Traditions of Hanover Holds “Longest Day”

How did you spend your first day of summer? Did you leisurely hang by the pool or did you put the longest day to good use? Traditions of Hanover staff members, residents, families and guests joined to raise awareness and funds in a nationwide effort led by the Alzheimer’s Association®.

“The Longest Day” also known as June 21, not only marks the summer solstice but is also a day to recognize those you love who are living with Alzheimer’s or honor loved ones you’ve lost to the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association encourages all to select an activity they enjoy or an activity that celebrates the life of a loved one.

At Traditions of Hanover, activities were scheduled throughout the day. The overall theme was to soothe your stress and revive your spirit. Residents, staff and visitors enjoyed activities including massages, Qigong meditation, and moisture hand gloves treatments by PS Salon and Spa. Some even made their own essential oil hand scrub thanks to Consider It Done, a personal assistant program that helps residents age in place gracefully at Traditions of Hanover.

“Thank you to all of those who supported our Longest Day event,” said Jennifer Murphy, marketing director at Traditions of Hanover. “It is a fantastic day that we all look forward to annually. Finding a cure for this disease is very near and dear to our hearts, and we, at Traditions of Hanover, strive to support all causes that encourage seniors to live their healthiest and best life.”

Participants also relaxed with aromatherapy, and yoga with Cathy Heimsoth, the executive director at Traditions of Hanover. FOX Rehabilitation representatives were on hand conducting strength tests and LifeSpring provided free blood pressure checks.

“We had a great time in chair yoga, many of the residents and guests who do not participate regularly joined us,” said Heimsoth. “From quiet reflection and stretching to ‘laughing at the sun,’ the chair yoga class can provide therapeutic results when practiced on a weekly basis!”

Oogie’s Ice Cream truck was on-site with chilly treats providing a cool down from the summer temperatures. Other refreshments were available, including a complimentary glass of red wine.

Donations were suggested at the various activity stations and an all-day walk around the senior living campus featured sponsored individuals and teams, including members of the Hanover Hikers, the Traditions of Hanover Walk to End Alzheimer's team. Donations are continuing to accumulate; so far fundraising efforts have yielded over $2,500. If you are interested in contributing to the cause visit http://act.alz.org and search for team “Hanover Hikers.”

Adults aged 65 and older are at the greatest risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Over 5 million Americans are living with the disease, a type of dementia that causes memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior. Many other complex brain changes are thought to play a role in Alzheimer’s including abnormal clumps, called amyloid plaques, tangled fibers called neurofibrillary, and loss of connections between nerve cells.

The Alzheimer’s Association is leading the fight to raise awareness and research in hopes of ending Alzheimer’s disease, but presently, there is no cure. Their mission is to provide care and support to affected families through education, programs, and outreach; advance research by funding critical studies and convening and connecting scientists across the world; and advocate for the rights and needs of all those facing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. For more information, visit https://www.alz.org/.