Seniors benefit from the great outdoors
People on the Des Plaines River trails are accustomed to seeing residents from Sedgebrook senior living in Lincolnshire cruise along on their bicycles, including 89-year-old Al Johnson on his adult tricycle.
"Several residents have bikes, and the trails are immediately accessible, right outside their doors," said Sedgebrook fitness manager Ruth Reyna.
Each week, six to eight residents in a club called SPOKES hop on the trails that surround the wooded campus and go for a ride. The group stays together at a pace in their comfort zone, and no one is left behind. While attendance is taken and at least one of the riders must have a cellphone, they venture out on their own in a shared love of the great outdoors. A group of tricycle riders like Al, who rides with his daughter for as long as an hour and a half each week, is a "dream thought" Reyna hopes will someday become a reality.
For those who prefer walking, the Sedgebrook Trailblazers is an established group of seniors who take a hike as often as three times per week, traveling as far as three miles. Beginning on the first fair weather day of the year, they trek through the nearby forest preserves (earning badges from August through November) and go on monthly outings.
"It's great to be so close to the forest preserves, because you can go from point A to point B without walking in a loop and the scenery is different," said Reyna. "On one side is the river; on the other is the golf course."
Recently added to Sedgebrook's outdoor fitness opportunities is a group called the Mile Hikers.
"Some residents said they'd like to walk, but not as far as the Trailblazers." This new group meets weekly for about a half-hour until they walk a mile.
Yet another reason to get outside at Sedgebrook is Monday Fun Days, a new initiative including favorite games like bean bag toss, putt-putt golf and horseshoes.
"When games come outside, people enjoy them even more," said Reyna, remarking that even those residents with wheelchairs and walking aids have joined in the fun.
For resident Jean Cummings, gardening is the ultimate outdoor activity. Responsible for the care of two plots and a raised bed, Jean loves to be outside.
"I feel like I'm getting exercise, but it's more mental therapy. I even like to weed - people think I'm nuts! But there's instant gratification in that beautiful black dirt," said the cheery woman who began gardening after her four children were grown. Beginning in March with seedlings she cultivates inside, Jean tends to the earth almost daily until the first frost.
"Being outside is important for everyone," said Reyna. "There's an element of fear for some seniors in going outside, but when safety is ensured, it brightens them physically and mentally and also builds confidence. We all need to feel the sun, breathe the fresh air, see the flowers and greenery."
Jean Cummings agrees: "Even for people who don't garden themselves, it's beneficial for them just to be outside, walk by and watch things grow."
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. Sedgebrook is a Senior Care Development, LLC affiliated community and managed by Life Care Services LLC. For information, visit www.WelcomeToSedgebrook.com or call (847) 901-3319.