Sedgebrook Seniors Get a Hand in Science and Math

Say "math and science," and some people want to run for the hills. But not residents in the Senior Scholars program at Sedgebrook senior living community in Lincolnshire. On the contrary; they're voluntarily signing up for workshops about energy and electricity, crime scene investigation, kitchen chemistry, math in the real world, technology, and the earth around us.

A division of Family Scholars, founded by Paula Fortini, Senior Scholars is based on STEM education (science, technology, engineering and math). Led by Kari Skloot, Fortini's long-time friend and business partner, the workshops offer residents at Sedgebrook hands-on learning opportunities about in subject matter that Skloot believes is "missing and unique" in senior programming.

"There are wonderful programs for music and the arts, but STEM activities for seniors didn't seem to exist," she said, noting that men are as likely to get involved in the Senior Scholars workshops as women. "If you teach about the science of flight, suddenly you have men attending."

Skloot also credits the immense physical and mental benefits of delving into the sciences. "Seniors are always looking for something new, and STEM education is particularly beneficial to the neuroplasticity of the brain and developing new pathways. We wanted to offer more to this area of learning than games and brainteasers."

At Sedgebrook, about 20 residents began with a building and engineering series, meeting every other week, and recently completed a second: crime scene investigation. "We got wonderfully messy dusting for fingerprints with cornstarch and identifying fake blood patterns!" said Skloot.

Rather than staid, "stay-in-your-seat" instruction, Seniors Scholars gets participants on their feet and using all their senses. "This is a tactile experience, utilizing fine motor skills with lots of group interaction," said Skloot. "It's learning by doing."

For resident Marilyn McClory, science has always been an interest. "I like Senior Scholars because you don't just sit and listen; you're involved and active. It's a different kind of learning," said the former accountant who moved to Sedgebrook last October. "You don't often get an opportunity at my age to learn about things like this."

Sedgebrook community resources manager Ryan Springer is especially excited about the applied nature of the program. "It is an engaging activity that allows residents to learn or re-learn some information as well as expand their knowledge on particular topics. It reminds me a lot of the hands-on activities I did in middle and high school that were always an enjoyable way of learning," he said.

Springer also appreciates that the workshops are conducted in a series that all connect to one another. "Although they are intertwined, residents don't have to go to all of them to learn and enjoy."

Next up for the Senior Scholars is natural disasters, according to Skloot, who, along with Fortini, is constantly developing new programs and workshops in the STEM arena. A life-work balance coach with a degree in transportation logistics, Skloot said, "I love watching seniors' faces light up when they learn something new and different." Citing the crime scene investigation workshop, she added, "The eyewitness nature of it enhances memory and relates concepts to real life. Who doesn't want to be a forensic scientist in the lab?"

Maybe not everyone, but inquisitive seniors at Sedgebrook are eagerly awaiting their next adventure in lifelong learning.

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.