INDUSTRY INSIGHT
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY LIVING
SPONSORED CONTENT
AGING, AGEISM
AND AGING WELL
Erie Seniors Share Their
Thoughts and Lessons
What does aging mean to you?
For many of us, it conjures years where we
anticipate less out of life – less health, less
adventure, less fun. Part of this is fueled by
the ageism that runs deep in our society.
Ashton Applewhite is a national ageism
activist who has turned her aging process
into a mission to change this perception. She
notes the industries devoted to reversing the
Karen Keene,
aging process. Children’s books and cartoons
Contributing Resident
often depict old people as cranky cane
shakers. It’s no surprise, she says, that society
views aging as a problem to be fixed.
In her mind, the key factor to aging well is having a solid social network
that gives you a reason and a will to continue engaging with the world.
At Springhill Senior Living, we could not agree more. Recently, Springhill
residents were asked by an aging services advocacy group to share their
perspectives on what it means to age and what advice they have to offer.
What a pleasure it has been to sit and learn from those who participated.
A few of the comments include:
• “I am no longer afraid to offend my elders; there are none!”
• “I don’t feel any different than I did 30 years ago but I did have to bid
farewell to vanity. As a former ‘fox,’ I no longer painstakingly groom
myself each morning. This is me now.”
• “There is a heightened sense of mortality, so get crackin’!”
• “I have slowed down and things take me a little longer to accomplish,
and I value the importance of friendship more than ever.”
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• “My advice: Do everything in moderation; enjoy life; don’t dwell
on problems.”
We were also gratified to hear how moving to Springhill Senior
Living has positively changed the aging process for many residents.
Several compared giving up home ownership to an “escape.” Others
noted how much more socially connected they feel.
A common theme was how enriching it is to live in a community
where their opinions are sought, where they can be creative and learn
and teach by example, and where their surroundings enable them to
live as they please.
How do you want to age? Come learn from those who do it well.
We invite you to call Springhill to meet with the resident experts who
will share their insight as you enjoy lunch on us. Call 814.860.7042 to
learn more.