Did I scan the menu for my favorite meals, check out the décor, look for the recreational events? No, the first thing I did was seek out the nicest people. Luckily, I didn’t have to look hard, since most of them are friendly and welcoming.
Since much of the social interaction in this retirement residence happens at mealtimes, I was fortunate to be seated with three women who were interesting and vibrant, and most importantly, had a sense of humor. As I’ve mentioned before in my blog posts, I am an introvert. So, my enjoyment of life depends on the people around me. Given the right social surroundings, I can participate fully and at times I can contribute a line or two of humor. But mostly, I appreciate the dry wit and quick repartee of others. And fortunately, my table mates can deliver!
In the interests of confidentiality, I can only provide a general sketch. All of them are approximately my age, and of course, retired. Two have been here for a long time. However, one like me, is a relative newcomer. The two long-term residents seem to know everyone. They know their habits and their histories. They even know some mutual gossip and lean over to each other to spill the particulars, not giving a zot to how it makes the newcomers feel. But I don’t take offence. I know that, given a longer time here, I’ll know all the details eventually. But it does sometimes make me feel like a newbie in junior high school!
So, what is it like, living here?
It’s comfortable. The rooms are air-conditioned, and heat controlled. However, my suite faces west, and has been overly warm during August, my first month here. The weather is cooling, so it’s more comfortable now. I’m on a wait-list for a different suite, which I am told may be cooler. Opening a window is not an option, since for safety’s sake, each window opens only 6 inches, hardly wide enough to allow a whiff of fresh air! The rationale (I haven’t asked) may be to prevent anyone from exiting through a window LOL.
The menu is impressive, but I’ve discovered that you must be discerning about what to order from the `a la carte menu and what to accept from the menu that is presented. I thrive on salads and lots of vegetables, so I find the food a bit heavy on meats and starch. But the menu is balanced with delicious soups and side dishes from the alternate menu, so if the food is not to your taste, you can choose something else. And the desserts are sumptuous, although I try to avoid them!
A wonderful advantage to living here is the entertainment. There are movies, live shows and even gambling. I pay close attention to the movie offerings and have been entertained by movies such as ‘Chicago’, and ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’. Tonight, we will be treated to ‘West Side Story’. The shows are tailored to appeal to an older clientele, who remember the ‘grand old days’ of block buster movies. I love movies so I go to almost all of them.
The opportunity to exercise is also offered to residents. I was a bit dismayed to learn that the sessions are done seated. I suppose this is to prevent falls and injuries. So, I think I will continue my routine of walking and doing exercises on my floor mat in my room.
Older people often use supportive devices.
When you enter a facility like this, you are immediately faced with the fact that people become old. With age comes acceptance that some assistance may be needed. Many people here use canes, walkers, or a more advanced method of ambulatory support such as a motorized indoor vehicle. It is not unusual to see these assistive devices parked at various angles around a dining room table or lounge.
To improve independence for people with physical difficulties, Stanford engineers have designed a prototype called the Augmented Cane, with four sensors and real-time feedback. These specialized poles increase balance and mobility and are a terrific alternative to canes and walkers. The dual poles offer lateral stability and are designed for older individuals living with age-related conditions such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.
Improving accessibility and personal mobility for people who have impairments is an ongoing challenge and is a priority here. Hallways are wide and two spacious elevators are in constant use during the day. Although promising tech advances, such as Augmented Canes** seem to remain years away, every effort is made to provide comfort and mobility for residents.
Technological advances and enlightened attitudes equip retirement residences to serve a wide range of older people whether ambulatory or not. I am impressed with many aspects of this facility. I’m just settling in right now but hope to spend many years here.
** To help people who are visually impaired navigate both indoor and outdoor spaces, a team of mechanical engineers at Stanford University has designed a prototype called the Augmented Cane. True to its name, the Augmented Cane augments a traditional white cane by adding several wayfinding sensors currently being tested in self-driving vehicles, such as LIDAR, cameras, and GPS.
It’s good to have a choice with the menu.
Good morning, Anneli! I’ve not been able to address the lack of salads yet, since the chef in charge is not here on weekends, I’m told. Actually, there are salads, but they are small and comprised of mostly lettuce (the kind you buy in a bag), raisins and nuts—not my idea of a real salad! But I will keep at it until I’m happy with the menu. I do notice that the people here tend to like meat and are satisfied with fewer greens. I’m not a vegetarian, but do like cucumbers, tomatoes and green onions in my salads. And I don’t care a zot about dessert, which they provide in spades!
This sounds like a Berwick diet. Am I far off the mark?
Hi Anneli, I looked it up and the information I found does show many similarities. Thank you for the prompt!
This all sounds good to me. I appreciate you sharing more about your moving to this Retirement Residence. Thank you.
Thanks, Linda. I’m hoping that some of my readers may be in retirement residences as well. If so, I’d like to hear from them!
I also have recently moved to a senior retirement home. I think I can compare my new home to being on a cruise ship. All sorts of activities are offered: exercise classes, lectures, bridge, scrabble, movies most evenings, musical events, trips and excursions and I could go on – we have a news letter every month and most important the food is excellent and so are the residents. The move was not easy, selling your old place, throwing out or giving away precious belongings AND then admitting that you are entering into a new stage of life, facing old age with all the health concerns that those of us of a certain age must face. but joining with others who have also made the same decision is a treat. We have five or six authors here and a well stocked library “Really who could ask for anything more”
MM
I was delighted to read your comment, Marilyn! So good to hear from you, my friend. Everything you mention is also offered here. I’ve already been to several movies. I’ll write more about the recreational aspects available. I don’t play bridge (or any of the games), but I’m very interested in the exercise classes and the library. As well, this is an excellent place to pursue my writing, lots of time and no commitments. And the people—I can’t say enough about how I’ve enjoyed the social connections! The sale of my condo is still not finalized, but it’s in progress. BTW, congratulations on the sale of yours. It must feel good to have that done!
I’m very glad I made the decision to move here. It’s a good fit! I highly recommend moving to a retirement residence at an optimal time. The life style is ‘independent living’, and it’s wise to make the decision to move while one has their independence . Thank you, Marilyn. All the best!
why is that as soon as you reach a certain age/senior – you somehow have to disappear and only have a limited life – chair exercises and low key salad vegetables. But then I note you’ve said desserts – I’m sure a doctor wouldn’t be happy with that!
Hello Cedar, I was disappointed with the type of workout offered here, which is why I’ve chosen to walk (fast!) and do mat exercises in my room. And yes, I am tempted by the desserts—I need to do better at resisting them! But my weight is staying the same, I’m happy to note!
As expected, you have made a good start
Thank you for your comment Derrick! It’s a good start, and may it continue!
Hi Diane. I miss seeing you here at 50 Songhees. Do you mind telling me where you have moved. I am happy for you as it seems you have made a good choice.
LaVerne
Hi Laverne,
It’s really wonderful to hear from you, Laverne. I’m glad that you are keeping track of me by reading my blog! Yes, I’m still doing it in spite of moving and getting adjusted to a Retirement Residence. I sent the information about my new address to you by email, which I hope answers your question.
I hope you and John are well. And I would love to hear all the news from there. Say Hi to Phyllis and Lois and the rest of the residents I knew. It’s likely that some people may have moved.
I have so many happy memories of the connections I made there. It was a great place to be, as is this. I love it here and it’s perfect for me.
Thanks for reaching out,
Cheers,
Diane
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