Do you remember The Jetsons? Set in 2062, you may remember The Jetsons as a futuristic show that played with ideas about the future for laughs. People lived in houses in the sky, worked a three-day workweek, and drove aerocars that looked like flying saucers. The most impressive part of the show was the incredible conveniences that left the Jetsons with plenty of leisure time. While we may not have aerocars that fly us around, we certainly have many technologies and devices to make our lives easier!
There are numerous assistive devices, such as walkers, canes, hearing aids, and glasses. Remember, this category includes anything designed to help in performing a specific function. There are infinite options out there – it really comes down to what you need a little help and support with. The most common categories of devices include:
Mobility Devices – help you move from place to place with more independence. Examples: Rollators, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, canes, prosthetics
Daily Living Devices – help you complete activities of daily living. Examples: Adapted cutlery and cups, shower seats and stools, dressing sticks
Hearing Aids – help you hear or hear more clearly
Vision Devices – helps you see more clearly. Examples: Magnifiers, eye glasses, screen readers
Assistive technologies might include smart home assistants, medication reminders, and medical alert systems. These technologies can either be low-tech, such as phones with larger number buttons on them, or high-tech, like balance and fall prevention systems. In today’s world, you can simply ask AI to record your shopping list, set a reminder about taking your medication, or ask what day of the week it is. We have technology at our fingertips – much like the Jetsons did! Imagine where we will be in 2062!
What assistive devices do you use – and are they the most appropriate device(s) for you? Consider contacting the Therapy Team at Kirby Pines to learn more about what assistive technology and devices may be most beneficial for you!
Use these tips to learn how to work out with weights.
Getting started lifting weights can be tough – especially if you are coping with arthritis and are unsure of which exercises are the best and safest for your joints. How much weight should you use? How many times should you lift it? We compiled a list of weight training basics to answer your questions.
How long and how often? Begin with 20 to 30 minute weight training sessions, two or three days each week. Within four to twelve weeks, you should see noticeable benefits, such as improved energy and muscle tone. Within six months, most people increase their strength 40 percent or more. Give your body at least one recovery day between sessions (although some people may need more, especially in the beginning).
How much weight? Start with a pair of light dumbbell hand weights (2 to 3 pounds for women and 5 to 8 pounds for men). If you can’t do 12 repetitions (reps are the number of times you do the exercise) the weight is too heavy. If your muscles don’t feel tired after 12 reps, it’s too light. Adjustable weights that can be strapped to wrists or ankles may be convenient if you have arthritis in your hands. You can also use home or gym weight machines, or resistance bands.
How many reps and sets? For general toning and strength, the American College of Rheumatology and American Council on Exercise recommend completing one set of eight to 12 reps, working the muscle to the point of fatigue by the last few reps of each set.
What kind of exercises? Work all major muscle groups, starting with the larger muscles. Always include exercises for opposing muscles: for example, work the biceps and triceps of your arms, and the quadriceps and hamstrings of your thighs. Avoid above-the-shoulder exercises if you have arthritis in your upper body, and talk to your doctor before using leg press machines if you have arthritis in your knees or hips.
How do I do it? Lift slowly and smoothly, counting four counts up and four counts down. Avoid locking (fully straightening) knees or elbows, which stresses joints. Deliberately exhale when lifting, and inhale when lowering.
If you want to know more about weight training, see Kim Roberts. She will be happy to help and is available in the Oasis, Monday and Friday at 8:00 am and Wednesday at 9:00 am.
Whew! What a Mother’s Day Celebration we had here at Kirby Pines! Great Food! Spectacular Weather! The most amazing multi-generational bunch of people I have seen in one place at the same time! I must stop and thank each and every staff member for their hard work and efforts. We are so lucky to have such a dedicated staff!
June will be just as fun filled. There is so much going on to keep one “Enjoying life and being entertained!” Just like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day will be quite special. There are three (3) other activities on June’s calendar that I would like to promote.
On Saturday, June 8th, there will be a trip to Meddlesome Brewing Company to visit the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. I’m encouraging all veterans and interested residents to come and join us in this very special tribute to our Brothers and Sisters who did not return from this tragic war that split our country and left an indelible scar on our great nation. (Please see the Activities Department for sign-ups and departure times.)
On Friday, June 28th, at 6:30 p.m. our very own Kirby Pines Kast of Karachaters (that is my name) will be putting on their very own rendition of the musical “Oklahoma.” I have been peaking in at their rehearsals. It has been amazing to me to watch the dedication as well as the fun that our cast is exhibiting every Friday when they come together for practice. It will truly be a “Can’t Miss” performance. I encourage all to attend!
My last activity to highlight is my favorite: Men’s Christian Fellowship. Calling ALL KIRBY MEN! Come join Kirby Men in sharing a great cup of coffee, a fresh pastry or donut, and some words of inspiration that can lift you up for the whole week. Join us every Saturday @ 7:45 am in the Large Card Room.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY AND HAVE A TERRIFIC JUNE!
Michael J. Brown, Jr. ExecutiveDirector,Kirby Pines
IN my growing up years in rural Mississippi, we sang a lot in our worship. Many of our songs focused on salvation; especially judgement, and life after death. I can still remember, and often when I’m alone, I sing some of those songs.
When We All Get to Heaven I’ll Meet You in the Morning This World is Not My Home
There was a season in my theological journey when I snickered at some of those songs…the imagery was so literal and the emphasis on heaven, so “sentimental.” I’m grateful that portion of my journey didn’t last too long. Today, I sing joyfully.
This world is not my home I’m just a-passing through My treasures are laid up Somewhere beyond the blue The angels beckon me `From heaven’s open door And I can’t feel at home anymore.
Since Eden, we have never known a world without sin, suffering and death. For Christians, “new persons in Christ,” our faith is certain: this world, is not our home. It is not all there is. Jesus didn’t fumble with his words. He talked about a place “with many rooms’ to which he was going to prepare place for his friends, “that you may be where I am.” (John 14:13)
Pilgrims is a good label for Christians. This earth, as it is, will never be our home. But think of it…a new heaven, and a new earth. Though our eternal home is not presently on earth, God’s promise is that, “in heaven,” we will share in creating a new earth.
Why don’t you sing it with me,
Just over in Glory-land We’ll live eternally The saints on every hand Are shouting victory Their songs of sweetest praise Drift back from heaven’s shore And I can’t feel at home In this world anymore.
Describe your family: Loving, caring, goofy and fun.
Describe yourself in five words: Loyal, caring, supportive, creative and hard-working.
What do you do for fun: Walking in the park, going to a restaurant, swimming, the arcade.
Do you have any hobbies: Singing.
What is your favorite thing about your job: Helping others.
What is Your favorite food: Pasta and Nachos.
What is your favorite song: Smile by Kirk Franklin.
What is something you are proud of: Knowing I can brighten up someone’s day.
What would you like people to know about you:I’m easy to get along with and love to listen.
“Vicki helps several of our residents on a daily basis. As soon as she gets to work, she is running from apartment to apartment.If we get a last minute call, regardless of what she’s doing, she jumps into action. She always finds the positive in every situation and has a great attitude. She is truly a team player and I am so grateful to have her in Caring In Place”.
National Nurses Day is the first day of National Nursing Week, which concludes on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Yet the week was first observed in the US in October 1954 to mark the 100th anniversary of Nightingale’s pioneering work in Crimea.
In 1953, Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare sent a proposal to President Eisenhower asking him to proclaim a “Nurse Day” in October of the following year to coincide with the anniversary. Although the President didn’t act, the celebration was observed thanks to a bill sponsored by Representative Frances P. Bolton, and the following year a new bill was introduced to Congress lobbying for official recognition of the celebration.
Twenty years later, in February of 1974, President Nixon proclaimed a National Nurse Week to be celebrated annually in May. Over the next eight years, various nursing organizations including the American Nurses Association (ANA) rallied to support calls for a “National Recognition Day for Nurses” on May 6, which was eventually proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1982.
The American Nurses Association extended the celebration to “Nurses Week,” and the dates May 6-12 became permanent as of 1994. Within Nurses Week, National Student Nurse Day is May 8, and National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday that falls during Nurses Week.
Nursing has always been a profession that needs more than just your time and knowledge. Nursing requires heart, passion, and dedication to serving others. Nurses Week allows the public to acknowledge and thank nurses for the work they choose every day. It’s a chance for us to pause and thank the nurses who have made a difference in our lives.
Unquestionably, Marilyn and Bill Crosby will leave a strong legacy as both have achieved much in their personal and professional lives. They have reared two sons, Chris and Matthew, who are productive citizens, and devoted their lives toward their families and helping others.
The Crosbys are typical of many couples in the South: one born in Arkansas, the other in Mississippi, then to Memphis, Tennessee, to start their adult lives. However, to interact with this couple, you will find they are atypical in their personalities. Although both have the same persona of warmth and friendliness, Bill is more reserved, whereas Marilyn is “bubbly” and enthusiastic in her interactions with others. Both personalities have blended well, and they remain happily married since 1965.
Marilyn Meador’s life began in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. However, her parents divorced when she was seven; her mother moved with Marilyn and her brother to El Dorado, Arkansas. Before Marilyn’s senior year in high school, her mother became ill, and it was necessary for Marilyn and Johnny to move to Helena, Arkansas, to live with their father.
Despite a disruptive life, Marilyn thrived, making good grades and lasting friendships wherever she lived. In high school, she played French horn and was voted most friendly her senior year. Marilyn always knew she wanted to be a nurse, but she also wanted to have an opportunity to experience college. However, her father had other ideas, so she applied and was accepted into the prestigious Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Memphis. The requirements and restrictions there, according to Marilyn, “were much like living in a convent.” Marilyn continues, “We were treated well by Baptist: everything was provided for us, and we were taken on outings and given nice gifts at Christmas. Classes were difficult, but I loved my instructors and classmates.”
Following graduation, Marilyn immediately began employment at Baptist Hospital, relieving the head nurse on the Charity Unit. Her entire professional life was spent at Baptist working all services, and at one time becoming the youngest head nurse there.
As a registered nurse, Marilyn set a good example with her warm, tender care of patients and employees. She retired after 35 years, but, soon began work part-time in the Baptist Out-Patient Pavilion. She worked there an additional 15 years: a total of 50 years giving nursing care! Marilyn says that the individualized care and the wonderful co-workers made this one of her most rewarding experiences. While working part-time, Marilyn enrolled in the nursing program at Union University, earning a B.S. in Nursing.
When Baptist Memorial Hospital celebrated its 50 year anniversary, Marilyn was asked to write an article about “the early days.” The following are some excerpts from the article, The Way It Was: “Nurses have a special bond: no one can understand what is involved in nursing unless you are one. As soon as I started working in the hospital, I knew I had chosen the right career. It was great to see how my efforts could help and encourage the patients. Few professions can provide the satisfaction that nursing does. When things are difficult, the nurse must maintain the empathy and drive to provide the best care possible. As a profession, nursing is still a high calling in every sense of the word.”
Bill Crosby was born in Greenville, Mississippi, but Bill and his three siblings spent most of their youth in Indianola, Mississippi, where their father owned a home appliance store. Their father, an entrepreneur, pioneered in the cable television industry. This venture “allowed” Bill to spend his last year in Indianola, climbing poles to hang TV cable and crawling under houses where he met all kinds of vermin.
While in school, from seventh grade until graduation, Bill played football and whatever sport was in season. He also played football at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. There, he received a B.S. in Sociology and, according to Bill, graduated “Thankya Laude.”
The Crosbys 1965
Bill’s first job was with Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Headquarters. The remaining years of his professional life were spent in property management and construction marketing: first for First Tennessee Bank, and then with various construction and hotel companies. After retirement, he was once again lured in to work 19 additional years for a renovation contractor in New Jersey. Although travel was involved, Bill maintained an office based in Memphis.
Marilyn and Bill met at a party given by the girl who was dating Bill. Not surprisingly, Bill realized he would rather date Marilyn. Bill says it took him a year to convince Marilyn to marry him. In addition to their two wonderful sons and daughters-in-law, they have three grandchildren with which they enjoy much “grandparenting time!’
The Crosbys have traveled extensively, including Europe and the Holy Lands; some of it was in missionary work. They have been active members of Christ Methodist Church since 1971. Bill has served in several capacities there: as Chair of Church Council and Trustees, and assisting in establishing the Emmaus Walk in England. Bill has also coached various youth sports, including soccer, which he has never played!
Marilyn and Bill have been at Kirby Pines for two years. Pleased with all the amenities and activities here, both enjoy the exercise programs, and Bill has developed an interest in acrylic painting. They are also happy to be here with about 20 members of their Sunday School Class. They are a great addition to our Kirby Pines community.
Human hearing may be picking up and processing all the sounds in our surroundings, even when we aren’t aware of it.“
It has been said that communication is the foundation of relationships. Without good hearing health, communication may be challenging. With May being Better Hearing and Speech Month, let’s dig into the importance of good hearing health, and what can be done to keep your ears functioning in tip top shape!
Benefits of Healthy Hearing:
Ability to successfully communicate – eliminates the frustration of missing out on conversations or being isolated from social interactions
Can have a positive benefit on brain functioning and memory
Supports independence and security
As with many things, there is a chance that your hearing health may decline over time. Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) gradually occurs as we grow older, and there is no research to suggest it can be prevented. Noise-induced hearing, however, can be preventable. There are certain things, like listening to music that is too loud, that can contribute to hearing loss. If the loss is substantial and goes untreated, it can result in a decreased quality of life. Untreated hearing loss has also been linked to sadness, depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and poor social relationships.
What are some of the common signs of hearing loss?
Repeatedly asking people to repeat what they say
Feeling like others are always mumbling or not speaking clearly
Difficulty hearing and understanding speech in noisy environments
Missing words or phrases on the telephone
Turning the volume up on the television or radio louder than normal
Tinnitus, ringing, or buzzing sounds
It’s not too late to take the right steps to protect your hearing and reduce your risk for hearing loss.
Tips to Keep Your Hearing Healthy:
Wear earplugs, protective earmuffs, or noise-canceling headphones around loud noises, such as live music or construction noise
Turn down the volume of the TV, radio, or music – remember, if you need to shout, the sound is too loud!
Have your hearing tested regularly
Take headphone breaks. When you use headphones, keep the volume down
Check medication side effects
If you exhibit any of the symptoms mentioned above, or want to learn more about what you can do to help keep your hearing in tip top shape, please contact the Functional Pathways Therapy Team for guidance.
As we age, it’s normal to not have the stamina and agility we enjoyed in our younger years. But getting older doesn’t have to mean becoming a couch potato.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all older adults—both men and women—can benefit from regular, moderate physical activity. This is true even for people with medical conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure.
What are the benefits of exercise for older adults?
Regular activity can positively impact our physical health as well as our mental and emotional wellbeing. It can help give us more energy and greater self-confidence, enabling us to embrace our later years with gusto.
Some of the key benefits of exercise for older adults include:
Prevents Bone Loss: Both men and women lose bone density as they age, with post-menopausal women losing up to 2% each year. Strength training has been shown to counteract this loss and actually restore bone density. Having stronger bones leads to fewer fractures and can also aid in balance. By reducing the risk of falls and injuries, exercise can help seniors live independently for longer.
Relieves Osteoarthritis Pain: While it may seem counterintuitive, moving more can actually help lessen the pain and stiffness of arthritis. Arthritis-friendly exercise includes low-impact cardiovascular activity, strength training, and range-of-motion exercises. How does exercise help arthritis? It takes pressure off aching joints by strengthening the surrounding muscles. Physical activity may also help ease joint inflammation and aid in lubrication, which reduces pain and stiffness.
Helps Prevent Chronic Disease: Exercise provides a protective effect against a host of chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. If you already have a chronic condition, physical activity can minimize symptoms. It can even help reduce cognitive decline. One study found that participants over the age of 60 showed fewer Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers when they performed 30 minutes of exercise every day.
Boosts Immunity: A 2018 study linked moderate exercise with a lower incidence of acute respiratory illness and fewer sick days off of work. The exact way exercise supports immunity is not known. However, there are many theories. Some scientists believe that the anti-inflammatory effects of physical activity enable better immune function. Exercise may also improve the performance of immune cells.
Improves Mood: Simply put, exercise makes us feel good. It can help ease anxiety and depression symptoms, increase relaxation, and create an overall sense of wellbeing. A 2019 study of adult men age 65 and older found that the mood-boosting benefits of exercise continue well into old age, underscoring why it’s so vital to stay active.
Most adults over the age of 65 can exercise safely, even those with chronic conditions and mobility challenges. Before starting any exercise regimen, it’s important to talk with your doctor to learn which options are right for your health and activity level. Then, you’ll be ready to experience the proven and immense benefits of exercise first hand.
What month starts with “Running for the Roses” and ends with chugging milk in the Winner’s Circle? MAY! May Day! May Flowers. Memorial Day. (Which is the unofficial start of Summer) But let Kirby Pines shout loud and proud….
May is all about Mother’s Day. This year is no exception. Our planning and preparation is far along. Petting zoo, games, races, and face painting….check, check, and double check!! Good food, ice cream trucks and firetrucks will all be represented. So, do your part! Be There! Bring Family and Friends! And, Have Fun!
On Sunday, we will continue the celebration with our traditional Mother’s Day Brunch. Please remember to make your reservations early.
Lastly, lets all set aside some quiet, personal time. Let’s reflect on our Mothers. For many, our Mothers have long passed. Some of us still have our Mothers. Remember those fun moments, those teaching moments, and those moments where they picked you up and took away your pain.
“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate”. Proverbs 31:31 and enjoy thoughts of your Mother.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Michael J. Brown, Jr. ExecutiveDirector,Kirby Pines
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
© 2024 Kirby Pines LifeCare Community. All Rights Reserved | 