Local seniors, the oldest 90, cross the finish line with gusto

Sporting purple “I Survived the Walk” T-shirts, a group of residents -- the oldest 90 years young -- from Summit Estates Senior Living crossed the finish line with gusto and embraced the exhilaration of a race well walked. The 1-mile walk was created specifically for the team by The Dolan Running Series, produced by Reno 5000, and took place at Washoe Country Bowers Mansion Regional Park in New Washoe City on Aug. 26.

A few residents used walkers and canes for assistance, and all six team members finished the race. Summit Estates residents included Ron Dohoney, 78; Audrey Brady, 90; Marvin Dockter, 90; Don Harvey, 66; Leslie “Les” Sweeney, 81; and Gloria Carlson, 88.

Joining the team during the walk were residents’ family members and team leaders from Summit Estates and its parent company, Mission Senior Living (MSL), based in Carson City. Marvin Dockter, 90, walked with his daughter, Bonnie. Reno resident Jonah Vandever, a double amputee, and his mother Steffi joined in the walk as well. MSL raced had raced in support of Jonah during the Reno-Tahoe Odyssey in June 2018 to help raise money needed to purchase a set of computerized legs for Jonah.

“Most of our residents grew up in or near Reno and raised their families,” said Amanda Jenkins, administrator at Summit Estates. “That need to participate in and support their community doesn’t change with age, and our residents are always on the go, looking for new, fun opportunities. Our goal is to connect them with those opportunities.”

During the month leading up to the walk, residents trained by participating in the community’s walking club three times a week. Many residents walked indoors, making it a game to touch the window sills located at the end of each hall. In addition, residents participated in an hour-long morning exercise program five days a week. Activities Director, Teri Gooch, was their biggest cheerleader, offering motivation and tips for nutrition and hydration.

“Our residents were so happy to be a part of a community event where they not only got to participate, but they were able to finish and have a sense of accomplishment,” said Gooch. “It just shows that you can do anything no matter your age.”

About Summit Estates Senior Living and Memory Care

Summit Estates Senior Living and Memory Care, located at 222 East Patriot Blvd., Reno, Nev., is operated by Mission Senior Living (MSL), an assisted living and memory care organization with locations in Oregon, Nevada and Arizona. Summit Estates’ mission of Caring People, Serving People, Improving Lives is fulfilled by a team of compassionate professionals who provide care, services and resident-centered programming and activities to enrich the lives of residents and their families. For more information about Summit Estates, call (775) 434-1880 or visit http://www.summitestatessl.net/. For more information about Mission Senior Living, visit http://www.missionseniorliving.net or call (775) 468-6114.