from 17 other Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America communities to be judged at the masterpiece level. Winning entries at the masterpiece level may be selected for publication in PMMA’s annual Art is Ageless calendar and note cards.
Christmas (amateur): Margaret (Peggy) Hubbell, “Christmas Tree” Drawing (amateur): Margaret (Peggy) Hubbell, “Sunflower” Fiber Arts (amateur): Mary Jane Harrison, “Baby Sweater” Fiber Arts (professional): Barbara Fuller, “Cats at Play” handpainted silk scarf
Sculpture/3-D (amateur): David Butts, “Crappie”
Art is Ageless is a copyrighted program of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America. For the competition, works must have been completed in the past five years.
Started in 1980, Art is Ageless is an extension of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s wellness programs, which focus on mental, physical, social and spiritual health. Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica’s Art is Ageless program encourages Topeka Presbyterian Manor residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition. Presbyterian Manor’s creative programming also includes art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year.
Sue Christensen’s son, Gary, took this photo of his mother with the Oscar Mayer™ Weinermobile when it visited a Topeka Dillons grocery store in April. Topeka Presbyterian Manor
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Topeka Presbyterian Manor 4712 S.W. Sixth Ave. Topeka, KS 66606-2284 Return Service Requested
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 Marsha Anderson and your story may be selected for inclusion in an upcoming Community Matters newsletter.
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Community Matters June 2015
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