By Meghan Streit
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

As baby boomers approach retirement age, older Americans are becoming one of the largest and most influential demographics in the country. In recognition of the important role that older adults play in our society, the U.S. government has declared May “Older Americans Month.”

This year’s theme is “Working Together to Create Strong, Healthy, and Supportive Communities.” The U.S. Administration on Aging says in a news release that this month is a time to “bring attention to the issues that affect older adults” and to highlight “the opportunities we have to create better care and reinforce healthier societies for all ages.”

Putting the theme into action

Frank Lamberti is the community services manager at Sedgebrook, one of Erickson Retirement Communities’ two Illinois locations. He says the Lincolnshire community creates endless opportunities for residents to live active and healthy lifestyles—embodying the mission of Older Americans Month all year long.

Lamberti says Sedgebrook has more than 100 clubs and committees, which run the gamut from tai chi and water aerobics to the gardening club and weekly art classes that cover art forms like mosaic-making and watercolor painting.

“This is a place to come to when you want to have a life and you want to be active,” says Kathryn Lord, who lives there. “The wonderful thing about this is that when people move in, they bring their talents. Then they share their talents. That’s how we get clubs and committees and activities going.”

The popular Nintendo Wii is a big hit among Sedgebrook residents, who have formed bowling leagues and organized tournaments. The community’s wood shop, which boasts about $10,000 of state-of-the-art equipment, is another big draw for people who want to renovate antique furniture or work on group projects.

Lamberti says Sedgebrook provides resources and helps organize activities, but the clubs and events themselves are dictated by the people who live there.