House and Heart - Northeast - 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

LivNow Services

p. 10-11

HEART &HOUSE FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 • N O R T H E A S T

OUR LIFE CARE CONSULTANTS

Northeast Region Brittany Pointe Estates—Jill Kuhn Jill.Kuhn@actslife.org Fort Washington Estates—Lori Ann Dancheck LDancheck@actslife.org Granite Farms Estates—Stacie Snow Stacie.Snow@actslife.org Gwynedd Estates—Heiki-Lara Nyce HeikiLara.Nyce@actslife.org Lima Estates—Michele Adams Michele.Adams@actslife.org Normandy Farms Estates—Kathy Morris KathyM@actslife.org Southampton Estates—Anne White Anne.White@actslife.org Spring House Estates—Patricia Gola Patricia.Gola@actslife.org

HEART &HOUSE Heart & House is a publication of the Acts Sales & Marketing Team For Suggestions And Comments

HeartHouse@actslife.org

Editorial Group

Lori Woodward Chief Marketing Officer Beth Carey Corporate Director of Brand & Promotions Kimberly Burke Director of Sales Lisa Sileo Marketing Manager Jill Quirk Marketing Manager

Contributors For This Issue

Editorial Lisa Sileo Design Lia Calhoun Graphic Design Acts Resident Photography John Warner Photography Pace Branding & Marketing Photography Production Beth Carey & Jill Quirk

Acts Mission Statement P E N N S Y LVA N I A

6

2

Located in Delaware, Montgomery, and Bucks Counties, there’s an Acts campus near you!

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

H E A RT & H O U S E / 1

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.

H E A RT & H O U S E / 3

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!

H E A RT & H O U S E / 5

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!”

H E A RT & H O U S E / 7

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.

H E A RT & H O U S E / 9

“ 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.

THE EASIEST MOVE YOU’LL EVER MAKE

Complementary Relocation Service Provides Stress-Free Transition When you move to an Acts Retirement-Life Community, we want your transition to your new home to be as smooth as possible. That's why Acts works with LivNow relocation specialists who can coordinate every aspect of your move.

Having one dedicated relocation specialist to serve as your single point of contact for every aspect of your move makes it less stressful—much like having a wedding planner who orchestrates all the many details to make sure the big day runs smoothly.

Best of all, when you choose to move to an Acts community, you'll receive LivNow's relocation consulting services for free! You'll only pay for the certified suppliers you choose.

LivNow’s relocation specialist, Jane Sells, works with local and vetted real estate agents, professional organizers and movers, and offers other relevant services such as bridge loans and digital vaults. All vendors are certified, bonded and insured. LivNow can even help you downsize and ensure you make the most of your new space!

“Your relocation specialist will make sure everything runs smoothly and she’s going to advocate for you throughout the entire process,” said Maureen Longoria, co-founder of LivNow. “We get to know our clients very well and they value this service so much,” Longoria said. “We’re the ones they lean into, guiding them every step of the way through this emotionally charged time in their lives.”

LivNow also allows you to track all aspects of the moving process through its mobile app LivNow Good Move. Your loved ones can even download the app if they choose to view supplier contacts and have access to your relocation specialist.

“The third most stressful time in one’s life, followed by death and divorce, is moving and especially at an older age,” Longoria said. “It’s a huge value for Acts residents to have this much needed support as a complimentary service.”

Don't let the challenges of selling your home and moving keep you from the lifestyle you deserve.

Let Acts and LivNow take that burden off your shoulders. Contact your life care consultant today to learn more about living in an Acts community, our partnership with LivNow, or how our moving program can benefit you!

H E A RT & H O U S E / 1 1

Best of all, when you choose to move to an Acts community, you'll receive LivNow's relocation consulting services for free!

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.

420 Delaware Drive Fort Washington, PA 19034

Upcoming Events

November 2023

December 2023

January 2024

"Sweet Life" Introduction to Life Care Presentation

Holiday Celebrations

New Year, New Beginnings Event