March 25, 2010 – Thirty years from its groundbreaking, Friendship Village of Bloomington continues to break new ground on a campus where one can enjoy life to the fullest. The active senior retirement community has been growing and developing, literally and conceptually since it opened in 1979.
“People who see the campus for the first time are shocked that it looks so fresh and new,” says Karen Lloyd, Director of Wellness Programs.
Friendship Village celebrated its 30th anniversary with a week-long series of celebrations and inspiring lectures. Colin Milner, founder and president of the International Council on Active Aging, was a keynote speaker. He is an international presence for promoting multi-dimensional programs for older adults.
While visiting Friendship Village, he met with the resident council and the wellness committee comprised of residents and staff. Milner noted in the Journal of Active Aging, that, “The Friendship Village residents and staff are creating a great culture of wellness that others can use as a model.” Older adults who choose to live here are really choosing to live life to its fullest.
Living life to the fullest at Friendship Village, 8100 Highwood Drive in Bloomington, means the opportunities available to residents are vast.
Services such as transportation, dining and housekeeping are expected. Homecare, therapies and on site nursing services are also available, should a person need it.
This is also a place where programs and amenities change with the times. The staff is committed and responds to resident satisfaction surveys that reveal what residents are looking for. Data gathering from future residents tells the staff that older adults are increasingly looking for a healthy and engaged lifestyle. They want more choices than ever. To respond to that demand, Friendship Village has brought a wellness culture to the forefront of its efforts.
“In order to serve the wishes of those seeking a vibrant lifestyle, we have developed a six dimensional wellness program that pays attention to the whole person,” says Lloyd. “The model program includes the areas of intellectual, physical, social, emotional, spiritual and vocational.”
Intellectual pursuits are designed to stretch and challenge the mind. Lectures, book reviews, group discussions, memoir writing, computer lab and classes, plus tours and trips to history centers, theatres, galleries and museums occur regularly.
A new computerized brain fitness program has taken off in the last few months, with almost 200 residents participating.
Fitness manager, Mia Bremer, is inspired and knowledgeable about older adult fitness. She gets people moving and feeling confident about gaining strength, balance and flexibility and helps find the right class for each person. Because the physical dimension is so important, a full slate of state of the art cardio and strength equipment is available in addition to the five levels of instructor-led classes.
Walking maps are available for inside and outside ventures. Personal training and massage are also options on site. Other activities include line dancing, Tai Chi, billiards, a Wii gaming system, putting greens, resident gardens.
Social gatherings and parties foster harmony with others. Lloyd adds, “You can’t help but meet others with common interests by attending the welcoming events, great parties and local excursions.” Evening offerings include performances by local musicians, movies, lectures and trips to local shows.
Emotional wellness allows one to experience life’s ups and downs with enthusiasm and grace. Various groups are organized for loss support, memory care and Parkinson’s support. There is also a greeter program to assist new residents into the community. There is plenty of time to share life stories in the weekly memoir writing class.
Spiritual care opportunities include ecumenical services, recognition of faith traditions and holidays, community prayers, spiritual growth classes, prayer shawl knitting and counseling.
Spiritual growth programs both support and challenge one’s thoughts. The community encourages each person to live each day consistent with their own personal values.
Vocational wellness involves carrying out one’s purpose. Opportunities to share one’s gifts and talents abound. There are 28 committees that are overseen by the active resident council. Others share musical skills, volunteer to assist others, continue a lifelong career or find a new job.
In a community with 500 residents, there is room for many interests. “There is always something cooking that inspires people to get involved,” says Lloyd. “The wellness program offers opportunities that go far beyond what you might expect.”
One resident recently said, “I thought my life would get smaller living in a retirement community, but I can’t believe how much my life has expanded since I moved here.”
Friendship Village is owned by Lifespace Communities, Inc., a non-profit corporation serving the needs of the senior community since 1976.
(This was a reprint of a “Who’s Who in Your Community” article that first appeared in the Minnesota Sun News.)
