50+ Lifestyles

Caring Community at Ridgecrest

By Karen McCoy
Marketing Consultant
Ridgecrest Village

When I look around me each day I realize that I have been given an opportunity that not many people get in their lifetime. I am surrounded by people that God has gifted in so many ways. There are people that have served their community as teachers, doctors, lawyers and some were called to be pastors. Some are skilled mechanics, savvy businessmen, talented artists, brave soldiers, engineers and so much more. They are Community Builders. What a way to live my life; to have the privilege of spending time with them. I hold so much respect for all of them. All of these people have given their talents all of their lives, which in turn affected so many others. Throughout their lives, they have been building people up with intentional relationships.

When you think about it, isn’t that what your life is about? Keeping your connections with others strong? Affecting other lives? Continuing relationships and developing new ones? Every day we interact with people in some way or another. But there are many who do not have the chance to. As we age and begin to lose those that are close to us we don’t choose isolation and loneliness, it can just happen. The lack of social support can hinder your overall quality of life. It can have negative impacts on your health and well-being. Support from others can be important in reducing stress, increasing physical health and defeating psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.

At Ridgecrest Village, I believe that everyone begins their day with a caring attitude. You see it all around, socialization and bonding. Staying socially active and maintaining interpersonal relationships can help you maintain good physical and emotional health and cognitive function. People who continue to maintain close friendships and find other ways to interact socially live longer than those who become isolated. Relationships and social interactions help protect against illness by boosting your immune system. The residents that I am surrounded by, the community builders, spend every day interacting with others by maintaining their close relationships and building new ones. These residents offer expressions of comfort and sincere love to their neighbors and friend. From the residents to the people that work here, our guests and professionals that call on us, you receive love and compassion. No one is alone with their troubles and struggles. There is always someone to show you kindness and concern. Sometimes people are blinded by pain, and they need a guide. That guide can be another person to come alongside and help them remember past joys, those precious memories that bring a smile and warm the heart. The guide can also assist with creating new memories, assisting the hurting one in navigating their life going forward. Our Residents joyfully take on the role of being someone’s guide. When you live at Ridgecrest, you quickly make friends. The comfort of a friend soothes the soul like nothing else. Friends share in our pain and comfort us with their hugs, words, prayers and silent presence. A friend can give us hope when we are hopeless. Our residents are kindhearted and genuine in their gifts of love. There are people here that make you smile every day. Others that can sense when you are having a bad day and lend a listening ear or shoulder to comfort you. These are the kind of people that you want to spend your days with. Your friends at Ridgecrest are happy and willing to share their happiness with everyone they meet. They always have a hug for you, a funny joke or are willing to act a little silly just to make
you smile

If you are feeling isolated and lonely, perhaps you can help yourself. Start by staying in touch with friends and family. Try to visit them regularly. Other ways are volunteering and participating in community activities offered for seniors. Join a group, take a class or join a gym or fitness center to stay physically fit. Reach out to your loved ones, neighbors, friends, family members. Stay as vibrant, active and social as you’ve always been. These are some of the ways that the resident’s at Ridgecrest find it easy to stay young at heart, stimulated, busy and out of the house. You have so much to offer: your talents, compassion and love. You can be one of the many that are willing to share their gifts from God to help make a difference in other’s lives. Join us at Ridgecrest. Live in a place with gracious, loving, faithful, forgiving people. All sharing one essential character trait that everyone can celebrate “the gift of giving.” I can’t think of a better way to spend my working days than to be surrounded by so many wonderful people.

Come to our Wine and Cheese Celebration September 23, 2016 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. There is no charge. Come taste the Wine, Cheese and Chocolate pairings. You will see and feel the lovely living environment that our residents enjoy every day. RSVP (563) 391-3430.

Call (563) 391-3430 to schedule a tour of Ridgecrest Village with Mary or Karen.

Karen McCoy is Marketing Director for Ridgecrest Village in Davenport, Iowa. For more information about Ridgecrest Village, contact Karen at (563) 391-3430.