Ask Helen

Wealth of Activities Means Never Having to Be Alone

BY Helen Shaham

Q. At my children’s request, I stopped driving and sold my car. I’m in my early 80’s and my daughters were concerned about my safety, especially when I drove at nights. Although they’re relieved by my decision, I’m starting to have second thoughts. I live in a condominium that doesn’t provide opportunities for social or cultural interaction. This isn’t my idea of retirement living. Will an independent living community be a better solution?
A. According to research, the key to successful aging is remaining active, so it’s important to be in an environment that allows you to continue activities you enjoy.
Although some residents at independent living communities still drive, it isn’t necessary for participating in activities or local outings. Usually, the community offers numerous intellectual, recreational, social and cultural events that can all be enjoyed within a few steps of your front door.
Independent living communities allow you the option to be as active as you want. You’ll be able to determine your level of involvement. Whether it’s an exercise group or joining a book club, there’s always an activity designed to meet your needs.
At our community, The Palace Suites, the monthly activity calendar is filled with a variety of interactive programs.
activities incorporating exercise, lectures and classes, excursions and parties.
Our full-time activity director, Pam Parker, and her staff draw upon the experiences, interests and abilities of Palace Suites’ residents when planning events instead of assuming that all older adults have the same preferences. Each month during the community’s resident council meetings, Pam reviews new activities with the group to get their feedback and interest.
Activities at The Palace Suites reflect the lives of our residents prior to moving to the community. We try to eliminate “I used to” and “I would like to” from a resident’s vocabulary. Residents were well-traveled and often involved in numerous social activities so we make it a priority to help them continue that lifestyle at The Palace Suites. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or tickets to the latest Broadway show, our residents’ social calendar usually expands when they move to the community.
Typical weekly activities at The Palace Suites include:-Tai Chi-Spanish class -Gourmet happy hour-Current events-Musical concert-Computer -Water aerobics-Crafts-Poker club-Line dancing-Bible study-Bridge club-Tea party-Intergenerational activity-Nightly social-Weekend outing (Naples, cruises, etc.)
In addition to activities at The Palace Suites, many of our residents continue their involvement with the neighboring community by volunteering or fundraising for local organizations. Recently, a group of residents knitted hats for newborns at a nearby hospitalyear. Intergenerational programs which bridge the gap between youth and older adults are held throughout the year at The Palace Suites. Residents share their wisdom while learning from the younger generation. Special projects include holiday services with local universities and entertainment by local schools.
Your safety and well-being is the main concern of your daughters. Lack of transportation shouldn’t prevent you from partaking in your favorite hobbies and interests. Moving to an independent living community is a great way to meet new friends who share your interests. One of the typical responses we receive when we ask our residents when it’s time to move to a community such as Palace Suites is “to move while you’re still able to enjoy and participate in all the activities”.
Most independent living communities’ special events are open to residents’ families and friends. Your daughters will be thrilled to see you getting involved in community activities and it gives them peace of mind knowing that you will be safe.
Helen Shaham and her husband Jacob have been operating retirement communities for nearly 30 years. The Palace Suites in Kendall is a luxury Independent Living Community for active seniors. In addition, The Palace at Kendall campus is home to two Assisted Living Residences and a Nursing &Rehab Center. They also operate The Palace Gardens Assisted Living Community in Homestead, Homestead Manor Nursing Home and The Palace @Home, a Medicare Certified Home Health Agency. Their two newest projects are The Palace at Weston – luxury living for those 55 and over, and The Palace Tel-Aviv, a continuing care retirement community in Israel. They have two communities under development – The Palace at Weston Senior Living and The Palace at Coral Gables. More information can be found on the company website, www.thepalace.org or by calling 305-270-7000.