Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Atrium, Featured.
One of the biggest decisions we face as we age is where we are going to live. Whether we remain at home in our familiar surroundings or move to a community among people with similar interests, we want to find joy and thrive at every stage. The fact is that our health and social situations can change as we age and settings that were once comfortable can become challenging and often lonely. Because of this, we need to periodically evaluate how satisfied we are with our living situation and with that, consider whether community living is right for us. The reasons for moving to a retirement community are as countless as the people living in them. Many choose to transition to another state in order to be nearer their families while others move within their own communities to ease the burdens of home ownership. And still others tire of...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Atrium, Featured.
We recently did a workshop with our residents on the basic principles of Progressive Relaxation, with the main benefits of that practice being improved comfort and stress relief. Another complementary exercise is Guided Imagery. Guided Imagery offers similar benefits, but can be more widely used and requires less physical skill; it is one of the more attainable adjunct therapies. Guided Imagery is essentially an elaborate name for directed daydreaming, with the vast possibility for changing one’s mood and sense of wellness. All types of people, from star athletes to patients with significant illness, have successfully used Guided Imagery to focus their thoughts in a positive, healthful direction. Guided Imagery in the healthcare setting can be used as a means of encouraging relaxation, reducing anxiety, and as a method of distraction from discomfort. It is important to remember that the use of Guided Imagery, like other supplemental practices, cannot and...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Atrium, Featured.
“A Spring Poem” by Mary Lou Martindell, member of The Atrium at The Cedars It’s the Creation story, the reincarnation of all of nature. The snow has cleansed and purified the earth, Trees shrug off their snowy limbs like heavy overcoats. Spring blossoms, almost anemic in their hunger for the sunlight, poke through the snow to the rhythm of their own internal clocks. Velvety pussy willows put out their silvery light visible a long way down the road. Hard wood trees sprout new leaves. Blades of wilted grass turn green. Small animals who’ve been hibernating all winter rise out of the ground and search for a mate. The Spring birds will soon be arriving to seek out their new homes. The silence of nature thick with the aroma of bark and humus, rotting pine needles and the perfume of fresh air. It is a new beginning, a rebirth of...
Posted in our blog on by Katharine& filed under Atrium, Featured.
“Minus the pre-conceived notions and judgments engendered by our culture about growing old, aging is simply change.” FRED BRANCATO, TAI CHI INSTRUCTOR The mood is as bright as the winter sun streaming through the windows as instructor Fred Brancato greets each member of his weekly Tai Chi class at The Atrium at The Cedars. Gathered in a circle, they begin by sharing with each other and letting go of the preoccupations of the day. As they rise to begin their exercises, they are already lighter. Fred has practiced Tai Chi for the past 21 years, and he guides this class with a voice of quiet assurance. Movements are graceful, yet precise. Breathing is slower, but deeper. Each sequence includes gentle reminders to stay centered, to smile. Everything is in balance. At 76, Fred has the look and bearing of a much younger man, and Tai Chi clearly informs his...
One of the biggest decisions we face as we age is where we are going to live. Whether we remain at home in our familiar surroundings or move to a community among people with similar interests, we want to find joy and thrive at every stage. The fact is that our health and social situations can change as we age and settings that were once comfortable can become challenging and often lonely. Because of this, we need to periodically evaluate how satisfied we are with our living situation and with that, consider whether community living is right for us. The reasons for moving to a retirement community are as countless as the people living in them. Many choose to transition to another state in order to be nearer their families while others move within their own communities to ease the burdens of home ownership. And still others tire of...
We recently did a workshop with our residents on the basic principles of Progressive Relaxation, with the main benefits of that practice being improved comfort and stress relief. Another complementary exercise is Guided Imagery. Guided Imagery offers similar benefits, but can be more widely used and requires less physical skill; it is one of the more attainable adjunct therapies. Guided Imagery is essentially an elaborate name for directed daydreaming, with the vast possibility for changing one’s mood and sense of wellness. All types of people, from star athletes to patients with significant illness, have successfully used Guided Imagery to focus their thoughts in a positive, healthful direction. Guided Imagery in the healthcare setting can be used as a means of encouraging relaxation, reducing anxiety, and as a method of distraction from discomfort. It is important to remember that the use of Guided Imagery, like other supplemental practices, cannot and...
“A Spring Poem” by Mary Lou Martindell, member of The Atrium at The Cedars It’s the Creation story, the reincarnation of all of nature. The snow has cleansed and purified the earth, Trees shrug off their snowy limbs like heavy overcoats. Spring blossoms, almost anemic in their hunger for the sunlight, poke through the snow to the rhythm of their own internal clocks. Velvety pussy willows put out their silvery light visible a long way down the road. Hard wood trees sprout new leaves. Blades of wilted grass turn green. Small animals who’ve been hibernating all winter rise out of the ground and search for a mate. The Spring birds will soon be arriving to seek out their new homes. The silence of nature thick with the aroma of bark and humus, rotting pine needles and the perfume of fresh air. It is a new beginning, a rebirth of...
“Minus the pre-conceived notions and judgments engendered by our culture about growing old, aging is simply change.” FRED BRANCATO, TAI CHI INSTRUCTOR The mood is as bright as the winter sun streaming through the windows as instructor Fred Brancato greets each member of his weekly Tai Chi class at The Atrium at The Cedars. Gathered in a circle, they begin by sharing with each other and letting go of the preoccupations of the day. As they rise to begin their exercises, they are already lighter. Fred has practiced Tai Chi for the past 21 years, and he guides this class with a voice of quiet assurance. Movements are graceful, yet precise. Breathing is slower, but deeper. Each sequence includes gentle reminders to stay centered, to smile. Everything is in balance. At 76, Fred has the look and bearing of a much younger man, and Tai Chi clearly informs his...