HOUSTON, July 31, 2018 – If you spend time with Donna Stadler, 88, and Jean Hartzell, 93, you’ll find they share an unbreakable bond. The two members of Parkway Place (a nonprofit, faith-based senior living community) became friends more than eight years ago. They live two doors down from each other, eat dinner together regularly and go on walks at the community every evening. They share several interests – including exercising – but overall enjoy each other’s company the most. Studies show that friendships have many benefits for older adults, and they positively impact physical and emotional well-being. Sunday, August 5 marks National Friendship Day, and Stadler and Hartzell will spend it together celebrating their strong connection.
“We share a lot of common interest, so it’s nice to know I can rely on her for anything,” said Stadler. “She was there for me after my husband passed away, and neither of us have children in the Houston area, so we also spend holidays together. I am a former physical therapist and Jean taught exercise classes, so we share an interest in fitness. We started walking around the community and outdoors five years ago. It’s not only to work out, but also to socialize and stay connected. You can make a friend at any age, and I am happy Jean and I found each other at Parkway Place.”
“It’s comforting to know there is somebody who cares about me,” said Hartzell. “We enjoy each other’s company, and I look forward to spending time with Donna each day. Our walks and talks in the evening are meaningful, and I couldn’t have asked for a better friend in retirement. She is like a sister to me, and it’s amazing to learn about a national day dedicated to friendship.”
Stadler and Hartzell are both from the Midwest but spent most of their lives in the Houston area. Hartzell and her husband moved to Parkway Place when the community first opened 20 years ago, and Stadler and her husband decided to call the senior living community home in 2010. Since then, both of their husbands have passed away, and the ladies have relied on each other. Stadler and Hartzell formed a strong bond filled with laughter, support and happiness. Both ladies never imagined finding a best friend in retirement, but that’s exactly what they did.
“Seeing Donna and Jean together inspires us all,” said Susan Phelps, executive director at Parkway Place. “Having a close friend in retirement is very important. They encourage each other to stay active and social, and they maintain their lifestyles while gaining new friends. We are thankful they found each other at Parkway Place, and we look forward to seeing the new memories they build together.”
Involvement in social activities is essential for older adults, as it has a positive effect on their health and overall lifespan. Studies show that seniors with close friends tend to have a more positive and optimistic outlook. At Parkway Place, the members have many opportunities to stay active and participate in engaging events at the community.
If you are a member of the media and would like to cover this story, please contact Chelsi Smith via phone at 214-378-7970 ext. 238 or email at csmith@thepointgroup.com or Amy Jones via phone at 214-378-7970 ext. 302 or email at ajones@thepointgroup.com.
ABOUT PARKWAY PLACE
Parkway Place in Houston, a Buckner Retirement Services community, is a nonprofit, faith-based senior living community located on a 15-acre manicured campus that includes flowers, walking paths, gazebos, benches and raised gardens, putting green, as well as an outdoor heated pool and spas. It is also one of the few Independent Living communities in West Houston that has no entrance fees or long-term contracts and provides spacious apartment residences on a rental basis. As a life plan community, Parkway Place offers Independent Living apartment residences, spacious Assisted Living, and innovative Memory Care and Skilled Nursing services.
At Parkway Place, members can enjoy delicious dining and warm fellowship in beautifully arranged dining rooms, as well as maintain active lifestyles at the wellness center. The community also has an on-site life enrichment coordinator, chapel, full-time chaplain, on-site worship services, beauty/barber salon and weekly housekeeping/linen service. For more information about Parkway Place, please visit the community website at www.bucknerparkwayplace.org or call (281) 677–5912.
ABOUT BUCKNER RETIREMENT SERVICES
Buckner Retirement Services, Inc. is one of the largest not-for-profit senior living organizations in Texas dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for senior adults and their families by promoting an active, healthy Christian lifestyle while maintaining their independence and dignity. Buckner Retirement Services is part of Buckner International, a global faith-based ministry serving people each year in the United States and worldwide.