May is a special month for families and communities across the United States as we celebrate the contributions of America’s seniors. Every May, the Administration for Community Living, an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services, leads the nation in observing Older Americans Month (OAM). This May is a hallmark year, as we recognize the 60th anniversary of OAM with the theme of Aging Unbound, a signature idea that opens the door to exploring diverse aging experiences and encourages discussion on how we can combat stereotypes.
Friends House Retirement Community cultivates flexible forward-thinking about aging. All our staff and residents know that everyone benefits when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included.
Our community is home to a diverse group of seniors who have lived full and meaningful lives. Many have dedicated their lives to professions that have a profound impact on society, including education, healthcare, environmental science, and social justice. Some have served in the military or the Peace Corps, and most have volunteered their time and talents to a wide variety of other important causes. At Friends House, we value the knowledge, experience, and perspectives that our residents bring to the community. Retirees here continue to be a rich social resource, sharing their interests and experiences informally and through frequent programs. The older Americans of Friends House play a vital role in shaping our culture and expanding our worldview.
In addition to celebrating the lifelong contributions of Friends House residents, the staff and the Seniors Association also deliver the support and resources we all need to live fulfilling lives. Aging doesn’t limit a person’s potential for growth, desire for learning, or need for connection. That’s why our community offers a range of programs and activities for Aging Unbound, many of them designed by residents themselves to promote wellness, learning, and independence. The on-campus fitness center, with its useful variety of equipment, is much used, though “walking the loop” through our independent living areas, or exploring our woodland trails, is an even more popular healthful activity. Evening lectures, films, and discussions are now frequent occurrences. The art room hosts classes and clubs, and the library with its large collection of books and comfy chairs is the scene of interesting conversations. Common spaces indoors and out offer places where residents can gather for games or warm up around a firepit. The flexible Miller Center auditorium is home to a variety of organized wellness activities such as yoga, bone builders, flexibility and balance training, and qi gong. Creativity flourishes not only through art-making and exhibitions, but also with reading groups and a writing workshop. The lively social life found in our restaurant and bistro is supplemented by friendship circles organized by residents, and neighborhoods gather at least monthly to discuss local concerns or raise a glass over potluck snacks.
As a continuing care retirement community, at Friends House we understand that health is a top concern for seniors. Our campus offers a wide array of healthcare services including on-site medical care, assisted living, long-term nursing care, rehabilitation services, and support for those with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other memory-related impairments. Our staff is highly trained and very caring. We work closely with each resident to develop a personalized care plan to meet their changing needs, in the community.
As we celebrate Older Americans Month, and consider what it means to “Age Unbound,” we want to thank the many seniors of Friends House who have contributed greatly over their lives and continue to give of themselves to their community. We are happy and honored to have so many active and caring individuals gathered here as part of our story. Friends House exists to support them in living their best lives.
To connect with a community that is committed to ‘Aging Unbound,’ contact Anthony Cinotti at acinotti@friendshouse.com.
