Diane Rea

Before Diane moved to Shannondell, she maintained a vigorous schedule; teaching exercise classes for older adults, swimming and walking on her own. So, when Diane became a Shannondell resident, the last thing she wanted to do was slow down. What Diane didn’t expect, however, was that she would end up with an even busier calendar. But, swimming led to yoga. Yoga led to Tai Chi. Tai Chi led to belly dancing. And belly dancing led to ballet. Today, Diane and her fellow ballerinas are enjoying newfound agility and, as a result, raising the bar for each other.

Q:
Your schedule makes me tired.

Diane:
I guess I’m one of those people who likes to stay busy. Not that I don’t enjoy my downtime. I do. But, I think what makes Shannondell a great place to live is you can set your own schedule, every day. There’s no community regimen you’re forced to follow. You can choose to participate in any number of activities, classes, concerts and trips, or you can just chill.

Q:
I didn’t think chill was in your vocabulary.

Diane:
As much as there is to do here, the chilling is easy.

Q:
Gershwin couldn’t have said it better.

Diane:
He did. We’ve danced to the Porgy & Bess score.

Q:
I stand corrected; and most intrigued by your Shannondell ballet group. I hear your son danced.

Diane:
He danced with the Pennsylvania Ballet from age 7 to age 20. When I watched him dance on stage, I always thought, “I want to know what that feels like.” So, when Shannondell offered the opportunity to study ballet, I jumped at the chance.

Q:
I’ve always heard it’s quite a workout.

Diane:
It is. But it’s also addictive. Much like yoga and Tai Chi.

Q:
And belly dancing?

Diane:
(laughing) That too. I laugh because people picture us on stage with these skimpy outfits on swirling our hips. We do swirl, if you can call it that, but fully clothed, thank you.

Q:
How hard is it to get other residents to try some of these things?

Diane:
A lot of the residents have never exercised before they moved to Shannondell. So, they’re hesitant. But let me tell you, once you get them to join you in a class, it’s like the floodgates open. They discover more energy from the endorphins, and they’re hooked. Of course, having an Aquatics Center and two fitness centers within steps of your front door helps. As do personal trainers and neighbors who are always encouraging you to join them.

Q:
Speaking of encouraging, I hear you also lead singing at The Meadows.

Diane:
I do. It’s so gratifying to see patients, some who face lengthy recuperation and rehab stays, laughing at themselves and with others as we sing “Oh! Susanna” and other favorites. We play the piano, and one resident brings his harmonica. The dementia residents really love it. Sometimes all it takes is just a few bars of a familiar tune to get them tapping their toes and clapping; talk about inspiring.

Q:
Indeed.

Read other interviews with Shannondell residents by clicking on the names below:

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