The Mayflower Navigator Winter 2018

MAYFLOWER

THE MIND, BODY, SPIRIT ISSUE How do we stay healthy in life’s later years? In short, by keeping our minds active, fueling our bodies, and nurturing our spirits by building relationships, finding purpose and achieving contentment.

In other words: by taking a holistic approach to life. This issue of Navigator will focus on how older adults like Mayflower resident Lawrie Hall (pictured here) are living better longer by embracing that philosophy.

Purposeful Living/ Lifelong Learning STAYING FIT AND EATING WELL In the Spirit of Good Health

A PUBLICATION OF THE MAYFLOWER RETIREMENT COMMUNITY WINTER 2018

When it comes to his craft, Ken Hubble takes a backseat to no one.

He’s been hand caning for more than 20 years and finds it “fascinating.”

FIRST CHAIR Weaving meticulous craftsmanship with personal passion, Ken Hubble restores aging and broken chairs – finding a sense of purpose in keeping a lost art alive.

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f you offer Ken Hubble a chair, he’s apt to take you literally.

The former aerospace engineer who retired from Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin) in 1999 now spends his days hand-caning chairs and foot stools at A T Furniture & Antiques on Orlando’s “antique row.” The store has provided him with his own little “workshop,” where he labors on personal projects. He also does some repair work for residents at The Mayflower. “If a chair leg breaks, they call me,” he smiles.

A native of Worthing, England, Ken has been caning since 1997 after his brotherin-law introduced him to the process. Since then he has restored several hundred chairs.

“It is considered a craft in the UK,” Ken says. “They have hand caning guilds there.”

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Today, Ken acknowledges that fewer and fewer people are learning the craft – it’s time consuming, painstaking and requires a lot of patience.

But, that’s no obstacle for Ken, who spends about 20 hours a week in his workshop. “I enjoy the sophistication of the craft and how the furniture is constructed,” he says. “Like engineering, it requires a great deal of precision. If one string is off, it affects the entire project.”

Ken’s most ambitious project to date?

Ken is hoping to teach his craft to others, A pair of French antique chairs he restored like disabled veterans. for a friend. “The backs were round and A full chair will take about 40 hours of had a medallion in the center,” he recalls. labor. Ken uses golf tees to hold the string “I had to find a way to support the while weaving strips of caning material medallion and cane around it. It took through a series of drilled holes. me quite a while to finish, but it turned Caning dates back to ancient times. out great.”

A woven cane bed was buried in Living at The Mayflower, enables Ken Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1323 B.C., to spend as much time as he wants on and the technique was used across Asia the hobby he loves. “You get the and Africa in the 14th-16th centuries. ‘hotel experience’ here,” he says.

In the 1600s, trade with the Far East “I don’t have to worry about brought the craft to Europe, where it maintenance or cooking first appeared in Holland, England and for myself. Everything is France, typically on the seats and backs taken care of for me. of wooden chairs.

It makes life so easy.”

BRAIN GAIN

The best approach to boosting brain power as you age is a holistic one: Get proper exercise and sufficient rest, eat a healthy diet, minimize stress – and, of course, stimulate that gray matter.

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taying intellectually active is good Taught by associate physics professor for your brain. Period.

Anne Murdaugh, the class takes a complex A 2017 article in Harvard Business subject like light and makes it easy to Review noted that learning can dramatically understand. Mayflower residents gave it reduce stress levels, improve memory and high marks. offset cognitive decline. A report in “Exhilarating,” said Nick Leo, a retired Neurology said learning activities can civil engineer. “I enjoyed being on campus help delay symptoms of Alzheimer’s and experiencing college all over again.” disease. And other research links lifelong Diane Sandquist, an art history major learning to improved problemin college, says the class challenged solving skills and lower her. “You need to think incidences of depression. differently about things At The Mayflower, in order to understand “Anyone who stops a long-time partnership them,” she says. with Rollins College A watercolor learning is old, has taken the lifelong artist for the past whether at 20 or 80. learning concept and two decades, Anyone who keeps changed it up to be Dot Cline works more customized and with light in her learning stays young.” attuned to residents’ paintings. When – Henry Ford needs. “Rather than just she sees a tree, it’s taking a standard course not just green to her. from the syllabus, we ask She picks up on the our residents what they’re interested various shades and shadows in and then work closely with professors that the light imparts. But, Dot was to tailor the programming accordingly,” ready to look at light through a new says Jana Ricci, The Mayflower’s Director lens, too. “We had fun bending light of Marketing. “We always request through a prism and seeing how it challenging classes!” refracted,” she says.

Whether teaching an introduction SEEING THE LIGHT to physics or quantum mechanics, Residents recently participated in a series Murdaugh’s goal with all students, of courses titled “Physics for the Rest of regardless of age, is the same: “If somebody Us,” where topics ranged from musical walks away, going ‘What!?’ then you win. instruments and light to astronomy and They have a new perspective.” superheroes. One of those courses was One benefit of teaching older adults, “Fiat Lux – Let There Be Light,” an optics she adds: “I know I don’t have to compete class, named after the Rollins motto. with an iPhone for their attention.”

Diane Sandquist and Nick Leo prepare to examine the principles of reflection.

Dot Cline, left, and Betty Powell use a laser level and prism to refract light.

Rae Delfosse, left, and Eileen Duva use a lens to reflect light.

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BODY WORK of

H Swimming helps Henry Morrell stay in shape.

Regular physical activity isn’t just good for your body. According to research from institutions like Harvard Medical School and Stanford University, exercise also plays a key role in brain health – increasing blood flow, helping to support the formation of new neural and vascular connections, and helping to relieve stress.

In short, staying active can help you live longer. And better.

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enry Morrell has spent a lifetime staying fit. From golf and tennis to high-intensity aerobics and yoga, exercise has kept him flexible and strong.

“It’s like a religion for me,” he says.

Even back problems haven’t sidelined him. Instead of easing off on fitness, Henry just changed his venue – diving into the pool, where he spends 45-60 minutes every day, year-round, doing physical therapy exercises. “My son is an orthopedic surgeon – and he and his doctor friends say that you’ve got to keep moving,” he says.

“I’m taking his advice.”

Described as the “complete workout,” swimming involves every muscle group in the body and generates significant health benefits. It’s particularly good for older adults because it is low impact, which is easy on the joints. It’s also a great form of resistance training, which leads to improved muscle tone and strength.

Other benefits include: Improved cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure Better circulation, which helps to reduce the risk of heart and lung disease Improved bone density, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis Increased flexibility, which can help prevent injury and falls.

While swimming is Henry’s “go-to” fitness fix, he rounds out his regimen with programs such as balance training at The Mayflower Fitness Center. He also makes a point of incorporating exercise into his normal daily routine – like taking the stairs whenever and wherever he can.

“Anywhere I can get exercise, I do,” he says. “The more you’re in motion and the more active you are, the better off you’re going to be, the older you get.”

Next to the heated lap pool is a 1,250square-foot Fitness Center, where Fitness Coordinator Sarah Burke teaches a variety of classes.

HEALTHY CHOICES

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aunching a major expansion slated to begin this summer, The Mayflower is transforming the community for the next generation. In the hospitality department – specifically in the kitchen – change is already cooking.

“We are moving forward with a number of new initiatives and adapting to our clientele’s tastes as they evolve,” says Director of Hospitality Paul Landsberg.

“We want to be responsive to residents’ needs, and they have a real appetite for more healthy options.”

In planning future menus, Paul works with a 10-member Mayflower committee chaired by resident Dave Harvey. The group reviews comments and suggestions from residents and works to implement them. “We were particularly interested in more low-sodium, low-calorie and low-carb items,” says Dave.

“The new menu is a very big hit.”

Lunch and dinner menus, which vary daily, now feature more cook-to-order items, as well as more salads and veggies, fish, chicken and other healthy dishes.

Plant-based foods are an essential part of a healthy diet.

Above, Mayflower sous chef Israel Vello sautés fresh carrots, which are rich in vitamin A – helping to support your immune system and preserve good vision.

Coming soon: vegetarian maincourse options.

“Almost everything we serve is fresh,” Paul adds. “Our soups, sauces, stocks and gravies are made from scratch. And we try to use locally sourced ingredients whenever we can. Going forward, we are looking at ways to expand that aspect of our food service program.”

Of course, Mayflower residents who want a genuine “farm-to-table” experience can simply stroll over to the organic community garden and pick their own salad greens or other vegetables that include everything from zucchini and eggplant to tomatoes, beets, broccoli, butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower, arugula, kale and a variety of herbs, among others.

The garden, which has now gone through several seasons and replantings, remains popular with residents who understand that science is now validating the old adage “you are what you eat.”

“This is the future,” Paul Landsberg adds. “And this is where The Mayflower is going.”

Keep the Right Foods in

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MIND

he secret to aging well really isn’t much of a secret anymore. We all know that exercise and proper nutrition are the basic building blocks of good health at any age. But observational studies funded by the National Institute on Aging and conducted by researchers at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago indicate that one specific diet regimen not only reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, but may also help prevent or delay cognitive decline – and even lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

After studying 144 participants over four-and-a-half years, researchers found that the “MIND” diet lowered Alzheimer’s risk by about 35% among those who followed it moderately

well and up to 53% for those who adhered to it rigorously.

MIND, which stands for Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay combines the traditional Mediterranean style of eating with DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). Now that’s a mouthful.

But, acronyms aside, the MIND diet is gaining credibility among medical professionals at highly respected institutions like Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, who say that the diet is based on sound science. MIND focuses on eating from 10 food groups known to specifically affect brain health. At the top of the list: green, leafy vegetables followed by all other veggies, berries, nuts, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil and, yes, wine.

In the Spirit of

GOOD HEALTH At The Mayflower, beautifully landscaped grounds, walking trails and water features like Villas Lake, pictured here, are part of a peaceful and relaxing natural environment.

What can you do to nurture your spiritual self ? Prayer, meditation, exercise – even communing with nature – can all help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

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t’s been said that “nature is fuel for the soul.” Turns out, it’s also fuel for the mind and body.

According to environmental psychologists, cohesion with nature can be truly restorative – promoting physical, mental and spiritual healing, reducing stress and recharging the body to a healthy state.

And, it’s especially beneficial for older adults, says a study conducted at the University of Minnesota, which focused on seniors between the ages of 65 and 86, and suggested that “green spaces” and “blue spaces” (where there’s water) “promoted feelings of renewal, restoration and spiritual connectedness.” Because interacting with nature is a multisensory experience (smell and touch the flowers, feel the breeze, see the birds, hear the sound of water), it also stimulates the brain – improving concentration and attention span, and reducing the risk of dementia.

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Resident Lawrie Hall (pictured on cover) loves The Mayflower’s natural setting. “When I first moved here, I was impressed by how gorgeous the grounds were, but I had no idea how much they

would mean to me,” she recalls. “When my late husband was ill, we visited the pond every day to watch the wildlife and read the paper. It was a very special time for us.”

Carolyn Coleman, left, pictured with instructor Camille Bristow, says tai chi keeps her centered.

NEVER TOO LATE

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s it ever too late to fall in love?

Not if you ask Jack Williamson and Sally Hall, who at ages 90 and 83, respectively, just tied the knot.

The newlyweds met last year at The Albin Polasek Museum in Winter Park.

“I was admiring his car and he came over and introduced himself,” says Sally.

“I started inviting him to some parties and before we knew it, we were dating.”

Jack says he was attracted by Sally’s personality. “It seems like I’ve known her all my life. We just fit.”

A few months after their first meeting, the couple decided it was time to meet the family. “We visited her clan in Pennsylvania and then we took a trip to Iowa, where I grew up,” says Jack.

“Everyone was so happy to see our friendship and fondness for each other in person. My niece told me I had to marry that girl – so I went out and bought a ring.”

Jack admits that marriage was not on his radar. “I never expected to get married again,” he adds. “After I lost my first wife, I thought I’d be alone for the rest of my life.

Then I met Sally. It was so natural.”

The couple were married in March in a small ceremony at their new Mayflower apartment, which they customized by combining two 2-bedroom units. The

remodeled residence features an office for Jack, who still works part-time as a CPA, and a bright art studio for Sally.

Their advice to other older adults who may have closed their hearts to love? “Just have fun! Keep your mind and your heart open … be friendly, enjoy each other’s company … and most importantly, be happy.”

HAPPINESS MAKES YOU HEALTHIER

According to a recent article in AARP – The Magazine, strong personal relationships and close interpersonal connections are better predictors of future health than cholesterol levels, while loneliness and isolation rank almost as high as smoking in terms of major health threats.

In the book Happiness Is a Choice You Make, author John Leland says social isolation increases with age and “people who live alone have more health problems, higher risk of dementia and shorter life spans.”

Married people, says a study from the National Bureau of Economic Research in Canada are happier than their single counterparts. But those who considered their spouse a “best friend” were the happiest of all.

Jack and Sally may just be on to something.

Close personal relationships are linked to longevity.

MEDITATION IN MOTION

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Tai Chi Helps Keep Life in Balance

hen an exercise has been around for literally hundreds of years, there must be good reason for its longevity. With tai chi, the reasons are many: improved balance, muscle strength and flexibility, stress reduction, fall prevention, lower blood pressure, and even some aerobic conditioning. It can also help ease depression.

The mind-body exercise, which originated in China as a martial art, is low-impact and slow-motion, which makes it adaptable for pretty much anyone. Focusing on movement, breathing and relaxation, tai chi incorporates circular motions where the joints and connective tissue are not fully extended or bent.

Tai chi also stresses the natural balance in all things and the need for living in spiritual and physical accord with the patterns of nature. According to this philosophy, everything is composed

of two opposite, but entirely complementary, elements of yin and yang, working in a relationship which is in perpetual balance. Tai chi exercises reflect that balance, which is why it is so remarkably effective.

It certainly works for Mayflower resident Carolyn Coleman.

A former high school English teacher, homemaker and construction manager, she was drawn to tai chi for its health benefits, particularly balance. The practice has helped to strengthen her back and regain steady footing.

“It also helped me center myself,” she says. “It’s a slow kind of exercise. You have to concentrate on what you are doing.”

In addition, Carolyn is drawn to tai chi’s spiritual nature.

“You get your energy from the earth and the sky,” she says.

“It’s a beautiful combination . . . it encompasses beautiful things.”

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THE MAYFLOWER Winter Park’s Distinctive Retirement Community

1620 MAYFLOWER COURT | WINTER PARK, FL 32792

88141 PRAD FNL 3/2018

Tired of

LIVING ALONE?

Numerous studies in recent years cite the mental and physical health benefits of having a robust “social network.” According to researchers at Tufts University, staying connected to others helps improve brain health, reduce depression and may even increase life expectancy.

At The Mayflower, our residents and staff are friendly, welcoming and caring – and you’ll find lots of opportunities to get involved and engaged. Plus, with 24-hour security, a maintenance-free lifestyle – and the guarantee of long-term care for life, if needed – you can leave your worries behind!

So if you’re ready to exchange your solitary lifestyle for a lot more fun, give us a call.

We have a community full of wonderful neighbors (and some lovely, one-bedroom apartments) waiting just for you!

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL TOUR:

407.672.1620