True Living Summner 2008

your guide to

True Living Tips, news and articles for active senior adults

Featured Articles A one-of-a-kind local performing arts center turns heads.

Tips, tidbits, and advice on staying fit, active, and healthy.

Traveling with your grandchildren.

t h i s p u b l i c at i o n m a d e p o s s i b l e b y s h a n n o n d e l l at va l l ey f o rg e

Living

Diving Right In Mature adults: rediscovering sports and physical fitness Whether it’s walking around the block or taking Tai Chi lessons, more active adults are making an effort to include physical activity in their daily routine now more than ever. In fact, numerous studies on the subject have suggested that exercise not only raises spirits, but also leads to a longer life expectancy.

Play Therapy Creative activity offers many health benefits Once upon a time, we were all taught that to be an adult actually meant acting like an adult. Playtime, and the spoils it afforded, was relegated simply to our childhood memories.

My how things have changed.

Today’s over-55-crowd is rewriting the book on what it means to be, well, over 55.

Unlike any previous generation, they’re more active physically, more stimulated mentally, and more engaged socially. Having fun and being creative is not only accepted, but expected behavior for this ever-growing age group.

Thanks to preliminary findings from the federally funded Creativity and Aging Study, there now may be quantitative scientific data to substantiate that this newfound creative expression translates into very real health benefits.

Leading the investigation is psychiatrist Gene Cohen, director of George Washington University’s Center on Aging, Health & Humanities, who has studied the link between creativity and aging for 30 years.

In 2002, he and other researchers recruited

300 people, ranging in age from 65 to 103. Half were involved with arts programs including singing, creative writing, poetry, painting or jewelry making — half were not. After two years, those in the arts group reported better overall physical health and fewer doctor visits than the others. They also reported less falls and better scores on emotional health scales. Cohen theorizes that arts participants have a heightened sense of control and engagement, both of which may boost the immune system. “Art,” he says, “is accessible to all communities, and it’s an activity that can be sustained.”

But how could drawing a picture or playing the piano translate into better health?

Neuroscientists, unaffiliated with the study are exploring the evidence that challenging mental activity, like artistic expression, stimulates the growth of new brain cells in the cerebral cortex — the part of the brain that controls creativity. “Even as we age,” said Roberto Cabeza, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University, “the creation of these new neuron networks continues.”

“There are few questions about the benefits of exercise to cardiovascular health and prevention of osteoporosis and falls in the elderly.” Says Kenneth B. Schectman, PhD, associate professor of biostatistics and research associate professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Where there’s a Wii™, there’s a way.

It’s called Wii, and it’s taking the country by storm. Right along with it, a message: video games are no longer just for kids.

Thanks to age-specific themed games and easy-to-operate hand-held controls requiring whole-body involvement, older Americans are adding Wii systems to their rec rooms and shared living communities at a record pace.

ca l l (800) 669-2318 o r v i s i t www.s h a n n o n d e l l.c o m f o r m o r e i n f o r m at i o n

Social Studies Health benefits of communal living A commonly held belief among experts is that sedentary behavior and social isolation can contribute to poor health and function among older adults. Conversely, studies have shown that social-engagement involving active participation, are positively associated with a higher health-related quality of life. But what exactly is it about living amongst others — instead of alone — that contributes to feeling better and living longer?

In looking at communal living environments like Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), researchers point to the variety of services, facilities, and group activities readily available on a regular basis.

An idea that’s taking root.

Green-minded active adults: a notion growing in popularity Did you know 70% of people of retirement age believe there is solid evidence that the earth is getting warmer?

As awareness in global environmental problems has increased in recent decades, interest in crafting solutions has also grown with all age groups — especially those 65+.

For example, flexible on-site medical services assist residents as their needs change, and may promote early hospital discharge, or reduce the need for hospital admission altogether. Plus, recreational offerings like fitness centers, exercise classes, swimming pools, tennis courts and even golf courses promote physical activity. Mental stimulation, also considered essential to good health, is reflected in the growing trend of on-site lectures, movies, musical performances, and crafts at such communities. Add to that a regiment of well-balanced meals and proper nutritional intake, and one can start to see why it’s been estimated that those living in CCRCs can expect a significant increase in life expectancy.

Out of this surge in popularity, organizations have been formed to increase opportunities for older adults to play an active, visible role in protecting and improving the environment — like The Environmental Alliance for Senior Involvement (EASI.) Established in 1991 as the result of a visionary agreement

Computers aren’t just for kids anymore Quick facts about the Internet Computer technology has long been associated with belonging solely to the younger generation. The pervasive thinking being that anyone over 60 couldn’t possibly understand how it all works. After all, they can’t even program the clock on their VCR. That was then. This is now.

According to the AARP, people 65+ are the fastest growing age segment of the Internet Community. And, more than one-third of US consumers born before 1946 use the Internet, states the Pew Internet and American Life Project (April 2008).

between the US Environmental Protection Agency and the American Association of Retired Persons, EASI is a national nonprofit coalition of over 300 national, state, and local public organizations.

For more information, visit: http://www.easi.org.

Spotlight on the performing arts center at Shannondell

Kings of the Castle Meet the King of Prussia Players For more than five decades, the King Of Prussia Players, a community-based theatre group from Montgomery County, has had the privilege of treating young and old to their unique blend of music and acting talent. For the last 2 years, beginning with their 2006 premier of “The Music Man”, they’ve been privileged enough to call the Performing Arts Center at Shannondell — an adult living community in rural Audubon, PA — their home.

Performing shows throughout the year, as well as a children’s workshop in the summer, the popular acting troop has quickly become a hit with families throughout Lower Providence and its surrounding community. Not to mention the people of Shannondell at Valley Forge.

Celebrating its 52nd season, The King of Prussia Players 2008-2009 schedule includes performances of Joseph and Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Yeoman of the Guard at Shannondell.

Stage Presents The crowd settles in.

The lights dim.

The music begins.

There’s a buzz among the people in attendance at the film premier as they anticipate the advanced screening of a new documentary. Those not lucky enough to attend will have to wait until it later appears nationwide on the acclaimed PBS series American Masters instead.

Sundance?

Chicago…maybe?

After a quick glance at the theatre’s grand stage and rich décor, one could

be forgiven for thinking either. For one of suburban Philadelphia’s most renowned adult living communities and its surrounding area, it’s simply the Performing Arts Center at Shannondell, and it just happens to be one of the suburbs’ best kept secrets — until now.

Conveniently located near I-76, 476 and the PA Turnpike, and set among the pastoral farmlands of Montgomery County, the resort-like Shannondell at Valley Forge and more specifically, its new 500-seat theatre, act as sparkling and modern complements to their bucolic surroundings. Equipped with the latest sound and lighting by Clair Brothers Systems, the nationally

renowned design company known for its work on the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York and Walt Disney World, the new state-of-the-art center offers guests a little taste of Broadway — or at the very least — Broad Street.

In addition to hosting early looks at upcoming movies, Shanondell’s new Performing Arts Center has also attracted a wide variety of music, theatre and other live productions since opening in 2006. Among the notable names who’ve made appearances: Peter Nero, performers from the Philadelphia Philharmonic and local favorites, The King of Prussia Players, who now call the Performing Arts Center one of their full-time homes.

For more information, directions and Showtimes visit KofPPlayers.org or call (610) 277-9505.

With shows and performances yearround, this one-of-a kind setting has proven not only a welcomed addition to the area, but also a truly special gift to Shannondell. A notion perfectly summed up by one resident: “The music shows, with performers from the Philadelphia Philharmonic are fantastic; it’s just like going to the theater.”

Shhh! The show’s about to start…

For more information on Shannondell’s Performing Arts Center or Shannondell at Valley Forge, call 610-728-5200 or visit www.shannondell.com.

Sh a n n o n d el l

at a G la n c e

Set amidst the rolling hills of a historic 140acre farm in Montgom Shannondell at Valley ery County, Forge is redefining the very notion of retireme nt living.

Featuring first class se rvices, resort-style amen ities and flexible living it’s often recognized as configurations, the fastest-growing, top -ra nk ed Co ntinuing Care Retireme Community in the area.* nt • Over 35 customizable residence floor plans from 800 sq. feet to 3,000 sq. feet • Two 110,000 square

foot clubhouses

• 18-hole golf course • Shopping • State-of-the-art Perfo rming Arts Center • Two Movie Theaters

• Aquatic & Fitness fac ilities • 6 dining venues • Main Line Health Cente r For more information, visit www.shannondell .com. *Main Line Life Newspa

pers Readers Choice Aw

ards ’04, ’05, ’06, ’07,

’08 The only true community SM

Health & Wellness

Healthy Living Tips We all know that food high in sodium increases the risk of hypertension. However, high-salt content isn’t always easy to detect, since many times it’s included as a preservative and passes the “taste test.”

Always read labels carefully, keeping a particularly keen eye on: baked beans, canned vegetables, breakfast cereals, hot chocolate, pizza, ready meals, soups, lunch meats, baked goods — including cookies. Even some skinless, boneless chicken breasts and frozen fish can be loaded with salt preservatives.

can slow cognitive decline — meaning our minds can stay sharper longer.

Along with Spandex and sweatbands, the 1980s also ushered in the fitness craze, and its “No Pain. No Gain” philosophy.

Of course 20/20 hindsight has enabled us to realize that by employing this mindset we were not only damaging our muscles and joints, but also creating bad lifelong exercise habits.

Unfortunately, as older adults have taken to the gym later in life, many have fallen prey to orthopaedic injuries. And they have their old “No Pain. No Gain.” credo to thank.

Decades later, today’s adults over 50 are as active as ever — making up the fastest growing sector of the fitness population. Indeed, studies continue to show the benefits of staying active. For example, research recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that inactivity doubles the risk of mobility limitations as we age, while vigorous activity has the opposite effect.

In another study, published in the Journal of Neurology, doctors found that exercise

While the spirit may be willing, experts say, by the time you’re 50 or older, your body needs a little extra attention if you want to benefit physically in both the short and long term. This is particularly important for those who have not exercised in the past, or who have become sedentary in recent years.

Moreover, if you’re already saddled with health issues — like achy joints, bad knees, or back pain — as well as risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity, you need to be especially sure you’re getting the right advice on proper exercise techniques.

What’s the big deal with text messaging?

Ask most teenagers, and they simply shrug and say, “IDK” (I don’t know).

Here are a few common examples of text messaging lingo that may someday come in handy: LOL TTYL BB4N GR8 WU@ AAYF

?

Laugh Out Loud Talk To You later Bye Bye For Now Great Where are you (at)?

As Always, Your Friend

Grand Adventures

No Pain. No Gain. No Way. Being active means also being self-aware

Leisure

SOS! Your Guide to Understanding Text Messaging

The joys of traveling with grandchildren

at Shannondell Having your physician right in your own home In recent years communities throughout Pennsylvania, and the country for that matter, have made a commitment to providing outstanding healthcare and social services for those of retirement age.

Nowhere is this trend more evident than at The Main Line Health Center at Shannondell, a continuing care community in Montgomery County. Led by Dr. David Galinsky, MD, the Center offers access to a range of specialists including primary care physicians, cardiologists, ophthalmologists, Bryn Mawr Rehab on-site and audiologists, all specializing in care for active adults.

For more information, visit www.mainlinehealth.org.

ca l l (800) 669-2318 o r v i s i t www.s h a n n o n d e l l.c o m f o r m o r e i n f o r m at i o n

Forget jigsaw puzzles by the fire and homemade cookies. Today, visiting with Grandma or Grandpa can mean hiking through the woods, cruising in the Caribbean or cooking over a campfire in a national park. Grandparents are traveling more than ever and, quite often, they are taking their grandchildren with them.

In fact, according to Amy Goyer, coordinator of the AARP’s Grandparent Information Center, intergenerational vacations are one of the hottest trends in travel.

“Grandparents are looking for ways to connect with their grandchildren and become a part of their lives,” Goyer says.

“Traveling together — even a day trip — provides an opportunity to really connect and get to know each other.”

Of course, taking your grandchildren on a full-fledged vacation may sound like a

?

daunting undertaking. But with some simple planning it can be a great opportunity to connect, bond and grow together. The most important thing to remember is that you’ll want to schedule enough activities to keep both you and your grandchildren happy and engaged. Without wearing either of you out. Here are ten quick tips on making your trip a memorable experience for everyone involved:

1. Plan it Toget

2. Look for Dis

her

counts & Barga in 3. Be a Good Sp ort 4. Invite a Frien d 5. Put Health an d Safety First 6. Plan for Dow ntime 7. Be Creative 8. Var y the Rou tine 9. Be Flexible 10. Share Yours elf

Getting Into the Act The growing popularity of senior theatre groups What was once a trend is now a movement. Thousands of seniors across the country have ventured into theater as an arena of self-expression, therapy, social benefit — and sheer fun.

In 1999, only 79 senior theater companies existed. In 2001 there were 291. In 2002 there were 378, 419 in 2003. Today, it is estimated that the number of senior theater companies in the United States tops 500.

Shannondell: A True Community “The best part of Shannondell is the people who live here. They’re just wonderful... the personal attention is second to none.”

“There’s so many activities here, you could fill your day and night.”

“We feel like we’re living in a 5-star hotel.”

These are just a few of the many great things residents are saying about Shannondell at Valley Forge — the area’s premier adult living community.

Spread over 140 acres of lush Montgomery County farmland, Shannondell is redefining what it means to retire. 35 floor plans ranging in size from 800 to 3,000 square feet. State-of-the-art skilled nursing, assisted living with Alzheimer’s & dementia care. Eighteen challenging holes of golf.

Two clubhouses totaling 220,000 square feet offering multiple dining venues, aquatic/ fitness centers, a 500-seat performing arts theatre, Main Line Health Center specializing

in older adults, a pharmacy and so much more. Shannondell’s entrance fee has a 100% Refundable Guarantee to you or your estate upon completion of your stay.

First class living, resort-style amenities and great people. It’s all right here at Shannondell.

For More information...

If you’d like to receive additional information about living your retirement to the fullest at Shannondell and to reserve your spot at a free informative lunch, call 1.800.669.2318 today or visit www.shannondell.com to learn more.

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