Spectrum Winter/Spring 2018-2019

This Feels Like Home ® WINTER/SPRING 2018-2019

How Do You Define Hero?

Spectrum Honors Those Among Us

STAY

positive!

5 Tips to Keep Your Spirits Up All Year

ARE YOU AWESOME?

Spectrum

Retirement

Communities

offers

flexible, affordable, month-to-month rental

WE’RE HIRING!

apartment homes, enabling residents to enjoy the amenities and services they desire without a prohibitive financial commitment or buy-in fee. Lifestyle options include Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Spectrum Retirement Communities has multiple locations in 10 states across the country.

To learn more or to find a community near you, call 877-813-7386 or visit us online at SpectrumRetirement.com

888-516-2188 | SpectrumRetirement.com

John Sevo MANAGING DIRECTOR

Jeff Kraus

Our mission is “To inspire patriotism in fellow youth and across generations by volunteering on behalf of service members and veterans through community service, advocacy and education.”

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Brad Kraus PRESIDENT & COO

William Swearingen SVP OF SALES AND MARKETING

(800) 852-0857 HUNGRYEYEMEDIA.COM Brendan Harrington PRESIDENT

Shannon Moore ART DIRECTOR

Heather Shoning EDITOR

INSPIRATION SUPPORT RESPECT APPRECIATION 3655 W. Anthem Way, Ste A109-403 Anthem, AZ 85086 youthfortroops.org • youth4troops@gmail.com 501 (c) (3)

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Susan Humphrey PUBLISHER

COVER IMAGE COPYRIGHT WESTEND61/GETTYIMAGES.COM

Welcome to

Spectrum

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LIFE AT SPECTRUM RETIREMENT

is better. It ,s always been that way, but we’re making some slight changes so you can see what we mean. Our mission is to create communities that feel like home where residents thrive and relationships grow. You , ll see it throughout the pages of this magazine.

Explore our brand new Spectrum Life section (page 9), to get a firsthand look at some of the recent activities that have taken place in our communities around the country. We’ve also revamped the Inside section of the magazine.

Read what residents have to say about their lives at Spectrum Retirement (starting on page 30) and catch up on Spectrum Retirement news.

As always, we deliver great articles on topics that are important to you, such as our feature — a tribute to our local heroes (How do You Define Hero?, page 18) and how to keep a positive outlook on life (Stay Positive All Year Long, page 27). And you’re going to love some of the fun articles in this issue such as how some “old school” hobbies are being revived (Cross-Stitch Makes a Comeback, page 8).

MANAGING DIRECTORS JEFF KRAUS AND JOHN SEVO

What is not shifting in this magazine is our commitment to our residents, the people to whom we strive to deliver content that is as engaging, inspiring, and vibrant as their lives at Spectrum Retirement.

Enjoy the issue, John Sevo and Jeff Kraus Managing Directors Spectrum Retirement Communities, LLC

We’d love to hear from you!

Do you have an interesting story to share? An idea for a future issue of the magazine? What would you like to learn more about? Help us celebrate the people and personalities that make Spectrum such a wonderful place to live. Send your ideas to editor@spectrumretirement.com.

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SPECTRUM TIDBITS

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SPECTRUM LIFE

Things that make being a senior fun!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Thoughtful gifts for those close to your heart.

CROSS-STITCH MAKES A COMEBACK

If you are a grandma who loves crossstitching, now is a great time to take a grandchild under your crafty wing and show them how it’s done.

Activities and events at Spectrum communities around the country.

FEATURE

WELLNESS

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Essential oils can help you relax and soothe what ails you.

LIFESTYLE DISTINGUISHED RESIDENTS

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MOVING ALONG

These Spectrum residents hold fast to their passions through adversity and the ages.

CENTENARIANS

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CELEBRATING OUR CENTENARIANS

Reflections on a century of life, a lifetime of memories.

ADVISOR

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SWEET SMELLS

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STAY POSITIVE ALL YEAR LONG

With each flip of the calendar page, you can create joy in your life.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE KIDS

Cultivate meaningful relationships with your grandchildren, or greatgrandchildren, in ways that speak their language.

INSIDE SPECTRUM

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HOW DO YOU DEFINE HERO? 4

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GOINGS ON AT SPECTRUM RETIREMENT Be Healthy, BE Involved, BE Inspired, and BE You!

FIND LOVE AT ANY AGE

A senior,s guide to relationships.

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Spectrum Tidbits THINGS THAT MAKE BEING A SENIOR FUN!

1,000 Unforgettable Senior Moments: Of Which We Could Remember Only 246

Smile!

Celebrate history’s greatest mental lapses. Not just outlandishly funny, this is a book of great comfort ­­- after all, having a senior moment puts you in the company of Einstein, Lincoln, Beethoven, Newton, Toscanini, and a whole assortment of presidents, poets, philosophers, popes, and Nobel Prize winners.

From amazon.com

Get some laughs at the next happy hour with dentureshaped ice cubes!

From amazon.com

5 states with the highest percentage of persons age 65 and over in 2016 were:

“The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.”

Wooden Nose Spectacle Holder Never misplace your glasses again — they're right on your nose!

From amazon.com

Maine 19.4%

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18.8%

Vermont 18.1%

Montana 17.7% *acl.gov

–Jerry Seinfeld

–Frank Lloyd Wright

Florida 19.9%

West Virginia

You know you’re getting old when you get that one candle on the cake. It’s like, ‘See if you can blow this out.’

Keep Calm Mug Enjoy your morning cuppa joe just a bit more with this inspirational mug.

From amazon.com

“Your 40s are good. Your 50s are great. Your 60s are fab. And 70 is ... awesome!”

–Helen Mirren

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Holiday GIFT GUIDE

We’ve curated the most thoughtful gifts to give this season for those closest to your heart. Memories, keepsakes, and philanthropic gifts, along with experiences to help feed the soul.

Emily O’Brien

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KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY We all know the best presents come from the heart — not a big box store. Journals are wonderful ways to pass on meaningful mementos.

Or look for a grandparent’s journal with a beautiful cover and lined pages for you to write your story to share. Handing down a beloved antique, along with its story, is a gift that is sure to be treasured.

GIVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL It’s easier than ever to print photos, either to keep in a box or scrapbook. Collect favorites of your loved one and put together a short book, or simply mark notes on the back.

The time spent to document special occasions is always well received and will be cherished for years to come.

GIFT AN EXPERIENCE Theatre tickets, museum, or zoo passes can be big crowd pleasers and can range from a one-time visit to an annual membership. When purchasing an experience for grandchildren that involves the whole family, it’s always good to check in with Mom and Dad first.

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DONATE TO A CHARITY These are a sure win for those loved ones that seem to have it all: Give a charitable gift to their favorite foundation.

Whether that be the Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, St. Jude, or something else, sites like CharityNavigator.com can help you get started. Another idea: Make a monetary contribution toward a college fund or a small deposit to help boost a savings account.

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CROSS-STITCH MAKES A COMEBACK

IF YOU ARE A GRANDMA WHO LOVES CROSS-STITCHING, NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO TAKE A GRANDCHILD UNDER YOUR CRAFTY WING AND SHOW THEM HOW IT’S DONE.

THAT’S RIGHT. Cross-stitch is cool, canning is crackin’, playing cards is prime-time, and knitting is … nifty. Thanks to the hipsters, many hobbies from the past are making a comeback.

What,s a hipster you ask? That ,s what they call the group of 24- to 35-year-olds who are in love with all things vintage and enjoy activities that are outside the more popular, mainstream trends of their peers.

It may be a craving for nostalgia or the desire to create something authentic that wasn,t mass-produced.

Regardless of the reason, the popularity of hobbies like cross-stitch continues to grow.

Now, make sure you’re prepared because the things the grandkids may want to cross-stitch aren’t what you are used to. Their type of crafting comes with a dash of snarky humor and a pinch of sarcasm. Rather than

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“Home Sweet Home,” they may want to cross-stitch something like: I would agree with you but then we’d both be wrong.

Beards: They grow on you.

W ARNING: This is proof I have the patience to stab something 1,000 times.

It’s important to stock up on black embroidery floss to add black nerd glasses to any animal in your design. And the hipster mustache is a favorite among young stitchers.

But don’t let these quirky ideas get in the way of the true reason behind teaching grandkids a hobby you enjoy.

It’s about interacting, sharing, and creating something that will be a memory to hold onto forever.

By the way … if your hobby happens to be taxidermy, by all means, invite a grandchild to try it out. Taxidermy is tops when it comes to revitalizing these “ancient arts.”

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Vicki Martinez

Spectrum Life Vibrant. Active. Healthy. Social.

There are a lot of words that describe life at Spectrum Retirement. None sum it up quite like a simple three-letter word:

Fun. Sneak a peek at some of the fun activities and events at our communities around the country.

Residents love Spectrum life!

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Museum Trip HighPointe Assisted Living & Memory Care Denver, Colorado HighPointe residents enjoyed exploring the Denver Art Museum, one of the largest art museums between the West Coast and Chicago. With so much ground to cover, there was too little time to see all of the amazing works of art!

Wine Tasting Crestview Senior Living Crestwood, Missouri Stan Komen (his wife was THE Susan G. Komen), gave a wine presentation to Crestview residents. It included how to order, buy, serve, and store wine.

They learned how to read a wine label, cook with wine, and understand wine menus.

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Car Show Cedar Lake Assisted Living & Memory Care Lake Zurich, Illinois Looking forward to their “Silver Screen Dinner,” Cedar Lake residents visited the Volvo Auto Museum to see classic cars from movies. One resident enjoyed explaining the workings of the car engines.

A. Frank & Adele B. Ruth, Adele & Frank C. Stella D. Nancy E. Marion F. Dave, Gordon, Marion, Dennis, Phil, Nary, Nancy, Trudy, Dan, Carl & Greg G. Trudy & Dan H. Greg & Carl

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Greenskeepers Westbrook Senior Living Streamwood, Illinois Jerry and Diana planted and maintain a lovely variety of plants in the Westbrook greenhouse.

at Hickory View Retirement Community Washington, Missouri

Mats for the Homeless Shawnee Hills Senior Living Shawnee, Kansas Residents of Shawnee Hills have taken up a new weekly project to benefit the homeless in the local area. One resident, Anne, showed the group how to reuse plastic bags to make “plarn.” The plarn is delivered to nearby St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where a group of crocheters turns it into mats to be delivered to the local homeless shelters sometimes directly to people living on the street.

A. Beryl B. Nancy C. Evelyn D. Barb E. Doris F. Marjorie G. Anne, Myra & Ann H. Mary Ann, Jackie, Barb, Marilyn, Donny, Anne, Myra & Ann I. Mary Ann & Jackie J. Diana & Jerry

To celebrate a recent Spectrum color of the month (gray), Homestead residents enjoyed a glamour shots photo shoot. The results — nothing short of stunning!

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Under the Sea Dinner The Enclave at Chandler Senior Living Chandler, Arizona The theme for a recent Colors of Spectrum dinner was "Under the Sea." Residents enjoyed specialty cocktails at happy hour and live entertainment with dinner. Everyone had a great time!

A. Jack & Claudia B. Khalif, Jessica, Louise & Leanne C. Lorainne & Jerry D. Lillian & Clifford E. Wayne & Elli F. Judy & Bud G. Dee & Joe H. Jerry

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Oktoberfest Three Creeks Senior Living Gahanna, Ohio Residents had a blast at Ocktoberfest with a German food buffet, polka music and, of course, beer.

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Spectrum Retirement communities across Ohio were blanketed in scarlet and gray to celebrate a stellar start to the Ohio State Buckeyes football season. Each community celebrated with the traditional tailgating foods and drinks and loads of scarlet and gray decorations.

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POWELL ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

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HILLIARD ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

A. Buckeye Guy, Bob & Bobbie B. Ebony & Katie C. Bob D. Family joins in the fun E. Photo fun F. Bernie G. Ruth H. Ty, Heidi, Glenda, Brutus Buckeye, Pat, & Janine I. Roy & Jim

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HOW DO YOU DEFINE HERO? SPECTRUM COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY CREATE LASTING TRIBUTES TO THE HEROES AMONG US.

Vicki Martinez

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hen you hear the word hero what type of picture is conjured in your mind? Do you immediately think of the Man of Steel, outrunning bullets and leaping tall buildings? Perhaps your idea involves a tired woman who simply refused to give up her seat on a bus. Or maybe it brings back memories of a teacher or mentor who had an indelible impact on your life.

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unique perspective when it comes to defining a hero.

The one thing we can all agree on is that anyone who risked personal safety to save the lives of others during wartime is the epitome of a hero.

At Spectrum Retirement, we’ve been fortunate to have many real-life heroes call our communities “home.” Recently, some of our heroes have been recognized for their selfless acts during wartime — helping others and in the process saving lives. Here we share their stories.

"YOU CAN'T" WAS NEVER AN OPTION “My service was pretty ordinary,” says a much-toohumble Jim Irby, Air Force veteran and resident of The Enclave at Anthem Senior Living in Anthem, Arizona.

But there’s nothing ordinary about riding as a tail gunner — that’s the guy who crawls into the confined space at the back of the plane and rides backward the entire time — in a B-29 aircraft (the largest, most modern airplane in the world at that time).

If that’s not extraordinary enough, the story of Jim’s strong desire to serve his country is amazing.

Jim Irby & Sam Crump, president of Daisy Mountain Veterans

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In 1943, during WWII, a then 17-year-old Jim tried to enlist. Told he was too skinny and underweight, he did what any teenage boy from Michigan would do: “I went down to my grandparents, on the farm, and my grandmother tried to fatten me up!”

Jim returned to the recruiting office in January 1944 (one month after his 18th birthday) and once again was told he was too underweight. But one of the recruiting officers recognized him and said: “If you want in so bad ... you’re in.”

A GUIDE TO SAFETY After completing gunnery training in Fort Myers, Florida, Jim was eventually stationed on the island of Iwo Jima. Here Jim and the crew of The Outlaw (the name of their B-29 aircraft) were tasked with the job of escorting fighter planes from Japan after bomb strikes. “The B-47 was a gas hog and many times they barely made it back to the island before they ran out of fuel,” explains Jim. “In those days there was no such thing as radar. They had to rely on compasses and the fighters often had trouble finding their way back to that little island in the middle of the Pacific.

That’s why they needed us. They didn’t have much margin of error in finding their way home.”

Jim served in the Twentieth Air Force from 1944 to 1946, staying on as part of the reserve, then served again from 1951 to 1952 during the Korean War. One thing war heroes know is dedication. Jim is just as dedicated to his marriage as he was to serving his country. He and his wife, Grace, recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

In May, Jim and 23 other veterans were honored in a ceremony thanking them for their service. A procession of students from Youth for Troops waved American flags high as the heroes were escorted to seats of honor. The men (and one woman) participated in the unveiling of The Enclave at Anthem Senior Living’s “Hero Wall” and are the first veterans to have their portraits displayed. “It made me feel real proud to be a part of it,” said Jim. “It made us all feel pretty special.”

SHUTTERSTOCK

EVERYONE HAS HIS OR HER OWN

WWII BY THE NUMBERS SEPTEMBER 1, 1939

Most historians agree that WWII began when Germany invaded Poland

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Tony Colnar, William “Bud” Allen, & Freedmond Seney with local service members

1939-1945

MILLION

The longest battle of WWII: Battle of the Atlantic

tons of bombs dropped by the Allies between 1939 and 1945

THE THREE AMIGOS Perhaps it was fate that brought three men from very different backgrounds together at HighPointe Assisted Living & Memory Care in Denver, Colorado. Or maybe it was a fraternal pull experienced by men who served our country.

Whatever it was, three veterans (William “Bud” Allen, Freemond Seney, and Tony Colnar) united to share their final years together.

As the families recall, there was not much talk about what went on during their time in the service.

“Being part of the Silent Generation, they were never about bemoaning the deprivations of WWII,” explains Kim Olstad, Bud Allen’s daughter.

Bud and Freemond were residents of HighPointe Assisted Living & Memory Care since 2014. In 2017, when Tony moved in, the three were immediately drawn together. They soon became inseparable,

21 A MONTH a private earned in 1941

50 A MONTH a private earned in 1942

Produced in American factories

300,000

89,000

military aircraft

tanks

SEPTEMBER 2, 1945 WWII ENDED Source: factretriever.com

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BEING PART OF THE SILENT GENERATION, THEY WERE NEVER ABOUT BEMOANING THE DEPRIVATIONS OF WWII

earning their nickname “The Three Amigos.”

The Three Amigos shared meals together, participated in resident activities, and celebrated holidays with their families and one another. The families noticed that the more time the men spent together the more open they became, sharing stories of missions and battles, and injuries. They soon realized they were in the presence of three genuine military heroes.

OPERATION RECOGNIZE Inspired by the stories, Freemond’s daughter, Renee, took on a mission of her own. She began organizing a “Military Service Recognition Program” to honor the dedication and sacrifices of these veterans.

On October 13, 2017, the warm and welcoming HighPointe Sky Lounge buzzed with anticipation.

At the front of the room sat The Three Amigos — completely unaware they would soon be the center of attention. Renee had contacted a representative from the U. S. Army who felt privileged to participate

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“

William “Bud” Allen with a local service member

in the ceremony. Two Army representatives decked out in full uniform made their way to the front of the room to officially thank each man for his service.

Before the Army Sergeants could utter a syllable, The Three Amigos chimed, almost in unison, “Thank you for your service,” showing their love of country remained strong. “It was very moving, and there was not a dry eye in the room,” says Kim. This unique and special celebration is not the only way HighPointe Assisted Living & Memory Care recognizes and honors their veteran residents. As you walk into the open, airy lobby a Military Service Board prominently displays the names of every resident who served our country.

Bud, age 92, passed away peacefully, on October 20, 2017, one week after this personal Military Service Recognition Program.

Tony, age 98, passed away two weeks after Bud on November 6, 2017.

Freemond passed away on April 5, 2018.

WELLNESS

SWEET SMELLS ESSENTIAL OILS CAN HELP YOU RELAX AND SOOTHE WHAT AILS YOU. Rebecca Treon

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USING ESSENTIAL OILS IS A TIMELESS

remedy for treating minor ailments from common colds to arthritis. These all-natural oils are highly concentrated molecules distilled from plants, flowers, and fruits. Many essential oils have more than one use, making them good for a variety of treatments.

There are a few ways the oils can be administered:

ADOBE STOCK

DIGESTION

DEMENTIA

Can be rubbed on the abdomen to improve digestion.

Can help decrease agitation and improve sleep.

Ginger Chamomile Marjoram Mandarin Orange

Lavender Lemon Peppermint Bergamot Rosemary Ylang Ylang

inhaled using a few drops of oil in a spritzer of water, using a vaporizer to infuse the air with the oil’s scent, or put in a ‘carrier’ oil like almond oil and applied topically. Essential oils can be used during massage, in the bath or shower, with hair and skin care, or inhaled in steam. The following are some common ailments for which essential oils can be beneficial.

RESTLESS SLEEP

ARTHRITIS

Promotes restful sleep.

Used to reduce inflammation, for pain relief, and to improve circulation.

Lavender Chamomile Ylang Ylang Bergamot Sandalwood Marjoram

Basil Tumeric Lavender Ginger Eucalyptus Rosemary Frankincense

LIFESTYLE

Distinguished Residents

MOVING ALONG

THESE SPECTRUM RESIDENTS HOLD FAST TO THEIR PASSIONS THROUGH ADVERSITY AND THE AGES.

LEO LIGHTNER Gardens at Westlake Assisted Living Westlake, Ohio

LEO LIGHTNER’S LIFE IS DOTTED with accolades. Paratrooper. War hero. Scholar. Father.

Record-holding marathoner. And now author.

The native of Cleveland, Ohio, served his country as a paratrooper during the Korean War. After

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leaving the military, he went on to earn his master’s degree in statistics from Case Western Reserve University and spent time traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada teaching mathematicians new ways to calculate problems.

While highly regarded in the math field, his claim to fame came later in life as he became an avid runner in his 70s and 80s. Leo holds records for marathon running in his 80s as well as records in the 80–84 age category for 50-mile runs, 100-kilometer runs, 12-hour runs, and 24-hour runs.

At age 90, he doesn’t run anymore, but he continues to stay fit and active with a personal trainer. He attends a number of exercise groups at the Gardens at Westlake.

Today, the husband to wife, Charlotte, for 30 years and father of two, adds author to his long list of accomplishments having recently finished penning his memoirs.

ELVIRA PAGURA Westbrook Senior Living Streamwood, Illinois

NINETY-FOUR YEAR OLD, ELVIRA Pagura, spent 86 years of her life as a seamstress.

Sewing is a basis for many fond memories — socializing with her clients while working on their most precious garments such as wedding and prom dresses. The craft allowed her to supplement her

family income while doing what she loved.

Elvira was born in Rivignano, a commune in the Province of Udine, Italy. Her father, Giovanni, a farmer and butcher, supported a household of eight who lived in a small rented room. While Giovanni worked long hours, Elvira’s mother, Albina, would maintain the household.

After World War II, the government accepted Giovanni and Albina’s pleas to be a part of Benito Mussolini’s colonization of the North African coast, even after the deadline had passed. When Elvira was 16 years old, Giovanni and Albina moved her and her five siblings to Africa. On their five-day voyage, Elvira met Alessandro, also 16, and his family.

Life in Africa proved to be more difficult than the divided Italy they left. Family values and faith kept them strong. Alessandro and Elvira fell in love, married at age 18, and lived with Alessandro’s family. The couple had three children while living in Africa before escaping the political uprising by moving to the U.S. A constant in her life, wherever Elvira lived, she continued to sew for anyone in need of her services.

DINING AT A

Spectrum Retirement Community Spectrum Retirement Communities offers At Your Service® Dining. An all-inclusive dining experience which allows you to eat as often as you like, during normal dining room and bistro hours.

Times may vary by community.

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Celebrating Our

CENTENARIANS Reflections on a century of life, a lifetime of memories.

June Logger Dougherty Ferry Assisted Living & Memory Care | St. Louis, Missouri Birthday: October 5, 1918

FOR JUNE LOGGER, family is first. Born in St. Louis, she was the oldest of six children.

Although her parents passed away at young ages and she is the now the

only living sibling, they remained a tight-knit group over the years.

June married in 1947. She believes being a good listener, talking things out and being patient is what contributes to a happy marriage.

She and her husband, Richard, built a family even larger than the one she was born into. June gave birth to eight children of her own.

And now she’s blessed with 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. “I have all these great kids and grandkids, it makes life so much nicer!” she says.

June shares four life lessons: always listen to your children, patience is key to managing a busy life, be careful what you say, and when you feel like your world is caving in — always have faith!

THE MOST IMPORTANT

Benjamin A. Nicks Shawnee Hills Senior Living Shawnee Hills, Kansas Birthday: March 31, 1919

things in Benjamin Nicks’ life are family and friends — he enjoys keeping in touch with them every day.

He says good morals are important, too. Nick spent five years serving his country during WWII, and another 31 years as working for Trans World Airlines. He appreciates that the Lord has been good to him, but if he could do anything in his life again it would be to “see my eldest son again who died in Vietnam.”

Lorayne Kocher Lombard Place Assisted Living & Memory Care | Lombard, Illinois Birthday: October 14, 1918

LORAYNE KOCHER GREW up in Chester Highlands in Chicago with her parents and two brothers.

She has fond memories of summers on Long Lake in a redwood cabin built by her father and his friends.

As a young adult, she worked in the mail room at Montgomery Ward where she met her husband, Edward.

After Edward returned from serving his country, the couple started a family living on the west side of Chicago on 2-½ acres.

Lorayne belonged to the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, and was a quilter who created many pieces for her family.

This year, she and her son, David, who has cared for her for 25 years, moved together into Lombard Place Assisted Living & Memory Care.

ADVISOR

link giving back to less pain, lower blood pressure, and reduced rates of depression. This holiday season, consider volunteering your time at one of Spectrum Retirement’s community events or for a worthwhile cause.

3 SPRING INTO A NEW YOU. Honor the season of new beginnings by trying something new.

Take that watercolor class you’ve always wanted to try. Ask your dinner companion to teach you chess. New hobbies stimulate your brain and may boost happiness.

A 2017 study showed people who took part in leisure activities reported 34 percent less stress and 18 percent less sadness.

5 TIPS TO

STAY POSITIVE ALL YEAR LONG WITH EACH FLIP OF THE CALENDAR PAGE, YOU CAN CREATE JOY IN YOUR LIFE. Heather R. Johnson

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1 GIVE THANKS AT THANKSGIVING — AND YEAR ’ROUND. Feeling and expressing gratitude stimulates feelings of joy and happiness. Studies show that people who keep a daily gratitude journal have a more positive attitude and sleep better than those who don’t. So what are you grateful for?

2 CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF GIVING. Focus on the true meaning of the holidays — giving — to stir positive emotions. A study of 2,000 people over a five-year period found that those who described themselves as “very happy” volunteered at least 5.8 hours a month. Other studies

4 ENGAGE IN SUMMER PLAY. Summer’s longer days mean more time to hike, bike, and otherwise enjoy the outdoors. In the spirit of the season, commit to at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day.

Hit the pool, walk the grounds, or attend one of Spectrum Retirement’s many fitness classes.

5 FALL REFLECTION. Autumn is harvest time, an ideal season to reflect and embrace changes to come. What good did you experience this year? Fall is also the time to widen our perspective.

Before the year ends, find a new book to read or attend an educational class or lecture. A positive attitude makes learning fun!

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ADVISOR

CULTIVATE MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR GRANDCHILDREN, OR GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN, IN WAYS THAT SPEAK THEIR LANGUAGE. Emily O’Brien

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Keep In Touch WITH THE KIDS

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When it comes to forging solid relationships with grandchildren, there’s no single right way to go about it. If you really want to catch their attention, think tech. Why? Because technology speaks to their generation on a 24-7 basis. From smartphones to iPads to the internet, you can connect whenever the moment strikes.

VIDEO CHAT While there’s no substitute for in-person time and heartfelt hugs, technology can help bridge the gap between visits for those living far apart. Catch up on a birthday, during the holidays, or after a choir performance to hear all the latest happenings. Ask to see photos — either to show on screen during the video chat or to email you later.

TEXT OR EMAIL Older kids might prefer receiving texts or quick emails "just to say hello.” If you can’t make a dance performance, ask Mom or Dad to send you a video clip. Then share your positive feedback with the performer.

For other important events, ask open-ended questions to get the teen talking. Consider: Which of your friends attended with you? and What was your favorite part of the event?

PHOTO ALBUMS Send digital photos to be printed or — even better — create a memory keepsake book. Don’t know where to start? Decide on the topic. It might be a personal memory you’d like to share and make available for generations to come, or something you’ve all shared together like a family vacation.

STORYTELLING Remember sitting around the radio listening to a good story? You can do the same with your grandchildren by creating audio files with snippets of your life. Think of it as a podcast or radio show about yourself.

Some computers come with standard audio recording equipment or use voice memos on your phone. Tell funny stories about growing up or maybe even your first love — either way, it’s sure to be a big hit.

EXPLORE COMMONALITIES Be it baseball, football, or a great musical, find something you both love and do it together. Keep in mind you don’t physically have to go to a game or show, you might be able to stream them online or just chat about the details.

And for those too young to communicate, try the universal languages of art or music!

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Goings On at Spectrum Retirement WE ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO: BE Healthy, BE Involved, BE Inspired, AND BE You! HERE THEY ARE DOING JUST THOSE THINGS. BE Healthy

BE Involved

BE Inspired

BE You!

SPECTRUM NEWS

We recently opened both The Enclave at Chandler Senior Living (May) and The Enclave at Gilbert Senior Living (July) in Arizona.

DEC

Richard B. Shawnee Hills Senior Living

Shawnee, Kansas

After retiring, Richard visited Branson, Missouri, where he took a few seminars to learn the "how to" for a new hobby: woodworking.

Today, he is the Shawnee Hills resident woodcarver.

Burr Ridge Senior Living is slated to open in December in Burr Ridge, Illinois.

OPEN Millie C. Creve Couer Assisted Living & Memory Care Creve Coeur, Missouri Millie, the great aunt of the cake maker for the recent royal wedding, celebrated the event with the community by helping make her own version of a royal cake.

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The Enclave at Cedar Park Senior Living and The Enclave at Round Rock Senior Living are both slated to open in Texas in January 2019.

Assisted Moving of Kansas City offers a full range of senior move management services dedicated to providing the highest quality relocation services to seniors and support their families with unsurpassed care, respect, and integrity.

Bud and Beth R. The Enclave Senior Living at Saxony Fishers, Indiana Bud and Beth have been married for more than 72 years! They met in high school and started dating their senior year. Just before Bud left to serve his country, he proposed. During his absence, Beth waited patiently and the couple exchanged letters until he returned.

They wed shortly thereafter. They say they’ve managed a strong marriage for so long thanks to faith, love, patience and forgiveness.

Bud and Beth moved to The Enclave Senior Living at Saxony earlier this year. What they enjoy most about living here is that the team members and residents look out for one another.

“You can make out of it anything you want to. You can sit in the corner and be unhappy, or you can be friendly to the other people — they need it as bad as you do.” -Beth R.

• Referral Source for Real Estate Agents & Estate Sales • Downsizing & Helping with Decisions on Left-over Items • Packing, Unpacking & Organizing • Moving

Brian Walton 816-405-6046 SPECIALIZING IN SENIOR RELOCATION

assistedmovingkc.com

Your Active Adult Real Estate Experts Let us help you through the Senior Selling Process.

We KNOW 55+ communities – it is our passion and expertise.

• Full time Realtors that live, work, and play in Sun Lakes, 9 years Iron/Oaks Residents.

• Familiar with the floor plans and current market trends.

• A strong online marketing presence.

• 65% of our business is referral based.

TheKolbTeam.com • 480.440.0849 SPECTRU M

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RESIDENT QUOTES

MOUNTAIN PARK SENIOR LIVING, PHOENIX, ARIZONA

David Y. The Enclave Senior Living at Saxony Fishers, Indiana “Calling The Enclave home comes with a wonderful family.”

Eileen K. Stay active and participate in the exercise classes offered, Tai-Chi on Mondays and Functional Fitness on Fridays are favorite classes to attend.

Howard & Hazel C. Participate in the activities provided even if it isn’t something you normally do. You might find something new and interesting that you would enjoy.

Rose G. The Enclave Senior Living at Saxony Fishers, Indiana “The spirit here among the staff and residents is wonderful. My blood pressure has gone down to a much healthier level!”

Virginia P. Palmilla Senior Living Albuquerque, New Mexico “I recommend listening to podcasts such as Hidden Brain or Revisionist History on your mobile devices.”

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Kathy W.

Midge M.

I like to be out and about socializing with all the residents. I’m always prepared to play a game of Kings in the Corner because I carry a deck of cards with me.

My advice, as your neighbor, is not to stress about moving into the community, everyone here looks out for each other, and we were all in your shoes at one time or another.

INSIDE

NEW RESIDENTS

Bob D.

John W.

The Enclave at Gilbert Senior Living Gilbert, Arizona

Westbrook Senior Living Streamwood, Illinois

The Enclave at Gilbert in Gilbert, Arizona, welcomed its first resident, Bob Diller. Team members: Peggy and Natalie.

“It is great to see fellow Westbrook residents in the wellness center or enjoying the flora and fauna on the trails in the forest preserve.”

Art shows Health fairs Arts and crafts Musical events Cooking classes Exercise classes Holiday markets Themed events Poetry groups Movie nights Happy hours Video games Game nights Gardening

We believe in a healthy and social lifestyle. Our Entertainment and Programing Department offers a full spectrum of activities designed to promote happiness, socialization and wellness. You’ll be sure to find pastimes you enjoy, with your comfort and preferences in mind.* *Activities may vary by community.

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INSIDE

FIND LOVE AT ANY AGE A SENIOR’S GUIDE TO DATING

It’s human nature to want love and companionship. And it’s possible to find love no matter your age; connecting with a special someone will add joy to your daily life. One of the perks of dating as a senior is that you’ll be able to draw on your years of wisdom — and you’ll have different expectations than before.

While you may feel hesitant to pursue dating — whether online or in your community — remember that there are myriad reasons dating may come with less angst at this life stage:

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You know what you want in a partner, and aren’t afraid to be transparent about your expectations.

Your maturity level means that you won’t be playing games: life is too short.

It’s just as exciting now, as it was with your first love, to meet someone new.

When meeting someone new, good conversation is key. Most people enjoy talking about themselves as much as others enjoy getting to know them, so a good conversation starter is to ask your companion

SHUTTERSTOCK

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Rebecca Treon

INSIDE

MANY SENIORS REPORT THAT DATING MAKES THEM FEEL LIKE A TEENAGER ALL OVER AGAIN. to share his or her story. How many children or grandchildren does your date have?

What type of work did they do? What sorts of hobbies do they enjoy? Do they follow any sports teams?

Once there’s a spark, new ways to strengthen a connection include a standing date each week. If you share hobbies, doing something you both enjoy is a great way to connect, too. If you both like to golf, for example, include lunch and make it a date. A painting class is a fun activity and an opportunity to learn something new. Great date venues include museums, movies, performances, or concerts. More active seniors may want to take a walk at a park (along with a picnic lunch), take dance lessons, or go to the pool.

Many seniors report that dating makes them feel like a teenager all over again. And while the rush of feelings can be thrilling, seniors who decide to date should be aware that there are some agespecific concerns. One of the concerns is intimacy, an important aspect of any romantic relationship. It’s important to talk openly about your expectations of being intimate — honest conversation can spare hurt feelings later. Also remember that age doesn’t prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases; seniors should always use protection.

Dating at any age can produce jitters, but there is a wealth of possibility in finding love and companionship. Having a special someone is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, no matter your age.

TOP WEBSITES FOR SENIORS TO CONNECT: eharmony.com best for long term commitment

Match.com best for those who like options

EliteSingles.com best for really picky people

SilverSingles.com best for people dating after divorce

Zoosk.com best for those who aren’t sure what they want

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OR

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Our Mission

We create communities that feel like home where residents thrive and relationships grow.

Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care

SpectrumRetirement.com (877) 813-7386