Making Connections As We Age, at The Cedars

Posted by Katharine

Researchers are gaining a better understanding of the effects of loneliness and isolation on our health, such as the studies outlined in the recent New York Times article. Scientists have found that loneliness can raise our levels of stress hormones and inflammation, which then increase the risk of heart disease, arthritis, Type 2 diabetes and dementia. Interestingly, findings indicate that individuals can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely – if their relationships are not emotionally rewarding. Essentially, isolation does not definitively lead to loneliness. The question arises, how to counter the effects of loneliness, particularly in our older years.

At The Cedars, we have various living options for seniors including independent living, assisted living, long-term care and short-stay rehabilitation. Over the years, we’ve had the honor of witnessing the effects of new relationships on our residents’ wellbeing. One resident at The Atrium independent living recently exclaimed, “I never thought I would meet my best friend after moving in to a senior community.” And in our long-term care center, the community is enthusiastically awaiting the upcoming wedding between two of our nursing home residents who met at The Cedars.

Intimate, meaningful relationships are always important, no matter where we are in life. And what’s amazing is that connections can arise when and where we least expect them. For more information on The Cedars and our community, contact Angela D’Amours, Marketing Representative at adamours@thecedarsportland.org.

Happy Hanukkah

Posted by Katharine

Greetings for a warm and joyous Hanukkah, from The Cedars.

The Cedars Residents Reflect: Where Were They on December 7, 1941?

Posted by Katharine

Margot Cliff was 7 and living in Hilo, Hawaii, when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. “I didn’t really know what the ramifications would be,” she said. “How do you describe war to a young child?” Staff photo by Derek Davis

In anticipation of the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, our residents met with Gillian Graham of the Portland Press Herald to reminisce about hearing the news 76 years ago today – and how it shaped their lives in the years after. Thank you, Gillian Graham for this wonderful article. Visit PPH for the full article.

She was 7 and standing outside her house in Hilo, Hawaii, with her father as he prepared to leave for a morning church service when a neighbor came running into the yard with news of the Japanese attack that would leave 2,403 Americans dead and push the United States to enter World War II. Two hundred miles away from Pearl Harbor, Cliff’s family wasn’t in immediate danger as the bombs fell, but realities of war surrounded the young girl in the months and years to follow.

Seventy-six years after the day that President Franklin D. Roosevelt said would “live in infamy,” Cliff and three other residents of The Atrium at The Cedars in Portland reflected this week on the moment they heard about the attack and how it shaped their lives in the years after.

Cliff, who was born in Hawaii and lived there until she moved to the mainland at age 12, was living a quiet life on the island with her sister and their father, a Congregationalist minister.

“I didn’t really know what the ramifications would be,” said Cliff, now 83. “How do you describe war to a young child?”

Immediately after the attack, no gatherings of more than 10 people were allowed. Cliff’s father, the Rev. T. Markham Talmage, held services with nine people at a time. Everyone on the island was issued a gas mask and had to carry it at all times. Every few months, the school library would be filled with tear gas and students were marched through to test the masks. Those who hadn’t put their masks on correctly came out crying, Cliff said. Read more …

Pop-Up Shop & Party at The Atrium

Posted by Katharine

Treat yourself at The Atrium!
Shop select artisans, enjoy live music and holiday sweets,
and get a sneak peek into member apartments.
December 7, 2017 – RSVP 221-7100

Community Learning Wednesdays

Posted by Katharine

Medicare: What You Need to Know
Wednesday November 29 from 10-11AM at The Cedars
Laura Dibiase, LCSW and Director of Care Coordination at The Cedars will teach you about Medicare, how it works and what it means for you – all before the December enrollment deadline.
FMI call 207-221-7100

Thanksgiving Blessings

Posted by Katharine

In this season of gratitude, the staff and trustees at The Cedars give thanks for our community’s friendship and support and wish everyone a Blessed Thanksgiving.