There's no place like home.

My life’s mantra has always been “there’s no place like home”. I love my home. I love to be home. In the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz” all Dorothy wanted was to go home. The tin man wanted a heart, “home is where the heart is”. The lion desired courage, it takes courage to live your life with no regrets. It takes courage to plop down somewhere not knowing if it is truly the place for you. The scarecrow wanted a brain. His brain would allow him to make the right decision on where he should spend the rest of his life.

In the beginning they had one thing in common, the wish to have something they didn’t already have. But as time continued, they realized that although they came from very different walks of life and had different wishes and dreams, they became the very best of friends. Their single wishes became so much more. They became supportive of each other. They cared for each other.

Westminster Village residents have come from a plethora of backgrounds that by some chance has led them to cross paths in our Westminster Village community. Just like the scarecrow, lion, tin man and Dorothy, our residents become supportive of each other and care for each other.

When you tap your ruby red slippers what do you wish for? When you follow your imaginary yellow brick road where does it lead you?

Our wish is that it leads you to Westminster Village where you will find friends that help give you the courage to live your heart’s desire.

Would you like to make Westminster Village your home? After all “there’s no place like home”.

Below are pictures from Westminster Village's version of the Wizard of Oz themed Amazing Race, senior addition.

The Senior Lifestyle

Seniors experience the full range of physical, mental and emotional challenges facing aging citizens everywhere. Westminster Village strives to keep residents engaged by offering a large

variety of activities. Social interaction gives a sense of belonging and helps seniors stay connected to the world around them, reducing stress levels, preventing depression and other health issues.

Staying socially active ensures that senior adults have a stable support system. Involvement in activities and games not only provides entertainment and quality companionship, it also helps prolong seniors’ sharpness of mind and quality of life. This conclusion comes from studies that found that seniors who engage in mentally demanding leisure activities lowered their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. When seniors stay socially active, their brain is constantly engaged, leading to the maintenance of a sharper mind and reducing the potential for faltering cognitive function. Staying socially active is perhaps just as important as staying physically active in order for seniors to enjoy good health.

As we age, our lifestyles and priorities change, and aging well is at the top of our minds. According to a study published

in the Journal of Aging Studies, study

participants, aged 60 to 93 identified six features of successful aging, one of which is interactions with others. It is important to consider seemingly insignificant activities that can benefit seniors' health. Participating and enjoying activities can have a positive impact on health by keeping the mind and body busy.

Standing in Line

From the moment of conception, we are part of an imaginary line- waiting on our turn. Our turn to be born, walk, talk, go to school, have our first crush, get married, have children, and so much more. Each of us will take our turn with all of life’s milestones. Life takes us on a journey. We walk, talk, go to school, have our first crush, some get married and have children, while others travel different paths. Then all too soon, we find ourselves looking back at all we have done, wondering where did the time go? Our past years out number our future years. Our children are grown and in some cases our grandchildren are grown. We find that we no longer have “those” responsibilities. We find ourselves wondering what to do now. Here we are standing in that imaginary line again. We can sleep in, eat what we want, travel, fish, take a nap, make new friends. We’ve moved up in line and it’s our turn to make plans for retirement.

That’s where we come in. Westminster Village is an affordable independent retirement community with maintenance, lawn care and 24/7 security. We have an on-site library, craft hut, wood shop, pool and community center. With a full calendar of events to pick from (aerobics, bingo, parties, trips, to name a few) you get to choose how involved or uninvolved you want to be. Most importantly, Westminster Village is a community of friends.

“It’s your turn”. Come enjoy those golden years we’ve heard so much about with us.