Sunrise of Lenexa

As we grow older, most people reflect on what their lives have stood for, how they will be remembered, and what legacy they will leave behind. Part of successful aging is feeling as if we made a difference in the world. Beyond financial planning concerns, there are other benefits of legacy planning that include living with purpose and documenting family history. For seniors, an important part of this process is feeling confident younger generations are aware of their values and experiences.By spending time documenting a shared family story, everyone has an opportunity to learn and ask questions. This can be an intergenerational activity where younger loved ones interview the seniors in the family. These interactions can be captured on video and preserved for the future. Faraway family members can also join by Zoom or Skype.Documenting Your Family HistoryTo get started, it may help to begin asking questions about a senior loved ones childhood and working forward to present day. Here is a list of questions family members can divide and ask their family elders.Childhood MemoriesWhere were you born and in what year?How many siblings did you have and were they older or younger?What were your parents like?How did your father propose to your mother?How many years were your parents married?What did your father do for a living?Did your mother work outside the home?Where did you live as a child?What school did you attend, and how far did you have to walk to school?What was your favorite subject?Did you have a favorite teacher?Did you have any pets growing up?What was the worst trouble you ever got into as a child?Did you have chores to do around the house?Did you receive an allowance and how much was it?How did you celebrate the holidays? What was your favorite holiday meal?Did your family go on summer vacations?What was your favorite one?Coming Of Age MemoriesWho was your first date and where did you go?Did you have a car when you were in high school? What kind?How much did gas cost when you first started driving?Did you go to college or a trade school?How old were you when your family got a television?What were your favorite television shows?What kind of music did you listen to in high school?Remembrances from AdulthoodHow did you meet your spouse?What was your wedding like?Where was your first apartment or house?How much was the rent or mortgage?What was parenthood like when your kids were young?What is the best advice you ever received and who was it from?Do you have any regrets or things you wish you could do over?How has the world changed the most from when you were a child?What advice do you have for the younger generation of the family?One additional option to consider in legacy planning is to use a program like StoryWorth or MyCanvas. Both make the process of reminiscing and saving your familys legacy easier.Article By:Sunrise Senior Living

National Volunteer Week is here once again! At Sunrise, we are lucky enough to welcome volunteers into our communities often and throughout the pandemic we even found ways to engage with volunteer groups virtually. From activities with school children to performances by local musicians, our residents and team members value the invaluable contributions our volunteers make to life at Sunrise. Sunrise isnt just the recipient of volunteerism but is also home to many residents who use their gifts and skills to volunteer too. Our communities like Sunrise of Leominster in Massachusetts who came together this winter to sew blankets for their local community and Sunrise of Shrewsbury in New Jersey who has a grandpals letter writing program with students at a local school are great examples of how our residents are giving back and building important connections. Sometimes, however, the most impactful volunteerism happens among residents. This is the case for our resident Eugenia. When she came to Sunrise of Lincroft, Eugenia had accomplished quite a lot. A career committed to service, Eugenia had worked as a nurse for nearly 40 years, earning a Masters in not only Psychiatric Nursing but another in Religious Studies along the way. Caring for others and spirituality were themes throughout Eugenias life that she wanted to share with her new neighbors at Sunrise. Eugenia wondered how she might bring those two passions together at Sunrise and felt that a Morning Rosary Club would be a great place to start. At the beginning, Eugenias group was small, just a few of her closest friends praying the rosary, meditating, and discussing their faiths. Word quickly spread about this new morning routine and pretty soon Eugenia was welcoming dozens of residents to join their club including residents from the Reminiscence Neighborhood dedicated to those with memory. Today, Eugenias Rosary Club is thriving and has even begun to welcome outside church groups to join in their morning prayer and meditation. What started as a small act of service, has become a source of peace and comfort for not only residents but the greater community too. Our community members at Sunrise of Leominster, Shrewsbury and Lincroft learned firsthand that there are many benefits to volunteering for older adults. Volunteering helps to foster new connections with neighbors, use and even update life skills and expand social networks too. Each of these benefits are essential for preventing the isolation and loneliness often linked to poor health among seniors. Moreover, research has shown benefits too!  Data suggests that seniors who volunteer enjoy greater life satisfaction, as well as better mental and physical health, than their peers who dont volunteer. In a study conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service, older adults who volunteer at least 100 hours a year are better at remaining active and independent. They also experience fewer incidences of depression and even longer life expectancy. If youre interested in exploring the benefits for yourself or your loved, the Sunrise Team has a few tips to help you get started: Find Your Cause: Is there an organization or issue you are passionate about but havent had time to explore? Take time now to reflect on what is most important in your life. For example, if you love children, you could research local organizations committed to child welfare or education. Then call or email the organization to see what volunteer opportunities are available, many of them may have remote or virtual options too! Ask Your Loved Ones: Word of mouth is always a good way to find out about volunteer organizations that welcome seniors. Ask aroundincluding on social mediato see who you know that volunteers and if they have any suggestions for you. Connect Online: If you arent quite sure how to start your search, you might find it helpful to search an online database of volunteer opportunities. There are several sites dedicated to helping people connect with a project in their own backyard. Two that are easy to navigate are Volunteer Match and Create the Good. Most United Way agencies maintain a list of local volunteer opportunities and can be a great way to find opportunities in your area. In addition to promoting local agencies needs, both maintain virtual volunteer opportunities for seniors unable to travel. Be Confident: Nonprofit agencies have tight budgets and can always use more help. Thats why you should not let a perceived lack of skills hold you back from offering your support. Many organizations are happy to train senior volunteers who are willing to learn. Volunteer Your Time at Sunrise Whether youre a senior looking to volunteer with your community or a young person looking to volunteer with seniors, there are many options to explore. At Sunrise, our communities welcome volunteers of all kinds to come and connect with us. From sharing a special talent like playing the piano during dinner or teaching a group of residents how to do calligraphy, we look forward to your sharing your talents with us. For more information on how to volunteer with us, visit Volunteer with Us today.