RetirementHomes.com - Senior Celebrities

Amazing Nursing Home Residents Dress Up as Movie Stars

aadmin — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 12:37:51 +0000

A retirement group in Essen, Germany has redefined the image of seniors in a 2014 calendar showing residents can be stars when outfitted in silver screen get-ups.

Five thousand copies were printed and distributed to staff, residents and their families. The pictures spread across the Internet creating a skyrocketing demand for the calendars with residents masquerading as James Bond, Mary Poppins, The Blues Brothers and other icons from classic movie scenes.

Retirement community recreates famous movie scenes.

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Do you want to live to 109?

aadmin — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 16:00:31 +0000

A few weeks ago my grandfather, Sam Baker, passed away at the age of 109. He spent most of his life toiling in the prairies of Western Canada as described in this Winnipeg Free Press article. I and other family members, believe that he was much older (my estimate 113) but the official record is 109. So how did he do it? What was it like to be a alive during the last century?

Here’s a sample list of accomplishments that my grandfather witnessed:

Creation of Commercial Air flight
Introduction of Household appliances – refrigerator, electric stove/oven, can opener, microwave, etc.
Invention of the automobile and the development of the Interstate Highway
Adoption of Indoor Plumbing
Eradication of Polio, Measles and Smallpox
Prohibition
The Great Depression
World War I and II
Construction of the Indoor Mall
Onset of Computers and the Internet

After surviving the “dirty-30s” as a farm equipment dealer in Hamiota, Manitoba, (population of less than 1,000), he bought and successfully operated a chain of women’s clothing stores in and around Brandon, Manitoba. He married late in life (36 – the same age I was when I married), settled into a modest house in Brandon, and raised two daughters and a son.

At 85, he retired from the store, and travelled extensively with my grandmother (who predeceased him 11 years ago). After her death, he spent the balance of his life reading the newspaper in Winnipeg and frequenting the Winnipeg Senior scene.

My uncle stated at the funeral, he was what actuaries call the “Omega Man”, the last of his generation. A man of quiet dignity, he wore a jacket and tie every day, and walked almost 3 miles daily (to the bank and to the coffee shop) well into his 100s. An infrequent speaker, he was prepared to offer his opinion on a variety of matters when provoked. I spent a few days each year with my grandfather at his office in Brandon, cottage at Clear Lake or home in Winnipeg. On most of these family visits, I acted like a rambunctious toddler or teenager, unappreciative of his experiences.

In the last few years I listened intently and asked him questions about his life. On my last visit, several weeks before his death, all there was to say was “I Love You.” We had said it all. We knew the end was near, so I hugged him one last time. My daughter Orli kissed him and we left.

So what does it take to live to 109?

Based on my decades of discussions with my grandfather here’s what I know:

Speak only when you have something important to say
Treat your family better than your friends
Stay away from gossip and idle talk
Never argue with your wife, she’s always right
Lead by example, not with words
Enjoy the simple pleasures in life

Speak when you have something important to say

There is too much chatter in today’s Twitter society. My grandfather engaged in friendly conversation on a regular basis and loved interacting with people, but he rarely spoke in public. When he did speak, he did so with meaning and purpose. He hardly spoke at family gatherings, but when he did, people stopped their idle talking and listened. Later in my life, his personal conversations with me were so packed with value, it required that I decompress and ponder for a few days. These most private conversations possessed important messages he imparted to me.

Treat your family better than your friends

Sadly, most people treat their friends better than their family. As the youngest son in a family of five brothers and two (younger) sisters, my grandfather ensured that the family stayed together. Throughout his life, even when his brothers and their children lived far apart from each other, he made sure that disagreements amongst individual family members were dealt with and not left to fester.

Stay away from gossip

My grandfather enjoyed the routine banter of life, but he was not one to engage in gossip or act in a mean spirited way with his words. On occasion, he did not disclose things that he wanted to say to other people. My grandfather never told my uncle that he appreciated the care and assistance he had provided to him in the last decade of his life, but he confided this information to me several times. After my grandfather’s death I realized how much this “omission” had affected my uncle.

Never argue with your wife

As a person who’s been married for over eight years, it’s easy to say this, much harder to live it. My grandparents had a special relationship, sharing many hardships and heartaches. Given their circumstances, they were able to live their lives to the fullest. My grandparents never argued in front of me. There was never any tension in their home. My grandfather took it upon himself to be the peacemaker in the relationship. I can only hope that my relationship with my wife survives their 60+ years.

Lead by example

My grandfather lived a modest life and made sure that we understood the difference between right and wrong. He didn’t tell us what to do, he lived it. He took care of his possessions, ensuring his 1985 Lincoln was tuned and cleaned after each lengthy road trip or 5,000 km (whichever came first). He treated friends, family and associates with dignity and compassion. While he was a tough negotiator, he respected those with whom he worked.

Enjoy the simple pleasures of life

My grandfather was not tremendously wealthy, but he took advantage of opportunities when they arose. Without fail, he would have a cocktail shortly before dinner (usually scotch & water, but also white rum and Sprite). He loved spending time with his grandchildren (at least initially) and his friends, and going for long walks along Winnipeg‘s Wellington Crescent and the River Heights area.

Lessons from my grandfather

In modern day business language, we ask: what are the key take-aways that we can learn from Sam Baker. However, I prefer to look at his life lessons to be lived every day.

Treat people with respect. He had his own version of the “golden rule”. He didn’t like everyone, but he treated them with respect. I’m going to ensure that that I’m respectful of those that I interact with on a regular basis.

Show appreciation. My grandfather grew up in a time when fathers were hard on their children and some of that rubbed off on him. Later in his life he used to tell me that he loved me. He appreciated my uncle’s efforts as primary caregiver, though he rarely said anything. I’m going to tell and show people that I appreciate them and their effort s more than before.

Watch your tongue. I’m a bit of an introvert and so I don’t really like mixing in large crowds of people. When I do talk to people, I’m going to be more conscious of what and how I say things.

Communicate more. Because of my introverted nature, this one is going to be hard for me. I don’t really like to talk, so it means that when I speak, I’ll make my comments more meaningful and less superfluous. Also, I will be writing a lot more than in the past.

Enjoy life with all it has to offer. My wife constantly reminds me about how to stop and appreciate what we have been given (four amazing daughters, and her, an amazing wife), and I am forever reminding her to slow down. Somewhere we’ll find a happy medium, but I’ll be sure to have a glass of whisky or beer after 5 pm in my grandfather’s honor almost every day.

I will miss the visits with my grandfather (including the famous cocktail hours) but I'm certain that these lessons he inculcated in me will stay with me and my children forever.

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Fans Pay Tribute to Stompin' Tom Connors: Video

aadmin — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:41:09 +0000

A great storyteller, country singer and songwriter, Canada icon Stompin' Tom Connors was revered by a legion of dedicated followers during his lifetime. Though he died on March 6 at the age of 77, four thousand fans paid tribute to him yesterday at Memorial Centre in Peterborough, Ontario. A private ceremony was held on Tuesday.

The Hockey Song

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8zeB7b1uFY

During his life as a performer and recording artist he focused his personal genre on Canada, his homeland. He wrote of over 300 songs,

The troubadour, who always wore a black outfit and a Stetson hat, garnered his name by stomping the heel of his left boot to keep rhythm. He was a heavy drinker and smoker but his music gave him more momentum than healthier people.

Thousands of tributes have already poured in from working Canadians to celebrities. Ken Dryden, former Member of Parliament and Montreal Canadien great, will speak at the public ceremony, as well as Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General of Canada.

Performing artists will include Sylvia Tyson, J.P. Cormier and the Rheostatics frontman Dave Bidini.

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Inspiring stories

Senior Celebrities

Who is Britain's Most Powerful Woman?

aadmin — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:47:29 +0000

A first ever power list compiled by the BBC Radio 4 show Woman’s Hour voted her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, as Britain's most powerful woman. The runner-up is Home Secretary Theresa May.

The judging panel includes former newspaper editor Eve Pollard, politicians Priti Patel and Oona King, and crime novelist Val McDermid.

Ms Pollard said told Express: “Most women on our list have power because they have reached a place where they have control – of policy, of direction, of influence, of staff."

The panel included women with 'soft power' those with a transformative capacity to change how Britons think about themselves.

The purpose of the list was to show the inadequate number of women at the top of power fields like politics, corporations, the military and journalism.

Woman’s Hour editor Alice Feinstein commented that the radio show wanted to initiate a conversation on women and power. “We will use this list as a springboard to discuss the contribution all women make to society," Feinstein said "and ask why there isn’t greater diversity in the list.”

Many saw the ommision of Princess Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge as an oversight. Panelists deemed her to be influential but not powerful, yet.

Britain's top 10 women with power

1. Her Majesty The Queen
2. Rt Hon Theresa May MP (Home Secretary)
3. Ana Botin (CEO, Santander UK)
4. Baroness Brenda Hale of Richmond (Supreme Court Judge)
5. Elisabeth Murdoch (Chairman, Shine Group)
6. Professor Dame Sally Davies (Chief Medical Officer)
7. Justine Roberts & Carrie Longton (Co-founders, Mumsnet)
8. Lady Justice Hallett (Appeal Court Judge)
9. Angela Ahrendts (CEO, Burberry)
10. Dame Gail Rebuck (CEO, The Random House Group)

It would be an excellent exercise to find out who is the most power woman in the USA.

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Politics and Government

Senior Celebrities

Aging Pope Benedict XVI Retires

aadmin — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:54:52 +0000

News of Pope Benedict XVI's retirement may have taken the world by surprise. Aging specialists, however, may be taking it in stride, as well as the world's elderly population. At 85, Benedict encountered the aging process.

According to The Huffington Post, the retiring pope has been making his travels to St. Peter's Basilica's altar on a moving platform. The 100-yard walk down the aisle has become too difficult.

He has reduced his travel outside the Vatican and limited his audiences. The outgoing Pope has admitted that age has diminished his mental and physical strength to lead the world's Roman Catholics.

His last visit to the USA was April 15, 2008 to April 20, 2008.

Despite having no known serious health problems, fatigue is understandable for a 85-year-old pope. A doctor acquainted with the pope's medical condition, spoke on condition of anonymity, that the pope is simply old and tired.

The Pontiff's problems with getting around, kneeling during prayer, and standing for long periods of time, were suspected as being due to painful osteoarthritis.

The stress accompanying the life of the Catholic Church's leader might have led to his decision to lead an easier life in retirement.

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Beloved Wartime Singer Dies at 94

aadmin — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:32:41 +0000

Patty Andrews, the last living member of the famous Andrews Sisters vocal trio, died on January 30 at her home in Los Angeles, according to Rolling Stone. She was 94.

The career of the Andrews Sister - Patty, LaVerne and Maxene - extended from the 1920's to the late 1960's. They sold more than 80 million records during their prolific career. The sisters became a cultural icon during World War II, entertaining Allied troops and raising morale on the home front. They scored with a 1941 smash hit - "The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy."

The sisters went on to influence many Baby Boomer singers and musicians, including Bette Midler, whose first Number One hit was a cover of "The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." Barry Manilow, the Manhattan Transfer, the Pointer Sisters and En Vogue also recorded versions of the war time favorite.

Andrews Sisters - Gimme Some Skin, My Friend

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIFN13-a1iA

Patty, the youngest of the sisters, was the group's lead singer. They set out from their hometown near Minneapolis-Saint Paul and traveled the dance band vaudeville circuit. They garnered national attention upon arriving in California, with recordings and radio broadcasts.

Their first hit came in 1937 on an English-language version of the Yiddish tune "Bei Mir Bist Du Schön." Many treasured recordings kept pace over the years, including - "Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar" and "Rum and Coca-Cola." They toured with many famous big bands of the era.

The sisters starred in a dozen musical comedy movies between 1940-44. Their appearance with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope in 1947's The Road to Rio was their most significant film.

Patty Andrews is survived by a foster daughter, a niece and several cousins.

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Star Trek's Patrick Stewart Criticizes Ageism in New Film

aadmin — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 17:41:28 +0000

Star Trek's Patrick Stewart has agreed to star in a promotional film against ageism in Britain on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support. The Age Old Excuse, as reported by Ireland's Herald.ie plays out as a compelling narrative of three older people who defy stereotypical images of aging.

The Stars of the Film

Ena Mallet, a 79-year-old jujitsu practitioner and martial arts teacher, will act in an ensemble with Ruth Flowers who is better known as 'Mamy Rock' a 72-year-old nightclub DJ. 'Mamy Rock' has toured world-wide since discovering DJ-ing at the age of 68. Geoffrey Palmer, 72, will be the third actor. He is a renowned grain scientist and university lecturer and proclaims that older adults can still innovate.

Age is Just a Number

Stewart, who stars as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film series, is 72. He will be a feature actor in The Age Old Excuse. "Age is just a number," he states.

Director, Gavin Toomey, told Herald.ie, "I worked closely with Macmillan on this film and wanted it to be something they could use to really bring to life their Age Old Excuse campaign."

Macmillan is employing the film as part of its campaign to improve the care and treatment of older people in an effort to be offered treatment based on their fitness not their age.

Ageism is admonished in Assisted Living and Continuing Care residences in the USA.

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British Celebrity Supports Winter Campaign to Help Elderly

aadmin — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:50:34 +0000

In England, Stephen Fry is a man for all seasons. Documentarian, actor, and director for radio, TV, and screen. He is a champion for endangered species and slated for a big role in the upcoming The Hobbit series.

On the ground, Fry is urging Britons in Essex to support the elderly and vulnerable this winter.

Fry, and the Bishop of Chelmsford, along with the Essex Community Foundation (ECF) is pursuing a fundraising drive for donations for those aged over 60 who are needy, as reported by the Hertfordshire Mercury.

The 2012 Surviving Winter appeal has already generated more than £5,000 and intends to reach a goal of £50,000. Warm packs and food packs are essential items for the elderly and vulnerable. As well, extra financial support is being sought.

Mr.Fry told the Hertfordshire Mercury: "Millions of vulnerable and older people struggle with fuel poverty." He added: "With the weather getting colder and energy prices on the rise, they are more at risk than ever.

The Bishop of Chelmsford, The Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, added that it is easy to take comforts for granted during the cold winter months. But, heating brings significant challenges of maintaining human contact, a warm home and balancing costs. “The Surviving Winter Appeal recognizes such challenges and is there to help," said The Bishop.

Last winter, more than 600 elderly and vulnerable people died through a cause linked to the cold, said The Bishop. Winter can be a very isolating time and conditions can be very difficult. With fuel prices rising, many of elderly fear they will have to reduce heating their homes.

All concerned with the drive are working hard to keep the elderly safe and well during the winter months.

A warm environment is a high-priority for Assisted Living and Continuing Care Residences.

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Geriatric Rolling Stones Storm through 50th Anniversary Show

aadmin — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 17:23:59 +0000

Front row seats for the Rolling Stones' 50th Anniversary Show sold at $1,500 USD. Paint it gold for the Stones who by all accounts delivered an outstanding performance for their comeback.

It comes as a surprise seeing that founding members Mick Jagger is 69 and Keith Richards is 68.

Back row seats were $150.00. The historic band played a 2 1/2 half hour set at London's 02 Arena. The show included some of their greatest hits: “Paint it Black,” “Start Me Up,” "Sympathy for the Devil," "Gimme Shelter".

The Daily Mail’s Jan Moir wrote that the Stones had beaten the aging process: “You might imagine that they had been worn down by life, by wives, by arthritis, by scandals old and new, by drugs, but no — they seemed indestructible.”

The Associated Press wrote: "The seemingly ageless Mick Jagger's strutting style has not been dimmed, and backed by brilliant guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood and the energetic drumming of Charlie Watts, who is now past 70 but shows no sign of slowing down."

The band started in 1962 and has been a Baby Boomer staple. Alongside The Beatles, The Dave Clark 5, The Who, and dozens of other English bands, they created The British Invasion when they stormed the USA's Top Ten.

The long lived band may be old enough to retire to Assisted Living or Continuing Care residences, but will play another show in London, followed by a handful in the New York City area.

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Should Bob Dylan Retire?

aadmin — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 14:12:36 +0000

At the withering age of 71, a growing number of Dylan followers are wondering if the iconic 60s folksinger and rocker should hang it up and retire.

His latest tour of 80 cities, across three continents, ended on November 21, and critics convey concern over Dylan's inability to perform.

The reviewer for the Los Angeles Times wrote: "It was hard to tell whether the guy with the gutter-nasal voice was actually Dylan or a monster with indigestion."

The reviewer for mLIVE - Michigan savaged the aging star: "The 71-year-old folk-rock legend is a cantankerous sort, croaking and bleating the lyrics with bizarre rhythmic affectations, never addressing the crowd, rendering staples of his catalog unrecognizable. If you’re lucky, you’ll understand every 16th word."

Other news sources were kinder, admitting to Dylan's limitations, yet confirming his continuing entertainment presence.

A reporter from AARP invited his Dylan-obsessed son to see the music legend at the second-to-last performance in Washington, D.C. His son refused: “I want to remember him like he was, not how he is now with his voice all old and scratchy.” But the son changed his mind.

The versions of Dylan's songs had been rearranged to mask his “vocal limitations.” Dylan rarely plays guitar now, due to arthritis, opting for the piano.

Still, the AARP reporter wrote: "we got a living, breathing, confounding artist who in many ways embodies the best of America — inventive, ever-changing, imperfect."

It seems that Dylan is vital to some fans, infuriates others, but is a far away from retirement and entering an assisted living or continuing care residence.

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