Every year on the summer solstice (the longest day of the year) people around the world come together to participate in sunrise-to-sunset activities geared toward raising awareness of those living with Alzheimer’s disease: The people who live the longest day every day. “The Longest Day” was created by the Alzheimer’s Association to pay tribute to the strength, passion and endurance of those living with Alzheimer’s, their families and their caregivers. Residents and team members at The Terraces of Boise (5301 E Warm Springs Ave.), a nonprofit continuing care retirement community, recently had the opportunity to participate in 14 hours of activities and educational programming from sunrise to sunset on June 21 as part of an international effort to raise awareness and monetary donations for research. The community welcomed the public to participate in free hearing checks, an Alzheimer’s simulation from and the viewing of a moving documentary entitled “Alive Inside” to learn more and support the cause.
“Every day, those living and working in our senior living community see firsthand what it is like to live with Alzheimer’s and witness how the disease impacts the lives of their loved ones and caregivers,” said Jud Severns, executive director of The Terraces of Boise. “We view ourselves as advocates for residents in our community who live with memory impairments, which is why participating in The Longest Day remains a meaningful cause for our entire community. The hope is that by raising money and awareness, we can help fund research and empower people to build and maintain healthy habits for their bodies and their minds. We also encourage people to get checked early for signs and symptoms.”
Two passionate team members from The Terraces of Boise – Lifestyles Director Debbi Evans and Healthcare Sales Manager Beverly Raymond – are feverishly worked with others on the team to put together a series of events from sunrise to sunset. To kick start the day, the community met for a morning walk to the Coffee Mill. Following the walk, there were opportunities for residents in all levels of living to participate in a bike ride, Zumba, line dancing, therapeutic weight training, yoga meditation with guided sound bowls, and a social hour dance with the Fiddling Frogs: all activities that focus on wellness and physical activity which benefits the brain. The goal was to make this a community-wide effort with opportunities available for everyone.
“In addition, health services coordinated educational activities like the Alzheimer’s simulation where participants experienced what it’s like to undertake a series of daily tasks with diminished senses,” said Raymond. “For example, one of the tasks was to put on a sweater while wearing oven mitts and blurred out goggles. These simulations demonstrate how difficult everyday tasks become for those living with Alzheimer’s. The inspiring documentary ‘Alive Inside’ ran on repeat for those waiting to go through the simulation exercises or for those who simply wished to watch the film. A music and memories program took place to showcase the extreme benefits of music therapy for those living with memory impairments. It was a delight to have the public to join us for the occasion because we feel it’s important for people to learn about Alzheimer’s and hopefully support the cause.”
The shocking reality is that Alzheimer’s disease is currently the only leading cause of death in the U.S. which cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed. Today, more than 35 million people across the world are living with Alzheimer's, including more than five million Americans. In the United States alone, more than 15 million caregivers generously dedicate themselves to those with Alzheimer's and dementia, and these numbers will continue to rise.
Astounding statistics about Alzheimer’s disease provided by the Alzheimer’s Association:
• Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
• Every 66 seconds someone in the U.S. develops the disease.
• One in the three seniors die from Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia.
• In 2016, 15.9 million family and friends provided 18.2 billion hours of unpaid assistance to those with Alzheimer's and other dementias, a contribution to the nation valued at $230.1 billion.