Monarch Landing’s Communiversity Opens Doors and Opportunities to Community Seniors
(PRWEB) November 06, 2013 -- Mary Mickel felt particularly fortunate when she contacted Monarch Landing in Naperville, IL, last year to inquire about their fitness offerings. At just about that time, the senior living community had established a new outreach initiative called Communiversity, whereby Monarch Landing opened its doors to members of the outside community to participate in either, or both, a technology or wellness track. “I didn’t think I could get in there,” said Mary, a Warrenville condo owner who had heard about Monarch Landing’s state-of-the-art fitness and aquatic centers for seniors. “But it turned out to be perfect timing.” After discussing the program with Wellness Manager Tony Galvan, Mary shared the news of Communiversity with her neighbors, Bob and Maryanne True, who also joined the fitness track at Monarch Landing.
Along with Information Technology Director Jason Hedman, Galvan conceived of the Communiversity program as a way to enhance Monarch Landing’s exposure to the surrounding community as well as offer seniors educational and fitness opportunities tailored specifically to their needs. Marketing research revealed that the top two objectives among seniors were greater knowledge of the ever-changing technological landscape and improved health and well-being. Based on those findings, Communiversity focused on a Technology Track and a Wellness Track, both of which were natural fits, given the fitness amenities, computer lab, and senior care specialists already in place at Monarch Landing. “Talking to seniors about technology is very different than talking to 30-year-olds,” said Galvan. “Likewise, exercise and fitness has to be tailored to the health and wellness of people in an age group distinct among the general population.”
Those in Communiversity’s Technology Track have access to a wide range of technology-based offerings from knowledgeable professionals, including instruction on e-mail, use of the Internet, programs like Word, Excel, Publisher, etc., digital photography, and social media. “Everyone wants seniors to be on Facebook, but there’s a hesitancy there that we have to be sensitive to,” remarked Galvan. Those in the Wellness Track can use the fitness and aquatic centers, newly opened fitness studio, individual and group exercise sessions, and recreational and brain-strengthening games. All can take advantage of these programs for a complimentary 90-day trial, followed by monthly payments of only $30 per track.
“We’re forever grateful to Mary [Mickel] for checking into Monarch Landing,” said Maryanne True, who, like Mary, makes use predominantly of the community’s water aerobics program, led by fitness specialist Shannon Denny. Both Mary and the Trues enthusiastically sing Denny’s praises. “Shannon does an excellent job. She knows so much about good health and fitness and is just a great person who really gets people involved,” said Mary. Bob True, who had quadruple bypass surgery in 1994, mainly uses the fitness equipment. “Tony has given me core exercises to do, and my wife gets me to go to the fitness center regularly.” Said Mary, who also uses the fitness equipment, “Tony did a thorough assessment of what I could do and went over goals with me. People at Monarch Landing really care about health and what seniors can do to maximize our fitness and mobility. They really take care of you, and everyone treats you like you belong there, both staff and residents.” Bob True can envision living at Monarch Landing. “I have an appointment to talk to the sales manager. I think it would be nice to be pampered every day.”
To enroll in a free 90-day trial experience with Communiversity, call 630-548-0400 or e-mail info(at)MonarchLanding(dot)net.
Monarch Landing is a maintenance-free independent living retirement community on a scenic 80-acre campus in Naperville, Illinois - named "one of America's best places to live and retire" by Modern Maturity. The Springs health center which is currently under construction at Monarch Landing, will include assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation and skilled nursing services. Monarch Landing is owned by Senior Care Development and managed by Life Care Services. For additional information, visit http://www.welcometomonarchlanding.com.
Bridget Machalinski, Ivy Marketing Group, +1 (630) 2636234, [email protected]
Share this article