Page 4 - Our Hands SPRING 2019

SENIOR LIVING

Senior Moments: A Peek at Our Seniors

Vibrant and Fun-Filled Lives

n the recent months, we have started a video series called him a sympathy card but made sure to ask, “Were you the
Senior Moments. This video series mimics a reality lifeguard at Lake Michigan 50 years ago?” He ended up
Ishow, showing the real-life stories of seniors who live in calling her and asking her out on a date. They got married
our Senior Living and Affordable Housing communities. and were married for 26 years until he passed. All because
We found our stars by sending out a questionnaire with she asked him if she was the lifeguard back in the day!
questions ranging from “What is the most interesting thing
you’ve done?” to “Who is your celebrity crush?” Inez from Samaritas Senior Living of Bloomfield Hills
shares that her favorite thing to do is,
We narrowed down contestants by their These stories not only “Drink wine!” Each Wednesday night at
answers, to get the most sassy, fun and show the quirky sides of their community is an activity called Wine
interesting seniors! Betty of Affordable our residents but the life Down Wednesday. This must be Inez’
Living of Gateshead Crossing shares how favorite activity on the calendar!
much technology has changed her life. “I they live at Samaritas. We
wake up in the middle of the night and focus on active lifestyles These stories not only show the quirky
finish my book on my kindle and I can for our resident with sides of our residents but the life they live
order one right there, at three o’clock in meaningful activities. at Samaritas. We focus on active lifestyles
the morning!”
for our resident with meaningful activities.
There are endless opportunities to learn, create, grow and
Dot, from Samaritas Senior Living of Grand Rapids shares strengthen at Samaritas.
the story of how she and her husband met. “My first real
love affair was with a lifeguard, but he was married with These short films are all about celebrating the sassy seniors
children. I was 16, he was 20-something so he was not of Samaritas…who not only have lived incredibly interesting
about to look at somebody at 16. Somehow, that lifeguard lives and have great memories to share, but are also staying
never left my mind. I would see him occasionally and active and involved in their communities and living life to
thought that he was still good looking.” Dot was married the fullest with wisdom, grace and a big helping of humor.
for 50 years when her first husband passed away. Five Stay tuned for more fantastic moments! Watch them all
years after that, she noticed while looking at obituaries here: www.samaritas.org/senior-moments
that the lifeguard’s wife had also passed away. She sent

2019 | Volunteers of the Year

Volunteers Bobbie Jo Kenyon and Lance Miller at Samaritas Senior Living of Grand Rapids
won the 2019 Group Volunteer of the Year Award from LeadingAge Michigan! Bobbie Jo
and Lance have taught Academy classes, helped with events, decorated our community
for Christmas, visited residents in the hospital and much more! Thanks for all of your hard
work. Congratulations! #BeTheRock

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