May is Mental Health Month

For over 65 years, Mental Health America and affiliates have led this observance of ‘mental health month’ by reaching millions of people through local and nationwide events, screenings and media. According to mentalhealthamerica.net, 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year. Additionally, 50 % of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life and half will develop conditions by the age of 14.  There are typically four stages involved in mental health conditions but the most important is the ‘early identification and intervention.’ One of the best ways to see if you are experiencing symptoms is to take a screening. Visit www.mhascreening.org to take a quick, confidential screening for a variety of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, mood disorders or PTSD. Mental health conditions are common and treatable and it may take time to figure out what works best for you. For more information about what you should know and what you can do at each stage, visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may.

Life is in Full Bloom at Waterford Estates

On May 6^th, Waterford Estates celebrated the 22nd annual Senior Health & Fitness Day by hosting a free senior expo. It was packed with opportunities to inform, educate and entertain our residents and guests while embracing the 7 Dimensions of Wellness:  Physical, Social, Emotional, Intellectual, Spiritual, Vocational & Health.  Everyone had opportunities to shop for gifts, snacks, products and more. We ended the afternoon with a musical trip down memory lane featuring The Legacy Girls who performed the Andrews Sisters' biggest hits.

 

May is Older Americans Month

     When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthdays. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs.

     However, interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing. In April of 1963, President John F. Kennedy's meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens served as a prelude to designating May as Senior Citizens Month. Thanks to President Jimmy Carter's 1980 designation, what was once called Senior Citizens Month, is now called Older Americans Month, and has become a tradition. Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country. Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute to older persons in their communities. May has been the month to appreciate and celebrate the vitality and aspirations of older adults and their contributions and achievements. It is a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to honor the value that elders continue to contribute to our communities.

     This year’s Older Americans Month theme—“Get Into The ACT”—in honor of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act of 1965. We celebrate how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

      If you are an “older American,” use May as a month to remember that it is in your power to have a positive impact on your family, your community, and your neighbors here at the Waterford Estates. We believe that our residents are an important and valued member of this community!

Family of Mothers

Everyone has a mother. And she is special!

Sure, dad is important too. But moms are your strongest supporter, by making you feel important or giving you some much needed comfort and understanding.

At Waterford Estates, we are grateful for the women in our lives: the mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmas and those who radiate a mothering grace to all.

Top 10 Reasons Why MOM is Important

1) If it weren’t for Mom, you wouldn’t be here.

2) Mothers are the backbones of family and provide a “holding place” for everyone’s feelings.

3) Who else would kiss your boo-boos?

4) She works hard and make sacrifices so our lives will be better.

5) Mothers are forgiving - so forgive her in return.

6) When you want to climb the tallest mountain, Mom will make your lunch. And remind you to wear clean underwear.

7) You may not have liked some of her decisions, but her boundaries made you a better person.

8) A mother’s eyes see everything, her ears hear every-thing, and she remembers everything about you. It’s nice to have someone to reminisce with.

9) Your mom forced you to do your homework, and now you see how important that was.

10) Her smile makes your day a whole lot better!

 

“Because I feel that, in the Heavens above 
The angels, whispering to one another,
Can find, among their burning terms of love
None so devotional as that of ‘Mother’.”
Edgar Allen Poe