Age is Just a Number

Celebrating CENTENARIANS who embrace UCH’s commitment to LiveIt!

Google “keys to longevity” and you’ll find lots of good advice but no guaranteed formulas for achieving it. Social-emotional issues also impact longevity, with research showing the benefits of maintaining social connections, spirituality, forgiveness and living a life of purpose.

United Church Homes (UCH) understands that everyone’s life journey is different and that many factors contributing to longevity also impact quality of life. That’s why our communities provide opportunities to meet residents’ unique needs and paths to achieving abundant living. We don’t just imagine a world where life in retirement is filled with meaning, purpose and joy – we strive to create it!

UCH’s LIVE IT! program is at the heart of its mission to celebrate the spirit of older adults and help them age abundantly. It addresses all the factors that contribute to health and longevity, which center around three core pillars: Living Life with Purpose; Creating Social Connections; and living Safe and Sound.

“We seek to foster a sense of community, compassion and care,” explained Reverend Becky King, who serves as dean of chaplains and director of spiritual care at The Communities of Greater Dayton. “Older adults have a passion for life and want to feel connected. We help them find what makes their lives abundant – what gives them a sense of purpose – and look for new ways to help them achieve it.”

That’s part of what makes UCH different. It’s not about asking residents to adapt to what UCH offers, but rather about UCH adapting to the needs of its residents. It’s about offering a wide range of opportunities and experiences to maintain social connections.

The Glenwood Community is home to FRAN BISHOP, who at 106 years of age is UCH’s oldest centenarian. A resident for 14 years, Fran offers her best advice for achieving longevity: “Just enjoy life and quit worrying about things.” Her grandmother played an important role in Fran’s life, teaching her “everything there is to know about everything.” Her life’s passion has been volunteer work, including through her church. She has a deep love of animals and dogs have been a cherished part of her life.

One-hundred-year-old LILA HILL also has lived in The Glenwood Community for seven years. The former accountant was an avid bowler, traveling to state and national tournaments for 50 years. Her niece, friends at The Pines assisted living neighborhood and her church family are dear to her. She cites exercise, continued use of her mind and a little bit of luck as the key factors in her longevity.

KEN SNAVELY is UCH’s second oldest centenarian. In July he will celebrate his 105th birthday and eight years living at The Trinity Community at Miami Township. He is proud of his military service and names his daughter and late mother as the most important people in his life. Representatives of the Masons recently presented him with a certificate for 75 years of membership in the Grand Lodge of Masons of the State of
New York and he was elevated to the sublime degree of Master Mason. His secret to longevity and abundant life? The people who surround him.

MARY FRAN SHEPHERD has resided at The Trinity Community at Miami Township for four years. The 100-year old lady credits two friends from her church, both of whom work in healthcare, for support that has extended her life. She has a great appreciation for art and music, loved to knit and sell handmade hats to a local shop, and enjoys puzzles and reading. Her secret to a long life is prayer – she describes herself as a prayer warrior.

LOIS PAUL, a resident of The Parkvue Community for the past two years, will turn 100 in September. Her children are the most important people in her life. For 25 years, she worked in an administrative position taking dictation at a hospital in Cleveland and led an exercise class at the YMCA in Lorain. She was named Miss Avon Lake in 1939. Her hobbies include puzzles, reading and exercising. She used to take a blind friend on tandem bike rides. Lois credits staying active and having a large church family for her longevity.