Question: What’s a hobby you’ve had that some people might not know about? Answer: “I’ve always loved cats and my mom had a Siamese cat and when I was young, we always had cats and dogs. And then later in life, I showed cats for seventeen years. I started with Abyssinians and also showed Russian Blue(s) and travelled throughout the Midwest, as far as I could drive…I never went on a plane with my cats. And I retired after I Granded (Grand Champion) five cats from the same female I […]

It’s healthy to enjoy “alone time,” but to stay healthy in mind, spirit and body, we need to strike a balance. It’s good to enjoy time to yourself, but it’s equally important to socialize with others. We saw the effects of isolation on people of all ages during the pandemic, when cases of stress, anxiety and depression spiked. Proof of the benefits of socialization for seniors was especially apparent during the pandemic when so many older adults were forced to remain in their homes and apartments, unable to have contact […]

Question: You say you used to show dogs. What drew you to do that? Answer: “It was a lifestyle, definitely, like owning a boat or something like that. I used to travel a lot, mostly from here to Boston. I bread Weimaraners, delivered puppies, raised them and then showed them for ten years. I just enjoyed the breed. They’re beautiful dogs and are highly intelligent. I loved the traveling and meeting people when I was showing dogs. I’m a people person. I even showed dogs for other people. I never […]

As an older adult who is close to or already in retirement, you’ve got more freedom and options about how to spend your time than ever before. You’re also in a position to decide the ideal place to live and enjoy that freedom to the max. If you’ve decided that the ideal place is a senior living community, you’re in for a great lifestyle! Now comes the big task – choosing a senior living community that feels like the perfect fit. The best senior living communities, like Friendship Village Sunset […]

If you’ve never personally dealt with a loved one’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, you may be unfamiliar with how the disease progresses. What starts out as simple as misplacing car keys can eventually result in a progressive loss of cognitive functioning diagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease.  Understanding the seven stages of Alzheimer’s is valuable for older adults like yourself or your loved ones because it gives you an understanding of the signs to look for and pay close attention to over time. Knowing and understanding the seven stages of Alzheimer’s can help you […]

Question: You’ve done a lot of work as a volunteer. How has volunteering over the years enriched your life? Answer: I’m a people lover, and that brought me into becoming a guru volunteer. I love everything about volunteering, especially at church. It has taken me into all kinds of wonderful aspects of meeting and enjoying different people. I’ve even gone so far as to volunteer our home to give fundraisers for different organizations in the past. But probably the biggest volunteer job I ever did was at the Good Shepherd […]

When you’re entering the next phase of your life, you might start to consider your options. Whether it’s downsizing, relocating, or exploring the cost of independent living, it’s all going to come down to what makes the most sense for your finances and lifestyle now and well into the future.  Independent living communities offer various benefits to older adults like yourself that make them an appealing option for retirement. The idea of relinquishing the responsibilities of homeownership and daily chores is hugely attractive and can relieve some of the financial […]

It’s always the right time to start making your health a priority and exploring tips for healthy aging. At Friendship Village, we believe aging gracefully is possible for every resident with our dynamic programming and nationally recognized health services. By investing in the future of preventive care technology, we can help residents stay active and independent for as long as possible. Ready to take charge of your well-being? Learn how focusing on your health can help you live longer, manage your health, and stay connected to the world around you. […]

Question: Is there a favorite thing you liked to do as a child? Answer: “I’ve played the piano since I was seven or eight. I’ve played at every church I’ve attended. Once they find out I play, they ask me to play at the church. I’ve just loved to play, so my mother never had to tell me to go practice because I love it.” “My mother played, too, and she bought her piano in 1913. When I got to be nineteen or twenty, I wanted to get my own […]