Seniors who spend time outdoors may experience less depression and anxiety. Individuals who run, bike or walk in natural settings have a reduced risk of mental health problems compared to people who do their exercise inside.
Participating in nature walks with others is linked to more positive feelings and better mental health, along with lower levels of depression and stress. Seniors who are unable to exercise can benefit from getting outdoors by enjoying the change of scenery, smelling freshly cut grass and seeing beautiful, natural vistas.
Experts advise that seniors should try to spend time in natural areas like parks on a regular basis. The relaxation that nature provides can improve mood and increase overall feelings of happiness.
Abundant Energy
Being outside in nature makes you feel more alive and provides a greater sense of energy and vitality, which can help make you more resilient to illness.
Spending time outdoors may boost your memory. One study found a 20-percent improvement in attention span and memory after spending just one hour in a natural environment. More time spent outdoors resulted in even greater gains in memory, and it may improve creativity as well.
Better Overall Health
Being outside can help increase levels of Vitamin D, which often is low among seniors. Low levels of this important nutrient are
linked to pain in muscles and bones, inflammation, higher risk of Type 1 diabetes and several types of cancer.
Getting sufficient Vitamin D can help reduce your risk of a number of physical ailments, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and heart attack. By spending just 15 minutes outside in the sunshine each day, you help your body receive the recommended dose of Vitamin D.
Being outside may also improve your overall immunity by boosting your count of white blood cells, and the improvements may last for a week or more. In addition, time in nature may help you recover more quickly from an injury or illness.
Many Ways to Get Outside
If you enjoy aerobic exercise like walking, heading outdoors for your workout can provide additional benefits.
Gardening is another great way to interact with nature and get some exercise at the same time. Consider creating a natural area with native species that can become routes for butterfly and bird migration. You might consider joining a group for nature-oriented activities like birdwatching.
No matter the activity, research tells us that simply being outside and enjoying nature can provide a variety of benefits for your energy, creativity, and mental and physical well-being.
When I ask, “Would you like to Exercise today? “, occasionally I hear a negative answer: “I used to exercise but now I can’t.“ That may mean I can’t run a mile anymore or play tennis or 18 holes of golf. But everyone can exercise in some way. Many exercises can be done sitting in a chair or standing beside a sturdy chair or even laying on the bed. To get started, all it takes is a “CAN DO“ attitude.
An article, Obtaining a “Can Do” Attitude By Celeste Stewart from lifescript.com reports: “A “can do” attitude is a conviction that shows the world that whatever needs to be done, can and will get done. Unfortunately, many people have a tendency to focus on what can’t be done rather than what can be done. These days especially, we are experiencing “the must and must not do.” It’s time to take the “Can Do” attitude.
Developing a “can do” attitude requires shifting focus from “I can’t” to “I can.” Pay attention to what you are saying and hearing. How much of that is negative? How can you reword it to make it positive? If someone is complaining all the time, try to shift the conversation.
Take responsibility. When facing an obstacle, are you quick to blame other people or circumstances? Instead of placing blame, take responsibility for the challenge and work to overcome it. What can I do?
Take action and follow through. Procrastination will bog you down so don’t fall into the trap of
putting off your tasks. Set your mind to doing something and then do it. Keep going until you reach your goals. If you must take it a small step at a time, that’s fine – as long as you are taking those steps.
Take the positive direction. Surround yourself with other positive people. Energy, both positive and negative, is infectious. Aligning yourself with other can-doers will bring out the best in you.
Adopting a “can do” attitude can change your life. With the right attitude, your health can improve. Whatever your goal is, applying the “can do” spirit will help you reach it. No one says it’s going to be easy. In fact, it takes determination, confidence, and initiative. In addition, this new attitude requires a whole new way of thinking. This positive approach will pay off as you become more self-confident and see steps towards your goals accomplished.
Joining one of our exercise classes offered will put you into company with many “CAN-DOERS” who encourage each other to do what they can to get stronger and stay fit. Start small and work up gradually. If you have been out of the exercise habit for a while, start with 15 minutes of easy to moderate exercise and add 5 min a week to your schedule. After a month you will be up to 30 minutes which is the recommendation of CDC. Thirty minutes for 5 days per week add up to 150 minutes of exercise which has been recommended by Arthritis Foundation. Yoga Stretch on Channel 10 Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:45 is a good
class for beginners (that can be done seated if necessary.) While walking hallways is always a good beginning. Mary Hand will be glad to help you get started in the Oasis with using the equipment and encourage you in whatever exercise plan you want to take.
Remember the scripture, “I CAN DO all things through Christ who strengthens me. “ Philippians 4:13
And don’t forget the children’s book The Little Engine That Could who told himself, “I think I CAN: I think I CAN: I think I CAN.”
This September, Kirby Pines Estates celebrates its thirty-seventh anniversary. And as with any celebration, a lot of planning will go into making this anniversary one that will be enjoyable and memorable. Each year, a theme and color are selected and this year the color is Faded Denim and the theme is Unity.
Denim is about as classic Americana as one can get, and Faded Denim, the weathered look of a dark indigo, represents a sense of strength that comes from hard work. It can signify respect, and a soothing warmth in knowing you’re in a comfortable strong setting. Kirby Pines certainly is respected in its market place as a strong leader in senior living, and is recognized in getting it right.
One of the colors selected for our American flag was blue to signify the strength that comes from honor and unity. The theme of “Unity” is difficult to put into words, simply because the word itself means so many things at different times. Certainly, we are all in unity in celebrating our anniversary; in honoring the hard work done by staff daily over the past thirty-seven years; and especially during this year 2020. This year
is turning out to be one of our country’s most difficult years, and yet it has been with unity that the country has moved forward with a commitment for change, in resolution to find new ways to do the daily tasks necessary to survive and come out stronger once this pandemic is tamed.
Thus, our thirsty-seventh anniversary will celebrate the hard work that has brought Kirby Pines to where we are today, and where we will together, in Unity, move forward to in the years ahead.
Please join with us in celebrating Kirby Pines’ thirty-seventh anniversary !
Michael Escamilla, Executive Director, Kirby Pines
In January, 2000, leaders of Charlotte, North Carolina, invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in his honor. Billy initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he struggled with Parkinson’s disease. But the Charlotte leaders said, “We don’t expect a major address. Just come and let us honor you.” So he agreed.
Albert Einstein & his wife, Elsa Lowenthal on the train
After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said. “I’m reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He could not find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn’t there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn’t find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn’t find it.
The conductor said, “Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it.” Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.
The conductor rushed back and said, “Dr Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don’t worry. I know who you are. You don’t need a ticket. I’m sure you bought one.” Einstein looked at him and said, “Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going.”
Having said that Billy Graham continued, “See the suit I’m wearing? It’s a brand new suit. My wife, my children, and my grand-children are telling me I’ve gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion.
Reverend Billy Graham
You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I’ll be buried. But when you hear I’m dead, I don’t want you to immediately remember the suit I’m wearing. I want you to remember this: ‘I not only know who I am…I also know where I’m going.’
How about us today? We may say we know who we are but do we know where we’re going? Is our ticket stamped Heaven? Have we left the broad way that leads to destruction to walk the narrow way that leads to life everlasting? Can we say our travel is leading upward and will end inside the gates of glory? This is the assurance the Lord gives to all. He said “Him that comes to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37
Over a year ago, Berry Terry initiated a ministry called Remember That Someone Cares.(RTSC)…..the purpose of the ministry was to focus on our residents with cards and/or visits to celebrate their birthdays and to give encouragement. A list with 12 names was provided each month of suggested individuals who were especially in need of our love and attention.
It soon became obvious that RTSC needed to focus on those in our Medical Areas, which on any given day houses approximately 150 people…..
The Villa, Providence Place, Job’s Way and The Manor. From time to time, residents in Independent Living were also included.
Some of our ministry participants preferred to visit and some enjoyed sending cards….but in March that all changed. Although, we could no longer visit the Medical Areas due to the coronavirus, cards became very important…. especially since so many felt isolated without interaction with friends and love ones.
A special “THANK YOU” to our RTSC Members:
Shirley Anderson
George Courington
Cindy Dabrowski
Jackie Gunther
Peggy Hogan
Lucy Inkster
Tinian Malloy
Lou Moore
Carol Odom
Charles & Laura Parrott
Ann Peyton
Bill Sayle
Sylvia Statham
Betty Terry
Alice Walton
Joy Wright
And our newest Members, Martha Gardiner and Madonna Langford
If you would like more information about RTSC, please contact Cheryl Johnson. The need is so great these days and your help would be greatly appreciated and such a blessing.
It is not unusual to meet a resident of Kirby Pines who has many talents as well as having lived a fulfilling life. Yet, who among the residents is so exceptionally talented in art to have gained recognition from the White House as well as other honors? Who has had repeated art displays on the Art Wall at Kirby? This is a story of such an individual, Jack Williams. Jack, at 92, is also one of the few remaining WWII Veterans to whom we owe so much. He is also quite a joke master.
Jack was born in Muskogee, OK in 1923, the middle child of 3 boys. His father was a Jewel Tea Salesman and a store owner; his mother was a teacher. They moved to Memphis when Jack was about 3 years old when his father became employed with the Post Office. The family rented 7 different homes until finally owning their first home in 1937. Jack says of his childhood, “We lived during The Great Depression. We were poor but didn’t know it. We were like everybody else. My older brother and I had fights as boys do. I was told that when he was 5 years old and I was 3, he put me in his wagon and took me to a neighbor’s house and tried to sell me to them. The neighbors declined and escorted us back home”. Jack said that he and his brothers always had jobs and shared jobs such as a 17-mile paper route, cutting grass, or, operating a Coca-Cola stand in the summer. All three brothers became Boy Scouts. Jack’s favorite job was caddying for golfers at Galloway Golf Club, subsequently learning to play the game. Jack believes that golf opened doors for him as he was selected to play with dignitaries and guests who visited his employer. Jack says, “I enjoyed the game of golf and met many people who helped me in my career.”
In 1940, during the summer prior to graduation from Messick High School, Jack was accepted into a program offered by the Defense Department to prepare workers for the war. Jack chose the class in drafting which resulted in a move to Nashville for classes in advanced drafting conducted at Vanderbilt University. Following completion of that course, Jack took a defense job with Fisher Aircraft. However, in October of 1942, Jack volunteered for the Army Air Corps and after basic training was assigned to the Meteorology Program at Vanderbilt University.
In 1944, Jack was re-classified and sent to Yale University to study Communications. He was eventually commissioned to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and when the war ended in 1946, Jack had served on 17 different bases.
Following the war, Jack enrolled and graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1948 with a major in Electrical Engineering. Visiting back in Memphis, Jack met his future wife, Margaret Jordan at St. Luke’s Methodist Church. They were married while Jack was still enrolled at Vanderbilt. Three children, two daughters, Linda and Carol and a son, John Paul, who died of leukemia at 3 years of age, were born to their union. There are presently two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren in the family for Jack to cherish.
A Young Jack In Uniform
Following graduation from Vanderbilt, Jack was hired by General Electric and was employed by them for 36 years. His first jobs were menial labor, however, he had been promoted to General Manager of 8 District Managers at the time of his retirement.
Jack’s love of art began at the early age of 17. However, putting all other efforts first, he did not resume his painting until he was in his 50’s. He presently has over 70 paintings. About his artwork, Jack says, “landscapes are my favorite but I also like florals and abstracts”. Learning to paint in several mediums, Jack became famous for his unique style which he refers to as “fractured option” painting. This involves interfacing one painting on top of another. Moving to Germantown in 1989, Jack became a member of the Memphis and Germantown Art League. In 1997, Jack won “Best of Show” for one of his “fractured” paintings in a contest sponsored by the Art League. Among his honors was a reception, a phone call from President Clinton and an article in the Commercial Appeal. The painting was also used on the MGAL’s invitations to their Juried Exhibition in 1998. An article about Jack’s “fractured option” style also appeared in a 1998 issue of The Artist’s Magazine. Another of Jack’s paintings was selected to appear on the front of the Germantown Calendar in 2008. Refusing to accept genius as an acceptable description of his artwork, Jack humbly adds, “I started painting as an adult and advise others to join a group and take classes. Everyone has some talent just waiting to be discovered”. To visit the Arts and Crafts room at Kirby Pines is a testimony to the number of Kirby artists and the opportunities available to the residents to develop their talent.
Jack loves living at Kirby Pines, moving here in September, 2019 from Germantown after spending three months in Kirby Rehabilitation. Sadly, his wife, Margaret died earlier in 2019. He says “there are many friends and ‘old golf buddies’ here and everyone is so friendly”. To preserve history, Jack has written journals about his ancestry, childhood, employment and war experiences. What a rich treasure for his family!
Get to know Jack. You will be honored to know such a gentleman, a war hero, an exceptional artist, and humorist who is ready to tell you a story.
“Improving posture can be done with time and focus.”
For most adults, posture is typically an afterthought at both work and home. But as we age, retaining good posture actually becomes even more important to our physical health and wellness.
What Causes Poor Posture for Seniors?
Avoiding a wholly sedentary lifestyle is the key to good posture for people of all ages. However, it is unfortunately common for seniors, especially those with pre-existing health complications like arthritis, to take up inactive lifestyles. This can also lead to poor posture.
Seniors who are recovering from a recent injury or surgical procedure may also encounter similar difficulties staying fit and sitting right. Families and caregivers must encourage their aging loved ones to correct poor posture. Performing a minimum amount of daily exercise to improve balance and muscle strength will help this.
Good Posture Prevents Falls for Seniors
Did you know that seniors who are mindful about their postures are more likely avoid injuries and even falls? According to the National Institute for Fitness and Sport, “when you have good posture, your body will work the way it is supposed to, keeping your muscles balanced.”
When you sit or stand with proper posture, you are doing your body a favor by not overexerting yourself. Overexertion can cause unnecessary strain on weaker muscles. Additionally, being mindful of your posture is great for balance.
Steps for Improving Posture
Don’t give up; Improving posture can be done with time and focus.
Discuss your current weight with a doctor or caregiver. The conversation should reveal expectations of an acceptable weight for your age, sex, and body type, as well as a plan for how to stay there.
Take up a regular schedule of exercise, if you haven’t already. There is evidence that group nature walks can provide mental benefits for seniors, beyond just delivering a dose of physical activity.
Evaluate the lumbar support of the chairs and other seating options in your home. If necessary, consider purchasing a new chair that encourages better posture.
It is important to correct poor posture as soon as possible to avoid further health complications, like neck and back pain. Keeping our bodies in motion is essential to avoid the consequences of living an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle.
Weather in Memphis went from unseasonably cool to dangerously hot with high heat indexes. The Heat Index (HI) is a number that tells people how warm it actually feels. The body doesn’t release heat through the evaporation of sweat as effectively and especially dangerous for seniors (or anyone else) exercising outdoors in a high heat index. Even a mild activity, such as walking can cause problems.
“Seniors are much more vulnerable to the harmful effects of heat, as their bodies do not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature,” shares Dr. Lubna Javed of HealthCare Partners Medical Group. “Some chronic medical conditions and prescription medications can impair the body’s ability to react efficiently to rising temperature.”
Know the Risks of Hyperthermia.Heat stroke is an advanced form of hyperthermia that can be life-threatening. Learn these warning signs and get medical attention immediately if you are experiencing these symptoms:
Body temperature greater than 103 degrees; Change in behavior, such as confusion or agitation; Dry, flushed skin; Nausea and vomiting; Fatigue and weakness, headache; Heavy breathing or a rapid pulse; Not sweating, even if it’s hot out; Fainting. Muscle cramps and heavy sweating may occur with heat exhaustion.
If symptoms occur go to a cooler environment immediately and lower the body temperature by using cool water (a pool, cool tub, cool shower or washcloth wipe-down. Drink chilled, but not icy cold water. Heat exhaustion can be a life- threatening emergency, so call for emergency medical personnel) or 911 (if on-site help is not available) immediately.
Avoid a Heat Emergency.Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion to keep seniors safe in hot weather. Many seniors with memory issues don’t recognize changes in temperature immediately, stay alert for symptoms, prompt for re-hydration, and remind loved ones to remove extra clothing layers outdoors.
Stay Hydrated.As we age we lose our ability to conserve water and become less aware of our thirst. Drink plenty of cool water throughout the day and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Pack extra water for outings. But if taking water pills or other medication, check with your doctor to find out exactly how much water you should be drinking on warm days. Drink sweat replacement products (that contain salt and potassium) to replace water lost by perspiration. Eat cooling snacks like popsicles or slightly frozen grapes or watermelon, and light, cold meals like chicken or pasta salad instead of heavy, hot dishes like pot roast.
Place a cool washclothon the back of the neck and a pan of cool water close by to periodically re-cool the towel…Sit with feet in a pan of cool (but not too cold) water. Keep the house as cool as possible by keeping shades closed during the hottest part of the day.
Stay in Touch.High temperatures can be life-threatening, so let friends and family know if you’ll be spending an extended period of time outdoors, even if you’re only gardening.
Wear the Right Stuff.Dress for the weather. Natural fabrics (such as cotton) are cooler than synthetic fibers. Light-colored and loose-fitting clothes feel cooler and more comfortable. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and sunscreen when outdoors. Hats are also a great idea, especially for those with light colored hair and those with only distant memories of a full head of hair.
Exercise Smart. If you enjoy outdoor activities such as walking or gardening, keep track of time. Don’t’ stay out for long periods and make sure to drink even more water than usual when exercising. Exercise outside earlier in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is not at its peak.
Find indoor activitieslike that exercise class you were thinking of joining or learn to use the equipment in the Oasis or take a refreshing dip in the pool. At Kirby Pines we have many indoor exercise options with a variety of exercise classes. Check out the Sit and Stand Exercise class at 11:00 Live streaming on Channel 10 on Tuesdays and Thursdays or the Yoga class on Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:45 on channel 10. Enjoy exercising in the cool of your home. The Pool is open for water walking and exercise (Team up with a workout buddy so you are not alone in the water). The Oasis has free weights and 10 different machines to build strength and endurance. Mary Hand will be glad to show you how to use the equipment and start your own exercise program.
The summertime is a time of fun and relaxation for most people. But for seniors, the heat and sun can be dangerous if the proper precautions aren’t taken. If you follow these tips, you can have an enjoyable and fun-filled summer — no matter how old you are.
The thirty-seventh anniversary of Kirby Pines, is just a month away and this year our celebration, “Lighting of the Lake”, will not be like those of past years due to Covid-19. Just the same we will celebrate all that is Kirby Pines, and we can kick the celebration off with our most recent city-wide recognition. In July, the Memphis Business Journal named Kirby Pines the number one Memphis Area Multi-Level Care Community. Kirby Pines is currently in the running to be voted by the readers of the Commercial Appeal for the Memphis Most Award – a recognition that Kirby Pines has won for thirteen consecutive years.
Our success is due to residents that know that Kirby Pines is the place to relax and enjoy their retirement years. It’s due to the families of residents who share their beliefs that their love ones have chosen the right place to live while offering them peace of mind. And it’s due to our employees, who amidst this pandemic, have still chosen to work and serve residents and co-workers daily.
Regardless of how long you have been a resident, or have been contemplating a move to Kirby Pines, our upcoming thirty-seventh anniversary is possible because of the trust you and so many in the Memphis community have in us. On behalf of all employees, thank you for your cooperative spirits throughout the years, and may I suggest you take some time to relax away from the hot August sun.
Michael Escamilla, Executive Director, Kirby Pines
“The year was 490 B.C. On the open plains near the small town of Marathon, the ancient Greeks met the invading Persian army in a strategic battle. Against impossible odds, the Greeks charged into the Persian camp, catching their enemy by surprise, and defeated the Persians, thus saving the Greek Empire from sure defeat.
A Greek soldier—Pheidippedes—was then dispatched to run to headquarters in Athens, twenty-two miles away, with the good news of victory. With determination and resolve, Pheidippedes ran through the night all the way from Marathon to Athens.
Upon entering the city of Athens, he sprinted to his superiors. ‘Rejoice,’ Pheidippedes gasped, ‘we have conquered!’ As he delivered the message, he fell to the ground. Dead.
Pheidippedes became a Greek hero. A symbol of endurance and determination. As a tribute to this faithful soldier who ran so bravely through the night, the ‘matathon’ race was born. Runners in the Greek Empire would soon attempt to duplicate his courageous feat, calling up the same endurance.
The precise distance of the marathon was not fixed until recently. The distance Pheidippedes ran from Marathon to Athens was slightly more than twenty-two miles. In 1908 the Olympics were held in London, and the marathon was extended to twenty-six miles, 385 yards. Why such an unusual distance? That year, the race would begin at Windsor Castle and end at the new White City Stadium because an English princess wanted to watch the start of the race from her castle and then view the finish from her seat in the stadium. To meet the request of royalty the race would have to be extended. And it was.”
The new distance, set to please Her Highness, was measured to be exactly twenty-six miles, 385 yards. This became the standard distance for all marathons, even to this day.” Steve Lawson, Men Who Win, (pp, 150-151)
What can we learn from this point in history?
Victories can be won by smaller forces over much larger ones. Great distance may lie between the battle and home. Getting the message of success to those who need to hear it is a challenge that may seem impossible.
Sometimes we are called to travel a greater distance that we’ve gone before. We may have to do this in dark hours beyond normal. We can’t just start…we must stretch to the limit. The finish line must be reached. Why do we obediently follow orders? It is because we have a message to deliver. This may be very costly, but everything worthwhile always is.
At times the rules are changed. The finish line is moved, either arbitrarily or selfishly. We may be forced to go far beyond what was originally planned. But our reach must always exceed our grasp.
II Timothy 2:5 says “…if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” It’s that way in every area of life. Whether we like the rules or not we must faithfully follow them.
Could we become a Pheidippedes today? Yes! The world needs and is still looking for a hero. Let’s not keep it waiting!
Kirby Pines, a sister community of The Farms at Bailey Station, is part of the family of LifeCare Communities of Retirement Companies of America. For more information, visit retirementcompanies.com
© 2025 Kirby Pines LifeCare Community. All Rights Reserved | 