My Mom

[GeorgeT]

My Mom was coming to live with us until we showed her the Villages video. She is 89 and commented that she didn't see anyone with a cane or a walker in the video and didn't think that this was the place for her. I have to admit that after looking at the video from her point of view I almost thought the same thing. Why don't they show people a little more on in years? I understand that it's a promotional video so that's probably the answer.
My Mom has agreed to "Visit" us on Saturday for a couple of weeks and I was hoping to get some suggestions as to what we could do to convince her to stay. My wife and I just moved in last week so we haven't had the time to research. We're busy getting rid of another half of half of our stuff......

Thanks!

[pooh]

I haven't seen the latest video, but on older ones, there were people in wheel chairs in the town square during early evening entertainment.

If your Mom takes a look at the V cam showing the town squares, she might just see someone walking with the aid of a cane. As a matter of fact, I did today while taking a quick look at the Spanish Springs web cam.

What she must come to understand is those who do need a walking aid, still do what they have the ability to do when they want to. No one is pressuring them to do any more than they can physically do and no one takes exception to their more limited agility. There are so many things to do that don't require knowing how to line dance, learning how to line dance, golfing, playing tennis, pickleball, etc. There are pools where those with more limited mobility problems can "walk" the pool, being supported by the water makes walking easier and lots of people do water walk.

I have friends of all ages, some use canes, others don't. When we get older, hopefully we understand how our bodies might not work as well....heck our minds don't tell us we are older... ;)

Please have her visit and when she does, go to the rec centers, the bowling alley, the squares....she'll see people using canes or walkers.

[downeaster]

My Mom was coming to live with us until we showed her the Villages video. She is 89 and commented that she didn't see anyone with a cane or a walker in the video and didn't think that this was the place for her. I have to admit that after looking at the video from her point of view I almost thought the same thing. Why don't they show people a little more on in years? I understand that it's a promotional video so that's probably the answer.
My Mom has agreed to "Visit" us on Saturday for a couple of weeks and I was hoping to get some suggestions as to what we could do to convince her to stay. My wife and I just moved in last week so we haven't had the time to research. We're busy getting rid of another half of half of our stuff......

Thanks!

I think a two week visit will be long enough for your Mom to make a decision relative to her concerns. Take her out to dinner in local restaurants. She will see a lot of people enjoying themselves in spite of serious handicaps.

Good luck and welcome to The Villages.

[Pturner]

Hi GeorgeT,

Pooh had some excellent suggestions. In addition, if there are certain activities your Mom enjoys, such as cards or mahjongg, you might want to check the activities calendar and take her to a rec center when one of these activities is going on. Also, see if there is a movie she would like at one of TV theaters.

The video does promote a more active lifestyle. However, if she sees that there is plenty to do for people who are not as mobile, perhaps she will be more comfortable.

Good luck. Please let us know how it goes.

[Mikeod]

One of the rec center pools (I think it is Allamanda) has a seat that can be lowered into the pool. This allows people with mobility problems to enter the pool easily and gracefully to enjoy the benefits of the water. I'm sure there are other accommodations that are helpful as well. One thing that may be overlooked is the fact that so much is accessible by golf cart, thus allowing people to access grocery, bank, doctor, etc. more easily. I think this community is truly designed for everyone to do as much or as little as they are able or want to do to enjoy their years here.

[GatorFan]

Hopefully your Mom will enjoy and decide to stay. There are so many clubs in The Villages. What kind of these does your Mom like to do?

[Whalen]

Make sure you take her to Spanish Springs.
There are more people of her generation Partying there.

:pepper2::pepper2::pepper2:

[graciegirl]

All good suggestions from caring people which is the reason I think she will love it here.

I hope too that she will find it just the place for her. I would love to have a chance to chat with her and listen to all of the wonderful things she has seen and done including raising a nice son who wants her to be happy.

[gammagae]

Those of us in the older generation who have sons or daughters interested in bringing us to The Villages are among the luckiest people in the world. As a woman in her late 80"s I would advise your Mom to "go for it". I am slightly incapacitated and am not a "joiner" so I get into my golf cart and cruise around The Villages to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. One day a week I play Mah Jongg with a lovely group of women who convinced me that I would enjoy the game -- and I do! I also play bunco once a month. Bunco is a mindless game that promotes lots of laughter and gives me the opportunity to spend an afternoon with my neighbors. Most neighborhoods have groups that meet monthly at their Rec Centers. It is for all who live in the area and is usually a great evening out.

[GeorgeT]

Thanks to all for the wonderful comments/suggestions!