One Thing: Brookdale Senior Living

J U ST O N E T H I N GLife’s lessons, from generation to generation

Our Celebrity Friends

Introduction

LIFE & AGING WISDOM

Our ResidentsRAISING CHILDREN

CHOOSING A MATE

TAKING RISKS

THE PAST

VACATIONS

HARD TIMES

TAKING CARE OF SOMEONE

GETTING OLDER

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

BEING GRATEFUL

FOLLOWING YOUR DREAMS

“Try to be a good mother by helping them any way you can and

set good examples for them.”

Eleanor Skinner, Age 100Wynwood® Madison

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Introduction

What if I there were an untapped resource that contained something more valuable than silver and gold? This treasure can bring happiness, long life, riches and honor. It is free, available, and found in the most unexpected places. Legend has it that King Solomon, when given the option to have anything he wanted, chose this. You guessed it–wisdom. Where can we find it?

There is a great untapped resource in our older generation–those who have lived long and learned life’s lessons. Not only do they have the benefit of seeing life from its whole perspective, but also have the ability to distill it into kernels of truth, packed full of power–the intellectual equivalent of a super food. They can tell us the “One Thing” that makes a difference in a given situation.

At Brookdale® our coffers are full to the brim. We have 66,000 or so of these jewels. So, we decided to tap into their wisdom. We asked them some questions: What is the One Thing you would tell a younger person about…finding a mate, getting an education, dreaming a dream etc. And they had the answers on the tip of their tongues.

Their responses were simple on the surface but profound in their depth. There are books written about them–millions of dollars spent on research. But no need really, just ask an 85 year old. Who but a fool would leave this treasure undiscovered?

J U ST O N E T H I N GLife’s lessons, from generation to generation

“Always be there for them no matter what they need. Make sure you know who their friends are.”Shirley Reid, Age 87

“Always tell them the truth.”Frances Malloy, Age 87

“Please love them unconditionally. In addition, learn to be flexible and listen to them.”Emily Batts, Age 86

“Be someone they need.”Yvonne K., Age 90

“Find an alternate word to “no”.”Irma J., Age 94

“Encourage them to be individuals.” Norman Revala, Age 87

“Be respectful. Remember where you were at that age.”Kathleen Chalmers, Age 84

“You’ve got to have a sense of humor.”Peg Martin, Age 87

“Seize teachable moments to discuss with your child; that means listening as well as talking.”Eileen Johnston, Age 86

“Tell them how much you love them daily.”Jan Galey, Age 71

“Teach them to be honest in everything they say and do.”Marie Sommer, Age 84

Our Residents

RAISING CHILDREN

JUST ONE THINGLife’s lessons, from generation to generation

“Try to be a good mother by helping them any way you can and

set good examples for them.”

Eleanor Skinner, Age 100Wynwood® Madison

“Let the men chase you and choose your favorite.”Dorthy Ambrose, Age 83

“By all means make sure you love each other, to the point of not being able to live without each other.”Ann Lucero, Age 86

“Don’t pick the first one you meet.”Irene Haines, Age 72

“We were married May 10, 1947 and my how time files. When we met, we just knew it in our hearts.” John & Martha Roskos, Ages 92 & 90

“Love them with all you have, all the time.”Donna Weiser, Age 84

“If someone asks you to dance, say “Yes”. You may end up marrying them like I did!”Elizabeth Stagney, Age 94

“Choose someone you have fun with.”Frances Arnold, Age 91

“Don’t give people advice on choosing a mate. They will figure it out themselves. You don’t want it to be your fault.”Dean Stauffer, Age 78

“Choosing a mate is not an intellectual exercise. If the process and/or the result ‘just doesn’t feel right’, it isn’t.”Alvin L. Morris, Age 83

Our Residents

CHOOSING A MATE


“I would marry this man all over again.”

George & Kathleen Wright, Ages 90 & 89Homewood Cleveland Park

“Make sure your risk isn’t smoking or driving too fast!”Eleanor Sanders, Age 88

“Know the facts, make a decision and don’t look back.”Ed Jackson, Age 85

“Life is a risk! Love is the greatest risk in the world. Everyone has love in their hearts; you just have to tap into it. If you do not have love than you should take the risk and take your chances to cultivate love in any way you can.”Nita Mahoney, Age 80

“Take the risk, the man upstairs will always look out for you.”Fred, Age 87

“Taking a risk sounds negative–you are going out on a limb, but taking a chance seems positive– it’s seeking an opportunity.”Margaret Moss, Age 89

“It’s better to do something and fail, than to succeed at doing nothing.”Elise Timm, Age 89

Our Residents

TAKING RISKS


“Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If you never try you will never know if

you can do it; you may regret not having taken the risk...so just do it!”

Edna Doyle, Age 84Freedom Village Holland

“Remember the past and use it to shape the future.”Arden Gard, Age 76

“We appreciated everything we had.”Gertrude Bartell, Age 84

“Mourn not the days that have gone before, but bless the days that still lie ahead.”Don Ralstem, Age 95

“Worked three jobs to make it at $2.00/week.”Cecelia Mossynski, Age 92

“I went to dental school; I wouldn’t do it again.”Keith Williams, Age 79

“Write a letter to your children when you are young and tell them what they mean to you and thank them for adding to your life.”Lydia Hyrubik, Age 80

“Know that the past isn’t the future.” Jan Frank, Age 62

“Cherish the little things. I remember riding with my Grandfather to the feed mill to get hay and oats for the cows and horses. I loved it!”Ella Krebbs, Age 92

“Know that you can’t go back to the past and change things but you can change things for the future and make them better.”Maxine Beery, Age 81

Our Residents

THE PAST


“It was more relaxed; people were more confident in themselves in the past.”

Russell Taylor, Age 96The Waterford

“Make the time to take one. It doesn’t matter where you go, just make sure that you go.”Charles J., Age 84

“If you have no money, still take a day trip and enjoy the beautiful world.”Lottie Nowinski, Age 77

“Take as many as you possibly can!” John Suchorski, Age 81

“Travel light and be flexible. Changes happen and that is part of the adventure.”Eleanor Hughes, Age 80

“Don’t do too much planning. If you do, all you’ll do is work on your vacation.”Frances Malloy, Age 87

“Take comfortable clothes that you can wash and hang up. Take care of your feet. Don’t talk to any strangers, unless they are good looking. Always have a Plan B.”Gwen Erdlitz, Age 95

“You don’t have to go far to find an interesting place.”Robert Wagner, Age 78

“Take lots of pictures. Review them often later in your life to bring back the memories.”Ada Hibrants, Age 84

“Take half of what you originally packed and double the money.”Elizabeth N., Age 84

“Pack three bags and leave two at home.”Albert Beavers, Age 87

Our Residents

VACATIONS


“See all you can see and enjoy the dream.”

Lona Collins, Age 105The Fairways

“Save your money for the hard times.”Dorothy Trebilcock, Age 83

“It doesn’t matter how little the pay, take a job.”Jane Koerner, Age 91

“You just don’t know when hard times will hit, so be wise, work hard and save your money. I never stopped working and saving my money.”Ed Retzlaff, Age 96

“Whatever you have you share with those who are worse off than you. Be very grateful, always.”Ann Lucero, Age 86

“Look back and count your blessings and realize your problems weren’t as bad as they seemed. We have no problems we can’t handle.”Naida, Age 81

“I danced through the hard times.”Doris Diggs, Age 86

“Spend what you have wisely. Buy only essentials. Do not waste money, food or time. Be optimistic about the future. Have faith that God is with you and will always help you.”Catherine Savage, Age 84

“Believe that things can get better.”Barbara Rowden, Age 74

“Have some money hidden so when you are in a tough spot, you can get out.”Frances Malloy, Age 87

Our Residents

HARD TIMES


“We all just went through it; there is nothing wrong with hard times.

Money was the hardest problem. Save money, but don’t be stingy.”

Ralph Forquer, Age 87Villas of Sparks

“Treat them as you would want to be treated.”Virginia Allen, 91

“Take your time. Listen deeply, quietly and with kindness.”Rita Jean Stochosky, Age 62

“It’s a big commitment but one that you will never forget. You will always be thankful you could take care of that loved one.”Marge Leary, Age 82

“Be sure to take care of yourself as well. A small glass of wine or even a beer can work wonders.”Joann Morris, Age 79

“Let them do things for themselves as long as possible.”Gwen Gustafson, Age 86

“Be prepared for the unexpected. Laughter is the best medicine. Take care of yourself first. Don’t take things too personally. Respect others wishes.”Leona Snider, Age 87

“I was where you are now—you will be where I am now in more years. Kindness, love and attention are all thatis needed.”Bernice E. Farina, Age 88

“Be patient with yourself so that you will be patient with the person who needs your help and care.”Maggie Rubi, Age 73

“Let them keep their pride and dignity.”Virginia Couture, Age 88

Our Residents

TAKING CARE OF SOMEONE


“As a caregiver, a person has to be more of a companion to them, not a servant,

and must be patient and flexible.”

“They would see that people really need them and you can’t sit around all day without using your mind. People

who can should help.”

Russell & Odile Taylor, Ages 96 & 96The Waterford

“Enjoy life. It’s as simple as that.”Pauline Hilden, Age 99

“Be flexible and go with the flow. Keep a sense of humor.”Lois Priester, Age 84

“It’s a wonderful experience to grow old. You are calmer, worry less, enjoy and share things more.”Mrs. Leffler, Age 97

“You have more wisdom and love to share.”Mary Shell, Age 69

“Make sure you use your wrinkle cream at night.”Bernice McGee, Age 89

“Enjoy each and every day. Be bold and make a difference in someone’s life.”Barbara Messing, Age 71

“You’ll find that things sag more than they used to!”Madella Crouse, Age 79

“It is a wonderful journey. The things you once took for granted, you enjoy so much more. You have fewer worries.”Mrs. Cooper, Age 86

“I’m not old. People 10 years older than me are old.” Jan Stranberg, Age 92

“Take each day as it comes.”Rosemary Parker, 84

Our Residents

GETTING OLDER


“Have fun, but behave, and be yourself. Stay young as long as you can, there’s

no rush to getting older.”

Gladys Opal King, Age 91Clare Bridge® Burlington

“Dream big.”Rita Jean Stochosky, Age 62

“Trust in God. Trust in the words that the elderly give you.”Phillis Gilcrest, Age 84

“Set a goal for yourself. Pray–Work Hard–Be Honest.”Dorothy Rudd, Age 86

“People are the hope.”Lorraine Wyngarden, Age 85

“You can hope all you want. You have to make things happen. Work for them.”Betty Tebo, Age 85

“Try to make things better.”Florence Timm, Age 82Our Residents

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE


“So deep within all of you, there is a seed to be watered and one day your seed

will burst forth. You will overcome doubts, challenges, but keep hope alive and your

dreams can become a reality.”

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you’ve imagined.”

Dorothy Flood, Age 75Terrace at Memorial City

“A woman’s beauty.”Dick Anderson, Age 89

“My parents–for the time they spent with us and the guidance they gave us.”Ouida Byington, Age 85

“I am grateful for my children because being a mother has taught me so much about caring for others. In turn I was able to care for frail, older people and that made me feel productive as well as purposeful.”Bobbi Clement, Age 67

“I am grateful that I have been able to express myself through dance.”Natali Francioli, Age 86

“For my beautiful wife of 60 years.”Bob Cooper, Age 93

“I am grateful for the people who care about me.”Ann Nelson, Age 94

“For loving parents.”Gladys Earnest, Age 85

“I am grateful for God because I am alive. I wake up each morning and He has given me another day to enjoy. And coffee.”Connie Roth, Age 75

Our Residents

BEING GRATEFUL


“To all you meet in life, listen to them, be cheerful, be understanding and

most of all, be respectful.”

“Love many, trust few and always paddle your own canoe.”

Wisdom passed along to her by her Aunt Edna

Shirley Szarowicz, Age 85Bella Vita Venice

“It’s okay to have your head in the clouds but make sure your feet are still on the ground.”Charles J., Age 85

“Work hard, save money and you can do anything.”Terese Diedonis, Age 81

“Dreams are just dreams until you act on them.”James Hubbard, Age 86

“Just keep on going, long after you think of giving up.”Margaret Brasted, Age 85

“Be a dreamer. Dreams lead to goals. Goals lead to plans. Plans prepare you to take advantage of opportunities. Opportunities lead to achievement. Achievement leads to ownership and satisfaction which leads to sharing and helping others in need of help.”Doug Sellars, Age 76

“Have more than one!”Bill Hembel, Age 73

“Follow them with faith, your heart and soul.”Maryann Stanford, Age 87

Our Residents

FOLLOWING YOUR DREAMS


“Don’t ever give up. Always have a dream on your mind and in your heart,

and eventually it will come true.”

Della Frye, Age 87Brookdale® Place Ann Arbor


JUST ONE THINGJust a few more things from some folks you may recognize

MAYA ANGELOU:

“I’m the same person I was back

then, A little less hair, a little less

chin, A lot less lungs and much

less wind. But ain’t I lucky I can

still breath in.”

Maya AngelouCelebrated Author/Poet/Artist

Excerpt from Maya Angelou’s Poem on Aging


DICK CAVETT:

“Quiz and mind your parents and

especially grandparents for the

priceless and vital information in

their past lives, which—when they’re

gone—you will kick yourself about.

When it’s too late.”

Dick CavettWriter/Talk Show Host/Actor




CARL REINER:

“Wake up everyday with a

great desire to accomplish

something you’re dying to do...

and then go do it!”

Carl ReinerDirector/Writer/Actor



NEIL SEDAKA:

“I’m 75 years old. I’m still creating,

writing and singing better than

ever before. Work hard. Keep on

dreaming. Age is not a barrier.

Nothing is impossible.”

Neil SedakaSinger/Songwriter



DR. RUTH K. WESTHEIMER:

“Make a CD of the music that

played an important part of your

life, the songs you danced to in

high school, your wedding song,

songs you remember your parents

playing or humming so that you

can pass on your musical

heritage to your family.”

Dr. Ruth K. WestheimerPsychosexual Therapist and Author



FLORENCE HENDERSON:

“Keep a cool head and

a warm heart.”

Florence HendersonAuthor/Motivational Speaker/

Star of TV’s “The Brady Bunch”



CAROL CHANNING:

“Growing up in the Church of

Christian Science, age was not

an important factor. So today,

I don’t know why everyone

applauds when my age is

announced...it just happens.”

Carol ChanningTony Award wining Actress/Comedienne



MARION ROSS:

“I wake up in the morning and I

say to myself...‘I have the greatest

idea’ (it’s usually not a GREAT idea,

but it gets me going).

P.S. I also take my vitamins!”

Marion RossActress/Star of TV’s “Happy Days”



ROBERT GUILLAUME:

“Know one’s self!”

Robert GuillaumeActor and Author/Star of TV’s

“Soap.” Benson,” “Sports Night”



PETER YARROW:

“I would always advise your children,

and grand-children, that success

should not be measured by wealth

or material things. If they have

enough, are comfortable and love

their work, their families and friends,

they will be successful in the most

important sense of the word. When

asked, I advise young people to find what

they love and pursue it, and never just

chase the high-paying jobs. Loving what

you do is a far surer road to happiness

and success by a true, meaningful,

standard that will become more and

more apparent as the years pass by.”

Peter YarrowFolk Singer/Activist

One Thing: Brookdale Senior Living

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