The Birches gets adventurous for Active Aging Week
From September 28 to October 3, The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills is celebrating Active Aging Week with activities and events that encourage Birches residents and associates to stay vibrant and adventurous no matter what their age.
The Birches' theme for Active Aging Week 2015 is "Live Your Adventure," and everyone in the Birches community is invited to partake in their own personal adventures each day throughout the week. To foster a sense of adventure, Activities Director Katie Klitchman used decorations to transform The Birches into an exotic safari environment.
"We want residents to experience a different setting for Active Aging Week because that inspires them to do things differently and participate in new adventures," said Klitchman." "It's amazing how changing your normal surroundings can make you feel like a more adventurous version of yourself."
Residents will have the opportunity to participate in several unique adventures throughout the week, including a week-long scavenger hunt in which they search for beanie babies scattered throughout The Birches' common areas and receive prizes for their discoveries.
Noteworthy events taking place early in the week, include a "Moving to Music" session with Dance Therapist Gail Ann Bradshaw, a discussion group titled "What's Your Adventure" that allows residents to contemplate and discuss what the term "adventure" means to them and a trip to Willow Pond in Willowbrook for a fishing adventure.
Later in the week, residents and associates will be treated to Maui Wowi Smoothies compliments of T&T Tropical Treats and a presentation from illusionist and motivational speaker Jim Austin. Members of the Birches' community will close out the week with a trip to the Downers Grove Craft Show, a happy hour/adventure story sharing session, an adventure movie and popcorn night and a performance by The Birches' kazoo band, which consists entirely of residents.
Active Aging Week is an annual event that was created by the International Council of Active Aging (ICAA) to inspire older adults to develop healthy, active lifestyles. The ICAA encourages organizations throughout the country to host their own Active Aging Week activities and provides resources to those participating in the yearly event. According to Klitchman, The Birches promotes a healthy aging lifestyle year-round, but the opportunity to engage in healthy living through new and adventurous outlets is still appreciated by residents and associates alike.
"We're always looking for different ways to make being healthy and active more fun," said Klitchman. "This year's Active Aging Week is the perfect opportunity to do this, because it encourages everyone to look at these healthy habits as adventures and something to look forward to every day."
The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills is a premier retirement community dedicated to providing professional services that support its residents' physical, social, intellectual and spiritual growth. The Birches offers a full calendar of purposeful programs and activities designed to promote a healthy aging lifestyle and a strong sense of community. For more information about The Birches, call 630-789-1135 or visit: birches.net.