Windsor Gardens Life

Windsor Life Page 4 U p F r o n t with Liz and Tina Keeping Each Other Company From Tina Patnode, Receptionist A recent survey conducted by the health insurer Cigna found that at least half of all Americans feel lonely or isolated at least some of the time. Douglas Nemecek, MD, chief medical officer for behavioral health with Cigna also reported “loneliness has the same impact on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, making it more dangerous than obesity.” Well, that’s not good news. Thankfully, Windsor Gardens is a close-knit community with plenty of activities and clubs and groups to get involved in. I know Liz touched on some of the various activities in the community a few months back. Considering what an impact not being involved with others can have on our health, I think it’s important to circle back around to this topic. The activities department offers a couple dozen classes throughout the week, from aqua fitness in the indoor pool to drawing in the art room or line dancing and yoga in the auditorium. There is knitting and crochet in the sewing room, creative glass or hand-built pottery in the ceramics room, even genealogy once a month in the all-purpose room. Several activity rooms in CenterPoint can be utilized Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., including a billiards room, card room, wood shop, lapidary shop and even a library. You can purchase keys for many of these rooms for $1 through the activities office. Clubs are another fun social resource to utilize here at Windsor Gardens. There is a club or group for just about everything, from political groups to drama, from service groups to dancing or singing clubs. There are faith groups and support groups as well. Still not seeing something that peaks your interest? How about our movie nights? There are twomovies shown eachmonth at two different movie times. For $4 you can see a movie with your neighbors, and you’ll get a small bag of popcorn and a soda or water and candy. You just can’t beat that. Enjoy dances? We have those twice a month in the auditorium, where you can listen to great music and cut a rug with your neighbors. Want to get out of town with a few WG friends? There are regularly-scheduled casino trips and tours you can take together. Upcoming activities with dates, times and costs associated with each can be found in every issue of Windsor Life. Some researchers say social media is one of the major factors contributing to the growing epidemic of loneliness. While I agree social media can have adverse effects for those who use it as their sole means of connecting with others, I also believe it is a great tool to stay in touch along with phone calls and face-to- face interaction. I personally use things like Facebook and Instagram to share stories, pictures and activities with my family. My mom may not get regular phone calls from my teenage son, but she always knows what’s going on with him because she follows him on Facebook. They even share funny comments or jokes with each other online just about every day. Windsor Gardens has a Facebook page that people can post to or see pictures of recent events. Used correctly, I believe social media is a great resource to stay connected as long as it’s not the only form of communication. Another way you can connect with others is to sit on one of the lovely benches around the community and spark up a conversation with a fellow neighbor. That’s one of the most endearing characteristics I have noticed about this wonderful community. I can’t walk the length of a single building without seeing folks congregated at a bench or walking together visiting and waving at everyone passing by, like this little piece of paradise is frozen in a better time. One last thing I would encourage all of you to do is to go visit with a neighbor that can’t get out as much. Enjoy your afternoon tea with them or a TV program you both like to watch. The units here are way too close for everyone to be so far away. Until next time, we’re up front if you need us. Direct 303.929.3157 Office 303.962.4272 2016, 2017, & 2018 Platinum Club Member & SMDRA Diamond Circle Club Member www.carolsells5280homes.com Carol Guzman REALTOR®, CNE, SRES • Over 19 Years Experience • Helping Seniors Transition • Windsor Gardens Expert • Listens to what YOU want