Rolla Community Matters June 2015

Commun ty Matters Rolla Presbyterian Manor

June 2015

8 myths about aging, debunked

By Pamela Blair for Next Avenue

The attitude that surrounds us is that old age in its most problematic sense starts somewhere between 50 or 60. Why is this? Perhaps we still buy into some outdated myths that life after 50 is the beginning of our decline.

Living passionately and well, however, doesn’t stop at a certain point in one’s life followed by the destructive forces of aging.

To age successfully, we need to be aware of the newer and older myths about aging that our current culture holds true. Here are eight examples of the myths I’ve heard and what I know to be true: #1 Myth: Older women are depressed and lonely.

Truth: Depending on circumstances, we may get sad and lonely from time to time, but the research shows that the least lonely and depressed women are over 75. #2 Myth: Older women are less successful in new pursuits.

Truth: Some of the best and brightest women, though past the half-century mark in years, are still climbing the ladder of success in the world.

MYTHS continued on page 3

Outdoor spaces, healing places

Garden beds therapeutic for Memory Care residents The perfume of blooming flowers. The feel of rich soil. The warmth of the sun. The sight of bright colors and deep greenery.

Gardening is a multisensory experience for everyone, but for people living with dementia, it’s also therapy. Gardens cultivate soothing memories and serenity for residents in memory care, like those at Rolla Presbyterian Manor’s Tranquility House.

This spring, Tranquility House residents have been busy prepping and planting their two raised garden beds – one for flowers, the other for vegetables. They also grow a few more plants in containers year-round, said Joy Parker, activities assistant.

“One of biggest therapeutic things for dementia is to have the same activity every day, around same time of day,” Parker said. “It’s something they look forward to.”

One resident’s routine is to water the flowers every day, Parker said. Her daughters brought her flowers this spring, then planted them with her.

GARDENS, continued on page 2

GARDENS, continued from page 1

Others make a habit of sweeping the paths or deadheading the old blooms, so new ones can grow.

They harvest vegetables from the other raised bed to use in their own meals. In summer, it’s common to find residents snapping beans and baking pies. Residents who raise vegetables at Presbyterian Manor even bring their beans to Tranquility House for the women to snap because they enjoy it, Parker said.

Many of the six residents of Tranquility House – all women – have gardened most of their lives, Parker said. Even the sight of growing plants provides moments of joy.

“There was a lady who didn’t talk much,” Parker said. “But every morning after breakfast, if she saw a ripe tomato, she would get so excited.

If she saw flowers on the vines, she’d say, ‘The tomatoes are coming, tomatoes are coming!’”

Another resident is charmed by pink flowers in particular. “When they go sit on the patio and they see color, it’s calming to them,” Parker added.

Researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School in England

last year reviewed multiple studies that showed gardens lower stress and blood pressure among older adults, and reduce agitation and aggressive behavior among people with dementia. Just one visit to the Tranquility House gardens shows outdoor spaces are healing places.

Community Matters

is published monthly for residents and friends of Rolla Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at PresbyterianManors.org Ann Caudill, executive director Joelle Freeland, marketing director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Joelle Freeland at lfreeland@pmma.org.

Telephone: 573-364-7336 Fax: 573-364-7336 Address: 1200 Homelife Plaza, Rolla, MO 65401-2595 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.

RollaPresbyterianManor.org

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Community Matters June 2015

Residents on board with new van Rolla Presbyterian Manor received a new van in April, and residents could not wait to hit the road.

The new vehicle replaces a van with a broken lift, which prevented residents who use wheelchairs from coming along on trips.

“Thank goodness it went out during the winter months, as there is not much getting out when it is cold,” said Marketing Director Joelle Freeland.

But things are picking up. In May, residents attended National Day of Prayer events at the University of Missouri S&T and Memorial Day celebrations in Rolla.

A picnic and fishing trip to Camp Brimshire are planned for June.

The van also will keep up the weekly Wal-mart trips, and spur of the moment trips to Dairy Queen are always fun. We’ll see you around town in our new van!

Devotional: There’s always tomorrow

By Allen Teal, chaplain

American society is composed of so many causes and diverse people groups that each month is populated with special days for almost everything. In June 2015, the 4th is “Old Maids Day,” the 5th is “National Donut Day,” and the final day of the month is “Meteor Day.” Father’s Day sneaks in on the 21st. This trend highlights the desire of most people to hope that tomorrow will be better than today.

tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (NIV) Regardless of the problems, every day has blessings inside it if you look hard enough.

Even small victories and bright spots can turn a dark day around.

Be willing to hold on until tomorrow

In the book of Acts, chapter 27, the Apostle Paul was aboard a ship caught in a violent storm. The sailors Thinking about tomorrow gets us through today tested the depth of the water during the night and realized that they were approaching land hidden in the After he retired, a friend said that he never went to bed darkness. Verse 29 says, “…they cast four anchors out without a reason to get up the next morning. From daily the stern, and wished for the day.” (NKJV) There are life to show tune themes, tomorrow is imagined with times when the best option to make it through today’s coming opportunities and positive changes. Dreams problems is to hang on until tomorrow. reside in tomorrow. The Bible says that “…Weeping God holds tomorrow may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

(Psalm 30:5, NKJV) This verse is popular because most In the Christian life, tomorrow does not just refer to people can identify with it. the day after today. It points toward the eternal day promised as a heavenly reward. It will be a day of such Make the most of today glory that tomorrow will no longer be necessary. “He Worrying about tomorrow can prevent you from will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no achieving your best today. In Matthew 6:34, Jesus said it more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old this way, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for order of things has passed away.” (Rev. 21:4, NIV) MYTHS, continued from page 1

#6 Myth: The older you get, the faster time passes.

#3 Myth: Older women have more stress in their lives.

Truth: Those “endless summers” of childhood were not even one minute Truth: According to psychologists, longer than last summer.You have older women have more stress-free more routines now and routines days than younger ones. lend uniformity, which makes it very easy to be oblivious to time. #4 Myth: Growing older is synonymous with the loss of #7 Myth: Everyone wants to, meaning and purpose. and should be willing to, hear our wisdom and Truth: One’s later years can be opinions just the richest ever in wisdom and because we spirituality. are older. #5 Myth: If you are older and Truth: reminiscing about the past, you are Even though exhibiting signs of senility. we’re older Truth: These recollections are and wiser, natural and appropriate, and their we don’t purpose is to resolve conflicts of life necessarily and to do a life review.

know everything and are OK with that. #8 Myth: Creativity is only for the gifted few and our talents dim with age.

Truth: Creativity is the energy that allows us to express ourselves in unique ways; it knows no age.

Copyright© 2014 Next Avenue, a division of Twin Cities Public Television, Inc.

Rolla Presbyterian Manor

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Rolla Presbyterian Manor 1200 Homelife Plaza Rolla, MO 65401-2595 Return Service Requested

Coming Up in Community Matters Everyone has a story to tell...

We’ll be talking about education in an upcoming edition of Community Matters.

Were you a teacher or a school administrator? Do you have fond memories of what school was like when you were young? Are you amazed at the changes in schools now that your grandchildren and great-grandchildren are attending?

If you’d like to share your thoughts or memories, contact Marketing Director Joelle Freeland and your story may be selected for inclusion in an upcoming Community Matters newsletter.

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Community Matters June 2015

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