The Birches community explores life's possibilities for Active Aging Week
From September 25 to October 1, The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills is celebrating Active Aging Week by encouraging residents and associates to get out, get moving and embrace life's possibilities regardless of their age.
The theme for this year's Active Aging Week is "Explore the Possibilities," and The Birches is inspiring residents and associates to do just that by offering a week full of unique activities, including a creative interpretation dance class, a magic show, a meditation class, healthy and exotic daily meals, an Oktoberfest celebration, a honey harvest from The Birches' beehives, a horseback riding excursion and an art show filled with pieces created by members of The Birches community.
The week's events are designed to remind everyone in the Birches' community that they can live as fully as possible in all areas of their life, and to discourage them from accepting the societal belief that life is over once you pass the 50 year mark.
"Active aging is all about trying new things and not limiting yourself just because you're over a certain age," said Birches Activities Director Katie Klitchman. "That's why we're offering activities that help everyone at The Birches expand their horizons and enjoy life in new and different ways."
Active Aging Week is an annual event created by the International Council of Active Aging (ICAA) to inspire older adults to develop healthy, active lifestyles. The ICAA encourages organizations throughout the world to host their own Active Aging Week activities and provides resources to help them take part in the event.
"It's great to be a part of a worldwide effort to redefine aging," said Klitchman. "I think it helps us shed those self-imposed limitations we all hold on to- the limitations that tell us that we're too old to live the life we want to live."
Although The Birches promotes a healthy aging lifestyle year-round, Klitchman says Active Aging Week is still a good opportunity to think outside the box and try different approaches to healthy aging.
"Really, every week is Active Aging Week at The Birches. But it's good to get out of our comfort zones and try something that's new and exciting or fulfill a lifelong dream," said Klitchman. "It's so easy to get stuck in routine where we're doing the same things over and over again. Active Aging Week shakes us out of that rut."
The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills, Ill. offers professional services to support the physical, social, intellectual and spiritual growth of the older adults who make it their home. The Birches offers purposeful programming 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.