Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Amy Hilliard
At 92 years old, Ruth Moran is proud to have finally scratched “artist extraordinaire” off her to-do list! The Carlisle Naples resident has been participating in the active retirement community’s bimonthly art program for a year and says she’s been pleasantly surprised at her progress.
Though she’d always had an interest in art, career and family obligations prevented her from attempting to try it.
“I was a registered nurse who was also busy with a family,” she explained. “I never had the time to become more artistic or spend much time in that direction.”
When her son enrolled in Syracuse University and began taking fine art classes, her passion for art resurfaced.
“I was a bit jealous of him,” she said with laugh. “He was accomplishing such great things. I wanted to pursue art too but still didn’t have time.”
Originally from New York, she retired to Naples nearly 30 years ago with her husband who was ill. With much of her time devoted to being a caregiver, art classes weren’t an option.
It wasn’t until she moved to The Carlisle that her interest was reignited when the community added art to its already robust calendar of activities.
Mrs. Moran isn’t alone. Several of her neighbors, who were also caregivers, found much of their time was also consumed with taking care of their spouses. Now, The Carlisle’s supportive care services can help lift the burden of care and provide the opportunity to spend valuable time enjoying each other as well as individual pursuits.
“The class has been wonderful,” said Ms. Moran. “The instructor Linda Fraine is fantastic and is even involved locally in commercial art. She works with all the class participants and everything is provided. She’s so encouraging; nothing we do is ever wrong!”
The art class is currently working with acrylics and past projects have included sketching and watercolor paintings.
Ms. Moran says what she finds most appealing about the class is “the realization that anything is possible”.
“I really enjoy knowing that I can create something,” she said. “Art has become a great way to spend my day.”
Ms. Moran and her neighbors are not only painting one-of-a-kind masterpieces—many of which are proudly displayed during The Carlisle’s Resident Art Show—but they are also reaping the health benefits of being involved with art.
In an article featured in “Today’s Geriatric Medicine”, it was found that “Art enhances cognitive reserve, helping the brain actively compensate for pathology by using more efficient brain networks or alternative brain strategies. Making art or even viewing art causes the brain to continue to reshape, adapt, and restructure, thus expanding the potential to increase brain reserve capacity.”
In addition to art, Ms. Moran enjoys gathering with her neighbors for bridge and cribbage. She’s an avid reader as well and facilitates the community’s monthly book discussion group. They recently met to discuss Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s “Shadow of the Wind”.
In fact, it was the book club that led Ms. Moran to select The Carlisle as her home.
“I had book discussions here and met some of the residents. They were very friendly,” she recalled. “I also liked how well maintained the community was and found it very attractive.”
Thanks to The Carlisle’s maintenance-free lifestyle, she keeps her days as “varied as possible”. In addition to being a budding-Picasso, she’s also honing her comedic and theatrical skills by performing in the community’s 14th Annual Cabaret!
Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers spacious one-and two-bedroom residences including maintenance, weekly housekeeping and flat linen services, basic cable TV, all utilities except telephone, and a complimentary full breakfast plus choice of lunch or dinner in the community’s gourmet-style restaurant.
For more information about the community, please call 239-221-0017 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.
The Carlisle, a luxury, resort-style senior living community in North Naples, offers both Independent and Assisted Living lifestyles. Available on a monthly fee basis, the ECC-licensed and CARF-accredited community boasts a full range of services and amenities including 12-hour restaurant dining, housekeeping, transportation and activities. Located on Airport-Pulling Road, between Pine Ridge and Immokalee Roads, the award-winning community’s lush tropical environment is highlighted with meandering walking paths around three lakes and tranquility gardens. For more information or to schedule a tour, please call Director of Marketing Amy Hilliard at 239-221-0017.
