Kicking Off Fall With A Luau!
Wow, what a fun couple of nights at the Luaus here at our Senior Living Community West Columbia, SC! The Sensational Epics put on the best show ever singing those old beach music favorites from the 60s. Everybody was singing along, dancing, and clapping. The line dancers were awesome doing the Electric Slide to Pink Cadillac and Mustang Sally. I was so proud of our ballroom dance class out there doing the rumba they’ve been working on. Of course, the shag was the dance of the night. Culinary Services at Still Hopes Senior Living Community West Columbia, SC did a great job as usual with the food and the tables were beautifully arranged with orchids and other tropical plants and flowers. Fresh pineapples with small orchids graced the tables for centerpieces. Lots of residents brought guests to join them. It was great to see many of our newest folks come, having been invited by neighbors to help them get a quick start at joining the fun we have here. The luau is an annual September event at that was started before I came here in 2000. It is such a fun activity, I would never stop that tradition. Good food, good music, and good friends in a tropical atmosphere is too good to change. -Sherry French, Still Hopes' Director of Activities
Keeping Our Rose Gardens Memory Care Residents Happy and Healthy
News about the recent success with the Covid-19 vaccine gives us hope this holiday season. And the fact that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced this week that long term care and memory care in West Columbia, SC facility residents will be first in line gives us reason to cheer. This is especially important to families who have missed seeing their loved ones at Still Hopes and other retirement communities. Across the U.S., people living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia seem to have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. From anecdotal accounts, we have learned that many people struggling with dementia have been worsening with a lack of regular health monitoring and social interactions. But a recent analysis of data provided by the CDC confirms it. Just in the first six months of the Covid-19 pandemic, there were approximately 13 to 15-thousand more Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related deaths than in any of the previous five years. This only adds to the stress for the families who have to put their trust in others to care for their loved ones. Here within our supportive living neighborhoods at Greenway at Still Hopes, we are proud of the balance we have created with keeping our residents safe, while still providing an abundance of daily enrichment to keep our memory care residents active. One of the biggest concerns for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia during Covid-19 is making sure they receive the proper medical care. “What sets Rose Gardens Memory Care apart is that we have always had in place a medical director, nurses, and dedicated dementia specialists onsite, which has been very helpful during Covid,” said Hilary Bassett, Assistant Administrator and Head Compliance Officer at Greenway. “We don’t use agency staff. Everyone who works on site is an actual employee, and many have been working with residents for years, every single day, and are already part of the Greenway family.” In fact, while many communities have been laying off employees, Still Hopes has been adding employees in every single department during Covid. And going above and beyond with infection control training is just the tip of the iceberg - every memory care staff member receives additional dementia training, so they understand the different triggers for Alzheimer’s and dementia residents. “What upsets a resident or makes them happy can change hour-to-hour,” said Bassett. “Our staff is trained to detect changes in their activities of daily living, and even how and what they are eating. Everyone gets the attention they deserve.” Across the U.S., another major concern is whether dementia and Alzheimer’s patients can stay engaged and keep their minds stimulated during Covid. Rose Gardens Memory Care has its own full-time designated activity specialist. “Bob Michalski is a talented activity specialist and musician who is fantastic with the memory care residents,” said Bassett. Michalski knew that quarantining memory care residents to their room was never an option. So he got creative. Residents enjoyed more activities like trolley rides, feeding the turtles at the pond, and exercising along with all of their other favorite outdoor activities. They took bus rides around town with their individual small quarantined groups. And Rose Gardens hosted weekly hair and nail days, and themed parties. They also safely visited with their families. “Wearing a mask isn’t always an option for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia, so they face-timed, and enjoyed window visits and outdoor social-distanced tent visits,” said Bassett. “The families are even getting involved through the holidays, by bringing festive decorations from home so we can host a door decorating contest for residents.” “Our success has been evident in that we haven’t had any Covid cases in Rose Gardens, and the families can clearly see their loved ones are happy and healthy. We have also made a point to stay in constant communication. So the families have really been gracious and supportive.” If you are struggling with determining if now is the right time to move your loved one into memory care, the specialists and board-certified staff at Greenway at Still Hopes can assist. We’ll be happy to discuss your options with you and take you on a virtual tour.
A Judge’s Daughter Shares Why She is Thankful
We are thankful for our Still Hopes Retirement Home in West Columbia, SC residents… and we often hear the same reciprocated from them. But every once in a while we get to hear it from the adult children of our residents. And this Thanksgiving when the CDC is discouraging large gatherings, feeling the love and gratitude from the family of our residents resonates even more. Jeannie Clifton is the daughter of the Honorable Edward B. Cottingham, a resident in the River Banks neighborhood in Greenway at Still Hopes. Her father’s first move into the life plan community was in an independent living cottage in October 2008. Clifton and her brother, Edward B. Cottingham, Jr., saw that Judge Cottingham bonded quickly with staff and fellow residents - even spotting a fraternity brother in the Still Hopes Bistro on the very first day. New friends greeted him as well - and he quickly settled into his community. “My dad is one of the most optimistic and positive people I know, and finds a way to be content in every situation, whatever it may be,” Jeannie said. But Judge Cottingham has been more than just content at Still Hopes - he has thrived. Clifton said over the past 12 years he’s become a fixture in the community. He engages with fellow residents and enjoys not just sharing his story, but learning theirs. He likes to talk about the law, but he also loves to learn about history. He has attended parties and lectures and dance lessons - often serving as the only male dance partner. And every year, he makes an appearance at the Still Hopes July 4th outdoor celebration as Uncle Sam, stirring patriotic sentiments in a crowd of peers who have shared a first-hand look at some of our nation’s biggest changes over the decades. He has also made some close friendships. Like fellow Still Hopes resident Lou Sossamon. The late Gamecock great and All-American was regularly spotted at the University of South Carolina baseball games with Judge Cottingham. “He easily made new friends, and they became good friends,” said Clifton. “He found that Still Hopes was filled with interesting people just like him.” And Judge Cottingham is interesting. He joined the U.S. Navy right out of high school because he wanted to see the world, serving on an aircraft carrier and in the Mediterranean and Middle East Theatre. Upon discharge, he attended the University of South Carolina, graduating from the School of Law in 1953. He was named to the USC Debate Team Hall of Fame… and those skills paid off. He practiced law in Bennettsville for 32 years, and was elected Resident Judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, serving there until his retirement in 2000. He continued in the capacity of Active Retired Judge until 2014, six years after moving to Still Hopes. Adding to an already impressive personal history, Judge Cottingham also served as the youngest member of the SC House of Representative from 1954-1958 and again in 1966-1972. He also served as the state Highway Commission chairman, engaged in numerous community affairs, and is a lifetime member of the the First Methodist Church in Bennettsville. Judge Cottingham is adored by both of his children, and his six grandchildren - who have often been spotted dancing, eating or mingling with their grandfather and his friends at Still Hopes. And on Christmas Eve, he will meet his four-month-old great-grandaughter for the very first time. But life hasn’t always been easy - he lost his beloved wife, Iris, two years after moving to Still Hopes. His eyesight has diminished over the years from macular degeneration. He has also battled and won against stage-3 esophageal cancer. “Daddy is as sharp as a tack and he has a wonderful sense of humor. And he has an uncanny ability to rally others to his cause,” Clifton added and laughed. “He has no lack of confidence!” Clifton said his resilience and sense of humor have paid off during Covid. “Daddy has a fun loving spirit despite the curve balls. And Still Hopes has helped. It’s provided a safe place filled with compassionate and professional people who respect the residents and take the time to get to know them. They have done a great job with communicating during Covid, having honest conversations with us about how he is doing and how he is feeling.” “His family is grateful. And he is grateful,” Clifton continued. “He has said more times than he can count, ‘Don’t worry about me. They are good to me and they take good care of me.’ What more could you ask for?” Here at Still Hopes, we are grateful for Judge Cottingham and to his daughter, Jeannie Clifton, for sharing his story with us. Happy Thanksgiving to all of our residents and their families!
Karl and Ella Pfaehler - Serving Others and Living by Example
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” These words once spoken by Winston Churchill have science to back them. Numerous research studies show that the more people give of their time, the happier they are and the longer they live. It’s news that bodes well for Karl and Ella Pfaehler. The Pfaehlers met in nursing school in Philadelphia, and married in 1963. Before they met, Karl had served three years in the Army and decided to make a career of it. Karl and Ella and their two boys, David and Kris, bounced around over the next two decades, and were stationed as far away as Germany. Karl’s service was primarily serving in psychiatric nursing. Ella raised their boys and as they got older and more independent, she resumed her career in pediatric nursing. The Army eventually brought them to Fort Jackson, and they discovered how much they loved the warmth of the South, not just the mild temperatures, but the people as well. So when Karl retired as a Colonel in 1989 after 26 years of service, the Pfaehlers decided to make Columbia their permanent home. Over the years, Ella had discovered a love of swimming but needed an indoor pool for year round exercise. She soon learned about Still Hopes’ indoor pool and swim exercise classes that are open to the community, and was hooked. For three years the Pfaehlers took swim classes, meeting residents and making friends. “We started feeling more and more at home,” said Ella. “And then eventually people started asking ‘so when are you moving in?’” So the Pfaehlers put their house up for sale and made the move in 2016, and have never looked back. “We have more friends here than we’ve ever had in our lives. It’s just wonderful,” said Ella. “There is no strangeness when you meet a new person. They have open arms. People tend to let down their guard because they know you are in the same age bracket and so there’s no judgement.” Karl agreed. “Coming here and meeting the different residents and getting to know the staff - we learned it was the perfect place to retire.” With an easy transition by a welcoming community, the Pfaehlers were able to continue to pursue what they loved doing the most - helping others. Karl had spent much of his pre-Covid time volunteering at the local Veterans Administration hospital, helping vets file their disability claims every Thursday and Friday. He says he looks forward to getting back to that. And Ella has taken volunteering during Covid to another level. “When the pandemic started I came up with a pattern to make masks and got a group of ladies together to sew them. We sewed 12-hundred masks and then moved onto gowns for the employees in the licensed areas. We also made smocks for the beauty shop when it reopened,” said Ella. “We’ve had so much fun we didn’t want to disband, so we’ve made bowl cozies to protect your hands from burning when you take a bowl out of the microwave. We sell those in the gift shop, and profits for those will help with the Still Hopes Resident’s Assistance Fund.” They passed their love of serving others onto their children (both teachers), who, in turn, passed it to the grandchildren. In fact, their youngest granddaughter, Kirstin, is following in their footsteps and graduated just this week with her graduate nursing degree. Kirstin is also a fixture at Still Hopes Retirement Community in Columbia SC, having started here on the wait staff in catering, and then moving to an administrative position. And though she was told she wouldn’t be able to work full-time while pursuing her nursing degree, for Kirstin, giving up her job at Still Hopes was non-negotiable. She defied the odds, even putting in 60 hours at Still Hopes the week of her nursing exams. But it’s not just Kirstin’s desire to serve that pulls her toward Still Hopes. She says she loves the people, the culture of “family” among the employees and residents, and seeing her grandparents daily, and the special bond they share. “They are so sweet to each other. Everyone sees it. At dances he pulls her onto the dance floor and embarrasses her constantly by telling her how great she is. I get to see that too and am learning so much from them,” said Kirstin. Their fondness for each other is evident, in the way Karl talks about Ella. He proudly shared how her love of swimming branched into running and cycling when she became the only resident, alongside many younger Still Hopes employees, to participate twice in the Still Hopes sprint triathlon. And Ella was quick to point out that Karl does more for the Still Hopes community than he is willing to admit. “He just hates to talk about himself. He plays a strong role here in passing information along to the residents via computer contacts,” said Ella. “He keeps an accurate and up-to-date list of email addresses and often helps a resident navigate the intricacies of YouTube and even ordering from Amazon. He’s my Superman.” We are excited to share Karl and Ella’s story, and we want to thank them for all they do for Still Hopes Retirement Community in West Columbia, SC!
Join Us For An Evening At The Mansion
A warm May breeze...sitting on the front porch...a cocktail in your hand...it doesn't get much better than that at our dementia care facility West Columbia, SC! That is exactly how our guests spent the beginning of the evening on May 18th for our annual Evening At The Mansion fundraiser. Folks came out in their best attire for a night of good food, drinks, and fellowship...all to benefit a wonderful cause. The proceeds from the night went to the Still Hopes Resident's Assistance Fund, which provides monetary aid to residents who outlive their resources. Our cocktail hour was followed by a delicious sit down dinner in our Keenan Event Center, where the filet and sweet potato cheesecake stole the show! We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of our attendees - thank you for making this truly a night to remember! Home is an integral aspect to life. At Still Hopes, our private apartments and spacious cottages are customized to your lifestyle and personality. What results is peace, relaxation, and absolute enjoyment. With open floor plans and lush outdoor areas, our apartments are central to our senior adult activities and events. Beautiful cottages with two-car garages and colorful landscaping line our community’s cozy neighborhood streets. Our Continuing Care Retirement Community CCRC West Columbia, SC allows you to have an optimal health plan right at home. Let us take care of the chores, landscaping, and home maintenance, and flourish in the resort-style senior living free of stress and worry. Still Hopes isn’t like home—it is home, but better.
If the trees at Still Hopes could speak…
Still Hopes Senior Living West Columbia, SC residents have a lifetime of fascinating tales to share - and its longest-standing community member was no different. The red oak that stood for decades outside of the historic Guignard Mansion was cut down a few months ago, and was recently replaced with an equally beautiful ginkgo tree. The old oak had begun to rot, and it was only a matter of time before it started to drop some minaciously large limbs. But in the oak’s absence, it has many residents and staff wondering about its personal stories. Starting with its age. No one is really sure if it was standing when the Mansion’s foundation was first laid, or if it was planted after. In fact, it’s become a contest of sorts… as the tree’s rings are being dated at a local sawmill, the staff have put out a “ballot” box so residents can slip in their guesses. But regardless of its exact age, there is no question that the old sentinel had Still Hopes’ respect. In the meantime, residents are enjoying the ginkgo… grown in a field for about 15 years and transplanted just last week. This native to Japan is already 14-feet tall, but its “roots” go back 270 million years. These ancient trees are known survivors. In fact, a half dozen ginkgos survived the Hiroshima blast and are still thriving today. The red oak and the ginkgo are vastly different - and their contrast serves as a perfect example of the range of flora that can be spotted throughout the Still Hopes campus. “The ‘plant power’ of what we can do in Columbia, South Carolina is immense,” said Chris Spearen, Landscape Supervisor at our Senior Living Community in West Columbia, SC. “We use an extensive variety of plants and trees with different blooming cycles.” Spearen developed a love of landscaping from his father, a lifelong gardener. He was offered a position after college at the Riverbanks Zoo Botanical Garden, working his way up from intern to senior horticulturist. Three years ago, Chris joined the Still Hopes family. He carefully considers each addition to the gardens across the 44-acre senior living community. “I think about what types of trees and plants would be suitable for that space. I focus on the colors and textures of the plant itself, and not just the flowers,” said Spearen. Residents can enjoy a captivating display year round that stimulates all the senses. In addition to the newly planted ginkgo tree outside of the Guinard Mansion, fragrant tea olive shrubs are found throughout the campus. Bright green tropical palms and near everblooming perennials are interspersed throughout the gardens leading into the McDowell independent living apartments. And Greenway Supportive Living residents can enjoy azaleas and camellias throughout the year, just outside their windows. To learn more about our beautiful and spacious senior living in West Columbia, SC, click on our Virtual Visit to explore.
How to Simplify Your Life: Downsizing 101
Whether it’s the home maintenance, the cooking, the cleaning, or the yard work, most Still Hopes residents will agree, these tasks take up a lot of time, and time is a valuable commodity. That’s why many residents ultimately make the move to Still Hopes Retirement Community in West Columbia, SC - the conveniences! By not having to devote time to those types of tasks listed above, they now have more time to spend with family and friends, and do the things they love the most. But sometimes the very act of moving can seem daunting... with packing the house, sorting through what stays and what goes, hiring the movers, and figuring out where to hang pictures and place the furniture. That’s where Katherine Anderson steps in. Anderson is an interior designer who offers a unique and valuable concierge service to Still Hopes residents. “I help people fix their new space. So I either help them with interior design, like, drapery, furniture, or anything they need for the interior of a cottage or an apartment. And then I actually do a turnkey move, where I go over to their current house and I measure all their furniture, and lay it all on a furniture plan,” said Anderson. “And then we move them. We pack up all their stuff and arrange for the movers. Then the residents arrive at their new home at 5:30 the night of the move and ta-da! Their pictures are up, and their stuff is put away.” Her services are particularly handy for incoming residents who have lived in one place for a long time, or for residents who haven’t had the time to purge items ahead of their move. For those who want to get a head start and “tackle the attic” themselves, Anderson provided a few great tips: Separate everything into three piles - keep, give and throw away. Keep - these are the things that you plan to take with you to your new home. This includes everything from furniture to paperwork (financial statements have a 7-year limit). Regarding clothing, have a friend or some other third party help you go through closets to figure out which clothing items you love, still wear, and that look good on you (i.e. are also still in style). Give - this pile is for your children, grandchildren, or other loved ones to go through. It will include things like that piece of furniture or that beautiful handmade quilt that you may not love but it’s been passed down in the family, or has sentimental value. Throw away - this doesn’t mean that you are literally throwing everything away, though that’s an option! This can also be a donation pile. The point is to get it out of your house. Give yourself a time limit to clean. Set an alarm for 1 to 1 ½ hours and tackle one area in that amount of time. When your timer goes off, bag anything that is in the “throw away” pile and put it immediately in your car trunk or in the garbage. “Because once you let it sit there you are tempted to dig back through the pile and pull out that dollar store cake server that you think you may one day use, but in reality, it’ll just take up space in your new home,” said Anderson. Anderson said when she is called in to help, these are some of the things that she can assist with, along with her design skills. And while she can help find new furniture and accessories for a resident’s new home, her favorite thing to do is to work with the client’s current belongings, finding new ways to repurpose them in their new space. “I don’t need a clean slate. The apartments (unfurnished) look very similar. But I don’t want them to all look the same,” said Anderson. “I want them to look like the people who are in them. That’s the fun part for me.” If you think it could be time for you to downsize and make a move to Still Hopes, we have a new assessment that can help you determine your next steps. Take this quick 4-5 minute quiz, provided by Roobrik, to determine if the time is right for you to downsize. To get a quote from Katherine Anderson or to learn more about her services, call 803-931-8877.
Hope, Health and Happiness in 2021
We often focus on our beloved residents at Still Hopes Senior Living West Columbia, SC because they inspire passion in us every day. But for this week’s blog, we wanted to introduce some of our staff - to find out what motivates and inspires them and brings them hope for 2021. Here’s what they had to say. My New Years resolution is to get back on track with healthy habits like daily exercise and smart eating choices. --- Ellen Williams, Marketing Coordinator for Still Hopes licensed neighborhoods One of my resolutions for 2021 is to travel more. For twenty years I have wanted to visit the Harry S. Truman Library in Independence, Missouri. I hope that 2021 is the year that this dream comes true. I also hope to visit Acadia National Park in Maine and also New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island in the fall. I’ve never been to those states. If I can fit them in, I’d also like to visit Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park in Utah. There are so many beautiful national parks to see in the US. I hope to stop putting off my dreams and make them happen in 2021! --- Diane Cote, Life Engagement Assistant for the Jane Bruce Guignard neighborhoods My resolution is to never ever ever take anything for granted again. --- Tacey Gohean, Director of Community Services What I am looking forward to in 2021 is having a big family gathering, and not worrying about if we are going to make each other sick. --- Niesha Kitching, Unit Coordinator for RiverBanks My New Year’s resolution is to continue on my health-conscious path that I have been on since July. Be healthy, stay healthy. And I am looking forward to a time in 2021 when we can discard the mask, meet and greet without socially distancing and hugging loved ones. --- Susan McDaniel, Life Engagement Assistant My New Year’s resolutions remain the same every year: Choose joy every day no matter what circumstances I am facing. Be kind and compassionate to everyone and look for ways to love and serve others every single day. --- Beth McCrary, Marketing/Client Care Manager for Solutions for Living at Home I resolve to read the Bible more. I am looking forward to a new chapter in my personal life to include busting down the door when the Wellness Center finally opens! --- Robert Michalski, Life Engagement Assistant A COVID free year! A new year of health and happiness filled with friends and family (in person and no masks)! Peace on Earth! --- Nikki Robertson, Director of Health Services I typically do not make New Year’s resolutions, but this year, I’m up for something different. This year I resolve to watch less news and focus more on the incredible blessings in my life. I resolve to extend more understanding than I seek and to give more love than I require. This year, my greatest resolution is to draw closer to God, and in so doing, serve others with a kind heart and joyful smile. --- Troy Wingfield, Director of Facilities Services
Holy Week At Still Hopes
"Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community West Columbia, SC is a faith based community. We do follow the Episcopal Church Year. For the past several weeks we have been observing the season of Lent, which commemorates our Lord’s Ministry on earth, and culminates this week in the events of Holy Week, and begins the season of Easter. Lent is a period of 40 days before Easter during which many Christians do not eat certain foods or do certain pleasurable activities as a way of remembering the suffering of Jesus Christ Our observance of Holy Week includes Maundy Thursday (where we commemorate our Lord’s institution of the Eucharist (Holy Communion) and the washing of the feet of the apostles by Jesus). We will have a service of Holy Communion, foot washing, and the stripping of the sanctuary in preparation of Good Friday. Our Maundy Thursday service will be held in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at 4:00 pm on Thursday. On Good Friday we, along with Christians worldwide, commemorate the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. His death of the cross was the great event by which Christ paid the ultimate price for the sins of all humanity: yours, mine and everyone’s! The Good Friday service will be held in the chapel of the Holy Spirit on Friday at 4:00pm. Our celebration of Easter commemorates our Lord’s resurrection from the dead-and shows that our God cannot be held by death, once we Christians are made his sons and daughters through Holy Baptism, and therefore are inheritors of His Kingdom-neither does the grave have the final say over us. This begins the great fifty-day celebration of Christians around the world. Easter service will be held in the chapel at 11:00 on Sunday. Our Lenten Study this year “Give Up Something Bad for Lent” was well attended and those who came seemed to really enjoy it! Look for more to come and please let me know if you would like to study a particular subject—I take requests!" - Fr. Richard Crozier, Still Hopes Chaplain
This Holiday, Give Your Family the Gift of Your Plan
The holiday season is a time to cherish family, celebrate togetherness, and express gratitude for one another. But as we gather with loved ones, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on how we can give them the greatest gift of all: peace of mind about the future. At Still Hopes, we understand the importance of planning for retirement. Deciding to join a Life Plan Community is more than choosing a place to live—it’s a proactive decision that ensures your loved ones won’t have to worry about how you’ll be cared for in the years ahead. A Life Plan Community: More Than Just a Residence As a Life Plan Community, Still Hopes offers engaged, independent senior living with access to a full continuum of care, including assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services. This means that whether your retirement years are filled with travel and leisure or require additional support, you’re covered. By choosing a community like Still Hopes, you’re setting a clear path for your future, one that eliminates uncertainties for you and your family. A Thoughtful Part of Estate Planning Planning for retirement isn’t just about finances; it’s about securing a future that aligns with your values and needs. Making the decision to live in a community like Still Hopes shows your loved ones that you’ve thoughtfully considered every aspect of your well-being—from health care to lifestyle. This decision complements traditional estate planning by ensuring you’ve planned not just for what you’ll leave behind, but for how you’ll live well today and tomorrow. Peace of Mind for Your Loved Ones When you choose Still Hopes, you’re not just investing in your future; you’re giving your family the comfort of knowing that you’ll be supported, no matter what. For adult children and other loved ones, this means fewer difficult conversations and less uncertainty. They’ll know that you’re in a vibrant, supportive environment where your needs are met, and they can focus on spending quality time with you instead of worrying about caregiving. The Gift That Keeps Giving This holiday season, consider how a plan for your future can also be a gift to your family. By making the decision to join a Life Plan Community, you’re ensuring your loved ones will never have to question how you’ll be cared for or what steps to take if your needs change. It’s a gift of clarity, confidence, and love. Let this holiday season be the start of a conversation about what truly matters: the well-being of you and your family. At Still Hopes, we’re here to help you embrace your future with open arms, surrounded by a welcoming community that feels like home. Give your family the gift of peace of mind this holiday season.
Heart To Heart: A Personal Story of Loss and Triumph
“I feel like I’m the typical woman when it comes to the issue of heart disease. I had symptoms but just always attributed the symptoms to something else.” says Nela Edgar. Sitting across from Nela in her beautiful retirement home West Columbia, SC you would have no idea she has not only suffered from heart disease herself, but also had heart disease touch many of those whom she loved. Nela’s father had a stroke when she was only 9 years old, and passed away from a stroke only ten years later at the age of 62. Years later, Nela’s late husband, David, had a sudden, massive heart attack at the age of 65 and passed away in Nela’s arms. David’s passing was a shock to the family, as Nela describes him as “very active”, someone who served on the National Board of the American Heart Association, and who had just had a clean physical examination. Years later, Nela was blessed to find love again, but that did not make her immune from having health scares herself. Though Nela believes she has had “warning signs” for the last few years, things began to mount in July of 2019. While in Colorado visiting her daughter, Nela fainted. Then, even though Nela didn’t want the attention, sisters tell sisters. Her Columbia daughter’s husband Taylor is a cardiologist and kindly told her she needed to see a doctor and even set up the appointment for Nela himself. Her examination with the cardiologist raised enough concern that a heart monitor was put on Nela so her physicians could monitor her heart’s activity. Days later, Nela had an episode that was later determined to be an “8 second flatline” of her heart, and it was decided that Nela needed a pacemaker. Once the pacemaker was put in, the doctors were able to monitor Nela’s heart activity even more closely. Thanks to the pacemaker, doctors were able to determine Nela had Atrial fibrillation (commonly known as afib) and heart palpitations. These issues led to Nela having a cardioversion procedure and then an ablation procedure in January 2020. Since these procedures, Nela says she feels like “a different person”. She says she didn’t realize how tired she was before and how much her life has improved since having these procedures. Though Nela has been through a lot in terms of her heart, she does not want any sympathy. She simply wants people to learn from everything she has been through. “Men and women need to take away from my story that it is always better to ask about health issues. Don’t try to be super independent or be afraid you’ll be seen as a hypochondriac. Don’t self-diagnose on Google, even though we all do it. Talk to your healthcare provider so they can help uncover health issues hopefully before they become a major problem.” she says. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States according to the Center for Disease Control. With February being Heart Awareness Month, please be sure to check in with yourself and think about whether you have been experiencing symptoms of heart disease. These include, but are not limited to, chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain in your neck, jaw, or throat. We are all in this health journey together and we encourage you to involve your healthcare provider so you can live the very best life possible! Retirement Home West Columbia, SC.
Hobbies at Any Age: Embracing an Active Aging Lifestyle
Retirement can be a time for relaxation and reinvention, but embracing an active aging lifestyle helps maintain physical and mental health. One of the best ways to do this is through hobbies. Whether continuing lifelong passions or exploring new interests, hobbies are key to well-being and happiness during retirement. Hobbies do more than pass the time. According to a study by Harvard, having a hobby is linked to happiness and well-being. Hobbies provide structure, purpose, and social interaction, which are vital for a positive outlook. They also offer opportunities to learn new skills, stay active, and connect with others. Benefits of Hobbies in Retirement 1. Mental Health and Cognitive Function Mentally stimulating activities can improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Hobbies like puzzles, reading, or learning a new language can keep the mind sharp. 2. Physical Health Physical hobbies such as gardening, dancing, or yoga help maintain fitness, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. These activities encourage regular movement and can be adapted to various levels of mobility. 3. Social Connections Many hobbies offer the chance to meet new people and build friendships. Joining clubs or groups can help prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are common in retirement. 4. Stress Reduction Hobbies can help manage stress. Creative activities like painting, knitting, or playing a musical instrument provide an outlet for self-expression and relaxation. Finding the Right Hobby Choosing the right hobby can be a fun journey of self-discovery. Here are some tips to help you get started: Reflect on Past Interests: Think about activities you enjoyed in the past but may have put aside due to a busy career or family responsibilities. Re-ignite your passion for it, like Ann did with ping pong! Try Something New: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Many local community centers and retirement communities, like Still Hopes, offer classes and workshops in a variety of subjects. You may surprise yourself! Consider Your Physical Abilities: Choose activities that match your physical capabilities to ensure you stay active and engaged without overexertion. Join a Group: Many hobbies are more enjoyable when shared with others. Look for local clubs or groups that focus on your interests. Hobbies to Explore Here are some hobby ideas if you find yourself in need of inspiration during your retirement: Gardening: A wonderful way to stay active and connect with nature. Walking or Hiking: Great for cardiovascular health and exploring the outdoors. Crafting: Activities like knitting, quilting, or woodworking can be both relaxing and productive. Volunteering: Give back to the community and meet new people. Learning: Take up a new language, musical instrument, or join a book club. Stay Engaged at Still Hopes At Still Hopes, we promote an active and vibrant retirement lifestyle. Our residents have access to many activities designed to foster engagement and well-being. From our wellness center to our arts and crafts room, there’s always something new to explore. See how our residents live an active aging lifestyle on our Facebook and Instagram. Discover the joy of hobbies and embrace the possibilities that retirement brings. Engaging in activities you love enriches your life and contributes to your health and happiness.