orizons ENLIGHTEN t ENRICH t ENGAGE
Inside Heritage’s New Tenants Residents flock to see egg-ceptional new neighbors . 2
Moving Stories Downsizing challenging, but rewarding ......... 2
Travel Does 3rd party insurance provide better travel coverage? .......... 3
The Doctor Is In How to sidestep high blood pressure ............ 3
Issue Five
Architect: Home’s True Value Not Measured In Sq. Feet
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uring the late 1990s, buyers seeking the biggest house they could afford fueled a feverish housing market. Architect Sarah Susanka took a contrarian view. In her book, The Not So Big House: A Blueprint For the Way We Really Live (1998), she wrote, “Maybe it was the 1980s that created what I call the ‘starter castle’ complex — the notion that houses should be designed to impress rather than nurture. More rooms, bigger spaces, and vaulted ceilings do not necessarily give us what we need in a home.” The housing landscape has changed radically since then, and many Americans are welcoming the wisdom of Sarah’s words. “People start out with big ideas, big homes, but the ‘feeling’ of a home has nothing to do with the size,” Sarah says today. “Home is about quality, not quantity. Square footage in a home is being traded now for less tangible but more meaningful aspects of design in the home that are about beauty,
self-expression, and the enhancement of life.” Inspiring A Movement Sarah now finds herself one of the leaders of a movement that is redefining the American home, having written more than a dozen books expanding on the philosophy of ‘the not so big house.’ Her approach to design — “better, not bigger” — is being embraced widely across the country. Her website (www.NotSoBigHouse.com) lists a num- Sarah Susanka emphasizes quality of living, not ber of resources for people space, in her books and home designs. (Photo by Cheryl Muhr.) eager to know more about how her approach is being our changing lifestyles,” she points implemented. Whether you’re moving out. “No matter how large or small from a large home to one not so big or you make your home, it will not truly moving to an apartment, Sarah offers be a ‘home’ unless you tailor it to the helpful insights on how to make the way you live, filled with the things change a positive one. that have meaning to you.” “Our homes can still express our The goal is to just keep the things SEE “SUSANKA” ON P. 2 personalities, but also accommodate
Crossword Puzzle ................ 3
Think Tank Exec Predicts The Future Of Aging
Life At The Heritage
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Sudoku . ............. 5 Grandmotherhood Being a mom is a life-long occupation . ...... 6
Free Subscription to GRAND Magazine For today’s active Grandparents.... 6
Discover The Heritage Full-Service Retirement Living................ 8
hat Colin Milner has in mind for the future of aging might surprise you. Colin is the founder and CEO of the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA, http://www.icaa. cc/index.asp). He and his organization are dedicated to changing the way people age by working with professionals in the retirement, assisted living, and wellness fields. ‘Wellness’ refers to the expanded focus of health professionals on promoting life and vitality, and not just on avoiding disease. Colin believes the wellness trend will expand in the years
ahead. New Insights About The Body … And Mind “With so many people in the industrialized world having issues with physical energy levels and depression, science and fitness will begin to look for holistic ways to boast your energy levels,” Colin says. “We’ll begin to
look at exercise, diet, and sleep on a personalized level with measured results. The difference from today’s approach is that we will soon look at each of these variables (exercise, diet, and Colin sleep) not as Milner individual variables but as highly intertwined variables that affect each other.” This change in focus will encompass not
just the body, but the brain as well. “One in eight baby boomers is expected to have Alzheimer’s by 2050 and one in five adults over 50 has memory issues,” Colin says. “Just ten hours of the right brain fitness exercises can have a significant and long lasting impact on health care costs and outcomes, according to a report in the ACTIVE study funded by the NIH and published in BMC Health
Volunteer Programs Forge Bridge Between Generations
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t is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson Grandparents and grandchildren have a special bond, built on unconditional love and mutual adoration. Seniors enjoy witnessing the innocence and enthusiasm of youth and being free from the disciplining which parenting requires, while youngsters benefit from the wisdom of their elders in an undemanding relationship. But whether or not you’re blessed with grandkids of your own, volunteer programs throughout the country
are harnessing this positive energy to encourage mutually beneficial sharing between generations. Active In Schools Many schools encourage inter-generational sharing by inviting seniors into the school to share their experiences with the children. Adopt-A-Grandparent is one such popular program. To reciprocate, the students may create an art project, put on a show, etc. Delta Middle School in Grand Junction, Colorado, has a successful program which includes joint walks and a huge barbecue for the over 150 pairs of new found SEE “PROGRAMS BRING TOGETHER…” ON P. 7
The Heritage of Green Hills 200 Tranquility Lane Reading, PA 19607
Tour of D.C. War Memorials .........4 Upcoming events..................4 Couple wins cruise to Bermuda . ..........4 Model apt. now open for your inspection! ........5
Medicine And Technology Advancing At Record Pace, ‘Middle Age’ Extended
SEE “MILNER” ON P. 7
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May 2010
Forward-Thinking Author Vindicated By Recent Trends In Housing, Economy FROM “SUSANKA” ON P. 1 When Sarah talks with seniors who are planthat really give your life meaning — the items ning moves, she explains that sometimes they that bring you the most joy, which you have the want to get rid of nothing when they plan a move best associations with. The objects you hang to a smaller space; other times they want to get on to should be a reflection of you, rather than rid of everything and purchase all new things. things you feel obligated to keep. Your Home, Your Identity “It’s better to spend money on tailoring your “My advice is not to get rid of all the things home like you would a ‘well-tailored suit,’ ” she you love,” she says. “Rather, keep a favorite explains. “Just as a well tailored suit allows you connection to the past, so you still ‘see yourself’ not to fuss with the way it feels on your body, in your new space. For example, you may keep a well-tailored home allows you not to worry the roll top desk you’ve used everyday for the about the home, giving you the freedom to carry past 30 years. It’s a part of who you on with the rest of are. You’d feel at home seeing it everyyour life. That’s “[W]hat really matters day, and it would be important to keep what really mata piece like that. ters — the upsizing [is] the upsizing of your “This is your comof your life, not the fort space. Your home life, not the downsizing downsizing of your should appeal to you. belongings.” of your belongings.” Comfort is a quality Sarah encourthat doesn’t just come ages people to look from the furniture at the useful beauty of their belongings. you’re using,” she continues. Making Comfort A Priority “It’s about expressing your self “What do you love, what things bring you in a way that makes a house a pleasure, and is it useful to you?” she says. home. We have a greater sense “Keep in mind it’s your home — don’t worry of well-being when we have about offending people when you need to down- a sense of ourselves in our size or get rid of things. Just be sure that what home. In every room there you keep is meaningful to you. is a dominant wall, paint it “We sometimes make a mistake when we your favorite color to personthink that we’re moving and buying the last alize to your taste, or hang place we’re going to live, and we don’t invest in a special photo or piece of it properly — meaning even if you live there for art. Every time you walk in a year, or two or 15, make it the best place you you’ll feel at home.” can. It’s your home, make it comfortable. If you Chris Romick, the execuhave the option to paint, upgrade the trim, or add tive director at The Heritage build-ins and you have the resources to do so, echoes Sarah’s philosophy. then do it. You’ll be happier and have more time “Our residents had the to focus on other things and people who really wisdom not to be trapped by matter.” their houses,” he says. “They
traded some of their ‘things’ for more active, meaningful lives. Plus, many have customized their new residences at The Heritage to turn them into home.” Sarah notes that this new approach seems to resonate with many retirees. “Seniors want to find a ‘connection’ to their homes,” she says. “Quality of life is so important, which is why I like designing a home for an increase in life — one that allows comfort and freedom and time to do the things in life that really matter, instead of caring for a large space.” Your new home can help you live a richer, less complicated life, have more time to enjoy with others making intangible memories, and upsizing your life.
With Help, Heritage Resident Manages To Cut Moving Task Down To Size
“I
looked around the home that I lived in for the past 49 years and wondered what I was going to do with my life’s memories,” said Berry Lance, thinking of her home where she raised her children with her husband (now passed away). “I said I would never move but I
found out that I couldn’t work in the garden the way I used to, and I really loved that. I never really thought about downsizing either, but when my children started bringing some of their things to my house for storage, some of my friends began to encourage me to
Heritage Residents Agree: Latest ‘Tenants’ An Egg-cellent Idea (Reading, PA) — The eggs in the incubator look like the eggs that most of us purchase in the supermarket, but a light tapping noise suggests that something different is happening at The Heritage of Green Hills. Slowly baby chicks begin to emerge from their shells. “It’s just fascinating, they’re so cute!” says Marketing Coordinator Laura Zartman. “When they become hens, they’ll be cared for at a Heritage staff member’s farmette.” The Heritage’s Executive Director, Chris Romick, smiles, “These chicks will soon be producing fresh eggs for our residents. But the chickens are just the beginning. The community garden will soon be producing sunflower seeds, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, potatoes, corn, squash, pumpkins, radishes, onions, green beans, and more. Our chefs are passionate about using only the freshest ingredients in their cooking. It’s one of the reasons our restaurants are so popular.”
look for another home, a simHeritage pler place to live. That’s when Move-In I visited the welcome center at Coordinator The Heritage”. Stacey Westley At first, Berry felt uneasy helps new about making a move, but she residents to wanted to move to a retirecomfortably ment community to be around handle their people, participate in activities relocation. and hopefully be around some beautiful gardens. people have no regrets about letting “I was very nervous, going go of some items and keeping only through old photos, and sorting a few family heirlooms. A couple things,” she says. “I thought, how of tips she has found most useful to can I possibly move to someplace share with incoming residents are: half the size of this house? I have too much stuff; I’ll never be able to Start with the easiest items first, in figure out what to keep and what to the kitchen for example. Set aside the functional things you know you get rid of.” will need and separate those items No Need To Face It Alone that take up extra room. Save the Stacey Westley, move-in cooremotional items for last, and work dinator at The Heritage of Green Hills, understood where Berry was on sharing some of them with family members. coming from. Stacey talks with Berry says Stacey’s advice was a people considering a move and huge help. helps them sort through questions “If it wasn’t for the Perfect they have, and also puts them in Plan (one of the specialists recomtouch with well-respected compamended by Westley), I would not nies for assistance. have known what to do,” she says. “People sometimes worry “I never thought my things would that downsizing will be an overfit into my new apartment home, whelming task, but we have great but they arranged it so well and it’s resources that help them get it all in place. I even have closet space under control,” she says. “We’ll galore! recommend local specialists in “I am so glad I made the move, organization, downsizing, and it’s the best move I’ve made espepacking services. These groups cially since I lost my husband,” she provide that personal touch to our future residents, to give them peace continues. “My grandchildren visit of mind that their new home will be and they think it’s wonderful, it’s perfect for me. I feel like a load has welcoming and comfortable.” been lifted. I don’t have to worry Stacey enjoys helping with about a big house and yard any moves once the decision is made more.” and can assist every step of the “It’s really very wonderful, once way. In the three and a half years you move it’s like one big happy that Stacey has been working at family,” says Berry. The Heritage, she says that most
Horizons
May 2010
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Dr. Roland Newman II, D.O.
Should You Purchase Travel Insurance Through Your Travel Agent?
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ver the past ten years there has been a radical shift by consumers towards purchasing third party travel insurance — a policy offered from a travel insurance company and sold to you by your Travel Agent. You are investing time and money into your vacation and should also take the proper steps to protect it. Most consumers will look to four simple words that sound like gospel: Cancel For Any Reason. This is a tour company’s way of hooking you into buying their travel protection waiver; notice I did not use the words insurance policy. What they hope is that you stop searching at that point and say, “Cancel for any reason? How can I turn that down?” However, there is actually a lot that is not covered by a tour company’s offering that is covered through a third party insurance policy sold to you by your travel agent. Here are a couple of quick points: Questions To Ask
Bankruptcy and default: No tour company can protect you against their going out of business. While it’s true you may have coverage through your credit card should the tour company go bankrupt, it might only cover airfare and it could be a lengthy process to claim.
Limited medical benefits: Before you assume your personal health insurance will cover you outside the country, it’s a good idea to call and ask. Most insurance policies will not provide coverage once you step outside the country. Medical evacuations and emergency medical services internationally are not cheap and many suppliers do not provide adequate coverage for these unfortunate situations. This is a short list of areas where the tour company coverage might leave you wishing for more. However, there is more to a travel insurance policy then the coverage itself. You also need to take into Cash back: If you’re not canceling for the sickness/injury/ consideration the process to death of one of the travelers, get your money back when you may receive a non trans- you have a claim. One of the many advantages of booking ferable voucher only good your vacation through a travel for one year. agent is their relationship with Airfare: Booking air outside their vendors. The only entity of what is offered by the tour that has a relationship with company? Chances are they the insurance company that will not allow you to claim administers the tour company’s for it or the change fees. programs is the tour company, Pre-existing conditions: Are which leaves you at the mercy you concerned about a perof their process during a claim. sonal health issue or the A major advantage for the health of a family member? travel agent is they have partMany tour companies will nered with a travel insurance not provide coverage for pre- company and have access to existing conditions that cause someone that they have built you to cancel your trip or be a relationship with. This is a hospitalized while on your benefit to the consumer because trip. SEE “INSURANCE” ON P. 6
CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Reimbursed 5 Free 8 US dam 12 Project 13 Guido’s note (2 words) 14 Outer portion of Earth 15 Sleep (pref.) 16 Albania (abbr.) 17 Design 18 Arabian domain 20 Shore 21 Tumor (suf.) 22 Three (pref.) 23 Irish foot soldier
26 Block 27 Celsius (abbr.) 30 Shoe size 31 Fr. meat dish 33 Have (Scot.) 34 Plus 35 Indo-Chin. people 36 Voltaire play 38 Computer chip 39 Ounces (abbr.) 40 Wampum 43 Due 47 Gamin 48 Article (Fr.) 49 White-flecked 50 Eg. skink
51 Mother of Hezekia 52 N. Caucasian language 53 Freedman in Kentish law 54 Low (Fr.) 55 Bare DOWN 1 Long 2 “Cantique de Noel” composer 3 Yesterday (Ital.) 4 Silk substitute 5 “Giant” ranch 6 He (Lat.) 7 Flounder
High Blood Pressure: How To Avoid This Silent Killer W
e all know we’re supposed to maintain a healthy blood pressure level, but what exactly is blood pressure and what do the numbers mean? Blood pressure, simply put, is the rate of speed or the pressure at which your blood moves through your body. Think about your arteries as hoses that carry your blood from your heart to the rest of your body. If you develop blockage or a narrowing in one of your hoses/arteries, pressure builds up at that point. This is called high blood pressure or hypertension. Both high blood pressure and pre-hypertension raise your risk of stroke, kidney failure, heart disease and heart attack. The good news is that high blood pressure can be avoided and even reversed with diet, exercise, and medication. What do these numbers mean? When you go to your doctor, they’ll usually take your blood pressure by placing a cuff around your arm. You’ll then be given two measurements, separated by a slash. For example, your nurse may tell you that your blood pressure is “140 over 90.” The first number (in our example, 140) is the systolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure is your blood pressure while your heart is beating. The second number is your diastolic blood pressure, which is your blood pressure while your heart is relaxing between beats. Both are indicators of how healthy or clean your arteries are. Ideally, your blood pressure should be 120/80. About two-thirds of people
over age 65 have high blood pressure which is 140/90 or higher. If your blood pressure is between 120/80 and 140/90, you have what is called “prehypertension.” Pre-hypertension is an early indicator that if you don’t make some lifestyle changes you are likely to have high blood pressure in the future. High blood pressure is 140 and higher for systolic pressure. Diastolic pressure does not need to be high for you to have high blood pressure. For example, 142/80 would mean you have high blood pressure. So, here’s the good news. You can make changes to your lifestyle to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease (see the “Do’s and Don’ts” box). And if these don’t work, there are also medicines you can take to help. Be sure to ask your doctor for your blood pressure measurements and then write them down. This will help you track your progress in improving your health and lifestyle habits. Dr. Newman and his associates at Green Hills Family Medicine hold regular hours at The Heritage’s on-site medical center.
You’re Invited To Learn More On May 13 at 2 p.m., there will be a seminar on healthy blood pressure habits — along with some hearthealthy treats — at The Heritage of Green Hills. Call Laura to reserve your seat: (484) 269-5090.
The Do’s And Don’ts Of High Blood Pressure • Stress can be bad for your heart. If you have trouble relaxing, learn some stress reduction techniques. • Don’t smoke. • Maintain a healthy weight (ask your doctor how much you should weigh). • Exercise 40 minutes a day.
more fruits and veggies. • Cap your salt intake at about 1,500 mg. • Limit your drinking to one drink per day if you’re a woman, two drinks per day if you’re a man. • Avoid having more than 250 mg of caffeine in a day (about three 8 oz. of coffee).
• Eat less meats and sweets, eat
8 Willow 9 Love of Radames 10 This one (Lat.) 11 King of Israel 19 Amer. Sign Language (abbr.) 20 Swim (2 words) 22 Hat 23 “The Jungle Book” python 24 Belonging to (suf.) 25 Energy unit 26 Palestine Liberation Organ. (abbr.) 27 Greek letter 28 Fruiting spike 29 Civil War commander
32 Air-to-air missile (abbr.) 37 Wild ginger 38 Polishing material 39 Watering hole 40 Hall (Ger.) 41 Mother of Brunhilde 42 Walk through 43 Paraaminobenzoic acid 44 Foreshadow 45 Hole 46 Noun-forming (suf.) 48 Science class
Answers on page 4
Horizons
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May 2010
Upcoming E Here are some highlights of activities residents will be enjoying in the month ahead. For more information, contact us at 484-269-5143.
The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Heritage Residents To Tour Washington Memorials On May 18, Public Invited
The Heritage of Green Hills is partnering with Boscov’s Travel to go to Washington, D.C. to visit the National Memorials in Arlington to pay homage to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in the service of the United States Armed Forces. Author and Berks County resident Sharon Wells Wagner will be accompanying the tour and giving readings. She wrote Red Wells, a biography of her father which detailed his life-changing experiences as a soldier fighting the Nazis in France, and coauthored Ordinary Heroes: Untold Stories of World War II, a compilation of soldiers’ stories told in their own words. The excursion includes a driving tour of the National Memorials on the National Mall. Stops will be made at the Word War II Memorial, Vietnam War and Korean War Memorials, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington. Participants will also be given a ticket for Arlington National Cemetery, allowing them to ride the tourmobile and receive a narrated tour. Stops will be made at the Kennedy gravesites, Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington House and the Visitors Center. You may get off at any of the stops for a closer look and reboard the next tourmobile that comes along. There will be free time for lunch on your own at the Ronald Reagan Building Food Court. The bus leaves on Tuesday, May 18th at 7:00 a.m. from The Heritage, and will return at 7:00 p.m. Cost of trip is $55. To reserve your spot on the bus call 484-269-5143; space is limited. Author Sharon Wells Wagner
OFF CAM Tuesday, Ma ON CAMPUS St. Joseph Monday in the Art Studio: Mondays at 1 p.m. Cardiologist May 3: Fresh flowers with Monika. $10 a healthy hea May 10: Dried flowers with Gene. $5 Nutrition. 6:3 May 17: Jewelry making with Jodi. $5 Wednesday, May 24: Dried flowers with Gene. $5 Historic Y Phillies Games in Tavern: $1 hot dogs and $2 domestic Chester Coun beers: Saturday May 1, Saturday May 8, Sunday May preserves its 9, Friday May 14, Saturday May 15, Wednesday May Thursday, M 19, Saturday May 22, Sunday May 23, Thursday May Speedwel 27, Sunday May 30. Check team schedule for exact secured woo times. own wolf san Saturday, May 1 Friday, May Kentucky Derby Celebration: Wear a big hat, have a Landis Va mint julep, and watch the first jewel in the triple crown of gardeners wi Thoroughbred racing. 5 p.m. heirloom pla Tuesday, May 4 Modernis Heritage Literary Dinner Club: Three Cups of Tea Wright’s care (Greg Mortenson & Oliver Relin), 84 Charing Cross Wednesday, Road (Helene Hanff). Dinner at 4:45 p.m., discussion at 6 Immacula p.m. national artis Wednesday, May 5 benefit Unive Alvernia Sr. College Breakfast: Dr. Kulp from Thursday, M Kulp Chiropratic Clinic will show us how to incorporate Phila. He simple exercises into our home life. 8:30 a.m. Comedy with Linda: Share the laughs of I Love Lucy knowledge a of the Year. 8 with Lucy & Desi before Fred & Ethel. 1 p.m. Saturday, M Cinco de Mayo Party: Mexican Potluck; bring your favorite Mexican-American dish for a night of fun and Music in t friendship. Mexican Beer & Margaritas. 4 p.m. ‘learn an inst “Russian in I Thursday, May 13 Health Education Series: Dr. Newman addresses the Sunday, Ma issue of high blood pressure. Michelle from Covenant Colonial speaks on stroke awareness and medication safety. 2 p.m. demonstratio Noon. Friday, May 14 Tuesday, Ma Bizarre-Bazaar: Looking for a treasure? Have an empty space? Want to volunteer? How about a hotdog for Tour of N breakfast? Visit the resident sellers for a morning of fun. this page; $5 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thursday, M Wednesday, May 19 Wilbur C Psyanky: “May Day” is a traditional Ukrainian trip to histori festival of spring. Learn the history and folklore of the store, and Stu Ukraine plus how to make psyanky (Ukrainian eggs). 10 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Saturday, M Thursday, May 27 Early Bir Heritage Field Day: A great day of fun! Water dashes, stompin’ fidd trivia, softball toss, horseshoes, relays, Wii bowling, Refreshment putting, a delicious picnic buffet, drinks, awards, and Saturday, M more! $5 fee (off meal plan) for lunch. 10:30 a.m. Lake Tob close and per ONGOING ON CAMPUS animals from Sundays: Sunday Cinema 3 p.m. Saturday, M Mondays: Wii Sports 1 p.m. Full Moo the light of th Tuesdays: Dancing 2 p.m., & French. 3:30 p.m. campfire, cof Thursdays: Belly Dancing. 2:30 p.m., and Computers 3 & 4 p.m. Fridays: Spanish 2 p.m., and Using Secret Weapons 3 p.m.
A N S W E R S
Saturdays: D
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Events
Discovery Series. 3 p.m.
MPUS ay 4 h Medical Center Spring Series: Michael Russo gives you tips on lifestyle for art. Focusing on Heart Disease, Exercise and 30 p.m. , May 5 Yellow Springs Art Show: Located in nty, this non-profit enterprise promotes and village history. 11 a.m. May 6 ll Wolves: A treasure awaits on 22 acres of odlands as you take a guided tour of PA’s very nctuary; $11. 9 a.m. y7 Valley Herb Fair: Novice & seasoned ill enjoy winding their way through stands of ants; $8. 8 a.m. st and Then Some: Examine Frank Lloyd eer in architecture; $10. 5:30 p.m. , May 12 ata University Art Show: Regional and sts show and sell their pieces. Proceeds ersity Scholarship Fund. 9 a.m. May 13 erb Society of America Sale: Increase your and enjoyment of herbs. Dill is the 2010 Herb 8:30 a.m. May 15 the Making: Reading Symphony Orchestra’s trument’ and dress rehearsal of Tchaikovsky’s Italy.” 12:30 p.m. ay 16 Craft at Conrad Weiser Homestead: Craft on day and Spring Bartram Nature Walk.
ay 18 National Memorials in DC: See box story on 55. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 20 Chocolate & Sturgis Pretzels: An enjoyable ic Lititz with a visit to the Wilbur Museum, urgis factory for twisting and history; $3.
May 22 rd Fiddle Fest: Enjoy toe tappin’, foot dle music at Berks County Heritage Center. ts available. 11 a.m. May 29 bias Wildlife Park: Cruisers take you up rsonal through acres of exotic and wild m all over the world; $5. 9 a.m. May 29 on Tour with Speedwell Wolves: Tour by he moon from one pack to another with a ffee, stars, and the wolves; $20. 6 p.m.
‘Our Apartments Are Beautiful, But Don’t Take My Word For It!’ Heritage Director Says
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f you ask Executive Director Chris Romick, he’ll tell you all about the apartments and villas at The Heritage of Green Hills … but he would prefer you not take his word for it. “Our apartments and villas are airy, bright, and beautifully designed,” he says. “But I would much rather people see them for themselves than listen to my opinions! We have a wonderful model apartment that gives people a taste of the options available here that we’re happy to show.” Does he ever worry that the community is so exquisite, people will think it’s beyond them? “When people walk into our clubhouse, sometimes they do assume they can’t afford us,” he concedes. “But then I’m able to show them that we really have something for just about everyone … from spacious villas with garages to comfortable one-bedroom apartment homes. In fact, if you own your own house valued over $200,000 and collect Social Security, you can probably afford to live here. “And I bet your current house doesn’t come with a chef, a driver, a concierge, a pool, fitness center, spa and doctor!” To see what Chris is talking about, call Laura at (484) 269-5090 to arrange a personal tour.
Couple Helps Heritage Celebrate One Year Anniversary, Wins Bermuda Cruise
The Heritage recently celebrated its one year anniversary! Hundreds of people enjoyed the celebration, which included a wonderful open house party and some spectacular prizes. Fred and Nancy Mohr won the top prize: a five-night cruise to Bermuda, compliments of The Heritage’s travel partner, Boscov’s Travel. The winners can’t wait to go. “Believe it or not, we went to Bermuda on our honeymoon and we can’t wait to go again!” says Nancy. Residents at The Heritage enjoy frequent trips and excursions at some incredible prices. “The beauty of living here, is that when you want to travel, you just close your door and go. We have no worries,” adds Retirement Specialist Elizabeth Proffitt.
Fred and Nancy Mohr Answers on page 7
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May 2010
GRANDparents Corner BlogHer, an organization dedicated to “creating opportunities for women who blog to pursue exposure, education, community and economic empowerment” (http:// www.blogher.com/), hosts a series of frequent national conferences. BlogHer estimates that there are more than 15 million women in the U.S. who are bloggers (and there are at least that worldwide, many of whom are blogging or commenting in English) and another 15 million who are participants (regular commenters) on blogs. The overwhelmingly popular theme? Family. Overwhelmingly popular with us? The rapidly increasing community of Grand Bloggers, mostly women (but not all!) who share with grace and candor both the joys and the frustrations of the leadership generation. Below, a few of our favorites: Grandma Henke My grandchildren don’t have the freedoms … I did. The freedom of not being afraid of strangers, the freedom of walking around town, the freedom of not being exposed to pornography, the freedom of safety at school. … —Edna Henke http://grandmahenke.com/grandma Matriarch-Feminist Grandmother Of course, loving [the baby] Michael is the simple part of grandmothering. Learning for the first time to mother [my daughter] Anne, the new mother, is far more complex. We are both strong, opinionated women who have frequently disagreed over the last 34 years. It seems miraculous how
shrug is this: I am their GRANDMOTHER, hear me roar. * When Ben is 2, she buys him a fire truck. It is two feet long and has a remote control, which, among other things, enables the ladder to extend to a height of 18 or so inches and then retract. The ladder pivots in all directions. The fire truck is for children 8 and up. I put it away, on a high shelf in the closet, where Ben won’t see it. well we are doing now. To my great joy, Anne is mothering Michael essentially the way I mothered my two younger daughters, when I was confident enough to honor my heart and my instincts and not let experts persuade me to impose unrealistic expectations on the baby … —Mary Joan Graves http://matriarch17.blogspot.com/ search/label/Grandma Grandparents Raising Grandchildren A few days before [my granddaughter’s accident] I had a dream. … The dream started with me screaming at her to get back to me because she was not being safe. Once she was safely back to me, we had a strange type of journey that we took together, just the two of us. In the dream, I only wore army fatigues. In the dream as we journeyed to uncertain places, I knew that her needs would be met by strangers along our path. [Just] before her accident, I told my husband that I [felt] something bad was about to happen. I did not know if it was going to be in a few days or
*
a few months, but something bad We are in Target with Ben and would occur. … after her injury, Jack’s grandfather. He says, “You the dream made total sense. The know, I’d like to buy each of the dream brought intrigue and also a boys a Nintendo DS.” He is within sense of peace, since the essence earshot of his grandsons, and, of the dream was that even though clever man, he knows it. the journey was uncertain, it was Grandpa gets his wish. not frightening and * the most important part was that They are a force We are both strong, of nature, it was very clear grandopinionated in the dream that parents. They have my child’s needs the upper hand, women who would be met because they are have frequently along the way. still and always our —Karen Best disagreed over the parents. No matter Wright that when we were last 34 years. It http://grandparentyoung, what we ing.typepad.com/ seems miraculous heard most from them was “No,” or, how well we are worse, “Absolutely Slouching not.” doing now. Toward Past 40 Lately my Written by a mother’s been trymom.... Sometimes, it’s good to ing a new tactic. She buys the boys hear the other side of the story. books. When I attempt to corral her Especially when it’s not someone in largesse, she shoots me a withering our family telling it! look and proclaims, “A child can never have too many books.” “Four toys?” she suggests. Game, set, match. “One,” I sigh. What wily creatures all of these “Two?” she bargains. grandmas and grandpas turn out to “Two,” I echo lamely; I’ve lost, and I be! —Sarah Piazza know it. http://www.slouchingmom.com/ She buys four anyway. And when Reprinted with permission of she presents them to GRAND Media, LLC, copyright © my children, I eye her disapprovingly. In 2010. All rights reserved. response, she shrugs. Contained in the
To get a FREE subscription and access all issues of GRAND, the Online Magazine for Grandparents, visit http://tinyurl.com/freeGRAND
Travelers’ Insurance Helps Protect Your Dream Vacation FROM “INSURANCE” ON P. 3
they have an advocate with both the tour company AND the travel insurance company which allows them to be more proactive throughout the entire process. Your travel agent has done the research into which company is best suited to handle their clients and is making a recommendation based on what’s best for their client and not the tour company. Protecting Against Last Minute Changes It would be impossible to list all the differences between the tour company policies and a third party insurance policy, but there are a couple more areas where you receive more coverage with a third party policy.
Weather delays/cancellations: Tour company ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage ends anywhere from 24 to 48 hours prior to departure and may not offer coverage for weather delays and cancellations. The time frames for coverage availability is more generous through a third party policy. Single supplements: So you planned a trip with a friend or family member and are sharing a room on a cruise or land package. Now your traveling companion has canceled and the tour company is asking for an additional amount of money called a Single Supplement. Your third party travel insurance policy will cover the cost provided your traveling companion
cancels for a covered reason and you purchased your own coverage. The tour company coverage will not cover for their own single supplement. As with most other purchases, the old adage that you pay for what you get, definitely applies to your travel protection. Though the third party insurance policy may cost you a little bit more, you are getting much more coverage for your money and you will be glad you decided to purchase it should something unfortunate come up! Article courtesy of The Heritage’s travel partner, Boscov’s Travel.
May 2010
Horizons
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Programs Bring Together Youthful Energy, Senior Guidance org/inthemix. Many colleges friends (http://www.nbc11news.com/home/headsponsor Adoptlines/90347364.html). A-Grandparent Grandparents Day, celebrated every year community service on the first Sunday after Labor Day, is another projects, encouraginstance where the absence of a grandparent ing story telling, at the school celebration would be hard on a little one. Some enlightened schools invite local reading, walks, seniors to step in for the day, or encourage those games and craft projects as ways grandparents that are attending to “adopt” an to create relationextra grandchild for the occasion. If your area ships between the school doesn’t showcase the day, you could contact the school administrator and propose the participants. In Kentucky, idea. Go to www.grandparenting.org to get tips Berea College on how to embark on this worthwhile project. The Foster Grandparent Program links mature points out the advantages these volunteers with children and teens with exceptional needs. These volunteers “mentor, support, relationships have and help some of the most vulnerable children in to young people on their website. the United States.” (www.seniorcorps.gov) “You may learn a ‘Teens & Seniors’ On PBS lot and begin to look at life from new perspecPBS (Public Broadcasting System) featured tives,” they say, adding that the adopted grand“Bridging the Years: Teens & Seniors Mix It parents “are unique human beings with amazing Up.” The show “highlights three community things to share. Spending time with your adopted programs in New York that give teens and ‘grandparents’ helps seniors opportunities to them to reflect on the collaborate on art projIn New York, programs helped day, good or bad; it ects, overcome autism, and develop theatrical seniors and teens collaborate on enables them to view themselves and the productions. While projects and abandon the myths world through somedispelling stereotypes one else’s company; it that teens have of they had about each other. allows them to remiseniors and vice versa, nisce and talk freely the participants convey with humor and warmth the mutual benefits about anything. At the same time you will both gain a new friend.” of working together. By hearing their peers’ Purdue University in Indiana has a similar experiences, teens are encouraged to volunteer for work with seniors. By highlighting effective program which includes a relationship with a number of retirement communities (www.getinintergenerational initiatives that can be easily volved.purdue.edu). replicated, the program encourages schools and community organizations to create their own ini- Working Together For A Healthier World The Environmental Protection Agency tiatives to connect teens and seniors.” To watch encourages youngsters and seniors to work videos on these three programs go to www.pbs. FROM “PROGRAMS BRING TOGETHER…” ON P. 1
together to improve the environment (www.epa. gov/aging). In some cases, elders teach children about protecting the earth or the dangers of such man made hazards as lead paint, while the youngsters take that newly acquired knowledge and create artwork and shows to spread the word in the community. Experienced and novice gardeners have helped eradicate invasive plant species, restore a trail, or bring life back to a dying pond. What a gift to be able to use your talents and time to give of yourself. The possibilities are infinite. Use your creativity to initiate a program that can utilitze your strengths if one doesn’t already exist in your community. (Then you’ll also be giving to folks your own age.) Volunteering reaps benefits for both the giver and the recipient. Sudies show that it is key to living a longer, more fulfilling life. Pairing grandparent and child, senior and young, is a reward for both individuals because each offers indispensable gifts: wisdom and kindness that comes with age, and the exuberance and energy of childhood.
Exec Foresees Transformation Of Attitudes Towards Aging spell, just Services Research. like they “The National Institute on do with a Aging recommends keeping the restrictive brain active because mental exerdiet plan. cise lowers the risk for developing Right Alzheimer ’s disease by 47%. The now, most body of evidence linking mental of the proactivity to the delay or even preven- grams are tion of dementia continues to grow. too rudiAll of which means that preventive mentary, measures or brain fitness present a too scihuge opportunity. entific, and too boring! The ICAA’s “Yes, there are some companies three preferred providers — LEAF already focused on brain fitness, Ltd., Conductorcise, and Cognifit but we have — are doing some to do better,” very innovative Companies which Colin points things and I expect out, noting to see other comdon’t adjust to the that it will panies join them new expectations of take more in this very comthan scientific people entering their petitive field.” studies to retirement years are ‘Participation’ vs. induce people ‘Engagement’ to modify likely to struggle. Companies their habits. which provide “We have services to seniors to make brain fitness fun, if it’s will need to look beyond traditional going to become part of a true life- approaches to aging, Colin notes. style change,” he says. “If it’s not “There is a difference between fun, people will quit after a short participation and engagement,” he explains, pointing out that ‘engagement’ will become more important in the years ahead. “The example I always use is my school career. While I was a participant, I was not engaged and my grades suffered. Similarly, it’s not enough for seniors to be enrolled in a health plan’s fitness plan or be just living at a retirement community. People are looking to be fully engaged because they understand that engagement is a key component to being healthy. FROM “MILNER” ON P. 1
“Technology has already changed how we are aging and we are just seeing the tip of the iceberg,” Colin continues. “I think one of the most exciting possibilities rests in 3D Holographic projection. Just like we used to see in the old Star Trek adventures, soon your fitness instructor will be projected into your home to work out with you. The technology is not that far off. Don’t believe me, just check out what Musion Systems Ltd. is doing!” (http://www.musion.co.uk/) Effect On Companies Colin believes that companies which don’t adjust to the new expectations of people entering their retirement years are likely to struggle. “Today’s mature market has very different expectations for how they expect to age,” he says. “The dinosaurs of the last generation — like outdated senior centers and retirement communities — are a complete turnoff. In fact, just string the phase ‘senior center’ in front of most boomers and you’ll see a clear reaction. For example, retire-
ment communities and golf destinations are being replaced by urban, multi-generational settings with proximity to restaurants, shops, gyms and theaters. Simply put, outdated products with obsolete names and terminology must change … or face extinction.” So how does Colin and his wife, Julie, try to age well? “First, we try to create new experiences. Because I’m on the road so much, I rack up frequent flier miles which we try to put to good use. My wife, kids and I each get to choose one place to travel to for a new adventure, which is important for the brain,” says Colin. “I also try to exercise, with some form of cardio exercise five times a week, while at the same time trying to reduce stress in my life.” Colin continues, “I’m a lucky man. I love my job, I love my wife, and I’m doing something that really contributes to society. What more could I ask for!”
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Horizons
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Heritage resident Mickey Bradley works out at the on-site fitness center.
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
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