The document discusses Active Aging Week from September 21-27. It promotes various events at Touchmark, including a walk at Falls Park on September 21st, wine and cheese tasting at Strawbale Winery on September 22nd, and trips to a butterfly house, farmers market, and mini golf during the week. The overall theme of Active Aging Week is to honor different ways people can actively age and stay active.
Touchmark at All Saints - September 2014 Newsletter
1. THE{FULL}LIFE
TOUCHMARK AT ALL SAINTS
September 2014
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 fun event to start off the week will be a walk at Falls Park. On Sunday, Sept. 21 the bus will leave at 2 pm for a stroll through this natural beauty on the Big Sioux River, which gave the city its name.
Let’s move. Join us for Active Aging Week.
During a two-hour tour of the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum, residents enjoyed the natural beauty that included native grasses and trees as well as scrubs and flowers. Left: Carol Jamison Stout enjoys Blue Sage Grass. Right: Caroline Deinema admires the Daylilies.
Summer senses!
3. Two wild gals take a ride in a Mustang convertible! Touchmark team member Jackie Lofswold and resident Patty Berger go for a spin in the car that Jackie bought for her husband.
Touchmark’s popular Lunch ’n Learn continued with a presentation by Deb Sorenson, owner of Declutter by Design by Deb. The presentation—Making choices in the downsizing process—offered guests and residents helpful tips.
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
Residents and staff enjoyed the Annual Touchmark BBQ. Team members served up a great day of fun, food, and laughter.
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