Senior Living News May 2025
Legacy Ridge at Alpharetta
Newsletter
Around the world with Atlas - May 2025 - México
Resident´s Birthdays
Barbara Brown 5/17
Matilde Scarangella 5/29
Gwynn Bealer 5/30
Celebrating May:
Mother’s Day Brunch
Cinco de Mayo
Memorial Day
Events Spotlights
Mother’s Day Brunch
May 9th Dining Room
Associate of the Month
Glacia Barrett
Glacia Barrett is our Associate of the month, Glacia was born and raised in Jamaica, she moved to Georgia when she was 14 years old, she has lived in Georgia for 11 years now, Glacia is always smiling and so caring to staff and residents, the residents and staff are very happy to have her here at Legacy Ridge Alpharetta
Keeping Your Mind Active
1 Keep learning
A higher level of education is associated with better mental functioning in old age. Experts think that advanced education may help keep memory strong by getting a person into the habit of being mentally active. Challenging your brain with mental exercise is believed to activate processes that help maintain individual brain cells and stimulate communication among them. Many people have jobs that keep them mentally active. Pursuing a hobby, learning a new skill, volunteering or mentoring are additional ways to keep your mind sharp. Use all your senses
2 The more senses you use in learning something, the more of your brain that will be involved in retaining the memory. In one study, adults were shown a series of emotionally neutral images, each presented along with a smell. They were not asked to remember what they saw. Later, they were shown a set of images, this time without odors, and asked to indicate which they’d seen before. They had excellent recall for all odor-paired pictures, and especially for those associated with pleasant smells. Brain imaging indicated that the piriform cortex, the main odor-processing region of the brain, became active when people saw objects originally paired with odors, even though the smells were no longer present and the subjects hadn’t tried to remember them. So, challenge all your senses as you venture into the unfamiliar. Believe in yourself
3 Myths about aging can contribute to a failing memory. Middle-aged and older learners do worse on memory tasks when they’re exposed to negative stereotypes about aging and memory, and better when the messages are positive about memory preservation into old age. People who believe that they are not in control of their memory function — joking about “senior moments” too often, perhaps — are less likely to work at maintaining or improving their memory skills and therefore are more likely to experience cognitive decline. If you believe you can improve and you translate that belief into practice, you have a better chance of keeping your mind sharp.
In the late 1950s, Jobim, alongside singer-guitarist João Gilberto and lyricist Vinicius de Moraes, revolutionized Brazilian music by blending samba rhythms with jazz influences, creating the distinctive sound of bossa nova. This genre’s name, meaning “new trend,” perfectly captured the modern, elegant, and laid-back spirit of its time. Jobim’s compositions played a central role in defining this style.
Aging with Grace
Aging with grace encompasses physical, emotional, mental, and social aspects of life. It involves prioritizing self-care, nurturing personal growth, and redefining beauty and self-worth. Achieving a state of grace means having a healthy, well-balanced life full of joy and respect. It can also mean expanding your capacity to love, express compassion, and be tolerant, understanding, and forgiving.
Viva México !!
Around the World with Atlas
A Land of Spirit, Color, and Eternal Stories, Mexico is more than a country—it’s a heartbeat, a song carried by the wind across deserts, jungles, mountains, and beautyful beaches. A place where ancient civilizations whisper through pyramids and murals, and modern life dances to the rhythm of a strong and unique cultural heritage.
The word “México” comes from the Náhuatl words “Metztli” (moon) and “xictli” (navel or belly button), meaning “the belly button of the moon.” The Mexicas pronounced it “Meshico.”
According to legend, the Mexica people were the last of the nomadic tribes to arrive in central Anáhuac (yep, that was the ancient name for the heartland of what’s now Mexico). They came from a mythical island called Aztlán—which is why they’re also called Aztecs. They were searching for a sign sent by their main god, Huitzilopochtli: an eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus, devouring a snake. That was the sacred place where they were to build their city.
And they did find it—right in the middle of a vast lake called Texcoco. Legend says they took refuge on that small patch of land in the lake and founded their settlement, Tenochtitlan, around 1325. By the time the Spanish arrived in 1519, they were stunned by the sight of a majestic, dream-like well-organized metropolis—Tenochtitlan—one of the largest cities in the world at that time.
Modern representation of the legendary Tenochtitlan in 1519 (now Mexico City). Some estimates suggest the city had around 250,000 inhabitants at the time. During major celebrations linked to their gods, it could hold up to half a million people.
Teotihuacan; by 1519, when the Mexica ruled. This ancient city and ceremonial center had already been abandoned for nearly a millennium, likely around 550 CE.
Dementia Awareness
Dementia awareness is crucial for understanding and supporting those affected by dementia. Key initiatives include:
Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month (June): Encourages individuals to wear purple and take action for brain health, raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
Dementia Awareness Month (May): Focuses on education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families impacted by dementia.
Dementia Society of America: A nonprofit organization offering resources, education, and support for those affected by various types of dementia.
Educational Toolkits: Available to help communities raise awareness, reduce stigma, and better support individuals with dementia.
Raising awareness helps combat stigma and promotes greater understanding of dementia’s profound impact on individuals, families, and society.
More Articles
How Memorial Day Lives On in Senior Communities 2025
Why This Day Matters Deeply in Senior Living Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a national day of remembrance honoring U.S. …
What Do Mothers in Senior Living Really Want on Mother’s Day
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Recipe Spotlight:
Orzo, bean and tuna salad
Ingredients:
½ red onion finely chopped
2 tbsp sherry vinegar
150g green beans cut into bite-sized pieces
100g orzo
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tin tuna drained and flaked
3 roasted red peppers from a jar chopped
12 dry-cured black olives halved
a handful dill chopped
Method:
step 1: Put the onions and vinegar in a bowl and season.
step 2: Cook the beans in boiling salted water for 3 minutes then scoop out with a slotted spoon. Cook the orzo in the same water until just tender then drain, rinse under cold water and drain really well again.
step 3: Tip the beans, orzo, olive oil, tuna, peppers, olives and dill into the bowl with the onion and season well. Toss together and serve.
George is a caregiver at Legacy Ridge Alpharetta. When George was very young, he always aspired to become a medical Doctor to help people through the toughest moments. He has had the opportunity to do that while working here during his January 2025 gap year. To George, being a caregiver is more than performing a list of job responsibilities, it is about building relationships with residents, and he is excited to see what he will continue to discover about healthcare in the future.
Resident of the Month
Clee Taylor
Clee Taylor was born in Valdosta Georgia, she has 2 grandchildren, she also worked at ITT research and development for 18 years and also at RCA as a Technician for 16 years, she has traveled majority all over the world, she also loves music and dancing, she enjoys helping whenever she can, she is a joy to our community.
Collaborators
Stephen L. Miller
