High school students and seniors partner for science
Our sense of smell and taste tend to diminish with age, but a group of residents at Windsor Park, a senior living community in Carol Stream, had the opportunity to contribute to a study that may help improve the taste of nutraceuticals, a dietary supplement commonly used among their peers.
Students from Wheaton Academy's Advanced Placement Statistics class in West Chicago spearheaded a study on behalf FONA (Flavors of North America) International, a Geneva, Ill.-based company that creates and manufactures flavors for many of the largest food, beverage, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical companies in the world.
During two separate visits to Windsor Park, students from math teacher Val Gregersen's class worked in pairs to deliver blind smell tests to roughly 40 residents between the ages of 61 and 101. Students collected data, conducted statistical analysis and then presented a formal report to a roomful of FONA scientists. The group of students recently learned their data would be used to adjust flavoring of nutraceuticals being developed this summer.
The accolade is a feather in the cap for this non-denominational Christian school, but Robert Grimm, MASTER Program Director at Wheaton Academy, explained the study was about more than just science and statistics.
"We challenge our students to serve others in their home, church, school and community. This study was about how can we help senior adults feel better," said Grimm. "We have a remarkable relationship with Windsor Park and it means something to the students to know their knowledge and efforts may help seniors stay healthier by developing better-tasting food."
This isn't the first time Wheaton Academy students have partnered with Windsor Park. Throughout the year, students visit residents for impromptu history lessons, where residents share their personal experiences and stories from World War II, the Depression and other key moments in American history.
"Our residents use their knowledge to help students better understand our country's history," said Hannah Meyers, resident services director for Windsor Park. " Now these students are using their knowledge and analytical skills to help improve the health of seniors everywhere."
In addition to Wheaton Academy, Windsor Park partners with Carol Stream School District 93 so residents can learn from tech-savvy students how to use various forms of computer technology. The Covenant Community also participates in the Speaking Exchange project, a video chat program that connects Windsor Park residents with non-native English speaking students who need someone to practice the art of English conversation.
To learn more about Windsor Park or to schedule a tour, call 877-836-5664 or visit www.WindsorParkIllinois.org.
About Windsor Park
Windsor Park, a faith-based, not-for-profit, continuing care retirement community, is located at 124 Windsor Park Dr., Carol Stream, Ill. It is administered by Covenant Retirement Communities, one of the nation's largest not-for-profit senior services providers. Covenant Retirement Communities serves 5,000 residents at 14 retirement communities nationwide and is a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church. For more information on Windsor Park, call 877-836-5664 or visit www.WindsorParkIllinois.org.