House and Heart - Mid-South - Fall/Winter 2023-24

Living Better, Living Longer

p. 2–5

Acts "Blue Zone" Benefits

p. 6–7

The Success of THRIVE

p. 8–9

Honoring our Veterans

p. 10-11

HEART &HOUSE FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 • M I D - S O U T H

HEART &HOUSE

OUR LIFE CARE CONSULTANTS

Mid-South Region

Heart & House is a publication of the Acts Sales & Marketing Team

Lanier Village Estates— Julie Kuchemann Julie.Kuchemann@actslife.org

For Suggestions And Comments

Magnolia Trace— Jason McKnight JMcKnight@actslife.org

Editorial Group

HeartHouse@actslife.org

Lori Woodward Chief Marketing Officer Beth Carey Corporate Director of Brand & Promotions

Matthews Glen— Lara Hill LHill@actslife.org

Kimberly Burke Director of Sales Lisa Sileo Marketing Manager

Park Pointe Village— John Redmond John.Redmond@actslife.org

Jill Quirk Marketing Manager

Tryon Estates— Moose Penfold Moose.Penfold@actslife.org Westminster Village— Kerri Sanborn Kerri.Sanborn@actslife.org

Contributors For This Issue

Editorial Lisa Sileo Design Lia Calhoun Graphic Design

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Acts Resident Photography John Warner Photography Pace Branding & Marketing Photography Production Beth Carey & Jill Quirk

NORTH CAROLINA

SOUTH CAROLINA ALABAMA GEORGIA

Located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia, there’s an Acts campus near you!

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Acts Mission Statement

Acts is committed to providing security and peace of mind to seniors by being a preeminent provider of retirement-life services, responsive to individual, social, personal, health and spiritual needs in a Christian atmosphere graced with Loving-Kindness, dignity, sensitivity, honesty and respect, without prejudice or preference.

Acts Retirement-Life Communities Corporate Services Center 420 Delaware Drive Fort Washington, PA 19034 www.actsretirement.org

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There is now concrete evidence showing that Acts residents fare better in wellness than other seniors in the community at large, largely because of their social connections, reduced stress, and access to superb health care.

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Living Better, Living Longer: How Acts Communities are their own “Blue Zones”

I

f you’ve ever visited an Acts community, you’ve probably been in awe of the many active seniors who seem to defy aging there. Acts residents are ballroom dancers, antique collectors, avid cyclists, gardeners, volunteers, authors—you name it.

Moving into an Acts campus allows residents to easily explore their passions, interests and often soar outside their comfort zones to reach incredible heights. Just ask Katherine Jeter and Lorraine DeCesare, residents of Tryon Estates who bravely rappelled down a 100-foot building for charity last fall.

Adding Life to Your Years Nothing is off limits. There is much to be said about this phenomenon that sets residents of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) like Acts apart from others around their age. It may be because these residents—intentionally or not—have prioritized their health span and quality of life.

Health span and life span are distinct concepts. Whereas life span refers to the total number of years one lives, your health span focuses on the quality of those years: in good health, free from serious illness or debilitating conditions. The advantage of living at an Acts community is unlimited access to more healthy lifestyle choices that empower residents to not just live longer, but better.

Acts’ “Blue Zone” Powers Acts communities offer a lifestyle similar to “Blue Zone” areas, a subject of Netflix’s popular documentary series, Live to 100: Secrets of Blue Zones. The series tries to further understand longevity and features places in the world where people are ten times more likely to live to 100.

It’s rare to celebrate a 100th birthday. Only 1 in 5,000 people in America are 100 or more years old. Those might not seem like great odds, but as of September, 108 Acts residents are centenarians, with multiple residents celebrating 103rd and 104th birthdays.

Acts residents are living longer. The average age reached

by Acts residents is about 90.3 years; more than a decade longer compared to the national average life expectancy for females (79 years) and men (73.5 years). (National Center for Health Statistics, 2021).

New Groundbreaking Research There is now concrete evidence showing that Acts residents fare better in wellness than other seniors in the community at large, largely because of their social connections, reduced stress, and access to superb health care.

This year, the Mather Institute completed its five-year Age Well …as of September, Study, which included 108 Acts residents are participation from seven Acts communities. centenarians, with This study surveyed multiple residents 8,228 people living in life plan communities celebrating 103rd and (or CCRCs) and reported 104th birthdays. significant wellness benefits. Residents enjoyed significantly better physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and vocational wellness than their “age in place” peers.

“Now we have data that affirms our intuition and what residents have anecdotally told us all along,” said Bill Tamulonis, Managing Director of Acts Center for Applied Research.

The Secret Sauce for Longevity With a wide variety of social activities and events, fitness classes for every ability, walking trails and green spaces, residents in these communities have plenty of opportunities to stay active and explore new interests.

Plus, resort-like amenities, restaurants and nightly entertainment make it a perfect fit for today’s retirees.

“Residents always have input on the many types of activities we plan,” said Terry Alburger, Life Engagement Coordinator at Brittany Pointe Estates. “Some also enjoy teaching classes to share their talents with other residents.”

Several studies have found people with a stronger sense of purpose enjoy numerous health benefits including longevity, physical wellness, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline (nih.gov).

“Making residents feel needed and important is key to their well-being and mental health as well as their physical health,” Alburger said. “When residents move in, they gain a new family, and a large support network.”

Loneliness Can Kill New research also suggests social connection is extremely important for overall wellness, with the U.S. Surgeon General recently issuing a warning calling loneliness a national epidemic. Tragically, loneliness can be as dangerous to your physical health as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, with a mortality impact even greater than that associated Residents often with obesity and cite the people in physical inactivity, increasing their communities premature death by as making it the more than 60%.

best place to live.

They are also often amazed by how quickly friends become like family.

Social engagement is a huge wellness benefit inherently gained by living at an Acts community.

Residents often cite the people in their communities as the reason they love living there.

They are also often amazed by how quickly friends become like family. This support system is even more crucial as we age because a lack of social connection negatively affects our brains.

“When we spend too much time isolated, the neuron networks in our brain loosen up—the connection loosens,” said Melanie Donathan, Acts’ Northeast Regional Mental Health Clinician.

“We start to lose our social abilities, our confidence decreases, and anxiety will creep in,” she added. “The risk for anxiety, depression and even physical ailments increases a great amount when loneliness is a factor.”

Having the ability to share emotions with others is imperative to your overall health. Being isolated without daily human connection negatively affects every part of your body.

“The brain function decreases, and we begin to internalize all those big feelings,” Donathan said. “That will put more pressure on your internal organs. Everything is connected.”

Relieving Stress for Better Health Another threat to our life span is stress. Researchers found that stress and anxiety can lead to chronic inflammation that is associated with nearly every major age-related disease (bluezones.com).

While it’s virtually impossible to avoid stress completely, Acts residents have an advantage over other seniors by planning ahead. Securing future care—even before they might be ready for it—eliminates the stress of finding viable options in an unexpected heath crisis or leaving their future in someone else’s hands. Family members also have less anxiety knowing that their loved one is in good hands.

Moving to an Acts community also alleviates the constant worry that comes with the responsibilities and burdens of home ownership. With the luxury of having a maintenance team on call, residents don’t have to lift a finger when repairs are needed.

“If something breaks, you call maintenance. They’ll write up a ticket for you as opposed to us trying to decide ‘So who are we going to call to fix the roof this time,’” said Linda Simmons, a resident of Fairhaven. “It makes life so much simpler.”

“You can’t put a price on not having to do or worry about those things,” her husband, Frank Simmons, added. “And I haven’t had a water bill or electric bill in five years.”

A consistent monthly fee makes life simpler.

“My checkbook is getting so lonely. I don't have to write very many checks for all those expenses,” said Gwen Blackwell, a resident of Normandy Farms Estates.

“It’s amazing how much is included when you move in, even some meals,” Blackwell added. “And the food here is superb. Dinners at the restaurant are high-end, fine dining.”

With so much less to worry about, Acts residents have more time to relax, socialize and enjoy a higher quality of life. It is therefore no wonder that so many residents of 100 years or older are proud to call an Acts community home!

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Acts “Blue Zone” Benefits

Check out how Acts residents are following some of these “Blue Zone” lifestyle principles to defy aging.

1. Moving Naturally

2. Finding Purpose

“The world's longest-lived people don't pump iron, run marathons or join gyms. Instead, they live in environments that constantly nudge them into moving without thinking about it.” — P O W E R N I N E ,

“Knowing your sense of purpose is worth up to seven years of extra life expectancy.”

DAN BUETTNER, BLUEZONES.COM

Acts residents have ample opportunities to move naturally. Every aspect of life is in walking distance— campus restaurants, the hair salon, social activities and shows at the performing arts centers. Acts’ expansive campuses offer beautiful green spaces to leisurely walk pets and enjoy nature.

“I wanted a European lifestyle because I like to walk everywhere,” said Gee Fetes, a resident of St. Andrews Estates. “Here I can walk to the grocery store, a zillion restaurants, and shopping.”

With so many activities to fit any interest, it’s easy for Acts residents to fill their days with meaningful intent. Many Acts residents also find purpose with a wide variety of volunteer opportunities at their communities.

Buddy Harris, 96, of Edgewater at Boca Pointe, volunteers with other residents at a local organization that provides food and job opportunities to those in need.

“You get what you give, and we love to give,” said Harris. “I may be 96 years old but living here I feel like 49!”

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3. Belonging

3. The Right Tribe

“All but five of the 263 centenarians that Blue Zones documentary interviewed belonged to some faith-based community. Denomination doesn’t seem to matter.”

“The world’s longest-lived people chose–or were born into–social circles that supported healthy behaviors.

Social connection also strengthens our immune system and helps us recover faster.”

Acts was founded by a suburban Philadelphia pastor who sought to give older members of his congregation a safe place to live with compassion and dignity. Today, residents with many different spiritual backgrounds enjoy a culture of LovingKindness and belonging at Acts. Whatever your faith, spiritual support is always available, with a full-time chaplain at each community, and numerous spiritual services conveniently held on campus.

Social connection is one of the biggest benefits for Acts residents' health and emotional wellbeing.

With unparalleled access to an established support network and limitless opportunities to be socially engaged, Acts residents enjoy meaningful and close friendships.

Social connection is one of the biggest benefits for Acts residents’ health and emotional wellbeing.

“There is a friendliness and openness, and a youthful spirit, that you can feel as soon as you walk in the door,” she added. “It’s just unbelievable, how welcoming.”

“My dad moved in at 75 and died a year shy of 97,” said Kathy Howard, a second-generation resident of Brittany Pointe Estates. “The only reason he lived that long, is because he lived in a community where he was involved. He had a support system and friends.”

The Success of THRIVE with Acts Empowering Residents to Live Fuller Lives

T

he doctor’s office may monitor your blood pressure and heart rate but how often do you get checked for important indicators of your physical wellbeing? Acts’ innovative program, THRIVE with Acts, allows all residents to see a bigger picture of their overall health to ensure nothing gets missed.

THRIVE stands for Therapy Helping Residents with Independence and Vitality Effectively. The program consists of five different components of wellness: flexibility, strength, mind, energy, and balance. What is your risk of a fall? Is your energy too low? Identifying any issues sooner rather than later empowers residents to be proactive with their health.

Your healthcare is important to Acts, which is why all residents are offered complimentary annual wellness assessments. The rehabilitation team screens residents and compares their scores to those in their age group to determine if they need further evaluation and assistance in one or more areas to sustain their best quality of life. With THRIVE, fitness trainers work with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and others to fully support the resident.

“It’s a team approach to wellness,” said Pat Alderson, Corporate Director of Ancillary Health and Fitness Services.

“Acts has been a leader in this concept, at the forefront years ago, where other companies are just now starting to look at it.”

The goal is for all residents to participate in activities that make them happy and healthy—walking, golfing, gardening, or keeping up with their grandchildren.

“We know we can assist residents to truly live the life they wish they could,” Alderson said.

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“ This program is designed for residents to stay independent longer and stay out of the hospital.”

“We used to only see someone after they fell or broke their hip but THRIVE with Acts is designed to stop the fall, to prevent a negative event, instead of treating after the fact,” said Anthony Battle, a certified occupational therapy assistant at Edgewater at Boca Pointe.

Battle said some tests can predict the resident’s risk of a fall within the next six months. “It’s eye-opening for them and life changing,” he said.

Therapists not only compare norms in a resident's age group, but also look at the resident’s year-to-year progression.

Comparing previous evaluations alerts them to any changes that could indicate a potential risk.

“It’s important for people to get yearly THRIVE with Acts check-ups, just like you would a yearly doctor exam,” Battle said.

“We want residents to enjoy their lives.” He added, “This program is designed for residents to stay independent longer, and stay out of the hospital.”

Acts rehabilitation offers many specialty programs including pain recovery, pelvic health, vision, speech, and neuromotor programs.

“Most people think of rehabilitation as just physical therapy, but we offer residents many more services,” Alderson said.

If you’re interested in a complimentary THRIVE screening with Acts, reach out to your community or ask your Life Care Consultant in the community’s sales office to learn about our next THRIVE with Acts event.

Eugenia Graves, an Army nurse and veteran who served in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm

Commander, USN (Ret.) Frank Simmons, a Fairhaven resident, served 25 years in the Navy and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy.

Acts of Honor

Celebrating the veterans who live at Acts

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cts communities are a treasure trove of residents with unique life experiences and backgrounds, with many serving in our armed forces. A large number of veterans live across our 27 campuses, which is why celebrating and honoring those who serve is so important.

Each November, Veterans Day is filled with meaningful events across Acts campuses to recognize all our veterans for their sacrifice, service, and dedication to their country.

At Magnolia Trace, in Huntsville, Alabama, residents look forward to joining representatives from the American Legion in a Veteran’s Day flag raising ceremony, and honor those who served with a slide show of photos from its residents’ years in service.

“It’s a special and beautiful ceremony,” said resident Eugenia Graves, an Army nurse and veteran who served in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm.

“With Magnolia Trace right here near the Redstone Arsenal, there are many colonels and generals who speak to our veterans.”

“We still have WWII veterans who live here and it’s just phenomenal to have them at our community,”

said LCDR Alva Baker, MD, a resident of Fairhaven in Skyesville, Maryland. Dr. Baker served in the U.S. Navy and was a physician at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida.

“There’s a lot of camaraderie among our veterans at Fairhaven. Some guys wear baseball caps with their branch of service,” said Dr. Baker, who spearheads the Veterans Day program at his community. “The spouses of our veterans are also very actively involved in the planning of our events.”

“Everyone participates, and we get up for a group photo for each of the branches,” said Commander, USN (Ret.) Frank Simmons, a Fairhaven resident who served in the Navy and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. “It’s great to see all our veterans be appreciated.”

“We appreciate the recognition, and we definitely feel appreciated here by people who work at Fairhaven, too,” said Col. John Ramsden, another Fairhaven resident, who served 31 years in the U.S. Army. Col. Ramsden served in Vietnam as an officer with the First Cavalry Division, along with other overseas assignments in Okinawa, Japan and Saudi Arabia.

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“ As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” J O H N F. K E N N E DY

Col. (Ret.) John Ramsden, Fairhaven resident, who served 31 years in the U.S. Army.

CDR Normand Desmarais served 20 years in the U.S. Navy Supply Corps. His duty stations, among others, included tours on two Navy destroyers, instructor at the Navy Supply Corps School, Bureau of Naval Personnel, Portsmouth Navy Shipyard, and Navy Supply Center Newport, RI. He is a graduate of the Navy Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA as well as the Navy War College Newport, RI.

“I look forward to the Veterans program each year,” said his friend, resident Normand Desmarais, who served 20 years in the U.S. Navy Supply Corps.

Desmarais was a student and later a teacher at the Navy Supply Corps at the Naval Station in Newport, Rhode Island. He also served overseas with the Military Equipment Delivery Team, Cambodia.

Desmarais and Ramsden met at Fairhaven, became friends, and exchange, "Beat Army!" "Beat Navy!" cheers throughout the year.

“We kid around about the Army-Navy game,” Desmarais said. Fairhaven hosts a screening of the annual rival Army-Navy game, complete with popcorn in their auditorium.

A large number of veterans also live at Azalea Trace, in Pensacola, Florida, due to its proximity to the Naval Air Station, known as “The Cradle of Naval Aviation.” Many residents with military careers are now happily retired at Azalea Trace.

Charley Pritchett, a World War II veteran who served as a radioman in the Battle of Okinawa, the bloodiest battle of the Pacific war. He survived Japanese submarines and kamikazes attacking his ship.

Veterans like Charley Pritchett, a World War II veteran who served as a radioman in the Battle of Okinawa, the bloodiest battle of the Pacific war.

He survived Japanese submarines and kamikazes attacking his ship.

“We had a Prisoner of War presentation years ago, and little did you realize what other residents went through,” said resident Charley Pritchett. “Often they don’t want to talk about it. It’s like tearing a scab off a wound, but if you know them well enough you can extract some interesting stories.”

There is also a table at the community’s restaurant permanently reserved to recognize those prisoners of war who never returned home, a powerful gesture to remind others of sacrifice and service.

If you’re a veteran, ask your Life Care Consultant about a $2,500 discount on your entry fee, our special discount to honor servicemen and servicewomen who move into an Acts community.

A Taste of Acts EXECUTIVE CHEF

Matthew J. Petkovic’s Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake

A flavorful fall recipe you can prepare at home from our Acts Corporate Executive Chef.

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1 15.25 oz Box Duncan Hines Yellow Cake Mix

1. Spray bundt cake pan with cooking spray.

15.25 oz of Canned Pumpkin ½ Cup Water

3. Pour batter into pan.

5 TBSP Melted Butter

4. Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

1 TBSP Pumpkin Pie Spice

5. Remove the cake from the oven and using the toothpick, poke holes throughout the top of the cake so the glaze can penetrate the cake.

4 Each Large Shell Eggs ½ Cup Apple Cider 6 TBSP Sifted Powdered Sugar 2 TBSP Melted Butter 1 TSP Cinnamon

2. In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, water, melted butter, pumpkin pie spice, canned pumpkin, and eggs on low speed until the mix is moistened, then on medium speed for two minutes.

6. Let the cake cool at room temperature for 20 minutes, then flip the cake out of the pan onto a sheet of parchment or wax paper.

7. Once the cake is on the wax paper, let cool at room temperature for another 45 minutes.

8. In a small bowl, add the apple cider, cinnamon, melted butter and sifted powdered sugar. Blend until smooth and slowly pour over the cake until completely glazed.

9. Refrigerate the cake for 4–6 hours prior to serving.

Did you know that each campus has team members available to support our residents with their technology? We call this our Tech Cafe. Not only do we provide these services regularly, but we provide all our new residents with their own iPad when they move into their Acts community.

Col. John Ramsden, Fairhaven

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