The Mayflower Navigator Fall 2018

MAYFLOWER

inside this issue: LEARNING TO BRIDGE GENERATIONS Give Your Brain A Workout CAN HOBBIES MAKE YOU HEALTHIER? A PUBLICATION OF THE MAYFLOWER RETIREMENT COMMUNITY FALL 2018

BRIDGE GENERATIONS LEARNING TO

Mayflower resident Sue Dyer enjoys learning alongside Rollins students (from left) Julia Rubio, Sara Willenkin and Taylor Kienle. Sara says the experience has been “full of serendipity.”

Research shows that lifelong learning is a strong predictor of successful aging. But, when you add an intergenerational component to the equation, the upside is even greater – for young and old alike.

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ccording to a 2017 report from Generations United and Leading Age*, research suggests that engaging in high-quality intergenerational programs enhances the lives of both seniors and youth.

For older adults, meaningful crossage relationships may decrease social isolation, increase optimism and levels of engagement, and promote a sense of belonging and well-being.

For younger people, the survey found higher demonstrated levels of empathy and understanding of age-related issues.

Both groups gained from the opportunity to share cultural backgrounds

and exchange opinions and ideas – increasing self-esteem, trust, connectedness and a sense of community.

Citing similar conclusions, an article this past June in the New York Times reported on a survey of 180 intergenerational programs across the country, noting that 97% of the participants said such programs made them feel “happy, interested, loved, needed … and younger.” *Generations United is a national group that advocates for increased intergenerational involvement.

Leading Age is a national association of not-for-profit organizations dedicated to expanding the world of possibilities for aging.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

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SHARING WISDOM

These findings are nothing new to The Mayflower, which has engaged with Rollins College in an innovative, award-winning intergenerational learning program since 2011. Marketing director Jana Ricci can attest to its success.

“The college students keep our residents ‘young’ by connecting with them one-onone, as well as through technology – and our residents in turn share the wisdom they’ve accumulated over a lifetime. It’s a win-win.”

Harold Ward (pictured on cover with wife Libby) is a new resident and a member of the Rollins board of trustees who served on the committee that formed The Mayflower. “More and more, people our age are interested in continuing education, and anything that brings the generations together is mutually beneficial,” Harold says. “Both Rollins and The Mayflower are outstanding assets, and the connection between the two makes this a desirable place for us, and for others.”

VIEWING HISTORY THROUGH A NEW LENS

From iconic images of the moon landing and the Beatles on Abbey Road … to the personal memories we accumulate over a lifetime, photographs capture and shape our sense of history. They also provide a common touchpoint from one generation to another.

That’s the goal of “Memory & The Photograph,” one in a series of classes developed by Rollins in conjunction with The Mayflower. Professor Dawn Roe says that pictures can create understanding

among college students and older adults.

“It’s interesting to see how differently the generations interpret these photos,” she observes. “These intergenerational encounters create beautiful, unexpected connections.”

As part of the class, Mayflower residents bring in meaningful objects from their past. Sue Dyer, for example, shared a collection of vintage books about fashion, including one titled “Fashion from A to Z,” which she authored herself. “The students got a big kick out of that,” she says. “It’s amazing to see how fashions have changed over the years, and it’s nice to share memories with other people. We all need to look at the past to recognize where we come from. It helps you appreciate what you have.”

A retired Winter Park High School teacher, Sue appreciates the chance to influence younger generations – but also to be a student herself. “There’s nothing more exciting or energizing than working with young people,” she says. “They bring fresh ideas and a positive attitude. It’s a joy to be around them.”

Sara Willenkin, a junior majoring in psychology at Rollins, says it’s fascinating to hear Sue’s perspective.

“Sue and her friend were the first girls at their high school to wear blue jeans,” she says. “It was cool to hear her experience breaking norms – she was a rebel! We’ve found so many connections in our backgrounds and our interests. This experience has been full of serendipity.”

hen Linda and Bob Maraio first enrolled in The Mayflower’s lifelong learning program with Rollins two years ago, they never expected such longterm residual benefits. In addition to taking classes with college students, they’ve become friends and mentors for nearly a dozen of them. “In our first semester, we were paired with two student athletes who played lacrosse and volleyball,” recalls Linda. “I didn’t know anything about lacrosse at first, but we started going to their games. By the end of the season, I was a pro!”

This year, the Maraios took Matthew Cavanaugh, a sophomore soccer player, under their wing. With Matthew’s family in Costa Rica, the couple have become like surrogate grandparents. “They attend my games, and we’ve shared stories and memories,” Matthew says. “They have experienced so many things, and I always walk away with a new perspective after talking with them.”

The Maraios add, “Spending time with Matthew is one of the highlights of our week.

We don’t have children, so it’s really nice for us to relate to the younger generation. We care about each other’s lives – it’s like family.”

While taking classes at Rollins, Linda and Bob Maraio, pictured with sophomore Matthew Cavanaugh, have become mentors to a number of students.

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GIVE YOUR Think Tank Members

Bob Barr

Audrey Pekor

Fire up those neurons!

Strengthen those synapses!

Boost your cognitive reserve!

If you want to exercise your brain, challenge it. Think crosstraining, triathlon, Tour de France – only for your mind.

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hile a number of factors – including physical exercise, diet, sleep, stress and socialization – influence brain health, intellectual stimulation plays one of the most important roles. Just like any other muscle, the brain can get weaker if you don’t put it to work. Conversely, it can grow stronger and more developed … if you put your mind to it.

According to Harvard Health, the human brain is capable of generating new synapses and neurons throughout life. The input of stimulating experiences has been shown to alter brain structure by helping to develop neurological “plasticity” and build up a functional cognitive reserve that provides a hedge against future cell loss.

But, the benefits of intellectual stimulation aren’t relegated to the brain 4 | FALL 2018 NAVIGATOR

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Nick Leo

alone. Cognitive neuropsychologists at the University of Sussex in England found that cerebral activities also help the body by lowering stress, slowing heart rate and easing muscular tension. Mental acuity is also linked to improved cardiovascular health, decreased blood pressure, reduced risk of stroke or heart attack, boosted immunity and lower levels of depression.

So … what can you do intellectually to get your gray matter in gear? Here are a few ways Mayflower residents do it.

(Watch for more ideas in future issues of Navigator … or check out our blog at www.themayflower.com)

CHALLENGE YOUR THINKING

We all know family members or friends whose world views are light years away from ours. But, instead of engaging them as adversaries, challenge yourself to look at life from their point of view. Drill down past the talking points to core values and concerns – and real facts. As long as all parties agree to be civil, this can be a very enlightening exercise because it forces you to think differently.

That’s one benefit offered by The Mayflower’s Think Tank, a popular discussion group focused on current events and topical issues. Bob Barr, who leads the group, and his wife Toni, say the power of dialogue brings people together and the provocative conversations keep their minds sharp. After getting background information in advance, residents present topics in their areas of expertise. Subjects

have ranged from the opioid epidemic, gun control and women’s rights to the platforms of political candidates – the more controversial, the better.

“Leading up to the midterm elections, we had a number of eye-opening conversations that helped us approach the issues more knowledgeably,” says Tom Savino. “Whenever I attend Think Tank, I know it will be an interesting, factual discussion.”

Adds Bob, “One of the beauties of Think Tank is that it’s a no-judgment zone.

You can say what’s on your mind. It allows people to consider other perspectives, which is very illuminating.”

GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

From spiders to heights to airplanes, people are afraid of all kinds of things – but one of the most common phobias is the fear of public speaking, which afflicts more than 25% of the population, according to Psychology Today.

Experts from Mayo Clinic suggest that if public speaking gives you anxiety, join a group that provides support. One of the best is Toastmasters, a nonprofit that trains people in speaking and leadership skills.

There’s been a Toastmasters chapter at The Mayflower since 2003.

Despite reservations about speaking in front of people, resident Susan Rogers took a leap of faith and signed up. “I’d never done anything like it, and I was terrified – but I was more terrified of being bored!”

AIN A WORKOUT Diane Sandquist

says the former yoga teacher and New York native. “But, throughout my life, I’ve had the ability to let go of what came before and embrace what’s new. Now, I enjoy the camaraderie, and I’ve really grown as a speaker.”

Susan’s most recent Toastmasters speech explored humanity’s relationship with fear.

As she told her audience, sometimes people must “feel the fear and do it anyway.”

When it comes to lifelong learning, Susan has taken her own advice. She even attends conferences to keep up with the latest advances in active aging research.

“Growth doesn’t stop because of aging,” she says. “If anything, getting older has made me even more eager to keep learning.

That’s how you stay interesting!”

Susan Rogers faced her fear of public speaking and joined Toastmasters.

Tom Savino

Martha Williamson (Captain’s Club Member)

USE YOUR IMAGINATION

“Imagination is more important than knowledge,” said Albert Einstein in a 1929 interview with the Saturday Evening Post. “Knowledge is limited; imagination circles the world.”

Not that Einstein needs validation, but neuroscience has since substantiated his theory.

When you engage your mind in something totally new and imaginative, it forces different networks of the brain to work together. This, in turn, can improve memory and enhance mental dexterity.

One avenue for challenging your imagination – and your brain – is creative writing, which is known to have numerous mental health and psychological benefits for seniors. According to Gene D. Cohen, MD, PhD, founder of The Center on Aging, Health & Humanities at George Washington University, “Creativity reinforces essential connections between brain cells, strengthens morale and can help relieve sleep and mood disorders.”

At The Mayflower, expressive residents unleash their inner writers in a creative writing class taught by established author and former Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Central Florida, Dr. Gerald Schiffhorst. Participants prepare their own personal writing pieces (fiction,

Ruth McDaniel enjoys writing about her family and life experiences. nonfiction or poetry), read them aloud and receive feedback from their peers.

“We discuss what we liked, and what we didn’t like, and ask questions about their work,” said Dr. Schiffhorst.

Mayflower resident Ruth McDaniel admits that while she’s “definitely not a writer,” she really enjoys the class. “Putting thoughts into words can be challenging at times, but I like receiving feedback and critiques from the professor,” she says.

“You know, life never stays static. My life has taken many wonderful turns, and being able to share some of them through writing has been great.”

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CAN HOBBIES make you HEALTHIER? A growing body of research reveals that hobbies are more than just pastimes – they’re a key component of healthy aging. Researchers at Concordia University found that taking part in enjoyable, mentally demanding activities can reduce the decline of brain power. Other benefits: a strong immune system, better sleep, reduced stress and higher self-esteem. And for these Mayflower residents, hobbies also provide a sense of fulfillment and nostalgia that comes from carrying on cherished traditions. constantly adding, repairing and redesigning. We all have jobs to do.”

Master woodworker Peter Minderman (see next page), built the infrastructure to double the size of the layout to accommodate more trains. Jane Wayson, the “chief scribe,” keeps a log of repairs.

And “chief landscaper” Carole Rubin crafts realistic scenery along the train’s route.

“First we added orange trees and palm trees, and then one thing led to another!” she says. “We got a farm stand, so we needed a farm. And you need a road to get to the farm, so we made one with red-brick paper. Now, we’re assembling a model of Park Avenue with store fronts and everything.”

Meanwhile, Bob maintains the trains and keeps everything running smoothly.

“Model railroading is simply a grand hobby,” he adds. “It’s constantly evolving, and it does what you design it to do.

It’s fascinating, fun … and timeless.”

Bob Maraio says he’s had a “continuing love affair” with trains. In addition to model railroading, he and his wife love riding the rails.

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SUPER MODEL

ob Maraio remembers getting his first model railroad. He was 10, it was a Lionel O-gauge, and it was his favorite pastime. It still is.

Over the years, Bob accumulated more than 100 heirloom-quality pieces to add to that first set. When he and his wife Linda moved to The Mayflower several years ago, they gifted most of the collection to the community – keeping only the original “for sentimental reasons.”

The hobby has since picked up steam.

“It now belongs to everyone here,” says the 6 | FALL 2018 NAVIGATOR

former AT&T executive. “Residents bring their children, grandchildren and greatgrandkids to watch the trains. It’s a joy to see the wonder in their eyes.”

Equally rewarding: Other Mayflower residents have joined Bob to form a model railroad club – and the camaraderie has made the experience even more rewarding.

“It challenges us,” Bob says. “The trains don’t run by themselves. We’re

As “chief landscaper,” Carole Rubin crafts scenery along the train's route.

CRAFTING A POSITIVE MINDSET

A Since childhood Peter Minderman has enjoyed woodworking.

CARVING OUT A NICHE

With two grandfathers who were cabinet-makers, woodworking was in Peter Minderman’s DNA. He recalls spending many childhood hours in their workshops, where he watched and learned. “I came to love the feeling of accomplishment you get from taking raw wood and creating something that expresses your skill and love of beautiful things,” he says.

Although his career path led him to become the director of technical support for NASA, Peter continued the family legacy as an avocation and has built dozens of pieces – from tea carts to cribbage boards with elaborate inlays.

Inspired by the aerospace industry, he taught himself to build wooden globe stands, 3D models that help scientists understand the trajectories of rockets and satellites in space.

His latest labor of love is a grandmother clock made of cherry wood, using a tree his brother felled over a decade ago.

“These are projects you can’t rush,” Peter explains. “Nature takes its time. You can’t let the wood dry too fast, or you’ll wind up with cracks.”

At The Mayflower, Peter takes advantage of a spacious workshop with room for his tools, including his grandfather’s plane.

He’s also found a community of fellow woodworkers – some of whom build furniture or make jewelry boxes for their granddaughters. “All of us love the joy that comes from making something with our own hands,” Peter says. “It never gets old!”

s a child, Karen Naylor always admired her mother’s handmade quilts.

But the quilting bug didn’t bite her until she taught her daughter’s Girl Scout troop to hand-piece a patchwork pillow. “It brought back memories of the quilts my mother made for her hope chest during the Depression,” she said. “And it prompted me to enter a wonderful new world. Quilting is a great joy for me – and I love the companionship of others who share the same interest.”

Over the past 35 years, Karen has taught the craft to hundreds of others, sewn quilts for veterans, and traveled to quilting events around the world, as far away as Europe and Hawaii. She’s a collector, too, with more than 100 quilts to her name. Her favorite? One featuring a morning glory applique made by her mother in the mid-1930s. “The first picture of me after I was born is lying with my mother, covered with that quilt. It’s a treasure.”

Quilting connects Karen to a rich tradition. From the colonial period to today’s “modern revival,” quilting has brought women together to create functional pieces of art. Today, an estimated 7-10 million people in the U.S. have taken up the craft.

A “FEEL GOOD” HOBBY

Perhaps one of the reasons for quilting’s resurgence is that it not only makes you feel good, it’s actually good for you. Research published in the Journal of Public Health notes that engaging in activities you enjoy saturates the brain with dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters known as “the happy chemicals.” That’s especially true when you’re using your own hands, researchers noted.

What’s more, quilting taps into both the analytical and creative sides of the brain through the process of choosing and arranging colors, shapes and patterns.

Add in the fact that quilting activates the cerebral cortex to control vision and fine motor skills, and it’s clear why it offers such a powerful mental workout.

Prolific quilter Karen Naylor has found a supportive crafting community at The Mayflower.

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Come and see for yourself! Take a tour … meet some of our residents … enjoy a delightful lunch … and get a taste of what the future is going to look like at The Mayflower. We are now taking reservations for January and have limited seatings available ... so call today. First come, first served.

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