Sometimes the smallest of acts, or in this case, the smallest of instruments, can make the biggest difference. This is true at Saint Therese – IHM Senior Living in Monroe, Mich., where resident Jack Schwab has turned his lifelong love of music into a joyful community tradition. Jack’s Journey with Music Jack grew up on a dairy farm in Deshler, Ohio, in a family where music was always encouraged. His mother, who never had the chance to play an instrument herself, worked tirelessly to ensure her children could. Jack picked up the trumpet as a boy and learned to read music, setting the stage for a lifetime of melodies. In his early years, Jack considered the priesthood, spending some time in seminary before realizing his true calling was in community work. He went on to spend most of his career in community action for the banking industry, where he specialized in helping people access opportunities for homeownership and lending. Music, however, was always close at hand. When his first wife passed away in 2010, Jack found solace in a ukulele that had been in his family for years. What started as a way to cope with grief became a source of healing and joy. Later, after traveling to Hawaii with his wife Anne, Jack came home with a renewed passion for the ukulele. By 2016, after retiring, Jack had founded a ukulele club. The group performed in care centers until the pandemic put gatherings on hold. When he moved into Saint Therese – IHM in 2022, Jack decided it was time to start again. Building Community Through Song With the support of the Saint Therese Foundation, which purchased ukuleles and music stands, Jack launched a weekly ukulele group. Every Tuesday morning, residents gather with Jack to learn songs ranging from “Happy Birthday” to nostalgic favorites. Staff members like Cassie Dillon often join in, and Jack encourages everyone to practice a little each day: “It’s simple, and I can teach it,” he says.
I’ve spent years looking into what really helps people age well. But what does “aging well” actually mean? For some, it’s keeping a sharp mind. For others, it’s staying physically active, living independently, or feeling connected to friends and family. The exact definition can be different for everyone—but there’s one thing they all have in common: the ability to keep moving. To age well, we need to keep our bodies moving—and not just from place to place, but through life with energy and purpose. And here’s the truth: movement doesn’t happen without strength. As we get older, keeping our muscles strong becomes even more important. This isn’t just about running marathons or lifting heavy weights. It’s about simple, everyday things—like carrying groceries, getting up from a chair, or catching yourself if you trip. When we lose strength, it’s easier to lose confidence, and we’re more likely to fall or get hurt. Muscle loss is common as we age, but it’s not something we have to accept as “just the way it is.” Every part of your body benefits from strength training, but let’s focus on two key players: your muscles and your bones. Our bodies are smart—they adapt to whatever we ask them to do. Challenge your muscles regularly, and they’ll get stronger. Ignore them, and they’ll get weaker. Bones work the same way. Activities that make your muscles and bones work—like resistance or weight-bearing exercises—help keep your bones strong and reduce your risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Strength training isn’t just for athletes; it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself at any age. And no, it’s not too late to start now. In physical therapy, we love sharing this knowledge—we’re not gatekeeping it. Building strength can help you live longer and better, and we know how to guide you safely. We understand how the body moves, heals, and responds when you gradually challenge it. We use proven methods to create a plan just for you—one that grows with you as you get stronger and more confident. Each session is a chance to check in, adjust, and move forward—whether your goal is walking without a cane, getting up from the floor, or enjoying your favorite hobby again. Physical therapy isn’t about telling you what you can’t do—it’s about showing you what you can do, and helping you get there, step by step. In the end, strength is freedom. It lets you move through the world with confidence, take care of yourself, and keep doing what makes life fun and meaningful. Maybe that’s playing with your grandkids, tending a garden, or walking into a room without worrying about falling. Whatever it is, strength gives you choices. At Ascend Rehab , we meet you where you are, listen to what matters most to you, and help you build the strength to make it happen. Aging well isn’t about pretending nothing changes—it’s about learning to adapt and keep going with purpose. And physical therapy can be a powerful partner in making that happen. Emily Milliren , PT, DPT, GCS, is a is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She’s been with Ascend Rehab since 2018.
“There is no timetable for grief; it unfolds in its own way, in its own time.” – Unknown On August 30, we pause to honor Grief Awareness Day—a reminder that grief is both universal and deeply personal. At Saint Therese senior living communities, grief is not an abstract idea. It is woven into the daily lives of residents, families, and caregivers alike. To better understand this journey, we spoke with five of our pastoral care directors, who accompany people through life’s most difficult transitions. At Saint Therese, we are proud to have full-time pastoral care directors in our communities, ensuring that compassionate spiritual support is always present. Their reflections remind us that grief is not something to “get over,” but something to live with, honor, and grow through. Grief in Daily Life at Saint Therese Each director shared that grief extends beyond the moment of death. It includes the loss of independence, the decline of health, the move into senior living, or even the passing of a fellow resident or staff member. Duane Bauer of Saint Therese of Woodbury emphasized the importance of normalizing grief. “What would it be like if you didn’t grieve your spouse? We grieve because we were in relationship. A new normal has to come out of it.” His role, he says, is to listen more than talk, to walk alongside without judgment, and to create sacred moments of farewell such as “sacred sending” rituals for families and staff. John Ilkka at Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake speaks about grief as a deeply personal and non-linear process. He emphasizes that there are no “magic words” to take away someone’s pain. Instead, his role is to listen, provide space, and reassure people that whatever they are feeling is valid. “The simplest thing is, whatever you’re feeling is ok. Grieving takes time, and it’s hard work,” he shared. For John, honoring grief means letting people lead the way—sometimes needing presence, sometimes needing space—and always being authentic. Beth O’Hare-Fisher at Saint Therese – IHM Senior Living often encounters grief during visits, when new residents open up about the loss of a spouse or sibling. She organizes Circles of Sharing, where residents gather to name and remember those who have died. For her, the key is acknowledging loss and affirming feelings without rushing the process. Mollie Dvorak of Saint Therese of Corcoran speaks passionately about anticipatory grief—the mourning that begins even before a loved one passes. She uses books like Tear Soup: A Recipe for Healing After Loss, and The Invisible String to help residents and staff process emotions. For her, grief is not something to fix, but something to witness with compassion. Mary Lou Swinerton of Saint Therese St. Mary of the Woods adds that grief is a life event that encompasses the whole community. “It requires that we recognize that our Saint Therese community is bigger than our specific place. The entire community—residents, families, and staff—grieve. We must recognize this collective grief, name it, and honor it. It may be a sudden death of a resident’s son across the country, a memorial service for a resident’s loss, or even the bittersweet moment when someone leaves the community to be closer to family. Journeying with residents and staff in grieving means understanding that grief is not a one-size-fits-all event.” Together, these directors show us that grief is not just about endings—it is also about presence, memory, and care. Gentle Practices for Navigating Grief From these conversations, five guiding practices emerge: 1. Give Yourself Permission Grief doesn’t follow a timetable. It can show up as sadness, anger, relief, or even laughter. Whatever you’re feeling is valid. 2. Tell Your Story Sharing memories of a loved one keeps their presence alive. Whether in a support group, a circle of remembrance, or over coffee with a friend, storytelling helps heal. 3. Lean into Community As Duane noted, grief is less overwhelming when shared. Find a faith group, a grief support circle, or simply a trusted listener. 4. Practice Self-Care Grief can exhaust body, mind, and spirit. Be gentle with yourself. Rest, eat well, pray or meditate, and allow space for your own healing. 5. Embrace the “New Normal” Life after loss will not be the same—but in time, it can hold meaning again. The journey is not about “moving on,” but about moving forward. A Shared Journey At Saint Therese, grief is not something to be avoided. It is something to be honored—with listening ears, compassionate presence, and rituals of remembrance. As our pastoral care directors remind us, grief is a sign of love, and love always has the final word.
