This is the first in a series of interesting interviews conducted by our very own Jon Keith (Director of Marketing at Still Hopes). From time-to-time Jon will share his Interviews & Insights that will include audio recordings of his broadcasts on Public Radio.
There are a lot of books out now to help baby boomers deal with how to slow the physical aging process or how to have a financially secure retirement. However, Dr. Gene Cohen chooses a unique direction: he shows how to be a creative individual well into old age. Replete with anecdotes of famous and not-so-famous people doing incredibly creative things (e.g., architect I.M. Pei designing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum at 79), whether for the good of humanity or simply for their own families, the book The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in the Second Half of Life is an inspiration as was my interview the author.
At the time of our conversation, Dr. Cohen was director of the Center on Aging, Health and Humanities at George Washington University. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2009, but his wit, humor and intellect still shines through in this interview I had with him. I hope you enjoy it.
(Click here to listen to the Interview Gene Cohen audio track).
To receive future editions of Interviews & Insights with Jon Keith, sign up to receive the Still Hopes blog via email. Or visit our website at www.StillHopes.org.
Still Hopes provides three really nice raised beds for resident use. They are high enough to avoid back pains when planting and picking vegetables. Each bed is set up with a timed drip irrigation system so watering is automatic. This has been especially helpful in the very warm summer days we have been having. All we have to do is plant the seed or plants, pull a few weeds, and harvest the crop. For me and several other residents this is a favorite activity. There is nothing like watching seed grow and produce a crop of tasty fresh vegetables. I enjoy sharing the fresh vegetables with other residents who are always so appreciative.
Levy Canova
To see all the great fruits and vegetables our gardens are producing, check out the Resident Gardens photo album on Facebook.
The same company that pioneered the Still Hopes Brain Fitness program has recently announced their brain fitness cookbook and weekly recipe program!
According to PositScienc® chairman, Jeff Zimman: “We want to help people get their brains in the best shape possible. While brain training is a major piece of the puzzle, there are other things you can do for better brain health. Eating the right foods is one of them!”
In the PositScience e-newsletter, he goes on to say: “ThinkFood is a cookbook we’re putting together that features brain-healthy recipes. We know the science but, since we’re not chefs ourselves, we asked for help from the food blogging community in creating the recipes. People who sign up for the ThinkFood ”Recipe of the Week” program will get a healthy and tasty recipe in their email each week, along with access to information on the science, the blogger, and more – all free. You can sign up at ThinkFoodCookBook. Invite your friends, too! The full cookbook will be available for purchase in July, but you can get a free recipe each week by signing up.”
(source: PositScience® Brain Fitness News – June e-issue)
To learn more about the Brain Fitness Program at Still Hopes visit our website.
The Wellness Program at Still Hopes serves about 500 residents, staff and people living in the local area and has peaked the interest of the International Council on Active Aging. According to Denise J. Heimlich, MS, Director of Wellness:
“The combination of research-based programming and assessment has proven itself at Still Hopes. Transition rates from independent living to higher levels of care have significantly slowed, in part due to increases in physical fitness. Residents talk of being taller, walking farther, being brave enough to go on African safari and climbing in and out of Land Rovers with more agility and ease than people half their age.”
“My job is to help people stay more independent for a longer period of time. Because our program can produce documentation of program results, we have established Still Hopes as a premier wellness provider and are rapidly growing our memberships from the local community.”
Read full article by Denise, as published in the May-June issue of “Functional U” from the International Council on Active Aging. ICAA-Article-PDF
Visit the Health & Wellness section of our website for more details about the Still Hopes Fitness Classes.
Last Thursday, June 10th, the Garden Room at Still Hopes was filled with residents to celebrate Summer with a beach themed party. Everyone’s toes were tapping to their favorite tunes supplied by volunteers Charles and Katherine Fritz in the DJ booth. Highlights of the evening included the Best Beachwear Contest, won by Madge Major and Blackie Meadows (pictured left to right), and the Still Hopes Line Dancers performing the Electric Slide and the Macarena. Check out the Facebook photo album to see more pictures from this event!
On April 22nd and 23rd residents from Still Hopes enjoyed exploring coastal Georgia. On the first day of our trip, we toured Savannah and put some “South in Our Mouths” at Paula Dean’s restaurant The Lady & Sons. Our accommodations were on St. Simon’s Island at the Four Star Oceanfront King & Prince Resort. The next day, we explored the island with a trolley tour that stopped at many historic points of interest including: Christ Church, Fort Frederica, and the Bloody Marsh battle site. Pictured are Mary Hope Rogers and Dale Pedrick aboard the St. Simon’s Trolley. Dale Pedrick was born in Waycross, Ga. and spent many summers on St. Simon’s Island where her grandparents had cottages. She especially enjoyed reminiscing about the wonderful times she had there. Before heading home, the group had time for lunch and shopping at Pier Village.
Check out our latest newsletter to see where the Still Hopes bus is headed next! More pictures from this trip can be seen in the “Trip to Coastal Georgia” photo album on our Facebook page!
Last week, 18 residents boarded the Still Hopes bus and headed to Cheraw, SC. Pictured left to right: Sarah Spruill, our local tour guide, Nell Barr, Nell’s daughter Beverly, Jennie Guyton, her niece Beverly, and Pat Finlayson. Nell lived in Cheraw for five years, and Pat and Jennie were both born in Cheraw. Our day was filled with a driving tour of the town, visits to historic landmarks, and a lovely luncheon in a private home, catered by the Episcopal Church Women of St. David’s Episcopal Church. The azaleas and dogwoods lined every corner, and we all agreed that Cheraw lived up to its nickname, “The Prettiest Town in Dixie”.
Still Hopes is excited to announce the beginning of construction on our Elizabeth B. Lowry Concierge Suites at the Mansion.
The second floor of the Elizabeth B. Lowry building and the second floor of the Guignard Mansion are currently being remodeled to offer floor plans and amenities for those individuals who desire to live independently, but also desire daytime concierge services.
Nearly all of the suites have a separate bedroom, bath, living area and a kitchenette. A few are efficiency style living and bedroom combinations. Three meals per day will be available in the Palmetto Room or the Bistro.
The Concierge Suites at the Mansion will offer many of the same services your neighbors at Still Hopes have come to enjoy, plus a Concierge who will provide services that you would expect at your favorite hotel. Suites will range in size from 392 to 749 square feet. (click here to see floor plans)
Call or come by today to learn more. 803-739-5040. Or visit us online at www.stillhopes.org
Come Enjoy Life at Still Hopes!
Only 3 Apartments and 3 Cottages Available.
Concierge Suites Under Construction.
Call or Click for details 803-739-5040.
This past Tuesday, 12 residents enjoyed a guided nature hike at the USC Belser Arboretum. The group was guided by retired USC professor Dr. Pat DeCoursey. We could not have asked for a better day; the weather was sunny and the trees had just begun leafing out. We followed the Arboretum Trail Loop which took us for a 3/5 mile hike around the perimeter of the nature preserve. Along the way, Dr. DeCoursey pointed out interesting plantings like the newest addition, an October Glory Red Maple. She also explained the long restoration process that began 4 years ago, and the future of this ongoing project. Everyone enjoyed being able to stretch their legs outdoors after the long winter, and plans were made to return to the Arboretum for a picnic in the near future.
