FALL/WINTER 2012
ACTIVE, HEALTHY LIFESTYLE RESORT-STYLE AMENITIES COMMUNITY LIVING
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NATURAL CHOICE FOR REAL LIVING Sagewood residents Nick & Sue Rogers
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION CREATED BY REPUBLIC MEDIA CUSTOM PUBLISHING
Reinvent your retirement Residents embrace active lifestyle, healthy interests, new neighbors S T O R I E S B Y G R E M L Y N B R A D L E Y- W A D D E L L
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nsconced in a stunning Sonoran setting, Sagewood retirement community truly offers active seniors the best things in life: comfortable and refined resort-style living and top-notch, quality health care services. Of course, that’s not all this awardwinning community offers. Sagewood also gives residents the unique opportunity to start a new chapter in their lives and reinvent themselves while surrounded by others who embrace an active and healthy lifestyle, both of which are complemented by ample social and fitness choices and nutritious, restaurant-quality meals at the community’s two dining venues.
ACTIVE LIVING Sagewood resident, longtime runner and yoga enthusiast Cheryl Kirk sees new residents blossom all the time, often when she runs into them while they are trying out a National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS) class for the first time at the fitness center. For many, it’s the first time in a long time they’ve had a chance to focus on themselves, she says. “Maybe they didn’t have time to exercise (earlier in their lives) because of work, or they were intimidated by a gym setting, and now they suddenly find themselves going to classes,” Kirk, 62, says, adding, “There’s something for everyone here.”
SO MUCH TO DO Indeed, there are classes and activities geared to just about every interest and activity level, from water aerobics and Wii™ bowling to Tai Chi and travel groups that head to California’s beautiful beaches and wineries. The Musical Instrument Museum, located within walking distance, is not only a wonderful place to visit, but also provides a myriad of volunteer opportunities. Residents also participate in investment clubs, attend a wide variety of cultural events, enjoy watching big games together in the full-service Ironwood Lounge and bond over meals during ladies’ and gents’ luncheons. “One of the things that has surprised me most is all the interesting people here,” says Richard Tucker, Kirk’s husband. “We get to regularly meet so many new people and they are all interesting.”
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Real people, real stories B O N VOYA G E ! Nick and Sue Rogers are some of Sagewood’s finest ambassadors, but the truth is that this touring twosome is only in the Valley of the Sun for about half the year. The other half finds them traveling the globe and taking, for example, a riverboat cruise through Holland and Belgium like they did earlier this year to see the region’s famed tulips. Not only do they engage in independent travel to far-flung places that intrigue them, but Nick–a partially retired Mayo Clinic dermatologist and a nationally and internationally recognized speaker–also teaches continuing medical and dental education courses aboard cruise ships. This year’s itinerary included two voyages to Alaska, one to Baltic Europe, another to the Mexican Riviera and one to Tahiti. Lest anyone get the wrong impression, Sue good-naturedly points out that accommodations afforded to traveling educators are not exactly sumptuous. “WE’RE IN THE CHEAPEST CABINS — WE’RE ONE UP FROM STEERAGE,” she quips, adding, “YOU HAVE TO TAKE TURNS DRESSING!” Thanks to Sagewood, though, the couple’s lock-andleave routine is a breeze. And they get great peace of mind knowing that, while they’re away, everything back at home is taken care of and as it should be. “EVERYTHING’S WATCHED, THE CAR’S SAFE IN THE GARAGE,” Nick says, noting that even coming home after a long trip is a pleasure. “WE CALL SAGEWOOD AND ASK THEM TO ADJUST THE THERMOSTAT AND COOL THE PLACE OFF, HAVE THE BAGS DELIVERED TO THE ROTUNDA AREA AND WE CAN EITHER HEAD OFF TO A MEAL IN TOWN OR EAT GREAT FOOD RIGHT THERE.” So, while they do consider Thailand, with its lush beauty and gracious inhabitants, as their favorite travel destination, the Rogers agree they’ve found their own little paradise —
one that’s “LIKE LIVING AT THE RITZ-CARLTON,”Sue says — right on the border of Scottsdale and Phoenix. “IT MAKES THE PERFECT TURNKEY FOR US,” she says. “IT’S VERY LIBERATING.”
DYNAMIC DUO You’d be hard pressed to find another couple living a more active life than Richard Tucker and Cheryl Kirk, the two that truly take Sagewood’s “healthy living” approach to heart. Married since 1984, after meeting on the job, they are up early most mornings and out the door shortly thereafter. He heads to Sagewood’s fitness center for two miles on the treadmill, typically six times a week, and often follows his cardio with a weight routine. In the meantime, she heads outside to do a 3.5-mile combination of walk-and-run intervals around the well-maintained grounds. “I FIND IT BURNS MORE CALORIES THAN JUST DOING A SLOW JOG,” says Kirk, who’s been running for more than four decades, has run seven full marathons and is currently the second-youngest Sagewood resident. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the couple often meet up for a yoga class. Although she’s been practicing for 30 years, Tucker is new to the activity, but cheekily says he figured he could “WIN SOME POINTS” with his wife for at least participating.
Active Sagewood residents: Below left: Nick & Sue Rogers Middle: Richard Tucker & Cheryl Kirk Below: Phil Douglis
GETTING ORGANIZED … WITH SANDI PEATTIE
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That schedule alone might be exhausting for most folks, but Tucker and Kirk don’t stop there. Depending on the day, Kirk might take in a balance, strength or Tai Chi class on the premises, meet with workout buddies from her previous Fountain Hills neighborhood or head to her volunteer position at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. In addition, the couple plays bridge and serves on several committees, including fitness, finance and buildings and grounds. They moved to Sagewood in 2010, but they’d actually researched the community for years, “WELL BEFORE THE PLACE WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION,” he says. The community has lived up to all their expectations, if not exceeded them, and not just because of the healthy living aspect. Tucker says Sagewood’s social environment is nurturing and supportive, just like the best neighborhoods always are. “PEOPLE LOOK AFTER EACH OTHER,” he says.
communications manager jobs in corporate America — “I FOUND BEING A MANAGER IS ACTUALLY BEING A TEACHER; YOU LEAD AND YOU INSTRUCT,” he says– and, in 1964, starting a magazine column that is still published today. In the early 1970s, he launched his own company, giving photography workshops to more than 10,000 people over the next four decades and later branching out to offer more personalized instruction. Although he retired at 65, Douglis has done just about everything but slow down. Around nine months ago, he and his wife, Liz, moved to Sagewood from their home in Phoenix because while he says he is by no means in need of health care yet, at his age, “IF YOU GO UP ON A LADDER, YOU’RE ASKING FOR IT.” He now stays busy running two photo-sharing websites, has self-published a book and generously offers presentations of his many trips, which this year included Cuba and the Galapagos Islands, to his neighbors. “WHAT I DO NOW IS GIVE BACK BECAUSE PHOTOGRAPHY A LIFE IN PICTURES HAS GIVEN ME SO MUCH,” he says. It was decades ago, in the ‘50s, when Phil Douglis And give back, he does. At a recent showing of his discovered he had a gift. Galapagos expedition, Douglis swept his audience away “MY REAL PASSION AS A KID WAS MAKING PICTURES,” he with charming photos of a lounging sea lion and jubilantly recalls, relaxing amidst the books in Sagewood’s library. “I FOUND I COULD ARTICULATE CONCEPTS WITH PHOTOGRAPHS, colored Sally Lightfoot crabs as well as a pensive portrait of AND I FOUND I COULD ARTICULATE CONTENT. AND IT OCCURRED his ship’s guide. A talented orator, Douglis and his colorful narration led at least one attendee to comment, “HE’S AS TO ME I WOULD MAKE A VERY GOOD PHOTOGRAPHY TEACHER.” GOOD A SPEAKER AS HE IS A PHOTOGRAPHER.” Douglis would go on to do just that, mostly holding
hen Earl and Nancy Vender first began considering a move to Sagewood, they’d never met Sandi Peattie. Now they consider the Scottsdale-based professional organizer a true friend, someone who’s positively impacted their lives. “Early on, Sandi came to our home, evaluated it, drew up a floor plan and put down tape to show which sofa would go where,” he says. “She did a fabulous job of helping us organize everything.” The Venders estimate they downsized by 65 percent, going from a 3,000 square-foot home (which sold in an impressive two weeks in a down economy) to a 1,200 square-foot apartment. And although parting with possessions wasn’t always easy, Nancy Vender says Sandi was patient and kind, even while they were “getting boxes down from the garage that had never been opened.” In the end, the Venders Sandi Peattie couldn’t have been more pleased and are comfortable in their new home. Sandi’s services, offered through her company Living by Design, are just one convenience Sagewood provides to new residents through its Resident First™ Moving Advantage Program, which helps take the worry and stress out of moving. “I love what I do, and lately, I’ve been specializing in helping seniors,” Sandi says. “Moving ‘up’ is easy, but downsizing is a challenge, emotionally and physically, so helping them is very rewarding.” For anyone needing to downsize, or preparing for a move, she offers these tips: • Have a plan. Create a step-by-step plan of which furniture, clothing and books you want to keep. • Part with it. Yes, there are lamps, slacks and tchotchkes that don’t need to make the move. Consign, sell or donate them, Peattie advises. • Update when possible. Get color slides and oldschool tapes digitized. They’ll take up less space. • Enlist help. Find someone to help and offer support on moving day.
WHO IS LIFE CARE SERVICES?
Sagewood is owned and managed by Life Care Services, which has more than 40 years of experience in the senior living industry and is recognized for its leadership excellence. An employee-owned, privately held company based in Des Moines, Iowa, Life Care Services proudly serves more than 26,000 seniors in more than 80 communities nationwide.
ABOUT SAGEWOOD
• A variety of residence options, from traditional and loft-style apartments to villas and casitas, are available in both one- and two-bedroom floor plans. • With the Preferred Choice Dining™ program, residents can use their dining allocation when and where they wish. No need to abide by a “one meal a day” plan! • Two on-site restaurants, the Canyon Café (breakfast and lunch) and the Palo Verde Room (lunch and dinner), mean delicious and healthy meals are only steps away. • Happy hour, anyone? The Ironwood Lounge serves up cocktails and appetizers. • Get physical in Sagewood’s fitness center, aerobics studio or strength-training room, and then take a dip in the indoor or outdoor pools or either of the hot tubs. • Two movie theaters, a well-stocked library, a card room and an art studio–as well as unlimited wellness classes to
participate in–help you make the most of your day! • Other thoughtful amenities include a convenience store, a full-service salon and concierge and transportation services. • A convenient outpatient wellness clinic, staffed with a nurse practitioner, and a full-time Health Care Navigator are available to handle an array of health service-related needs.
D I D YO U K NOW SAG EWO O D . . .
• Was honored this year with the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Silver award for “Best Independent/Assisted Living Community” in its 50+ Housing Awards competition? • The 85-acre property’s striking pool and patio area, adorned with terraced plantings and a waterfall, also nabbed NAHB’s Gold and Innovation awards for “Best Outdoor Amenity?” • The minimum age requirement at Sagewood is just 62, and the average age of residents is 77? • Sagewood residents are an active group? An impressive 86 percent take part in some type of on-site wellness activity. • You can’t go wrong at Sagewood! They are so sure you’ll love the community that they offer a fourmonth, 100 percent satisfaction guarantee with a full refund of entrance payment.
TRUE LIVING WORKSHOPS
Curious about Sagewood? Wondering about how much it costs to have this wonderful lifestyle? Want to know how you will maintain your independence if you move in? And what happens if you do need advanced health services? FOR ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS AND MUCH MORE, CALL FOR A PERSONAL VISIT OR RSVP TO ATTEND ONE OF THE UPCOMING “ABSOLUTE LIVING” WORKSHOPS, TUESDAY, NOV. 13 OR THURSDAY, NOV. 29 AT 10 A.M. At these free interactive, resident-hosted happy hour events, you’ll hear from residents who live the lifestyle every day. Following the workshop, enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as you mingle with Sagewood residents. Spaces fill quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot now. Call 480-948-1398 at least one week prior to the workshop you wish to attend. Just mention you received your invitation from The Arizona Republic.
R E I N V E N T YO U R L I F E STY L E ! C A L L S A G E W O O D T O D AY ! Call: (480) 948-1398 Visit: 4555 E. Mayo Blvd., Information: www.SagewoodLCS.com