50+ Lifestyles

Aging and You

Seniors in Action- Enrichment Services

By Julie Arndt
Marketing Director at Ridgecrest Village

What’s important to older adults seems to be all around us. When I entered the field of geriatrics decades ago, I had no idea that anything related to older adults would mean such big business for so many different industries. I don’t know about you, but when I turn on the television, there seems to be an endless stream of pharmaceutical commercials and other products with the promise of well health and vitality. Housing for older adults seems to be following the same trend. Many young older adults, after having dealt with their parents’ care and age-related housing challenges, have vowed they will do it differently and have specific thoughts in terms of what they will expect in a retirement community in the future.   

According to State Data Research for the State of Iowa 2024, Iowa continues to rank 16th nationally for people over the age of sixty-five and estimates by the year 2060 will account for 20.8% of the overall population. Bottom line. We are an aging population.

Lorrie Blumberg and resident Ann Reese at Summer Fiesta.

Enrichment services are and will continue to be a key factor to successful living in senior retirement living. I had the opportunity to sit down with Ridgecrest Senior Campus Director, Lorrie Blumberg to address this in more detail. In 2023 Blumberg, with a master’s degree in counseling and over three decades of experience in counseling, including services for seniors, made the decision to come to Ridgecrest to head up Enrichment Services. Blumberg said, “It was a way to serve seniors in a more hands on way, enriching their lives in whatever capacity they are capable of. It is so important to have enrichment opportunities at this stage in life.  Some people may not be physically able to do what they once did, but it is now even more important to get out and enjoy life to its fullest and we can make that happen.” She witnesses firsthand how enriching activities can alleviate depression associated with grief and loss, foster friendships, and keep residents youthful in spirit.

Blumberg said, “Trends for enrichment services appear to be less focused on traditional activities, such as bingo, arts, and crafts. We are seeing people want to be out and about with more outings, educational programming and physical activity.”  She sees things like putting greens and pickleball as key activities for seniors who want to stay active.

Lorrie Blumberg and resident Ann Reese at Summer Fiesta.

Blumberg has grown the program by adding two additional team members. “Our administration team sees how valuable Enrichment Services are to our residents.” She chuckles, “It’s almost as important as food.” Programming has grown to include robust exercise and wellness, activities for brain stimulation and cognitive health, and focused programming for memory care. Each area (independent living, assisted living, and the health center) have designated team members, but there is also often opportunity for campus wide events and programming with residents from all areas.

Holistic well-being is key to combating social isolation and enrichment programming is at the heart of ensuring that people are as social as they want to be. Blumberg commented, “When I see our residents relaxed, socializing, and dancing it makes my heart feel good. My love and passion are helping the senior population.  It is a pleasure to be part of their existence, helping to enrich their days at such a special time of their life…they become family.”

Research reflects that structured activities will continue to play a vital role in senior retirement communities for years to come. No doubt, we will see enhanced exercise offerings, brain games, social and educational outings, clubs, classes and more.  I am always interested in learning what people want if they were going move to a senior living community at some point in their future. What does quality of life mean to you?

Julie Arndt, is a licensed social worker and Director of Marketing at Ridgecrest Village with over 35 years’ experience working in the field of geriatrics and senior advocacy. She can be reached at jarndt@ridgecrestvillage.org.