Art of Senior
ABBEY PAR GENSYS HEALTH CLUB
PLANNING FOR LIFE
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BRADY EVENTS AND MARKETING INC. www.elizabethmarasco.com www.kudosjourney.com
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What an incredible summer it’s been full of growth, sunshine, and positive momentum! At Kudos Magazine, we’ve been busy capturing the heart of what we’re all about: healthy, happy living rooted in small steps, real stories, and strong community connections.
Over the past year, we also launched something we’re especially proud of—Kudos Spotlight Postcards. What started as a small local project has now expanded into three counties across Michigan, reaching up to 25,000 homes with each round. It’s an organic, high-quality way to connect with real people—and it’s tied directly into our digital and video outreach for even greater impact.
In this issue, you’ll see even more video content woven into our storytelling, from interviews with people chasing their version of wellness, to everyday inspiration that reminds us: living well doesn’t require a complete overhaul. It’s about small steps, better choices, and staying in motion physically, emotionally, and creatively. This issue is packed with real stories, fresh energy, and so much heart. Take a look you’ll love what’s inside.
And if you're a business or community leader ready to expand your voice, we’d love to help you share your message. Whether through print, video, or our growing digital presence, let us help you tell your story in a way that resonates. Reach out anytime at beamworkflow@gmail.com. We’re growing, and we’d love for you to grow with us.
Warmly,
Elizabeth Marasco
Elizabeth Marasco
Brady Events and Marketing Inc.
Clear Your Mindset
of Toxic Clutter
If you want to live a happier, healthier life, it doesn’t start with the perfect diet, the fanciest gym, or a brand-new planner. It begins with the thoughts you allow to take root in your mind. Your mindset is the filter through which you experience everything. When it’s clouded with negativity, excuses, and self-criticism, even the best circumstances can feel heavy.
We all go through hard times—no one is immune. But you don’t have to let tough seasons become a permanent address. You can choose to notice what you’re carrying and decide to set it down.
Here are some of the most common toxic habits that quietly poison your mindset, plus why letting them go is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.
It’s easy to find reasons why something won’t work: I don’t have time. I’m not ready. What if I fail?
Excuses feel safe because they protect you from discomfort and the risk of trying. But in reality, they keep you stuck exactly where you are. Over time, you start to believe your own stories so completely that you talk yourself out of every opportunity before you even start.
Complaining Making Excuses
Imagine replacing “I can’t” with “How can I?” That simple shift opens doors you didn’t know existed.
Have you ever noticed how you speak to yourself? Most of us say things in our heads we’d never dream of saying to a friend. I’m so stupid. I always mess up. I’m not good enough.
This constant self-attack drains your confidence and makes it almost impossible to feel joy. Being aware of your inner dialogue is one of the first steps toward change. If you wouldn’t say it to someone you love, don’t say it to yourself.
SelfCriticism
When you complain, you rehearse problems over and over instead of finding solutions. It can feel good in the moment like releasing steam but chronic complaining only trains your mind to see what’s wrong.
Next time you catch yourself in a complaint loop, pause and ask: What’s one thing I can be grateful for right now? Gratitude is a powerful antidote to negativity.
Everyone has moments they wish had turned out differently. But reliving old wounds doesn’t heal them. It simply keeps you anchored to a place you can’t change.
When you spend your energy replaying the past, you rob yourself of hope for the future. Letting go doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t happen it means deciding not to let it define you anymore.
Gossiping
Clinging to the Past
Talking about other people’s lives can feel harmless or even entertaining. But gossip is a distraction that serves no purpose. It pulls your focus away from your own growth and fuels comparison and judgment.
Instead of speculating about someone else, invest that energy in your own goals, relationships, and self-discovery.
Negativity and Self-Pity
Life has hard chapters. Feeling sad or frustrated is human. But staying in a mindset of self-pity keeps you powerless. When every setback becomes proof that the world is against you, it’s nearly impossible to take positive action. Remember: you have survived every challenge so far. You’re stronger than you think.
New Way Forward
Imagine what your days would feel like without the constant weight of excuses, criticism, and regret. You’d have space for more peace, creativity,
e are simple steps you can practice to ar out these mindset toxins:
Pause and Notice: Become aware when you slip into old habits.
Replace the Thought: Swap I can’t with I’m learning or I’ll try.
Focus on Solutions: When problems arise, ask what you can do next.
Practice Gratitude: Look for small blessings, even on hard days.
Stay Present: Let the past stay where it belongs, and bring your focus to today.
You don’t need a perfect life to have a positive mindset. You only need the willingness to choose better thoughts, one moment at a time.
Let this be the season you clear the mental clutter and make room for a life that feels lighter, healthier, and more fulfillin
Summer Tomatoes Sweet Memories
I was out in the garden this morning, the sun already high and warm on my shoulders, when it happened again— that little explosion of memory. It never fails. One whiff of those tomato vines and I’m ten years old, standing barefoot in my grandma’s backyard in Michigan.
I reached down and picked a tomato right off the plant, still warm from the sun. I took a bite, and the taste— juicy, sweet, just the slightest bit tart —carried me straight back to those long summer days when life felt as wide open as the blue sky overhead.
My grandma had what folks used to call a victory garden, and it really was
something to see. Rows and rows of vegetables—beans climbing their poles, cucumbers hiding under big leaves, and those big, heavy tomatoes hanging in clusters. She’d wear her wide straw hat, and I’d trail along behind her, hoping she’d hand me a ripe one to eat on the spot.
Most afternoons ended the same way: me sitting on the back steps with a tomato sandwich in hand white bread, a swipe of mayonnaise, plenty of salt and pepper, and a thick slice of tomato so juicy it would drip down my chin. My grandpa would be down at the dock, pulling in trout from the lake, and if I was lucky, he’d call me over to help. Later, I’d watch him clean the fish right in the yard while the grown-ups talked and the air filled with the smell of the grill.
It’s funny how all those moments come rushing back when you least expect it. The smell of tomatoes, a warm breeze, the sound of cicadas buzzing in the trees. They wrap around me like a soft old quilt.
Now here I am, all these years later. I’m a grandfather myself. My garden isn’t as grand as Grandma’s more like a scatter of pots and raised beds but you’d be surprised how much you can grow in a little space if you give it your attention.
My grandkids came over last weekend. I watched their chubby little hands reach out for those bright red cherry tomatoes. They popped them in their mouths with the same wide-eyed delight I used to have. I couldn’t help but smile. Funny thing about growing older you start to see your whole life like a story unfolding in front of you. All the summers stacked one on top of the other. I used to think the best days were behind me, back when I was a kid chasing fireflies or a young man taking my own kids fishing. But I’ve learned something over the years: the sweetness of life doesn’t disappear with time it just ripens.
There’s a certain kind of joy in being the one who passes the stories along. When my grandson tugs at my sleeve and asks me why tomatoes smell so good, I get to tell him about Grandma’s garden and the sandwiches and the way the lake looked at sunset. I get to watch his eyes go wide with wonder, just like mine did. I guess if there’s any wisdom in these sixty-some years, it’s this: don’t rush past the little things. The smell of fresh-cut grass, the taste of a homegrown tomato, the feel of a summer breeze on your face—those are the things you’ll carry with you when everything else changes. These days, I spend less time worrying about what I didn’t accomplish and more time appreciating what I have family,
good memories, and a garden that keeps teaching me to be patient and grateful.
Maybe that’s the secret, if there is one. Life will keep moving no matter what you do. You can fill your days with regret and hurry, or you can sit in the sunshine, take a bite of something sweet, and remember that you are part of something bigger.
When I look at my grandkids chasing each other between the tomato plants, I see my grandparents standing behind them in the glow of memory. I feel them in the warm air and in the smell of the vines. And I know they’d be glad to see these little hands carrying our family’s simple traditions forward.
So if you ever find yourself feeling like your best days are behind you, I hope you’ll step outside and take a deep breath. Maybe pick a tomato or sit quietly and listen to the sounds of summer. You might be surprised at the memories waiting there to keep you company—and the new ones still waiting to be made.
After all, the sweetest things in life often grow in the simplest plac
Stay Cool
When the temperatures climb, your body works overtime to keep cool. That’s why proper hydration isn’t just important it’s essential. Whether you’re gardening, going for a walk, or enjoying a backyard barbecue, these simple hydration tips and refreshing infused water recipes will help you feel your best all season long.
and Hydrated
Sip Throughout the Day
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Keep a reusable water bottle within reach and take small sips regularly. Aim for at least 8 cups a day—more if you’re active or spending time in the sun.
Eat Your Water
Fresh fruits and veggies like watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries, and lettuce have high water content. Snack on them often for a tasty hydration boost.
Set a Reminder
Use a phone alarm or hydration app to nudge you to drink up. A gentle reminder can make all the difference on busy days.
Balance Your Electrolytes
If you’re sweating a lot, replenish electrolytes with coconut water or a pinch of sea salt in your drink. This helps your body absorb fluids more efficiently.
Make It Fun
Plain water can get boring. That’s where infused water comes in! These naturally flavored recipes are delicious, beautiful, and loaded with nutrients.
Try these combinations in a large pitcher or individual bottles. Add ice, fill with cold filtered water, and let them sit for at least an hour.
Always hanging around, looking at their phones with headphones plugged in.
When they finish their meal –they just get up and walk away!
They don’t go to work, they “work out”.
They’re not serious aboutanything.
Planning for Life
Not Just After It.
When most people hear the words estate planning, their minds jump to a dramatic Hollywood scene family members in a tense room, a lawyer reading a will aloud, and long-held secrets spilling out. But in real life, estate planning looks and feels a lot different.
More often than not, it starts around the kitchen table. A cup of coffee in hand, family members begin an open, honest conversation about the future what matters most, who should step in if help is needed, and how to make things easier down the road. It’s not about drama or fear. It’s about clarity, peace of mind, and making sure your wishes are known.
As attorney Matthew Abraham of Abraham Law in Fenton explains, estate planning isn’t just about deciding who gets what when you pass away it’s just as much about protecting your health, your choices, and your loved ones while you're alive.
“It’s a way to make sure your voice is heard, even if you’re not in the room,” Abraham says. “It’s not intimidating it’s empowering.”
Why Estate Planning Matters More
Than Ever
As we age, the questions we face begin to shift. Who will help make decisions if I’m unable to? How can I make sure my loved ones are taken care of? What happens to my business, my house, or my savings if something unexpected occurs?
Whether you’re nearing retirement, already navigating the world of senior living, or simply planning ahead, having a comprehensive estate plan in place gives you peace of mind—and a plan for the unexpected.
“People often think estate planning is only for the wealthy,” Abraham shares. “But regardless of how large or small you think your estate is, having a plan is critical. It’s not just about money it’s about you.”
What Is a “Comprehensive” Estate Plan?
A comprehensive estate plan goes beyond just drafting a will. It includes the documents and legal structures needed to manage your affairs while you’re living and after you’re gone. These might include:
Powers of Attorney – Appointing someone to make financial or healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
Lady Bird Deed - A special deed that keeps your home out of probate and ensures it goes to the correct beneficiaries, especially when paired with a Revocable Living Trust.
Wills & Trusts – Specifying how your assets will be distributed and who will be responsible.
Guardianship Plans – Naming caregivers for minor children or adults with special needs.
Asset Protection & Tax Planning –Ensuring your estate is distributed efficiently, with minimal stress or legal burden for your loved ones.
“Life is good at throwing curveballs,” says Abraham.
plan
INTERVIEW CLIP WITH
ABRAHAM ESQ. OF ABRAHAM LAW
Planning for the Life You’re Still Living
One of the most misunderstood aspects of estate planning is that it’s only useful after death. In reality, some of the most important functions happen while you’re still very much alive.
“What happens if I live long enough to suffer an illness, injury, or memory loss?” Abraham asks. “That’s where a strong estate plan comes in protecting you, your autonomy, and your wishes.”
For example, if you become temporarily or permanently unable to handle your finances or medical decisions, an estate plan can ensure that someone you trust is already legally empowered to step in without requiring a costly and timeconsuming court process.
That kind of foresight isn’t just smart—it’s compassionate. It relieves your loved ones from having to guess what you would’ve wanted or make tough decisions under pressure.
A Fresh Chapter Deserves a Fresh Plan
Power of Working with a Professional
While online templates and DIY kits might offer quick fixes, estate planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Everyone’s situation is unique—and small oversights can lead to big consequences.
Matthew Abraham and the team at Abraham Law bring over 50 years of combined experience helping Michigan families navigate life’s transitions with clarity and compassion. They understand that estate planning is deeply personal—and they know the right questions to ask.
“We get a lot of questions, and we love the questions,” Abraham says. “Because we love providing the answers that bring peace of mind.”
From families with young children to seniors exploring assisted living, Abraham Law has helped generations build smart, comprehensive plans tailored to their needs.
As you approach the next chapter of your life—whether that’s downsizing, retiring, or moving to a senior living community now is the time to revisit your plan or create one for the first time.
You may have more to protect than you think: your independence, your voice, your relationships, and the life you’ve built.
An estate plan helps you protect it al
▶ TURN ON AUDIO, CLICK TO PLAY OR VISIT https://youtu.be/wf7jUPuQL3c
Star Seniors Are Getting Fit—And Loving It! Abbey Park and Henry Ford Gensys Health Club
Seniors Staying Active
SENIORS STAYING ACTIVE, INDEPENDENT, AND INSPIRED
Nestled in the heart of Grand Blanc, Abbey Park isn’t your typical senior living community. It’s a place where residents are encouraged not just to live—but to thrive. With a focus on wellness, movement, and independence, Abbey Park has created a vibrant culture that proves it’s never too late to start something new, take a few more steps, or dive into wellness—literally.
At the heart of this wellness initiative is Abbey Park’s commitment to creating real opportunities for residents to stay active and independent.
Recognizing the benefits of regular movement, Abbey Park began offering transportation to the nearby Henry Ford Genesys Health Club—a beautiful, fully equipped facility just minutes away. Residents now have the chance to walk the indoor track, take part in water aerobics, ride spin bikes, or simply stretch and strengthen at their own pace. It’s not about how fast or how far they’re showing that movement at any age is a powerful step toward living well.
It Started with a Vision
Kathy Felix, the administrator of Abbey Park, saw an opportunity to create more than just a place to live. She envisioned a program that supported healthy aging through movement and connection.
“I’ve been a member at the health club for years,” Kathy shared. “Every time I came to work out, I’d think—this is perfect for our residents. It’s so close, it’s beautiful, and it offers so many options.” Today, Abbey Park transports residents to the club three times a week, and the results speak for themselves.
“We see smiles. We see motivation. We see people getting up and moving more,” Kathy said. “One resident even bought a brand-new swimsuit just for the classes she tells everyone about it.”
KATHY FELIX, DIRECTOR - ABBEY PARK OF GRAND BLANC Kathy brings her A-game to senior living and golf living life with passion and purpose.
Finding Strength in the Water Yvonne’s Story:
Yvonne Westrate is a resident of Abbey Park, eagerly looks forward to her weekly pool workouts. Though she doesn’t swim laps, she finds joy and vitality through water aerobics.
“I do exercises in the pool, and they are fantastic,” she said with a smile. “It works every muscle in my body. I feel wonderful when I get out.”
Yvonne participates in group classes, including water pilates.
While she admits she can’t do every move, her attitude is unstoppable: “I keep trying—and maybe someday, I’ll be able to do it all.”
At nearly 89 years old, one of her favorite parts of the program is seeing others just like her pushing past limitations. “I don’t care how old you are—you can do it if you want to,” she says, offering encouragement to others who may be hesitant to start.
Yvonne Westrate Yvonne makes waves in water aerobics staying strong, flexible, and fabulous at 89!
SFred’s tory:
Fred Hensler
From five-mile bike rides to leg presses, Fred proves you're never too old to break a sweat and feel great.
Back on the Bike and Loving It
Another active resident, Fred Hensler, used to be a member of the athletic club years ago but had to cancel due to lack of transportation. Now that Abbey Park brings residents three times a week, he’s back in the saddle—literally.
“I started at three miles, now I’m up to five miles on the bike,” Fred proudly shared. “Then I do leg presses, extensions, arm workouts… it’s all here.”
Fred enjoys the flexibility and
independence the program offers. He watches TV while he rides, works out at his own pace, and feels a sense of accomplishment each time he leaves the gym. “I may be tired when I get back, but I feel good that I came,” he said. “That’s what counts.”
His advice to others thinking about joining? “Just sign up and come. No one’s pushing you go as fast or as slow as you want. You’ll feel great.”
Movement Equals Freedom
Kathy Felix believes one of the biggest keys to independence is the ability to move. “When people stop moving, they lose balance, strength, and confidence and that’s when falls happen. It’s one of the most common reasons people end up needing full-time care.”
But with proactive movement, even small steps like walking the track, stretching, or practicing putting on the club’s indoor golf area can help seniors stay independent longer. Kathy calls the athletic club a “Disney World for seniors,” with everything they need to stay engaged, mobile, and empowered. “There’s something for everyone,” she said. “Whether it’s light movement, structured classes, or just walking indoors in a safe environment it all adds up.”
Saying Yes to Living Fully
Abbey Park’s wellness initiative reminds us all that it’s not about doing it all it’s about doing something. Saying yes to a 10-minute walk, a group class, or a new fitness routine can reignite a sense of purpose, improve health, and uplift spirits.
Whether you’re nearing 70, 80, or even 90, Yvonne and Fred are living proof that it’s never too late to start. Movement builds strength—but more importantly, it builds confidence. And in a community like Abbey Park, you don’t have to go it alone.
As Kathy puts it, “We provide the convenience. They just need to show up and take that first step.”
And what a powerful step that can be.
Henry Ford Gensys Senior Discounts:
Discounted Senior Limited
Memberships for individuals aged 55 and older. This membership allows access to the club on select days and times at a reduced rate. We also offer a specialized membership for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, which includes access to our Parkinson 'sspecific group fitness classes.
To learn more about membership options and club amenities, please visit HenryFordGenesy H lthClub.com or call (810) 606-752
