The month of May is designated as Older Americans month.  As the Director of Assisted of Living, I, Eileen Della Penna, am deeply grateful to be given the duty of overseeing such a generation as this.  At Riverview Estates the senior population is extraordinary; each resident has many life stories.  There are those who endured the torture of war, and I thank them for protecting and serving our country. Some lost many family and friends to the 1918 Influenza. They all lived through the Depression.  Today's older Americans are the most adaptable generation.  Many only had outside plumbing as a child.  Television and radio were not invented yet!  I recently admitted a 95 year old resident to Assisted Living who had her laptop under her arm and was talking on her cell phone.
 
With her permission, I would like to introduce Legatha Ransom, as an example of our wonderful residents.  Legatha is a 94 year old who is very attractive with thick white hair and sparkling blue eyes.  She always has a smile, is always soft spoken, and will always ask you how you are doing. 
 
Legatha and her husband moved to Riverview in 2000.  Her husband was a chemist and worked into his eighties. Her husband, Milton, passed away in 2006; they were married almost 62 years.  Legatha always thought that when they grew to be older Americans, they would live at Riverview Estates.  Legatha said, "When my husband and I discussed actually coming here, Milton asked 'Legatha do you think we are too young to come to Assisted Living?'"  Legatha laughed out loud and said, "I was 84 and he was 86."  Mrs. Ransom was a volunteer as the President of the Auxiliary in the 1980's.  She says, "I started working in Activities and had a Trivia team which competed with other facilities, we were the best!"
 
Legatha raised 2 children and came from a big family, thus she did not start pursuing her personal interests until she was in her sixties.  She started to swim and drove across country, both in her sixties. This remarkable woman started taking flying lessons at 82.  Yes, I mean flying - an AIRPLANE!  
 
Legatha says, "There are many people who feel getting older is something to fear, but I have enjoyed each season of my life.  It is your journey."  Legatha closes with, "I have strong faith, I am not fearful, and here at Riverview Estates, I have so many spiritual and chapel opportunities."  With a smile Legatha adds, "I don't have to cook!"
 
This month remember what it means to be a courageous older American.  As you enjoy your journey, remember our doors are always open to help you along the way.
 
Eileen Della Penna, RN
Director, Assisted Living