Page 16 - Mid Valley Times 3-4-21 E-edition

Thursday, March 4, 2021 | A16 | Mid Valley TiMes
By Ro Linscheid
We live in a time where we have begun to really understand the true value of our social connections. As the pandemic and its forced isolation begin to ease, no longer will we take for granted a hug from a friend, or meeting a loved one for coffee. As we age, our
connections with each other are what keep us strong and resilient.
For this reason, more than any other, many retiring Baby Boomers are choosing to live in retirement communi- ties. This simply means that they are choosing to live near other re- tired people who are close to their same age with similar interests. Living with peers of- fers friendship, com- panionship and a sense of community where you are looking out for each other.
During the pandem- ic, this sense of con- nection has been a vital social lifeline. Seniors
in our independent apartments repeatedly express how living at Sierra View Homes has made pandemic life bearable. “I am SO glad that I’m at Sierra View Homes during this pandemic,” said resi- dent Joann Kalafut. “So many of my friends are home alone and don’t see a single person all day! I would have been so lonely. Instead, we have pulled together as a community to sup- port and check on each other and it feels great to be part of it.”
Retirement commu- nities are full of folks in the same age de- mographic, yet the age
variance may be up to 35 years. Most retire- ment communities en- joy a level of peace and quiet that cannot be found in the general community. They also have events and activi- ties that can vary to the degree that it caters to all individuals and pro- vides opportunities for socialization. People have become traveling companions and cre- ated friendships who can share a cup of cof- fee and fellowship.
After devoting years to work and family, many seniors have a desire to experience traveling, deepening relationships or sim- ply enjoy doing the things that interest them. There is a sense of freedom when you leave on a trip knowing the staff and friends of the retirement commu- nity are watching your place.
For many people, be-
coming a resident of a retirement community is a wonderful thing because many of the worries and burdens of life are gone. You do not have to worry about who will wa- ter the lawn or what if the water heater springs a leak. The chores of keeping up a house and the need to keep up with the yard are things of the past. Shopping can be done independently or with the group that choose to take the facility bus for the weekly shop- ping trip. The ability to know what your rent will be and what your extra payments are help with budgeting for the future. Also, ancillary services are available to keep people living in- dependently as long as possible.
“The pandemic showed me that my se- nior apartment at Si- erra View is the best
of both worlds,” said Joann. “I have friend- ship, community, and resources like meal delivery and grocery shopping services when I need them. However, I also have the freedom to go shopping myself when I feel comfortable doing so, and the abil- ity to just jump in the car and go when I need to get out of the house! I feel so sorry for my friends who are stuck in their homes with no one looking out for them and no commu- nity resources to draw upon. Moving to Si- erra View was the best choice I’ve ever made.”
Another Garden Apartment resident agreed, “One of the best decisions in my life was coming to live at Sierra View Homes Retirement Communi- ty. On the day I moved
BENEFITS... Continued on Next H&F Page
H
H
ealth &Fitne
ealth &Fitne
The benefits of living in a Retirement Community:
ss
ss
Welcoming New Patients!
WE OFFER: Ofrecemos:
FREE DELIVERY
Ask about our no hassle Rx transfer.
Presunte por nuestra transferencia de RX
sin molestias.
Se Habla Español
Emad Marcos (Marc)
Owner/Pharmacist in Charge
(Orange Cove, Cutler, Orosi, Dinuba and Reedley)
ENTREGA GRATIS
(Orange Cove, Cutler, Orosi, Dinuba and Reedley)
We Accept All Insurances: Medicare & Medical
Acceptamos Todas Sugaros incluynendo: Medicare y Medical
Free Blood Pressure & Sugar Monitoring
Presion Artierial Libre y Control del Azúcar
OPEN: Mon-Fri: 9am - 6pm | Sat: 9am - 2pm
172N.LStreet | DowntownDinuba | 559.725.4525
Dr. Amu, M.D. Candice Brantley Pediatrician F.N.P.-C
Magdalena Ruiz F.N.P.-C
To Advertise call Mid Valley Times 638-2244
Nicole Gonzalez F.N.P.
Gadiel Escobedo F.N.P.
Aurora Florez F.N.P.
Call to Advertise
Health 638-2244
CALL NOW FOR APPOINTMENT LLAME PARA UNA CITA AHORA
&Fitness Runs the first week of each month
Janie Lucio 638-2244
006509 006131
05636
006432