Vision boards help Alden Gardens residents appreciate rich life experiences
On New Year’s Eve, residents of Alden Gardens of Bloomingdale came together to ring in the new year with glasses of sparkling wine in hand, sharing laughter, joy and hopes for the year ahead.
On New Year’s Day, the residents wasted no time manifesting the year ahead with vision boards. While vision boards are often used to illustrate goals and aspirations, for many seniors, like resident Margaret Perotti, they offer the opportunity to reveal the beauty of a life well-lived.
Stepping into a new year can evoke a range of emotions. For some, it sparks optimism; for others, it can present a feeling of sadness or indifference. When Perotti began her vision board, she initially felt indifferent. But with the help and encouragement of supportive staff, she created a meaningful and beautiful keepsake that reminded her of all the wonderful experiences she’d had throughout her life.
A Georgia native, Perotti reminisced about her family, career, and hobbies. One of her fondest memories was of her grandmother, who she described as a southern Georgia peach who lovingly referred to her as “honey child” every day growing up.
Perotti enjoyed living close to and looking over what she describes as peaceful, calm waters. As a teenager, Perotti enjoyed singing, which she still enjoys today. Interior design was a big part of Perotti’s life. She owned her own custom drapery business, and she carries that element of style with her today, as she enjoys looking her best and putting together stylish outfits.
Life’s simple pleasures bring Perotti joy and comfort while at Alden Gardens of Bloomingdale. She enjoys her morning coffee accompanied by a sweet treat, preferably a cookie, said Perotti, and chatting with everyone who passes by.
Perotti has lived at Alden Gardens of Bloomingdale since 2019. It is a Supportive Living Community for adults 65 and older. The community is known for providing residents with a maintenance-free lifestyle, with on-site care assistance and luxurious amenities like restaurant-style fine dining, an ice cream parlor, a beauty and barber salon, a fitness room, and a host of leisure and social activities.
“I feel so lucky that I found this place,” said Perotti. “I don’t really remember how I stumbled upon it, but it’s so peaceful here, and everyone is so friendly- the people that live here and the people that work here, you don’t always find that everywhere. I feel like I have lived and am living a really blessed life, I really do.”
For many seniors like Perotti, the beauty of the vision board activity helps them appreciate their lives by allowing them to reflect on the rich experiences they’ve had and eagerly look forward to creating new memories in the year ahead.
Perotti is manifesting 2025 as a year of quality time with friends, looking out onto peaceful waters, listening to more music, and if she can get a few more cookies in, that would be the cherry on top of a very sweet 2025.
About The Alden Network:
For over 50 years, The Alden Network has provided seniors with health care and residential solutions to help them function to the best of their ability and live as independently as possible. To learn more about the Alden Network, call 800-291-5900 or visit alden.com