Everyone is Aging Blog

I recently learned that one of the parents at my children’s school has authored a book, titled The Green Hour. I haven’t read the book yet, but here is a definition of a “green hour” from the National Wildlife Federation website:

“Children should have "green hour" every day–a time for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world. Whether in the backyard, the local park, or a green space farther afield, time spent outdoors is essential to the healthy development of young minds, bodies, and spirits.”

As I read this I was reminded of an elder I met in one of my stays last year who shared with me that she hadn’t been outside for over a month. When I offered to go on a walk with my fellow resident, her first response was “how much will it cost?”

That conversation raised my awareness of just how many elders are isolated inside their homes, communities or nursing centers for extended periods of time. The isolation may have started because of disability, but it eventually becomes habit and the "norm" in that elders life.

Video games, television, and changes in our culture have made it “normal” for children to spend more time indoors. The Green Hour appears to be a book designed to present solutions for a healthy change.

It’s equally important for us to present solutions that bring our elders outside for “interaction with the natural world” as well. It should not be “normal” for anyone to spend a month inside!

I have been legally blind in one eye since birth. This summer I became totally blind in that eye due to a cataract. Since I have never had clear vision I didn’t think it would effect me that much, but it has. Because of my unique situation my Ophthalmologist was hesitant to perform surgery.

Last week I traveled to a premier medical center for an appointment with a doctor that has a lot of experience with difficult cataracts. The first “funny” thing that happened was what I saw when I walked into the medical center. If I didn’t know I was in a hospital I would swear that I had just walked into a bank lobby. It truly looked like they were able to get a deal on furniture and fixtures from a failing bank!

After completing enough paperwork and searches on my insurance to qualify for a fixed rate jumbo loan I headed up for my exam.

I was pleased to see a copy of AARP magazine in the waiting room. Since I am 44 years old, I can’t technically join AARP, therefore my only opportunity to read the magazine is at my in-laws house or in the doctor’s office. That’s the second "funny" thing, that the publisher of a "retirement" magazine and a guy that has spend several weeks in senior living communities doesnt get a subscription to AARP.

The editors note in the February issue was great, Nancy Perry Graham introduced me to the term, “chronological racism” when telling a story about her AARP colleagues attending a Springsteen concert wearing their AARP tee shirts. Ironically, I can accuse AARP of chronological racism by not letting someone like me (under 50) join their group!   It’s a shame because the articles and resources are really good no matter what your age.

So how does all this tie into the blog? This issue also featured an article on 10 individuals who inspire to make the world a better place. I am pleased that they featured Brenda Krause Eheart, the founder of Hope Meadows which is one of the Everyone Is Aging Honor Roll members.

Oh, almost forgot to mention, my surgery is scheduled for March 10th!

When I run into readers of this blog, usually the question comes up, "What ever happened to the little girl in the retirement community?" The little girl is Kimberly Broffman, the 6-year-old grandaughter of residents living in an age-restricted retirement community in Florida. The homeowners association of the community is in a brutal battle with the family and the potential that Kimberly might be assigned to a foster family is a real threat.

The good news is that the family is still together, and according to this article the family received some well wishes and support in the form of gifts from neighbors, care groups and school faculty during this holiday season. Hopefully the Broffmans will either sell their home or the homeowners association will make an important exception in the near future, we will keep you updated on this one!

Here is the video that will make you question the concept of age restricted living!

This Friday I will be serving as the moderator for the Keswick Multi-Care’s Board of Directors’ annual retreat. Once again I caught myself in a situation where I was getting ready to book a hotel and I realized a more appropriate lodging situation would be in a senior living community.

I was delighted that Keswick had an available room for me; I feel the experience will only enhance my perspective as a moderator for their retreat.

I won’t be the first person to “break the age barrier” at Keswick. The community recently hosted an architect involved in the “Sleepover Project” that have I written about quite a bit on this blog and was featured at one of our ProAging meetings.

I look forward another enlightening experience, check back for some postings.

 

It was great to watch last night’s broadcast on ESPN of Josh Faiola, the minor league pitcher that found himself suddenly living in an assisted living residence instead of a traditional "host family" residence. It was great to see and hear Josh, Cindy and the residents of the community that I have been such a raving fan of!

I have been in communication with Josh and Cindy Griffiths-Novak the owner of The Belvedere of Westlake. I wanted to see the video before I interviewed them, feel free to hit me with any questions or ideas that you would like answered.

I have probably referenced the story of Josh Faiola on this blog more than anything else. It’s well deserved because it clearly illustrates the benefits to breaking the age barrier in senior living communities to provide residents with purpose and provide all of us with the benefits of an ageless home.

Here is a link to one of my previous posts

Here is some copy from the ESPN announcement

E-60 news program on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. ET.

ESPN’s award-winning primetime newsmagazine E:60 will feature the heartwarming story of a minor league baseball player who brightened the lives of some senior citizens….

Like many young men, Josh Faiola is chasing his dream of one day playing Major League Baseball. After his release from the Baltimore Orioles organization this spring, Faiola caught on with the Lake Erie Crushers (Avon, Ohio) of the independent Frontier League. Because the league’s players are paid so little, most players live with local host families who volunteer to take a player into their home for the summer. But Faiola’s found a different kind of host family – an assisted living facility with 28 senior citizens with an average age of 83. E:60 follows Faiola and the residents of the facility through the summer, documenting one young man chasing his baseball dream, and the effect that dream had on his new family of surrogate grandparents.