50+ Lifestyles

Growing Old and Embracing It

By Anne Coffman
Marketing Director at Ridgecrest Village

My name is Anne Coffman, and I am the Marketing Director at Ridgecrest Village in Davenport, Iowa; located just off Northwest Boulevard. Here at Ridgecrest we have been dealing with obstacles and are doing amazing things to stay positive. I spoke with some residents to see their take on aging and their positive aspects of growing older.

They have more time – Time to do things they always wanted to try. Several of our residents took up their favorite hobbies later in life and still thoroughly enjoyed learning new things.

They have more space – When their children grew up and left home, there was suddenly extra room (maybe to turn into a hobby room). Even when down-sizing they often still have space for things that are loved and treasured.

They have fewer distractions – During their career, many residents did not have time to concentrate on anything but the essentials. Their life was so fast paced they had to teach themselves to slow down after retirement and enjoy the finer things in life.

They have self-acceptance – I heard over and over they no longer care that we have a few extra wrinkles or pounds and no longer feel the need to be perfect. “We own our imperfections we really do not care what others think of us anymore.”

They feel secure – Several spoke of the comfort of living among friends they enjoy and, in a community, where they feel safe and cared for.

One of our residents shared her favorite quote with me:

“We old people know a lot more about being young than young people know about being old.” (Author Unknown).

Unfortunately, growing old is a privilege denied to many. With that, I would hope and wish, as we gain years, that we embrace the changes and choose to look at the positive things that come only with time and age.

Anne Coffman is Marketing Director for Ridgecrest Village in Davenport, Iowa. For more information about Ridgecrest Village, contact Anne at 563-388-3215