Friendship Village residents conquer ropes course, zip line

They braved the zip lines and navigated the ropes course more than 20 feet in the air. A group of residents from Friendship Village senior living community in Schaumburg recently participated in the Go Ape Treetop Adventures in Western Springs.

Sixteen residents ages 70-92 registered for the program, which they were told would be one of the most intense balance challenges they've experienced.

"This was part of our initiative to offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for the residents," said Julie Hubbard, SeniorFit Program exercise physiologist at Friendship Village.

Friendship Village promotes a healthy lifestyle and offers a variety of classes in its state-of-the-art fitness and aquatic centers.

"The residents who participated at Go Ape were regular fitness attendees and needed to be able to rely on their core strength, balance and agility to complete the course. We showed everyone ahead of time what they were signing up for, and they were excited for the challenge and thrill of it," said Hubbard.

"The residents had a blast. Every single person completed the ropes course and zip-lined two or more times. Several were initially a little bit fearful, but they conquered more than just the ropes that day. They were surprised and proud that they could finish the courses, and are already asking how long before we can go again."

Friendship Village is a leading Life Plan retirement community offering independent living garden homes and apartment homes, as well as assisted living, memory support, skilled nursing care, and short- and long-term rehabilitation services.

For additional information, visit www.FriendshipVillage.org

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