When Sheila encountered old age her design career’s unique experiences became a guide to embrace change and shape an entirely new lifestyle; the adventure of being a resident with 800+ elders all heading to the backstretch.
Is there a precept that learning increases learning?* Actually, it’s an actuality!
Scientists found you can grow new brain cells your entire life; —“neurogenesis”
We needed a lot! Did any neurogenesis arrive in Post 7?
Did you know that geese flying in formation fly 70% farther and at a much faster speed than they could ever fly alone?
Well, our recent move flew us into a flock of sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties….
Reporter interviewing 104-year-old woman
“What’s the best thing about being 104”?
She shrugged, “No peer pressure!”
We fit right!
And next, Xanadu happened with this article — “It’s proven you can rewire the brain in 30 days to increase happiness, productivity and cognitive ability.”
Hooray, I had “Great Expectations,”
because
our newly developed neurogenesis found the life-renewing dialysis site,
but, the same sameness was the same — not unkind, just business. Some smiles here and there, but just business as usual. Bare bones room decor, three mondo days a week.
There were no complaints from my husband when his future became tied to machinery; his self-control was estimable. We hoped continued dialysis offered a multifaceted future.
I had a secret weapon in our new habitat; a heart-felt friendship, still strong after 50+ years and SHE lived in the next building.
Our years of friendship eased my way, not only on this property, but outside our “open sesame” gates. As the sole driver of our adventure now, without her help, I might have remained lost and wonderfully we continue to be the dearest of friends.
About that group living….
A study in Princeton, New Jersey discovered that when committed groups of people set intentions together, they’re six times more likely to manifest what they’re focused on.
Sooo, when 800+ of we ancients roam up and down our village avenues, reckonings arrive — SCHMULES!
About those schmules:
Our recent Retirement Realm’s abundant perks were truly abundant, but as far as unfettered freedom, nyet. Apparently, we would be fettered. Sounded doable; only a few garden variety do and don’ts. Hands down, no problem. Welll…..
Our apartment was in the largest segment of our CCRC: independent living. There are many, CCRC’S throughout the U.S. and all have this component. **
RULES!
For starters, a badge of white plastic with each resident’s name is issued with a magnetic attachment and when placed onto a lovely ensemble, nestled near a marvelous piece of jewelry, well, it does cross the mind, Is this haute couture?
As far as I’m aware, Vogue never featured this.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
STILL THINKING?
BADGE…. HAUTE COUTURE?
(Truth be told: remembering a name on a badge near a face clearly opens opportunities for friendship. And think of the “neurogenesis=brain cells” added when learning 800+ new names and faces!)
There’s More:
Also, a daily 2″ X 4″ red check-in button next to each interior front door must be pushed each day. This was challenging — remembering to push that button upon waking.
I tried a mantra — it didn’t work consistently. “Get up, push the button, get up, push the button” After a timing window from 5:30 to 11:00 AM; a Safety representative telephones to see if you are alive—(not necessarily functioning and definitely embarrassing, if you are alive and apologizing for not pushing the button on the third day in a row.)
Or, if you went out and forgot to push the button (with no one at home to answer, there is a phone check.) Next there is a door check with a follow-thru procedure of visiting your abode….ring the doorbell, no answer, use a master key to enter. Yikes, what if you did not put in hearing aids and you are undressed — whew, most demoralizing.
But, if empty, a form note is left, stating that your apartment was entered. If said resident needs helps, our accomplished Safety team is ready to revive, restore or rescue. (Keep in mind, it’s a good move to be a pristine housekeeper. Allows you to hold your head somewhat high when encountering that Safety Officer.)
Foremost — the red button is an in-depth “out-of-harm” feature offering a positive 24 hour life checkup. Safety officers can be our life savers.
Apparently, this is a steep learning curve because many new residents [forget] to push the #^*% button. As do quite a few long-time residents.
My AM twin — —
we have the same hairdo, same “out of touch” look and I am now burdened to push a button! (Who knew how demanding life can get?)
I’m thinking even the handsome dude above could learn to push that button. It seemed I required my first cup of N’espresso coffee and it’s splendid aroma to push that button. Full disclosure, one of us living in our apartment always remembered.
And, it was not the dude above or me. Hmmmm!
New brain cells?
SALIENT POINTS:
- Ultimately rules are a trade-off and a reflection of common sense
- A positive argument for choosing this Retirement Community experience — pivotal Safety Protocols.
*From Harvard Medical School: …”about 700 new neurons are produced in the brain per day,” according to a 2013 study in the journal Cell.
**Independent living areas in CCRC’S make up the largest component of Senior Shelters. No hassles of landscaping, housekeeping, property taxes, real estate insurance, most utilities covered…AND residents come and go at will. A CCRC means a continuum of care throughout the residents life and Safety features.
From Fortuny, Venice Italy:
-
I bought this 2000 Fortuny stenciled green velvet tunic in Italy & wore it to one daughter’s wedding.
No badge!
From Jewelry by Miriam Haskell:
A cherished gift from C and worn with authentic site badge to “intrepid” functions.
From Ethnicity Etc. – By Bea:
Tunic & necklace by my valued friend Bea Roberts.
Happy Fourth of July Blaire & Happy Birthday to your Aunt C.