Aberdeen Village Community Matters November 2014

Community Matters Aberdeen Village

November 2014

Lifestyle changes key to Alzheimer’s prevention We now have a prescription that researchers think can delay or prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s not a pill, it’s a list of lifestyle choices. Results from a landmark study announced this summer show that having a healthy lifestyle may be the key.

“It’s the first time we have been able to give people a kind of recipe for what is useful,” said Maria Carrillo, vice president of medical and scientific relations at the Alzheimer’s Association.

More than 5 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. Millions more will likely develop dementia as the baby boomers age.

In the study, researchers looked at 1,260 people in Finland from 60 to 77 years old, who were at risk for Alzheimer’s. One group went on a lifestyle improvement program and the other group received general health advice. The results were dramatic.

From left, Dick Griffith, John Schlueter, Suzanne Willey and Arky Thomas enjoy a round of golf.

Team enters tournament Golf strokes benefit stroke survivors

By Suzanne Willey, Community Relations Director at Aberdeen Village

The lifestyle program included:

Does anyone really need a cause or reason to play golf? I doubt it!

Aberdeen Village is always looking for ways to support the community, so we entered a team in the Mid America Rehab Hospital Golf Tournament. The benefit was for the American Stroke Foundation in Mission, Kan. Because Aberdeen Village’s therapy department has such a successful record with stroke survivors, it was beneficial to sponsor and have a dominant presence at this event.

Eat well: Start by adding fruits and vegetables to your regular diet. Ease out fats and fried foods, and always choose whole grains rather than highly refined bakery products.

Independent living residents Dick Griffith, John Schlueter and Arky Thomas joined me at the tourney. While Team Aberdeen may not have won any golf awards, we did win lots of praise and recognition at the event. This tournament is an annual event, held in September. We’re already looking forward to next year!

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Bill Walters leaves his mark on the walls

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Growing up, I’m sure your mother told you not to mark on the walls. Bill Walters’ mother probably told him this, too, but fortunately, he didn’t listen. Whether you’ve lived at Aberdeen Village for years, or visited just once, chances are, you’ve seen Bill’s handiwork. A resident since the doors opened in 2001, Bill found a way to give his passion for art a permanent home with the hallway art gallery right outside Bill Walters the main dining room.

“I was on the Johnson County Senior Art Council and had been to other area displays. I thought we needed somewhere to display art here so others could share their art,” Bill said. “I looked online and discovered a nice kind of display unit. I wrote up all kinds of papers to present to administration, and they understood how beneficial it could be, not only to residents but for potential residents as well. I got approval and we went from there. At first we only had resident art, but we’ve expanded that considerably. Local art professionals have displayed their art here as well. There have been at least 12 different ones.”

Bill is particularly fond of the “hidden art” residents choose to display.

Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Aberdeen Village by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at: PresbyterianManors.org.

Tim Allin, executive director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Suzanne Willey, community relations director, swilley@pmma.org.

Telephone: 913-599-6100 Fax: 913-599-3810 Address: 17500 W. 119th St., Olathe, KS 66061-9524 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

“It occurred to me one day that when seeing residents move in, that they have brought favorite artwork with them, whether it’s a relative or famous artist.You see, we don’t really socialize in our apartments, mostly in the common areas. Only residents and maybe the housekeepers see this great art. I encouraged people to have their art exhibited in the art gallery. Once we did it the first time, they were all eager. We’ve done it six times in last five years.”

Bill hasn’t always been active in promoting the arts, but he has led a very interesting life. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he and his wife, Annabelle, graduated from Colorado State University (then Colorado A&M) and then lived in Washington state while Bill worked for the Bureau of Reclamation. A call from God led Bill to a career change, and he and his family (which now included four children) moved to San Francisco where he attended the Presbyterian Theology Seminary.

After retiring, the Walters moved here, and Annabelle passed away in 2009.

In addition to starting the art gallery, Bill has been busy creating his own art. He began taking art classes in 2003 and has enjoyed learning new skills ever since. He also encourages others to pursue their passion and has recently struck up a friendship with fellow resident Ed Duman, who joins Bill in his efforts to encourage others to produce and enjoy the arts.

“Ed’s really done a lot around here, too. I’m grateful for his part in all of this,” said Bill.

We’re grateful for the impact Bill has made, and continues to make, on Aberdeen Village. He’s left his mark on our walls, and we’re much better for it.

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Chaplain’s message: A season of thankfulness

By Rev. Dr. Larry L. Thornton, Aberdeen Village chaplain

It’s easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who also are thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings: • Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. If you did what would there be to look forward to?

• Be thankful for the spot you find at the far end of the dining room because it means you are capable of walking.

• Be thankful for all of the complaining you hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech.

• Be thankful for the person behind you at vespers who sings off-key because it means you can hear.

The Rev. Dr. Larry Thornton

• Be thankful when you don’t know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

• Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.

• Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.

• Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.

• Be thankful for your monthly maintenance fees because it means you have a safe, warm home.

• Be thankful when you’re tired and weary, because it means you are active and productive, and you have made a difference today.

• If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, “Thank you,” that would suffice.

What are you thankful for? If we take a moment to reflect, our eyes can be opened to the joy behind what may seem on the surface, at least, to be the stumbling blocks in our lives. Remember, sometimes life is all about how we look at it! Lord, help me to develop a “thankful spirit” today.

Alzheimer’s screening available On Nov. 18, we will mark the Alzheimer’s Foundation’s 12th annual National Memory Screening Day. If you are interested in taking a quick test to check your memory, you can do so from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Aberdeen Village. This quick quiz does not offer an official diagnosis, rather it is an opportunity to see if further testing by a physician should be considered.

Christmas Tree Lane approaches Christmas Tree Lane will be on display beginning Dec. 1. If you or someone you know would like to decorate a tree for this special annual event, please contact Suzanne Willey.

This is a fundraiser for the Good Samaritan Program, which benefits residents who have outlived their resources. Tickets for chance drawings for the trees will be offered at the front desk. Tickets will be a suggested donation of $1 each or six for $5. Winners of the trees will be announced Dec. 22.

Bon appétit The Village Green Restaurant recently introduced a new menu. Residents were eager to try the new items available for lunch and dinner. Employee Hannah Sipp proudly displays the new menu.

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New decade, new locations, new services This month, we continue to look back at our history as Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America celebrates 65 years of the art of life.

The 1980s brought growth in independent living options on many Presbyterian Manor campuses.

New duplexes and apartments were constructed in Parsons, Lawrence, Wichita and Salina. It also brought construction of two new campuses and health care additions at the Wichita and Rolla campuses.

The first scholarships were given in 1981. Those funds served as seed for today’s Employee Education Assistance Grants.

Consideration of additional campuses continued through the 1980s as well. Efforts to raise funds for a Presbyterian Manor at Hays were not successful, and By early 1980, the United after thorough study, the board Presbyterian Foundation of Kansas’ authorized sale of the property in joint project with the Manhattan June 1980. The next year, a group Retirement Foundation was open. of citizens in Emporia petitioned PMMA continued to provide for construction of a campus in that management services for the new community, and a period of study Meadowlark Hills until July 1, 1981. and fundraising began. Additional campuses in Missouri also were Salina Presbyterian Manor opened considered in Jefferson City and its doors in February 1980, Springfield. and work started on additional apartments almost immediately.

The PMMA board voted to sell In addition to the expansion of Mid-Continent Presbyterian the physical plant, two important Manor, a campus formerly operated programs of PMMA began in 1980. by the Board of Pensions of the Residents, staff and advisory board Presbyterian Church of the United members were invited to submit art States. Residents of the campus, and poetry for potential inclusion in located in Kansas City, Mo., were the inaugural Art is Ageless calendar. given the option of moving to the Kansas City, Kan., campus. The sale A donor’s $10,000 gift established was completed in 1983. the Education Fund for PMMA employees, residents and trustees.

New services and new needs also

From left, Salina Mayor Karen Graves, Milton Morrison and Harry Steele.

The newly constructed six-story independent living apartment building at Salina Presbyterian Manor.

were explored. With the support of the Synod of Mid-America, PMMA worked to establish a campus for severely physically handicapped adults in Hutchinson. Home health care for residents living independently on PMMA campuses was started in 1984. Piloted in Salina, the service was expanded to other campuses before the end of the year.

reading, pursuing a hobby, playing a musical instrument Move more: “We shouldn’t just be encouraging people or singing. Having a purpose involves brain flexing, as well. For this, you can set goals and follow through or to exercise, we should discourage them from being solve a problem, for example. sedentary,” one researcher said. Researchers found that moderate activity such as chores and walking – not just Social interaction: Social relationships foster high-intensity exercise such as jogging, swimming or support, and this connectedness, as we grow older, biking – can protect the thinking process. Taking a walk is critical to our wellness. When we converse, our after dinner is an excellent habit. Always consult your brains are busy dealing with the activities of listening, physician before beginning an exercise program. observing, understanding and conversing.You can Brain games: Two excellent ways to train your brain is combine some of these activities for added impact, such to flex it and have a purpose. Things you can do on your as playing cards, joining an exercise class, participating own include working a crossword puzzle or jumble, in a book club and attending a lecture.

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