Saint Therese Senior is Still Learning at 103

Barb Hemberger • February 9, 2024

Margaret Nelson turns 103 years old today. This is a major milestone by any definition; made more so by the fact that this resident of Saint Therese of New Hope, clearly subscribes to the belief that “you are never too old to learn.”

Born in Delano in 1921, Margaret always had a creative streak. She was a tailor for Robert Hall Clothes, and a seamstress over the years, but she also embroidered…and doodled.



But her family never knew she was an artist. That was until she started doing one-on-one art therapy last year with Susan Volden, an art therapist from Buffalo, Minn. Since Margaret began working with Susan twice per month, she has created three works of art.

Her daughter, Carolyn Nelson, said when she first saw what her mom had painted, it brought tears to her eyes. “I had never seen my mom paint, so I was amazed.”

Carolyn, the oldest of Margaret’s four children, and a weekly volunteer at the New Hope Gift Shop, has framed the first painting (of a lake scene) and has hung it in her home. She plans to have the other two paintings framed as well for her siblings. “We just need one more masterpiece from my mom for my youngest sibling,” said Carolyn.



Susan has been doing art therapy for more than 13 years and visits residents in the Saint Therese of New Hope care center twice per month. She comes armed with a case full of acrylic paints and a handful of paintbrushes and guides the focus and hands of people like Margaret, to create beautiful works of art. While working with Margaret, Susan learned the types of things and colors she liked and showed her some ideas from a book of samples she carries. The rest, as they say is history.


Benefits of art therapy


Why, you may, ask is art therapy beneficial for older adults? We’ve found that participating in innovative art and music programs can be life changing. It gives seniors an opportunity to express themselves and gain a sense of achievement. It also encourages movement and coordination so they can maintain their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and overall physical dexterity.


The capper on this feel-good story is that Susan’s therapy program is funded completely through donations made to Saint Therese by donors like the Saint Therese Auxiliary. The Auxiliary is a group formed in 1968, that to this day, provides additional help and support to the New Hope community. Carolyn Nelson is among the members of the Auxiliary.


Interested in donating to Saint Therese, volunteering or being a part of the Auxiliary? Please click on the links provided.


And last, but certainly not least, Happy 103rd Birthday Margaret!!

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Stay Connected

Search All Posts

About

At Saint Therese, our heartfelt purpose since 1968 has been a people first approach to living well by providing senior care and services where every life we touch feels welcomed, respected, and heard. We achieve this by doing ordinary things with extraordinary love every single day. Contact us to learn more. 

The Power Trio Behind Saint Therese’s People-First Hiring Approach

By Barb Hemberger • June 5, 2025
Shaping the culture, one hire at a time

2025 Senior Health: Progress, Challenges, and Key State Insights

By Barb Hemberger • May 23, 2025
The 2025 America’s Health Rankings® Senior Report was recently released, offering a comprehensive overview of the health and well-being of older adults across the United States. The report, based on 55 measures from 24 distinct data sources, highlights both strides made and challenges persisting in senior health. While there is encouraging progress in areas like reduced early death rates and strengthened social connectedness among older adults, significant mental and behavioral health challenges remain. Key Findings from the Report Falls and obesity rates have stabilized after peaking earlier this decade. The number of geriatric clinicians increased by 5 percent, marking the highest rate ever recorded by the rankings. Volunteerism saw a 19 percent increase between 2021 and 2023. The healthiest state for older adults was Vermont, followed by Colorado, Washington, Utah, and Connecticut. Meanwhile, Mississippi ranked as the least healthy state, with Louisiana, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Kentucky following suit. Insights from States with Saint Therese Senior Communities Minnesota ranked 7th overall, placing it among the top 10 healthiest states for older adults. It showed a promising 13 percent increase in the number of geriatric clinicians between 2021 and 2024. However, the state also experienced a significant 23 percent rise in depression rates among adults aged 65 and older, increasing from 12.8 to 15.7 percent between 2018 and 2023. Michigan secured the 21st spot in the rankings. The state showed notable improvements, including an 18 percent drop in falls, decreasing from 32.6 to 26.7 percent of adults aged 65 and older between 2014 and 2023. Additionally, cognitive difficulty rates decreased by 13 percent, from 8.8 to 7.7 percent during the same period. Ohio ranked 36th overall, but one bright spot was a significant 35 percent increase in the number of geriatric clinicians between September 2019 and September 2024. Positive Signs for Volunteering The news about volunteering is a positive sign as emerging evidence shows that older adults who volunteer regularly have fewer cognitive complaints and a lower risk for dementia compared with those who do not volunteer regularly. At Saint Therese, volunteers are as much a part of our organization as our residents, families, visitors, and employees. We rely on and value the countless hours and dedication of those who support our mission by volunteering in our communities. We are always looking for volunteers. To find out more, or to apply to be a volunteer, please visit us here. The Bottom Line The 2025 Senior Report, produced by the United Health Foundation, underscores the complexities of senior health in the United States. While strides have been made in areas such as access to specialized care and volunteer engagement, persistent challenges like obesity, depression, and behavioral health highlight the need for continued efforts. The Report serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing work needed to ensure a healthier future for older adults across the nation.

Ascend Wellness & Fitness: Elevating Health, Confidence, and Community

By Kathy Nelson, Fitness Specialist • April 24, 2025
At Ascend Rehabilitation , we believe that wellness is more than just exercise—it’s about fostering strength, confidence, and connection. Our wellness and fitness program seamlessly integrates with therapy to help residents and clients improve their physical, mental, and social well-being.