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Resident Couples Thrive in Senior Living at Magnolia Manor

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Senior living communities aren’t just for singles! Couples choose to move to Magnolia Manor while they are still healthy and active so they can focus on doing the things they love to do together in retirement. You might say that resident couples here at Magnolia Manor are the personification of independence.

couples in senior living georgiaMeet Beverly and Jerry McKibben

Now well into their 80s, the McKibbens moved into their apartment at Magnolia Manor St. Simons Island back in 2014. As lifelong sports enthusiasts, once retired, the couple joined multiple bike-riding adventures sponsored by Road Scholars (formerly Elderhostel).

After a number of international trips as well as visits to ride the beaches of St. Simons Island, they found that continuing to maintain their home in Snellville, Georgia, was cutting into their bike time. So when an apartment at Magnolia Manor became available, they went home, sold their house, and came to stay. They love that Magnolia Manor “feels like a neighborhood.”

Like most seniors, the couple has faced their share of challenges -- Jerry has had both hips replaced, and Beverly had a knee replacement. But they’re still biking and enjoying their retirement together.

“You may have to slow down and make adjustments at times,” Jerry advises, “but you keep going. You have to live the highest quality of life that you can while you can.”

couples in senior living georgiaMeet Linda and Mack Martin

It was fitting that Linda and Mack Martin chose Magnolia Manor Americus when they finally decided to move off their farm and into a retirement community. Americus has always been their home, from birth through school and spanning 30 years as educators in the area (Linda teaching youngsters, Mack teaching college students).

Besides, they knew what senior living at Magnolia Manor was like, since both of their mothers and Linda’s grandma had lived on the campus.

Living on the farm was “heaven,” Linda says. The couple and their children loved spending time outdoors raising vegetables, flowers, chickens, and cows. Now Linda and Mack continue to raise animals outdoors, assisting their neighbor in tending 13 koi they describe as “pets” in a shared backyard pond.

couples in senior living georgiaThe goldfish pond attracts many fellow Magnolia Manor residents, who stop by to see the fish or sit and enjoy the surroundings.

The Martins brought their love of gardening to retirement living, too, although they say caring for a pond plus their garden of flowers, trees and – yes – veggies – is a full-time job. They credit Magnolia Manor’s Wellness Center, with its workout equipment and water aerobics classes, for their ability to remain physically fit and spiritually positive.

For this couple, independent living at Magnolia Manor is truly meaningful, reveals Linda. “Being able to share the garden and pond with our neighbors or help them in any way we can is our way of being God’s hands and feet.”

couples in senior living georgiaStaying Together When Needs Change

Moving to a senior living community can help couples grow older together and make the most of their retirement. However, most seniors will eventually require some type of assistance with daily tasks or medical issues. When it falls on the healthier spouse to provide that additional care, the extra work and worry can take an emotional and physical toll on the healthy partner. Even so, loving couples are reluctant to separate to accommodate changing care needs.

couples in senior living georgiaMagnolia Manor alleviates this concern, with nearly all campuses offering a variety of residential care levels. Americus includes everything from Independent and Assisted Living to Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, and Rehabilitation Services.

Mack Martin says he and Linda especially appreciate the peace of mind they feel knowing that Magnolia Manor provides this full continuum of care. “If we ever need a higher level of care,” he says, “we have no worries about where to go.” And they’ll still be together, on the same campus.

Live healthy
Eating a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting or avoiding alcohol, and getting regular exercise are all simple choices that promote good health and stronger bodies – the best defense against cancer of any kind.

Will You Become Our Newest Resident Couple?
One great way to find out what it’s like to live at Magnolia Manor is to read our quarterly Manor Living magazine. You can peruse it online or subscribe to have each new issue sent directly to your email inbox. Even better? Contact us at 855-540-LIFE (5433) to arrange a personal tour.

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