Never Sit Still - Vero Beach Woman Believes in Active Aging
02-22-2010
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Vero Beach, Fla., February 22, 2010 - Mimi Misiuta likes to stay busy. In fact, the 84-year-old Vero Beach, Fla. resident claims activity is the essence of life. That's why this native New Yorker loves life at her Senior Living Community. It's also why her children think she looks a smidge over 60 on a bad day.
When Misiuta's husband, Chet, brought up the subject of retirement back in 2005, Mimi dug both heels in and firmly declared she was too young to retire. But he insisted they at least see what their local communities offered and so reluctantly, the pair began their quest for the perfect retirement destination.
The Misiutas were both avid golfers so the manicured Senior Living Community course was a huge selling point, and the gourmet food they enjoyed while touring almost sealed the deal. But they had to call their son in to make the final decision.
"We were having brunch in the clubhouse with our son who had come to check everything out," Misiuta remembers. "After eating, he stepped outside and disappeared for quite some time. When he finally returned, we asked him where he had been for so long and he replied 'I was trying to find someone who could say something negative about the property . I didn't have any luck.' We moved in shortly after. "
Not long after moving in, life got in the way of Mimi's best-laid plans. Chet passed away suddenly in their villa, and Misiuta was left alone after 55 years of marriage. Although his death was one of the most traumatic experiences of her life, she credits the Senior Living Community staff with helping her cope with his passing.
According to Mimi, it's the little things that make you feel like a family member instead of a resident.
Three years after moving into the community, Misiuta had another life-changing experience. Facing a long, difficult rehab after knee-replacement surgery, she sought out the help of Wellness Coordinator Dawn Lash.
Before she knew it, she was off the cane and addicted to exercise, exploring Tai Chi, water aerobics and strength-building. Thanks to an array of activity offerings, Misiuta participates in up to 15 exercise classes a week.
"The exercise is wonderful for me, and Dawn is so good . I almost feel as if I have a personal trainer," Misiuta said.
Her social calendar is as full as her exercise schedule and includes craft classes with "The Crafty Ladies," a group of women who make jewelry by hand, daily dinners with musical entertainment, reading groups and sewing classes. Misiuta and her friends are even planning to go on a cruise in January.
With a full-time director of member services, a wellness coordinator and a plethora of offerings, Senior Living Community members are limited only by the number of hours in a day.
Misiuta expects nothing less from a retirement community.
"People here care about each other," she said. "My Senior Living Community offers me more than a place to live . it fulfills my need to relate."
For more information on The Lakes at Pointe West, please visit www.pointe-west.com or call 772-299-7916.
