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Health Education

Seniors enjoying new leisure hobbies
Residents of Franciscan Communities are taking their bodies, minds and spirits on a journey that’s purifying, restoring and revitalizing their senses.  Similar to how Franciscan Communities constantly reinvents itself to fulfill the desires and needs of those it serves, residents are exploring new ways of enjoying their lives.

Today, the life-enrichment calendar at Franciscan Communities doesn’t just include bingo, pinochle, jigsaw puzzles and sing-alongs, but is scattered with an assortment of outstanding activities and events for all skill levels.  You’ll find special exercise classes, yoga and tai chi.  You might uncover arts and crafts, woodworking, watercolor painting or art appreciation.  Scheduled visits to the museum, theater, casino and zoo often are included too.

In April, St. James Manor & Villas in Crete, Ill., became the sixth Franciscan community to introduce Wii to its residents.  No longer is the gaming craze just for kids as seniors are playing tennis, bowling, golfing and giving many other games a whirl.

Assisted Living residents at Franciscan Health Care Center in Louisville, Ky., may need a little help with some activities of daily living, but they have little problem getting together twice a week for a walking club.  Some walk more than others, some walk without major goals in mind and others wear pedometers on their waist to gauge their growth.  The club has been so successful that plans are being made for future walks at local parks.

Many Villa de San Antonio residents visited Becker Vineyards at the end of May for a tasting and tour.  Residents were educated about the eight different varietal wines produced by the French Vinifera wines and were equally impressed by the 10,040 square-foot winery.  A future visit is likely to be arranged.

Addolorata Villa residents learned about container gardening, a hobby that is growing in popularity thanks to a visit from Harper College.  Whether as decoration within one’s apartment or for fresh vegetable treats for later this summer, residents of this Wheeling, Ill. community were impressed and excited about getting started with this new hobby.

Residents are doing many of these new things, many which they didn’t do before they moved to Franciscan Communities.  If you wish to try a new activity, to get a bit of a new lease on life a couple times a week or more, then check out the life-enrichment calendars Franciscan Communities.

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