Seniors celebrate spring with bourbon and bbq

Chef Rafael Santos and Culinary Director Andre Glassey with Thomas Cuisine were the respective forces behind the eats and libations, with entertainment by local musician Spencer Marks rounding out the festivities.

Social programs, like Tuesday's event, are an integral part of Calder Woods' mission to offer residents a well-rounded community that meets the needs of its diverse population and provides important social connections for retirees.

According to a Harvard University geriatric study cited by Christopher Ruth, Senior Director of Public Relations for Buckner International, "the number one challenge people face in retirement is an inability to replace the social connections provided through employment. Isolation and lack of connections are often bigger concerns for senior adults than finances and health."

Big events like Tuesday's social, in addition to multiple events and classes throughout the week offer residents ample opportunity to engage with others, whether they are in independent living, assisted living or health and memory care units.

"You want to keep the same quality of life you have out in the community with their peers (as when they were in their own homes)," said Health Care Administrator Latesha Hunter. And for many, it's a healthier social environment than remaining in one's home, which can becoming isolating.

"There's not a lot of community events for this (age) population. This is almost like college for seniors," she said.

It's a way of living that has been a blessing for JoAnn Cannon, who came to Calder Woods 10 yeas ago from her home in Elba, LA.

With her husband gone and daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren living in Texas, Cannon's health problems prompted her move to be closer to loved ones. "I never thought I'd live in Texas, but it's been lovely and I've been welcomed with open arms," she said.

Cannon credits the staff with setting the tone for investing in residents' health on a holistic scale - from mental to physical and social well-being.

"It's not easy to do things everyone will like, and it's not perfect, but that's true anywhere in the world," Cannon, who will celebrate her 93rd birthday next week. "It's very important to participate in what's offered - that's how you get to know people."

Now, Cannon has her group of friends with whom she shares meals, classes at the community's wellness center - of which she does at least 10 every week - and social activities like games, happy hours and larger gatherings, like Tuesday's event.

Having petitioned for her county in Alabama to remain a dry county back in the day, Cannon wasn't joining in the bourbon tasting portion of the program, but she was looking forward to watch others join in the fun.

"I just go along and drink water and have a good time," Cannon said.

Among those joining in the tasting were Polly Ashworth and her father Howard Cobb, who toasted one another as they tried the four bourbon flights poured by Glassey.

They have friends living at Calder Woods, and it's a community she hopes one day her 96-year-old father may join, once the whole family gets on board with him leaving the long-time family home.

It's not an easy decision for families to face, as Cannon well knows, but it can be the best decision for a better quality of life in one's senior years.

"If I wasn't here, I'd be up in that house on the hill by myself," Cannon said. "It was a beautiful house, but it would have been lonely."

kbrent@beaumontenterprise.com

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