Dream come true.

Author

American House Florida

For more information about the author, click to view their website: American House

Posted on

Aug 07, 2024

Book/Edition

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

share-this
Share This

As a kid, Robert of American House Livonia used to sneak out his bedroom window late at night. He’d lay on the roof in the dark and watch the planes coming in over his house, landing at the nearby airport on Detroit’s West Side. “I really don’t know why, but I’ve always loved airplanes,” Robert said. “To this day, whenever I hear a plane overhead, I have to look up.”

Thanks to Life Enrichment Director, Tee Tesheena Dolphin, Robert’s lifelong love of airplanes and flying became a reality through a submission to Wish of a Lifetime. They flew Robert to Denver to have the experience there. “I always wanted to see the mountains and they were absolutely beautiful,” Robert said. “Lookout Mountain was awesome.”

Another highlight of the trip was the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum and Exploration of Flight. It’s located in Hanger 1 of the former Lowry Air Force Base, a 15-acre campus on one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country. “I got to use the flight simulator and I have to say I didn’t do too good,” Robert said, laughing. “I actually drove the plane off the runaway.”

He was beaming as he recalled his time behind the controls of an airplane. “If that was a real plane, all the passengers would have been sick! I was veering right and left, up and down. It was like a roller coaster and more difficult than I expected. But it was really fun.”

Robert and Tee also went to The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave. “I was shocked when Tee told me we were going to Denver for four days,” Robert said. “It blew my mind because I just assumed we were going to a small airport in Michigan.”

Robert was born and raised in the Warrendale neighborhood of Detroit. He attended Salesian Catholic High School on Woodward. In those days, Robert loved flying so much he’d go to the airport and purchase a ticket on standby for $18. He’d fly to Chicago, walk around the airport for a while, then fly back to Detroit. “You can’t even get a snack on a plane for $18 dollars anymore!” he said.

After high school, Robert went on to enroll at a seminary in Battle Creek. “I took my temporary and permanent vows with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Those were good days, but I eventually left and went to work for ServiceMaster® Brands and different hospitals in housekeeping and maintenance before I retired.”

Robert’s love of flying has never left him. “If I could fly, I’d fly around the world a couple times. Just for fun.”

He’s been a resident at American House Livonia for almost four years. “What I love most about it here is Tee. She keeps us busy with activities every day. I enjoy all the things we do, so time just kind of flies by.” Robert recently was named “Ambassador of the Environment.”

“Four times a day I go all around the property and even a little further out to see if there’s any trash that needs to be picked up. I don’t understand why people do that and it makes me worry about the world.”

Robert is mostly still smiling about his trip to Denver. “I couldn’t have picked a nicer person to go with than Tee. We really had a good time, and it never would’ve happened without her.”

Even the plane ride home was amazing. “So quiet and smooth. I didn’t want to get off the plane, to tell you the truth,” Robert said with a laugh.

We all have a story. A story that taught us something, changed us and helped define who we are. At American House, your next chapter is waiting to be written. We’re here to help you write it. Your way.

Written By

Jim Dudley

With over 20 years of writing experience, Jim has worked for some of the biggest ad agencies in the Detroit area before joining American House. He earned a degree from Marquette University.

Other Articles You May Like

With Gratitude Help Us Spread the Word for Our Ribbon Cutting Celebration

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your support as a valued sponsor means more to me and our team at My Care Finders than words can truly express. This open house and ribbon-cutting celebration is such a special milestone not just for our business, but for the community were so honored to serve. And it wouldnt be possible without you. Your belief in what we do helping families navigate senior care with compassion, clarity, and purpose is what fuels us every day. Knowing that we have partners like you standing beside us makes all the difference. Were expecting a wonderful turnout, and we truly believe this will be a joyful, memorable event for everyone involved. Light bites, music, laughter, and connection a true celebration of community. Attached is our event flyer created by Jesse, the owner of My Sanctuary of Wellness. A HUGE shoutout to Jesse for your patience and constantly updating the flyer when needed Thank you Jesse!!!!! Please be sure to bring your own table and chairs. Wed love it if you could help us spread the word by sharing it on Facebook and other social media outlets, along with your friends, family, colleagues, and even your patients. The more, the merrier! Lets make this an unforgettable evening. Additionally, our assistance, Becca will be sending each of you our w-9, along with an invoice for the event. Thank you again for being such an important part of this journey. I cant wait to celebrate with you!With sincere gratitude,Heather Tetrault

BrightStar Care of Venice & Port Charlotte- has won Best of Home Care Leader of Excellence , Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice for 2025 by Home Care Pulse

BrightStar Care of Venice & Port Charlotte- has won Best of Home Care Leader of Excellence , Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice for 2025 by Home Care Pulse. These are difficult awards. We are very proud of them.We can help your patients whenever they need home care to stay safe at home. No minimums- 1hr up to 24/7 careJoint Commission Gold Seal of Approval Our BrightStar Care location has earned accreditation from the Joint Commission, which validates that we follow their requirements for the highest level of safety and care.Best of Home Care Leader in Experience 2025 Recognizes our location as earning satisfaction levels in the top 5% based on caregiver training, compassion and communication.Best of Home Care Provider of Choice 2025 Indicates high satisfaction levels of our clients regarding our trustworthiness and ability to provide outstanding in-home care.Best of Home Care Employer of Choice 2025 Happy employees deliver better care. This award distinguishes us as best-in-Class for caregiver satisfaction. The Joint Commission Enterprise Champion for Quality Because of the commitment to quality standards from our local offices, were the only national home care brand that consistently earns the Enterprise Champion for Quality award from the Joint Commission. This independent, nonprofit organization accredits the nations best hospitals and major health care systems.

Biological Aging Speeds Up in Your 40s and 60s

Your chronological age and your biological age dont necessarily match. Around the ages of 44 and 60 the aging process accelerates in what has been dubbed a biomolecular shift, which dramatically impacts health and internal aging. Researchers discovered these two bursts of aging during the human lifespan, singling out the mid-forties and early sixties as key periods. But the greater shift in biological aging happens during your early sixties.However, out of this seemingly bad news is some hope. Now that science has pinpointed when these changes occur, it could help researchers uncover what is driving chronic disease as we age, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis or even strategies for prevention. So exactly what is going on during these periods of rapid biological aging, how do they impact health, and what can you do to be proactive? Lets break it down.Aging Isnt Primarily GradualYou can no longer assume that aging happens gradually. Ever notice that some people seem to age overnight or are really showing their age? While there is obviously gradual decline, more dramatic changes happen quickly and during certain periods of life. It all comes down to the molecules that make up your physical body. These individual molecules are what age, and studies reveal that they undergo greater change at certain ages, making aging non-linear or not so much gradual over time.How Periods of Rapid Biological Aging Impact HealthIn both your mid-forties and early sixties most people experience molecular level changes related to skin and muscle aging, cardiovascular disease, and the metabolizing of caffeine. This is why people tend to start or increase cholesterol or blood pressure medications during these times of life.Researchers also noted differences between the two periods of biological aging. People in their forties had a greater shift in relation to fat and alcohol metabolism, while those in their sixties underwent shifts related to immune regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, and kidney function.These facts seem to correlate with experience as many people in their sixties are less able to fight off sickness and are even more prone to weight gain and kidney trouble or even kidney failure. Cancer rates tend to spike around this time as the immune system is less able to fend off the invasive cancer cells. Cases of heart disease also rise during this time as people struggle more with their weight and rising cholesterol levels.Less expected, however, was the evidence of rapid aging during the mid-forties. But it becomes more understandable as you consider what characterizes the lives of most people during this life stage. Lifestyle makes a difference and life moves at a rapid pace during your forties. Often this is a time of busy family and work schedules, high work stress, divorce, and weight gain. You often have less time for self-care during these frantic years, and all combined, this shifts your body into a period of rapid molecular aging.Combat Biological Aging with Proactive StepsYou obviously cant stop the aging process but its possible to slow it down. The steps to achieve this arent all new or innovative. In fact, it involves putting common knowledge into practice which many people resist, at least until later life. Here are some unsurprising practical tips for slowing biological aging: Avoid weight gainEat more fruits and vegetablesControl diabetes and high blood pressureStay physically activeDont smoke And the way to prevent or avoid diabetes and high blood pressure is to limit sugar, processed carbohydrates, and saturated fats. If youre in your 40s, in addition to the above, its also beneficial to monitor and minimize your cholesterol levels, exercise to build muscle mass, and limit or avoid alcohol. For additional ways to combat aging, read our article, How to Live Longer: 12 Life-Boosting Habits to Start NowThe best rule of thumb is not to wait until your health begins to decline before making these changes. Adjust your lifestyle while youre still healthy, and you will see the biggest payoff. However, its never too late to start living with your health in mind, because changes at any stage will make a positive difference.Key Takeaways About Biological Aging in Your 40s and 60sScience previously thought that the human body aged gradually in linear fashion, but recent studies show that aging on a molecular level occurs rapidly during the mid-forties and early sixties. During your forties, this change is often due to lifestyle changes that can be altered for better outcomes. You can slow the aging process during midlife with regular exercise and a diet rich in produce and low in saturated fat and processed carbohydrates. 

Local Services By This Author

American House Coconut Point

Memory Care 8460 Murano Del Lago Drive, Estero, Florida, 34135

At American House Coconut Point, youll find senior living at its finest. Our community in Estero, FL, offers a warm and welcoming environment with a long list of amenities, helpful services, and engaging activities all designed around you. Whether you're looking for independent living, assisted living, memory care, or respite stays, we have options to suit your needs.Located near idyllic Gulf Coast beaches, our community offers well-appointed studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and large common areas to visit with family and friends. A maintenance-free lifestyle allows you to focus on whats importantyou. Relax by the pool, get a massage, take a shopping trip, or enjoy our daily happy hour with friends.Our residents enjoy a variety of amenities, including a resort-style swimming pool and lounge area, friendship suites, beautiful outdoor landscaping, quartz kitchen countertops, and cultured marble bathroom countertops. We're also walking distance from Coconut Point mall and offer a bistro, state-of-the-art fitness center, movie theater, chapel, and community/activity rooms. Our restaurant-style dining offers chef-prepared meals, and we provide on-site physical therapy, salon, spa, and massage services. Personal and scheduled transportation, a robust calendar of activities and events, and housekeeping and laundry services are also available. Plus, small pets are welcome!Experience award-winning senior living in Estero, FL, at American House Coconut Point. Schedule a visit today to see our beautiful community and all that we have to offer!

American House Sarasota

Memory Care 4540 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, Florida, 34233

American House Senior Living Communities provides exceptional senior living options in Sarasota, Florida. Our community is located at 4540 Bee Ridge Road and offers a range of living options, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, Living Well Memory Care, and Respite Stays.At American House Sarasota, we pride ourselves on creating a warm and welcoming environment where residents can age in place with dignity and comfort. Our community is situated on 18 wooded acres, offering a serene setting while being conveniently close to Sarasota's white sand beaches, cultural attractions, and shopping districts.Our award-winning SUN Program sets us apart, offering engaging activities, helpful services, and a long list of amenities designed around our residents. Whether you're looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle or seeking a supportive environment for a loved one, American House Sarasota has everything you need.Experience luxury senior living at its finest. Schedule a visit today to see why we were awarded Best Senior Living in Sarasota, FL in 2023. Call us at (941) 306-4030 or visit our website to learn more and download our Visitation Policy.

American House Coconut Point

Assisted Living 8460 Murano Del Lago Drive, Estero, Florida, 34135

At American House Coconut Point, youll find senior living at its finest. Our community in Estero, FL, offers a warm and welcoming environment with a long list of amenities, helpful services, and engaging activities all designed around you. Whether you're looking for independent living, assisted living, memory care, or respite stays, we have options to suit your needs.Located near idyllic Gulf Coast beaches, our community offers well-appointed studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and large common areas to visit with family and friends. A maintenance-free lifestyle allows you to focus on whats importantyou. Relax by the pool, get a massage, take a shopping trip, or enjoy our daily happy hour with friends.Our residents enjoy a variety of amenities, including a resort-style swimming pool and lounge area, friendship suites, beautiful outdoor landscaping, quartz kitchen countertops, and cultured marble bathroom countertops. We're also walking distance from Coconut Point mall and offer a bistro, state-of-the-art fitness center, movie theater, chapel, and community/activity rooms. Our restaurant-style dining offers chef-prepared meals, and we provide on-site physical therapy, salon, spa, and massage services. Personal and scheduled transportation, a robust calendar of activities and events, and housekeeping and laundry services are also available. Plus, small pets are welcome!Experience award-winning senior living in Estero, FL, at American House Coconut Point. Schedule a visit today to see our beautiful community and all that we have to offer!