“I look back over last week’s Active Aging programs, and wonder what whirlwind hit us! I figured I’d hit a program here or there, but found myself scrambling to re-do my personal calendar to allow more room for the week’s events,” Marijo Hickok resident of Cornelia House expressed.
During the week of September 28, Episcopal Homes of Minnesota participated in the nationwide Active Aging Week programming. The International Council on Active Aging sends out a theme for the overall idea of the weeks programming. This years programming was under the theme “Live Your Adventure.” We kicked off the week with an outdoor rock and roll concert paired with a barbecue for residents to enjoy.
During the week of September 28, Episcopal Homes of Minnesota participated in the nationwide Active Aging Week was a week full of wonderfully rich and full days. The programming gained more participation as the week progressed. The weeks programming included a scavenger hunt on the Metro Transit – Green Line, Labyrinth Presentation, Veterans Happy Hour, Aquatic Volleyball, Motion Wellness Course, Intergenerational Life Moves, Communion Services, Aging with Gusto, Happy Hours, Comedian and a Minnesota Twins Game to end the week.
“Out of all the fantastic activities and meals that were planned for Active Aging Week at Episcopal Homes, my favorite of our week together was taking the Metro Transit Green Line Train to the Twins Game with a group of 35 people from our communities. For some, it was their first time riding the train and their first time watching the Minnesota Twins live. It was a beautiful day for a ball game,” stated Mary Hopp, Life+ Fitness Specialist at Episcopal Homes.
“I enjoy Active Aging Week every year. This year I particularly liked the Aging with Gusto program. I enjoyed meeting new people and learning things I wasn’t aware of as I age. I got up every morning like I was going to a job. I told my sister not to call me because I was going to be gone all week! Every year I plan to attend,” said Willie Minor, King’s Crossings at Episcopal Homes resident.
There was water volleyball and aerobics included in the programming of Active Aging Week. Kathleen Meyer, Aquatics Specialist had the older adults moving to the beat of the music while exercising in the water. The music varied from Sinatra and pop music of Katy Perry, to the gentle soothing sound of the piano. “Adding the music to the class was a huge hit, and I will be including it to my classes again,” said Kathleen Meyer, Aquatics Specialist.
“The best outcome for me during Active Aging Week was the sense of overall community that fairly oozed out of the buildings by Friday. Laughter, putting names with faces, and sometimes making things work in spite of tight quarters. I walked the labyrinth in the midst of the normal sounds of life in the Welcome Center. That was an image to keep as a talisman of the week,” Marijo Hickok happily explained
The week left staff and participants feeling hopeful and inspired to move forward towards a common goal of increased wellbeing. We all wish to achieve this in our lives, as best as each one of us is able. The goal of Active Aging Week at Episcopal Homes is to help older adults age with grace, dignity and laughter.
“The richness of our lives multiplied when we all came together in celebration of each other during Active Aging Week. Newfound friendships bloomed as we broke bread; unified in our desire to learn and grow, the playing field of aging subtly shifted the new perspectives on aging,” expressed Life+ Director at Episcopal Homes, Julie Niewald.
The entire week was conducted and led by the Life+ Director, Julie Niewald and her team which includes:
Mary Hopp – Fitness Specialist, Kristin Aitchison – Creative Ventures Coordinator, Kathleen Meyer – Aquatics Specialist, Marvin Plakut – CEO, Andrea Erickson – Seabury Service Coordinator, Bethany Burns – Terrace Residence Service Coordinator, Jessica Gillen – Cornelia Community Coordinator, Laura Vonch – Digital Marketing Specialist, Nicole Zauhar – Marketing Associate, Shelly Rucks – Executive Director, Sue Roen – Foundation Assistant, Carol Biron – Campus Marketing Manager, Paul Hagen – Director of Communications, Keely Morgan – Director of Spiritual Life, Mahogany Jones – Administrative Assistant, Deborah Ashamu – Volunteer Coordinator, Jennifer Camplin – Pastry Chef, Pam Tuft – Director of Kinder Village, Kelly Tengwall – Manager of Cornelia House, Kielyn Simonson – Life Enhancement Director, Lindsey Becker – Manager of Midway Pointe and Anne Kamiri – Special Projects Coordinator.
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