Senior living communities across the country took advantage of the interest and energy surrounding this year’s Winter Olympics to host a range of activities and events that generated excitement and engagement among their residents, though they were far from Italy.
Among the many festivities was a good-natured competition between the Beacon Hill community in Lombard, Illinois, and the Oak Trace community in nearby Downers Grove. Residents from Oak Trace traveled to Beacon Hill for the event. Beacon Hill, a Life Care Community, dressed up its facility with themed Olympic decor to make sure the atmosphere lived up to the event’s inspiration.
Danny Winecki, the fitness supervisor for Beacon Hill, set the proper mood for the games with opening remarks that celebrated all of the competitors.
“Every single person participating today is already a champion,” Winecki said. “Because showing up takes courage, trying something new takes confidence and competing with a smile takes heart. Whether you win gold, silver, bronze or simply the admiration of the crowd, you are part of something special. Let’s cheer loudly. Let’s compete fiercely. Let’s laugh often. And let’s make this a day we’ll still be talking about next winter.”
Elijah Heyboer, executive director of Beacon Hill, carried the ceremonial Olympic torch to applause, and resident Diane Larsen followed with a baton twirling performance. Finally, the crowd sang the Star-Spangled Banner together.
Each community fielded 20 athletes who faced off in events such as hockey, snowball shot put, ski and Nerf biathlon, hand grip challenges, Wii bowling, team relays, group balance and bean bag juggle. Medals were awarded for each event, and the competitors were celebrated throughout the day. When Oak Trace athletes returned home, they were greeted by cheering staff.
“What I like best about the event is the energy and excitement it brings leading up to the day, and then the day itself,” said Gina O’Leary, fitness supervisor at Oak Trace, a Life Plan Community. “Residents are excited to wear their shirts and be part of the team. The spirit of competition is playful and the day is entertaining. The spectators have as much fun as the participants.”
Other communities, such as Arabella of Red Oak, Texas, and Waltonwood Cotswold in Charlotte, North Carolina, held their own mix of Olympics games for their residents. Arabella’s included competitions in activities such as cross-country skiing, scooter races, tabletop curling and bowling, and winter snowball bowling.
At Waltonwood Cotswold, the life enrichment team provided programming for both assisted living and memory care residents. For assisted living, residents enjoyed a mix of team and individual events that were held over a few days, including bowling, relay races, an Olympic-style presentation and even a synchronized pool noodle routine. The community’s staff held short daily rehearsals for residents to allow them to practice for the events to ensure they felt prepared and ready to have fun, even if they were stepping outside their comfort zone.
Alexis Spencer, life enrichment manager for Waltonwood Cotswold, worked with the community’s Forever Fit coordinator to tailor each event to residents’ strengths and interests and to create small groups that helped residents feel part of a special group while also encouraging them to participate.
“They really enjoyed being part of the smaller groups. It gave them something special to do,” Spencer said. “Some residents even went out of their way to come to rehearsals because they wanted to do it well.”
Meanwhile, Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne, Indiana, opted for a culinary celebration. The community held an Olympic-themed dining experience that featured a food-based tour that was inspired by countries competing in the Winter Games. The special menu for the event featured international flavors and dishes meant to showcase global traditions and inspire conversation and connection in the community.
The event included an opening ceremony, a world taste tour, a parade of nations, and gold medal desserts.
“Food is a great way to experience other cultures,” said Rod Craft, executive director at Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne. “The Olympics bring the world together, and this menu allowed us to celebrate that right at the table.”