TOUCHMARK AT MEADOW LAKE VILLAGE

THE{FULL}LIFE

June 2014

Touchmark’s Art Gala returns

People took in paintings, photography, drawings, and more as they talked with local artists about their work during the recent open house and reception. The event launched the month-long art show. From left: Alan Giltzow, artist Jim Chin, Barbara O’Meara, and Mary Lopez.

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Boise and Meridian Make Forbes List of Best Places for RetireesForbes recently included Boise and Meridian in its “top 25” lists for retirees. Boise made the list as a “city” and Meridian as a “suburb.” Touchmark, located between the two, is considered the most comprehensive retirement community in the Treasure Valley. It reflects the factors Forbes evaluated and why retirees are attracted to this area.

Dena Hughes moved to Boise and Touchmark in July of 2013 from the Seattle area. Since

arriving, she is continuously impressed by the cultural offerings of the city. She recently saw the production of Wicked at the local auditorium, which also looks out over the Boise River with a backdrop of the foothills. “The cultural activities are marvelous,” she says. “Plus, I love the sunshine.”

“The climate is what brought us here, along with encouragement from our daughter,” says Washington transplant Gail Schornak, together with her

husband Tom. “We wanted to retain the Northwest style of living, and we found that here in Boise and at the Touchmark community. Besides, Boise is very easy to navigate, and we can easily get to where we want to go.”

The Forbes listings were provided in alphabetical order, with no ranking among the cities or suburbs. To identify the best 25, Forbes evaluated more than 400 cities across the country. Factors

(cont.) that were considered were weather—Boise and Meridian are two of the colder climates listed—overall cost of living, home prices compared to national average, general state tax climates for retirees, and employment opportunities, as some retirees may continue to work part time.

The rankings used a variety of other independent studies to gauge their research. Quality of life resources, such as Bicycling Magazine, Walkscore.com, and VolunteeringinAmerica.gov, all gave Boise high rankings in their individual evaluations. By compiling and evaluating the data, Forbes formed the two lists of the best places for retirees.

“I am very close to the hospital; my favorite grocery store recently opened downtown, and I have my own gardening spaces,” says Idaho native Jim Moore. He recently returned to Idaho after a long career in the airline industry and 23 years in California. “The Touchmark retirement community works well for me, as it has all levels of care for a long life span.”

With nearly 100 acres, Touchmark is a lifestyle-driven community that includes a golf course, walking paths, fitness center, computer lab, easy access to St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center, and living accommodations that range from single-family cottages to lodge-style apartments. Service options range from independent and assisted living to enhanced assisted living, and memory care. Home health and home care options also are available.

Currently, Touchmark is home to more than 370 people over the age of 55. Since its opening in 2003, Touchmark has grown significantly. Just last September, the new three-story Targhee Lodge opened. Already, approximately 80% of the 68 lodge homes are occupied. To read the full article published by Forbes, follow this link: http://onforb.es/1dwCcLE

“The climate is what brought us here, along with encouragement from our daughter,” says Washington transplant Gail Schornak, together with her husband Tom. “We wanted to retain the Northwest style of living, and we found that here in Boise and at the Touchmark community. Besides, Boise is very easy to navigate, and we can easily get to where we want to go.”

Connect with community

On lot 19 (718 S Spelman Lane), this Adams cottage features 1,605 square feet and many updates, including new carpet and paint and new stainless-steel appliances. The home also includes pull-out drawers in pantry and kitchen cabinets, double-sided fireplace, closet organizers in all closets, double sinks in master bathroom, cabinets and sink in laundry room, water softener, covered patio, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage. We invite you to tour Touchmark and take part in an event or activity—and see how being part of a community can enrich your life.

Tai chi: balance for lifePivot right, arms come down, chin is up … this is just a small segment of movements that sound simple enough. Yet combined with 23 others, these slow-moving rhythms comprise a form. In total, there are 108 movements, split into three sections that each take 20 minutes to achieve. Welcome to tai chi, a “moving meditation,” as described by Boise instructor Jeff Vik, who has been teaching the discipline for 33 years.

Tai chi improves agility and mobility, along with offering a meditative and relaxation experience, states a study in the January 2014 publication of the Journal of American Geriatrics Society. The abstract, titled Effect of Tai Chi on Cognitive Performance in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, researched the effects of tai chi on older adults.

The research states that, “Physical activity promotes increased vasculature and production of neurotrophic factors, social engagement, and stress reduction through meditation and relaxation.”

Jeff says tai chi is a whole-body exercise with disciplined breathing that comes from the belly rather than the chest. “Most importantly, it’s about finding balance. It’s different for every person, yet tai chi offers the opportunity to find balance in eating, sleeping, stress, strength, and energy.”

He adds, “When older folks see their friends fall and get hurt, their own bodies become defensive and rigid. My job is to not only teach the rhythm of the movement but also to be a cheerleader in helping them find ways to get their bodies more relaxed and balanced to move freely.”

May is Older Americans MonthAccording to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of Americans aged 65-plus fall each year. Every 15 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall, and every 29 minutes, an older adult dies following a fall.

The reality that older adults are at a much higher risk of unintentional injury and death than the rest of the population is reflected in the theme for Older Americans Month: “Safe Today. Healthy Tomorrow.” Increasingly, research has shown that tai chi can help older adults improve their balance and reduce the risk of falling.

“Tai chi is truly about relaxing and the process of movement,” says Jeff. “This can be difficult, particularly for seniors, whose bodies have a memory bank of stress and energy.

“The more relaxed the body becomes, the better blood flows, and breathing settles down. Ultimately, the whole body adopts a better energy balance.”

Jeff offers ongoing intermediate and advanced tai chi classes at Touchmark on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The advanced class starts at 2:15 p.m., and the intermediate class begins at 3:15 p.m. A previous introduction to tai chi is required.

His beginning classes are also held Tuesdays and Thursdays—at 4:15 pm. Sessions run in six- to eight-week cycles; the current one started after May 15.

Cost for all classes is $33 per month (or $5 each session). To register, call 208-888-2277.

To read the research abstract from the Journal of American Geriatrics Society, visit: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.12611/abstract

149750 © 2014 Touchmark, LLC, all rights reserved

TOUCHMARK AT MEADOW LAKE VILLAGEFull-service Retirement Community

4037 E Clocktower Lane • Meridian, ID 83642208-888-2277 • Touchmark.com

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Contact a Full Life team member for additional details, including registration, transportation information, and participation requirements.

Tuesdays in June, 1 pm Diana James, author of the Bounce Back series, will facilitate a weekly workshop on writing your life story. This workshop will complement our current Thursday morning writing group, which has been writing and sharing stories for several years. Selkirk Room.

Wednesday, June 4, 6:45 pm Jason and Michele Detwiler—Idaho’s first couple of opera—return to perform some of their season’s favorites. Come for light opera and show tunes. Coeur d’Alene Room.

Fridays, June 13 and June 27 Boise Hawks Baseball games. Join your Touchmark friends for home games this summer: June 13 against the Tri-City Dust Devils, and June 27 against the Hillsboro Hops. Bus loads at 6:15 pm. Cost: $10 per ticket. Sign up in the Grand Lodge.

Monday, June 16, 1 pm Men’s health presentation by David B. Rice, MD, of the Idaho Urologic Institute in honor of Men’s Health Awareness Month. Saint Louise Chapel.

Wednesday, June 18, 1:15 pm Veterans Club bus trip to the Idaho Military History Museum.

Saturday, June 21, 10 am to 2 pm Touchmark Car Show. See 200-plus cars and enjoy fun, food, and music. Great family event.

Tuesday, June 24, 5:45 pm Seven Brides for Seven Brothers performance at Starlight Mountain Theater. Bus at 5:45 pm for the trip to Garden Valley. Cost: $20 for ticket and transportation.

See the full calendar online: TouchmarkMeridian.com/pdf/community-event-

calendar.pdf

Research on cognition and memory is finding that people who participate in more mentally stimulating activities have a slower rate of decline in memory (Wilson, et al, 2013, Journal of Neurology). Apps and websites like Fit Brains, Lumosity, Tetris, Sudoku2 all work on your computer, tablet device, or smart phone. Touchmark recently conducted a

webinar with team members that covered cutting-edge ideas for activities and cognitive stimulation. We now are working to develop programming throughout Touchmark communities that takes advantage of this technology for enhancing memory.

If you own or intend to purchase a computer, tablet, or smart phone and would like to participate in learning how to use it, please let us know. Also, if you have a favorite website or app that helps build the brain, please send an email to FullLife@Touchmark.com. Let’s learn together what can benefit all of us as we exercise our brains and boost memory.

Do you have a computer, iPad, or smart phone?

Brian PryorExecutive Vice President