Who is 

Anders Davies? 

We wish to thank Anders Hansen who graciously allowed the AHGITT project at Ithaca College to utilize pictures of himself and his home in our development of this web learning experience.  The case presented differs from Anders circumstances, but the background that he provided helped us to make this case as realistic as possible.  A short biography offers an insight into rural living in New York State, as well as the diversity of activities that engage older people.

Anders has been an active resident of Newfield, NY for most of his life.  He and his father were farmers, painters and lumberjacks.  Andy graduated from the newly built brick Newfield high school in 1940.  Although he had graduated in 1939 from the old wooden school, he returned for expanded coursework that the new school could offer in the shop labs.  He learned to use the electric drill presses, lathe and other equipment to make lumberjack tools and horseshoes.   He also sewed horse harnesses, took business classes and the new school offered a locker room with a shower – a much welcome luxury that Andy enjoyed.

As a young man, Andy worked as a lumberjack, using his horse to draw the fallen timber from the forests.  He also worked s a road builder, stonemason, painter and office worker.  He married his wife when they were both in their forties, and they built their home together.  Andy has a knack for writing, and has had a weekly column in the local paper for at least 25 years. (writing samples)  His outgoing, positive personality has made him a popular person in this rural community. (Tompkins County)

Andy has had a number of medical conditions in the past.  A sawmill injury to his leg was life threatening to him as a young man.  He experienced the degenerative conditions associated with a lifetime of manual labor.  In addition, he was hospitalized in the 1990s with intestinal surgery.  Recuperation included a three-month stay in a nursing home.

A widower, Andy lives alone in his home.  He receives homemaker assistance from Adult services four hours each week, which includes assistance with shopping and cleaning.  He also receives home delivered meals and nutritional counseling from Foodnet, a local program.  

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