Seniors Compete in Sedgebrook Olympic Games
Residents of Sedgebrook senior living community in Lincolnshire tested their mettle - and earned medals - in this year's Winter Olympics. In a fitness challenge that equated one mile to 500 miles, over 70 seniors charted their strides, whether walking, biking, swimming or using fitness equipment, to reach the 6,500-mile distance from Sedgebrook to Pyeongchang.
While residents did not actually end up in South Korea, they participated in Sedgebrook's own version of the 2018 Olympic games. In addition to the "Exercise to the Olympic Games in South Korea" was a challenge in concurrence with the Olympics that included snowball volleyball, cross-country skiing, aqua speed skating, an "Amazing Olympic Race," and a hockey shootout. Opening and closing ceremonies were also part of the program.
"It got competitive, let me tell you," said Sedgebrook's wellness center manager Ruth Reyna. Snowball volleyball involved a seated game with a white ball that resembles a snowball, while cross country skiing made use of Sedgebrook's four very popular NuStep machines that mimic the motion of cross country skiing in a seated position. The hockey shootout challenge gave participants three tries to land a puck in the net. "We got a lot of people for this event, even those in wheelchairs," said Reyna, who organized Summer Olympics games in 2016 with over 100 residents.
Aqua speed skating was a little more challenging, she said, because the community has no ice rink. "But we have a great pool, and we played a variety of games in the water." The Amazing Olympic Race on February 22 was comprised of several relays with residents working in pairs. In addition to physical activities were puzzles, Olympics-related trivia, Jenga, stacking cups, etc. in which partners competed for the highest score.
Each of the week's events awarded a bronze, silver and gold winner, and all individual and relay winners took the podium in the closing ceremony on February 26. In addition to game participants were resident judges and cheerleaders. "We encouraged everyone to do what they could," said Reyna, who recognized milestones in the "Walk to South Korea" with participants' names on display. "Our residents were very serious about keeping an eye on their progress, and they worked very hard."
The Olympics is far from the only physical challenge at Sedgebrook. Said Reyna, "Not a month goes by without a fitness incentive, regardless of residents' abilities or limitations. We focus on everyone; there is never someone we can't accommodate." Reyna and fitness specialist Tim Parrott provide each resident with a one-on-one fitness evaluation, including follow-up checks and reminders, and tailor an exercise prescription based on their goals and abilities.
Fitness at Sedgebrook stands to flourish, as residents consistently seek more options and challenges. Upon request from active seniors, Reyna has added not only line dancing to the multiple classes and opportunities available at Sedgebrook, but cha cha and samba as well.
"Seniors are like athletes; they are dedicated to accomplishing their goals," said Reyna, who has a master's degree in kinesiology and has worked with seniors her entire 30-year career in fitness. "They're in it to maintain their independence."
SEDGEBROOK
Sedgebrook is a Life Plan Community offering a diverse lifestyle, maintenance-free living, and outstanding amenities. Five-star rated Radford Green Health Care and Rehabilitation is located on the 72-acre Sedgebrook campus in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Sedgebrook is a Senior Care Development, LLC affiliated community and managed by Life Care Services LLC®. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToSedgebrook.com or call 847-901-3319.