CBJ Senior Living 2019

More documents

Info

28 April 22 - 28, 2019 Corridor Business Journal Social networking for health Connection is key for seniors’ well-being, and senior living communities are stepping up By Katharine Carlon katharine@corridorbusiness.com Robin Mixdorf, CEO of Cedar Rapids’ Meth-Wick Community, checks in regularly with a men’s coffee group that meets daily, always asking them the same question: Have you solved the problems of the world? “And every day, they have — a little differently,” Ms. Mixdorf laughed, sharing one of several anecdotes about Meth- Wick’s buzzing, sometimes noisy social scene. “Our community is engaged, vibrant and thoroughly thoughtful about life and how they want it to be.” With 85 activities on the independent living calendar in April alone — everything from restaurant and museum outings to game nights, wood carving and book clubs — opportunities for socializing abound. And that’s without mentioning informal get-togethers like the men’s coffee group and lively conversations sparked daily in the dining room. “It’s not just bingo anymore,” Ms. Mixdorf said of the senior living world. “We have all kinds of things to keep people engaged.” Evidence abounds that social connectedness is key to the health and mental well-being of seniors. The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, released late last year, found older Americans who reported feeling socially isolated were twice as likely as those with adequate companionship to report fair or poor physical health (28 percent versus 13 percent). The results were even more striking when it came to mental health, with 17 percent of respondents who said they felt isolated rating their mental health as fair or poor, compared to 2 percent of those who reported hardly ever feeling isolated. “Loneliness, especially as it relates to social isolation factors, has real consequences for people’s health,” said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, of the AARP Foundation. “Studies show that isolation and loneliness are as bad for health as obesity or smoking.” Social isolation is It’s not just bingo anymore. Robin Mixdorf, CEO, Meth-Wick Community linked with malnutrition, reduced hydration and lowered activity levels — a risk factor that can lead to falls, said Angie McClure, director of corporate marketing and communications for The Views Senior Living Communities, which has operated a Cedar Rapids location for 15 years and will debut its Marion facility next month (see page 22). “Loneliness in seniors can cause all different kinds of spiral-down effects,” Ms. McClure said, adding that The Views’ social programming is geared toward recognizing and avoiding the risk factors associated with loneliness and isolation — a condition that plagues 45 percent of senior adults, according to one AARP study. “It used to be that [people entered senior living] because they couldn’t be on their own and it was seen as a negative. We’re trying to turn that around and show that transition can improve the quality of life.” Ms. McClure said experience and statistics have shown that Storyblocks the greater the number of activities offered, the greater the odds residents perceive themselves to be in good health. That includes standard fare like bingo, cards and music, but also outings, massage therapy sessions and opportunities to engage in the greater community, whether through volunteering, mixing with other seniors outside the community or frequenting the local coffee shop and mingling with neighbors. “The question is how do we offer mature adults mature activities that give them a sense of purpose,” she said. “Part of that is getting our residents back out in the community.” Kimberly Haring, marketing director for Oaknoll Retirement Residence in Iowa City, said Oaknoll takes a similar holistic approach to meeting the needs of residents — socially, spiritually and mentally. “We have great programming that stimulates the mind, body and soul of our residents,” Ms. Haring said, citing social events, including themed parties like a 1950s-style sock hop once a quarter, spiritual gatherings and wellness activities ranging from Zumba to tai chi. “We have a little bit of everything to meet the needs and interests of the 380 residents we serve.” In addition to an evening program every Tuesday Freepik Freepik and Thursday, Oaknoll offers social opportunities like a movie theater, a pub/lounge where residents gather to watch sporting events, game nights, art classes, book clubs, ping pong and billiards groups, and a summer outdoor concert series. “Even dining at Oaknoll can be a fun social event to meet with friends to discuss the day,” she said, adding that a good chunk of a resident’s social life revolves around breaking bread together at one of the facility’s three venues. In addition to meal time conversation, residents gather for breakfast clubs, morning book clubs, lunch groups and dinner clubs. Dining and food is also high on the social activity meter at Meth-Wick, where chefs demonstrating food preparation and a regular Nutrition Connection event are among the best attended activities. Ms. Mixdorf said the community calls its social programming “recreation and wellness,” focusing on residents’ emotional, spiritual and intellectual needs. “Social circles change with aging; many times your kids don’t live close or your friends have predeceased you,” she said. “The consequences of social isolation can be alarming, which is why the act of being socially connected improves quality of life in so many ways.” CBJ
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF THE CBJ Corridor Business Journal April 22 - 28, 2019 29 Melrose Meadows Retirement Community WORRY-FREE RETIREMENT LIVING All-inclusive Independent and Assisted Living in a friendly, elegant setting that feels like home. Spacious, lightfilled apartments. Fresh air. Smiling neighbors. Freedom from upkeep, maintenance and boredom, with endless social opportunities and beautiful grounds. AMENITIES Established in 2002 Award-Winning Staff Delicious Dining Options Housekeeping Maintenance Transportation Underground Parking Garage Fitness and Wellness Center Heated Indoor Pool Personal Trainers Social Activities Pets Welcome Simple Security Deposit No Community Fees 350 Dublin Drive | Iowa City, IA 52246 | 319-341-7893 Visit us on the web: melrosemeadows.com Come see why we’ve earned our exceptional reputation and been voted One Of The Best Of The Area multiple years in a row!
Page 1 and 2: Corridor Business Journal April 22
Page 3 and 4: ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF THE CBJ C
Page 11: ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF THE CBJ C

CBJ Senior Living 2019

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?