Unraveling the Mystery of the Hinterkaifeck Murders.pptx
Touchmark at Meadow Lake Village - June 2014 Newsletter
1. TOUCHMARK AT MEADOW LAKE VILLAGE
THE{FULL}LIFE
June 2014
Touchmark’s Art Gala returns
People took in paintings, photography, drawings, and more as they talked with local artists about their
work during the recent open house and reception. The event launched the month-long art show. From
left: Alan Giltzow, artist Jim Chin, Barbara O’Meara, and Mary Lopez.
(cont.)
Boise and Meridian Make Forbes List of Best Places for Retirees
Forbes recently included Boise
and Meridian in its “top 25”
lists for retirees. Boise made the
list as a “city” and Meridian as
a “suburb.” Touchmark, located
between the two, is considered
the most comprehensive
retirement community in the
Treasure Valley. It reflects the
factors Forbes evaluated and
why retirees are attracted to
this area.
Dena Hughes moved to Boise
and Touchmark in July of 2013
from the Seattle area. Since
arriving, she is continuously
impressed by the cultural
offerings of the city. She
recently saw the production of
Wicked at the local auditorium,
which also looks out over the
Boise River with a backdrop
of the foothills. “The cultural
activities are marvelous,” she
says. “Plus, I love the sunshine.”
“The climate is what brought us
here, along with encouragement
from our daughter,” says
Washington transplant Gail
Schornak, together with her
husband Tom. “We wanted to
retain the Northwest style of
living, and we found that here
in Boise and at the Touchmark
community. Besides, Boise is
very easy to navigate, and we
can easily get to where we want
to go.”
The Forbes listings were
provided in alphabetical order,
with no ranking among the
cities or suburbs. To identify
the best 25, Forbes evaluated
more than 400 cities across
the country. Factors
2. (cont.) that were considered were weather—
Boise and Meridian are two of the colder climates
listed—overall cost of living, home prices compared
to national average, general state tax climates for
retirees, and employment opportunities, as some
retirees may continue to work part time.
The rankings used a variety of other independent
studies to gauge their research. Quality of life
resources, such as Bicycling Magazine, Walkscore.
com, and VolunteeringinAmerica.gov, all gave Boise
high rankings in their individual evaluations. By
compiling and evaluating the data, Forbes formed
the two lists of the best places for retirees.
“I am very close to the hospital; my favorite grocery
store recently opened downtown, and I have my own
gardening spaces,” says Idaho native Jim Moore.
He recently returned to Idaho after a long career in
the airline industry and 23 years in California. “The
Touchmark retirement community works well for
me, as it has all levels of care for a long life span.”
With nearly 100 acres, Touchmark is a lifestyle-
driven community that includes a golf course,
walking paths, fitness center, computer lab, easy
access to St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center, and
living accommodations that range from single-
family cottages to lodge-style apartments. Service
options range from independent and assisted living
to enhanced assisted living, and memory care. Home
health and home care options also are available.
Currently, Touchmark is home to more than 370
people over the age of 55. Since its opening in
2003, Touchmark has grown significantly. Just
last September, the new three-story Targhee Lodge
opened. Already, approximately 80% of the 68
lodge homes are occupied. To read the full article
published by Forbes, follow this link: http://onforb.
es/1dwCcLE
“The climate is what brought us here, along with
encouragement from our daughter,” says Washington
transplant Gail Schornak, together with her husband
Tom. “We wanted to retain the Northwest style of
living, and we found that here in Boise and at the
Touchmark community. Besides, Boise is very easy to
navigate, and we can easily get to where we want to
go.”
Connect with community
On lot 19 (718 S Spelman Lane), this Adams cottage features 1,605 square feet and many updates,
including new carpet and paint and new stainless-steel appliances. The home also includes pull-out
drawers in pantry and kitchen cabinets, double-sided fireplace, closet organizers in all closets, double
sinks in master bathroom, cabinets and sink in laundry room, water softener, covered patio, two
bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage. We invite you to tour Touchmark and take part in an
event or activity—and see how being part of a community can enrich your life.
3. Tai chi: balance for life
Pivot right, arms come down, chin is up … this is
just a small segment of movements that sound
simple enough. Yet combined with 23 others, these
slow-moving rhythms comprise a form. In total,
there are 108 movements, split into three sections
that each take 20 minutes to achieve. Welcome
to tai chi, a “moving meditation,” as described by
Boise instructor Jeff Vik, who has been teaching the
discipline for 33 years.
Tai chi improves agility and mobility, along with
offering a meditative and relaxation experience,
states a study in the January 2014 publication
of the Journal of American Geriatrics Society.
The abstract, titled Effect of Tai Chi on Cognitive
Performance in Older Adults: Systematic Review
and Meta-Analysis, researched the effects of tai chi
on older adults.
The research states that, “Physical activity
promotes increased vasculature and production of
neurotrophic factors, social engagement, and stress
reduction through meditation and relaxation.”
Jeff says tai chi is a whole-body exercise with
disciplined breathing that comes from the belly
rather than the chest. “Most importantly, it’s about
finding balance. It’s different for every person, yet tai
chi offers the opportunity to find balance in eating,
sleeping, stress, strength, and energy.”
He adds, “When older folks see their friends fall and
get hurt, their own bodies become defensive and
rigid. My job is to not only teach the rhythm of the
movement but also to be a cheerleader in helping
them find ways to get their bodies more relaxed and
balanced to move freely.”
May is Older Americans Month
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, one-third of Americans aged 65-plus
fall each year. Every 15 seconds, an older adult is
treated in the emergency room for a fall, and every
29 minutes, an older adult dies following a fall.
The reality that older adults are at a much higher
risk of unintentional injury and death than the rest
of the population is reflected in the theme for Older
Americans Month: “Safe Today. Healthy Tomorrow.”
Increasingly, research has shown that tai chi can help
older adults improve their balance and reduce the
risk of falling.
“Tai chi is truly about relaxing and the process
of movement,” says Jeff. “This can be difficult,
particularly for seniors, whose bodies have a memory
bank of stress and energy.
“The more relaxed the body becomes, the better
blood flows, and breathing settles down. Ultimately,
the whole body adopts a better energy balance.”
Jeff offers ongoing intermediate and advanced tai chi
classes at Touchmark on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The advanced class starts at 2:15 p.m., and the
intermediate class begins at 3:15 p.m. A previous
introduction to tai chi is required.
His beginning classes are also held Tuesdays and
Thursdays—at 4:15 pm. Sessions run in six- to eight-
week cycles; the current one started after May 15.
Cost for all classes is $33 per month (or $5 each
session). To register, call 208-888-2277.
To read the research abstract from the Journal
of American Geriatrics Society, visit: http://
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.12611/
abstract
