The month of September is Healthy Aging® Month, and during the last week—Sept. 21 through 27—we are again hosting many activities to celebrate Active Aging Week. This year’s theme is Aspire! Be Active Your Way to honor the joy in choosing your own path to a full life.
Promoted by the International Council on Active Aging, the week focuses on the many positive things that people can do to change the way they age.
A full list of events is featured in the community calendar, but one important event to start off the week is Senior Fitness and Balance Testing. Join us Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 10 am to 1 pm. It’s officially fall—and an ideal time to learn how you can minimize your risk of falling. We hope you can join us.
Touchmark at Mt. Bachelor Village - September 2014 Newsletter
1. TOUCHMARK AT MT. BACHELOR VILLAGE
THE{FULL}LIFE
September 2014
Placing at Special Olympics
The month of September is Healthy Aging® Month, and during the last week—Sept. 21 through 27—we are again hosting many activities to celebrate Active Aging Week. This year’s theme is Aspire! Be Active Your Way to honor the joy in choosing your own path to a full life.
Promoted by the International Council on Active Aging, the week focuses on the many positive things that people can do to change the way they age.
A full list of events is featured in the community calendar, but one important event to start off the week is Senior Fitness and Balance Testing. Join us Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 10 am to 1 pm. It’s officially fall—and an ideal time to learn how you can minimize your risk of falling. We hope you can join us.
Mark your calendar for Active Aging Week
With only 12 weeks of practicing and refreshing his golf game, resident Joey Eddie placed fifth at the Oregon Special Olympics this summer. He started practicing once a week with the High Desert team, which includes athletes from Bend, Redmond, and the surrounding areas. To qualify, participants needed to practice for a minimum of eight weeks, which the team did at the local Awbrey Glen golf course.
Joey competed in multiple events, including driving, short putt, and long putt; although pitching and chipping are his favorites. Joey’s family has been playing golf for years, and his uncle is a pro; so the game is a natural fit for Joey.
In previous years, Joey has competed in swimming events. Last year, he won gold, silver, and bronze medals. “Next year, I plan on competing in swimming and golf, but I’m up for trying other sports in the future.” Joey’s goal is to place fourth in golf next year—and to continue moving up in ranking each year.
2. Discovering the joy in enjoyment!
Joy! It plays a key part in the celebration and enjoyment of what we call the {FULL} Life. From spending time with friends and family to participating in events and outings, you can discover a fun, full lifestyle at Touchmark. Visit us today, and learn more.
Featured: Terrace Lodge home 416
Offering: fourth-floor penthouse with 1,434 square feet, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, deck, fireplace, and easy access to Terrace Lodge amenities.
Featured: Terrace Lodge home 214
Offering: warm, inviting second-floor lodge home with 658 square feet, one bedroom, and one bathroom.
Brian Pryor
Executive Vice President
At Touchmark, we think a lot about the aspects of wellness and aging well. As many know, there are some fundamental guidelines for healthy aging, such as don’t smoke, get regular exercise, eat healthy foods, control weight, socialize, and keep learning.
Recent research also suggests that having a “sense of purpose” in life may help us live longer. Researchers found that individuals who reported having greater purpose in life had a 15% lower risk of death than those who said they were more or less aimless. Furthermore, the benefits of having a sense of purpose apply to all ages (Hill and Turiano).
At Touchmark, we are intentionally purposeful. Each day, we endeavor to radiate Touchmark’s long-held values of teamwork, service, integrity, compassion, and excellence. These values are reflected in the Touchmark Full Life—from the homes we design and build, the programs and services we provide, and the relationships we nurture.
As I reflect on the elements of a purposeful life, I recall the poem The Dash, by Linda Ellis, which can be found on the Internet. Basically, the poem describes the dash that is etched in a tombstone between a person’s birthdate and death date. The dash represents all of one’s activities and contributions.
Let’s live “the dash” and make a difference. Take advantage of all Touchmark has to offer. A PURPOSE{FULL} life is filled with rewards—for you and others.
A PURPOSE{FULL} Life
Study examines aging well
Starting in August, Touchmark has been conducting a six-week research study to compare volunteer residents with others in their age group in terms of physical health and overall wellness. The survey is also analyzing the effects of regular exercise in older adults. The survey is using a sample of volunteers from the three-day-a-week exercise class Power Fit. Participants are filling out questionnaires about current health habits and wellness and testing their blood pressure as well as balance on the NeuroCom® Balance Master®. The data, which were collected at the start of the study, will be collected again at the end of the six weeks.
3. A GLANCE AT OCTOBER
CAPTURING DELIGHT{FULL} MOMENTS
The past two months, residents joined efforts with the local Presbyterian church in the Kits for Kids project. Residents created and donated the contents for 31 bags of hygiene items for homeless children. Once again, Touchmark quilters sewed the bags. Residents also donated $240 to help fill additional bags.
Dressed in their western apparel, residents enjoyed a photo booth and danced to the sounds of The Alley Cats at the Australian Outback Patio Party and Barbecue.
National brain expert Rob Winningham, PhD, shared Train Your Brain: How We Can Maintain or Even Improve Our Memory Abilities. Dr. Winningham has nearly 20 years of experience researching applied memory issues. For the past 15 years, he has conducted research focusing on older adults and those with brain injuries.
Out and about: Taking in a baseball game and viewing quilts at the Black Butte Quilt Show.