[Updated: October 27, 2023 | Published: October 27, 2023]
Our Community Life and Wellness team outdid themselves for this year’s Active Aging Week, taking Residents Back to the Future with music, activities, and dining. Active Aging Week has been celebrated annually since 2003 and aims to showcase the positive aspects of the aging process.
This year’s fun began as we celebrated the 1920’s and 30’s with a lecture and a speakeasy. Dressed in our glad rags, we rolled the dice, drank Prohibition cocktails and enjoyed a hotsy-totsy evening of fun!
Alderwood Health & Rehab, Waterford Place Assisted Living and Rowan House Memory Care celebrated the 1920s, 30s and 40s with a speakeasy, lectures, musical performances and a demonstration of dancing styles through the years.
Day two took us back to the 1950’s. We started the day with a workout with Jack Lalane (a special appearance from Mikie). Then The King wowed us over lunch at the Rock N’ Roll Diner!
Chaplain Fred led a discussion called “Ozzie and Harriet to Nones and Everything in Between.”
On the third day, we took a trip down memory lane to the 1970s and 80s. We started the morning by Sweatin’ to the Oldies with Richard Simmons. Later, we had a tie-dye class with Stacy Besst, our very own Andy Warhol, and enjoyed the songs of Woodstock with Dave Heinmiller.
The day ended with dinner and disco at Club 6000. Our Culinary Team showed off with a delightful dinner. Then the disco ball twirled as we hit the dance floor and boogied the night away.
Day 4 of Active Aging Week celebrated the 1980’s and 90’s. We donned our legwarmers and started the day with our Jane Fonda Workout. We also set up our very own Video Game Arcade and tried our hand at some gaming.
We also enjoyed a fascinating panel discussion about the History of FVD. In our 40+ years, we have had three Executive Directors. Our panelists discussed the beginnings of our premier senior living community and how things have changed and evolved over the years. Thank you to our special guests – retired Executive Director Jerry Kuyoth, Retired Board Member Chuck Ansley and former Culinary Director Don Paul for sharing their memories.
Active Aging Week finished big! After a Zumba workout, we went outside for a Street Fair featuring cars from across the decades, a pottery demo, tattoos and yummy treats. The day concluded with Closing Ceremonies including a talent show with Residents and Staff.“This was probably the most fun week I’ve had since moving to Friendship Village,” said Resident Carol L. “Thank you to all those who brought it to life!!! Looking forward to next year.”
Join Us for Active Aging Week 2024!
Like Carol L., we can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year’s event. In the meantime, our Residents will continue enjoying an active, independent lifestyle featuring over 100 planned activities each month.
If you can picture yourself enjoying a resort-style lifestyle with luxurious amenities, plenty of activities and like-minded companions, we’d love to talk to you! Please call 614.426.0334 or use the link below to set up a tour.
