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Bartlett resident Barb Sharf is 93 years old, but that isn’t stopping her from enjoying the outdoors.
Sharf was one of 31 Pathway Senior Living residents who participated in an overnight camping trip from Monday to Tuesday 8/16-17 at Sunrise Outdoor Learning Center in Bartlett. Pathway owns more than 10 supportive living communities in the Chicago area including the Victory Centre of Bartlett.
Pathway Regional Life Enrichment Manager Colleen Koziara organized the event for the senior community.
“This is the first time a supportive-living community has done camping anywhere,” said Koziara, who is an avid camper.
Koziara said getting the seniors outside was a big deal because many didn’t think camping was possible at their age.
“There is no reason people should stop living just because they’re old,” she said. “This society is all about the fact that we’re young. You’re not done being young just because you’re retired.”
A medical team joined the camping trip to help residents who needed health care accommodations.
Sharf, who gets around with the help of a walker, said her age didn’t prevent her from going on a boat ride on the lake Monday afternoon.
“I’ve done more camping today than most people here,” she said. “I love the outdoors. You have to get out and walk around or else you get stiff.”
Other Bartlett organizations also are trying to meet the desire of seniors who want to participate in outdoor activities.
Hanover Township Senior Services Program Manager Tracey Colagrossi said her group offers year-round outdoor activities including fishing at Prattway Woods twice a year, attending baseball games, apple-picking in the fall, miniature-golfing, hiking and walking.
“When you’re connected with nature, you feel like you’re a part of something bigger,” Colagrossi said. “Seniors don’t want to be cooped up so physical activity is huge.”
The Bartlett Park District also centers some their programming around the needs of seniors.
According to Park District spokeswoman Stephanie FitzSimons, there are several low-impact fitness classes in the gym and pool for seniors to attend as well as trips to football games and the zoo. FitzSimons said golfing is also a popular senior activity in the spring and summer.
Koziara said with the residents overwhelming excitement to go camping, she hopes to be able to plan three or four camping trips for next year.
“We had residents that said if we planned a trip again in three weeks they would go,” she said. “They like to be outdoors, and we’re providing them with the opportunity.”
Bartlett resident Barb Sharf is 93 years old, but that isn’t stopping her from enjoying the outdoors.
Sharf was one of 31 Pathway Senior Living residents who participated in an overnight camping trip from Monday to Tuesday 8/16-17 at Sunrise Outdoor Learning Center in Bartlett. Pathway owns more than 10 supportive living communities in the Chicago area including the Victory Centre of Bartlett.
Pathway Regional Life Enrichment Manager Colleen Koziara organized the event for the senior community.
“This is the first time a supportive-living community has done camping anywhere,” said Koziara, who is an avid camper.
Koziara said getting the seniors outside was a big deal because many didn’t think camping was possible at their age.
“There is no reason people should stop living just because they’re old,” she said. “This society is all about the fact that we’re young. You’re not done being young just because you’re retired.”
A medical team joined the camping trip to help residents who needed health care accommodations.
Sharf, who gets around with the help of a walker, said her age didn’t prevent her from going on a boat ride on the lake Monday afternoon.
“I’ve done more camping today than most people here,” she said. “I love the outdoors. You have to get out and walk around or else you get stiff.”
Other Bartlett organizations also are trying to meet the desire of seniors who want to participate in outdoor activities.
Hanover Township Senior Services Program Manager Tracey Colagrossi said her group offers year-round outdoor activities including fishing at Prattway Woods twice a year, attending baseball games, apple-picking in the fall, miniature-golfing, hiking and walking.
“When you’re connected with nature, you feel like you’re a part of something bigger,” Colagrossi said. “Seniors don’t want to be cooped up so physical activity is huge.”
The Bartlett Park District also centers some their programming around the needs of seniors.
According to Park District spokeswoman Stephanie FitzSimons, there are several low-impact fitness classes in the gym and pool for seniors to attend as well as trips to football games and the zoo. FitzSimons said golfing is also a popular senior activity in the spring and summer.
Koziara said with the residents overwhelming excitement to go camping, she hopes to be able to plan three or four camping trips for next year.
“We had residents that said if we planned a trip again in three weeks they would go,” she said. “They like to be outdoors, and we’re providing them with the opportunity.”
