By Meghan Streit
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

For all of Chicago’s charms, its winters can be long and difficult— especially for older adults. Between the cold weather and lack of exposure to sunlight,  many people have experienced the “winter blues” at one time. But with a full schedule of leisure activities and hundreds of friends and neighbors nearby, Community Services Director Frank Lamberti says spirits are high at Sedgebrook all year long.“

You can walk outside your door, and you see people having coffee in the lobby, playing cards in the clubhouse, and working out in the fitness center,” Lamberti says. “You have the luxury of your own home, but you can go out and meet new people.”

Say goodbye to the ‘winter blues’
Whether it is an impromptu sing-along around the grand piano, a relaxing yoga class, or a game of water volleyball in the heated indoor pool, Lamberti says the recreational opportunities are endless at Sedgebrook. Even when the weather makes it difficult to get outside, Lamberti says Sedgebrook residents are not at risk for feeling isolated because there are so many activities and neighbors to entertain them all winter long.“

There are always people around,” Lamberti says.

Resident Ginger Kotz, who swims year-round in Sedgebrook’s indoor aquatics center, says living at the Lincolnshire community makes the winter much more pleasant.

“When I see the weather channel and they say twelve inches of snow, I just laugh because I’ve got everything right here,” Kotz says. “I don’t have to go anywhere.”

Everything you need under one roof
Sedgebrook houses a host of convenient amenities, making residents’ lives much simpler. There is a bank, medical center, hair salon, fitness center, computer lab, convenience store, and much more—all under one roof and just a short indoor walk from residents’ apartment homes.

“Walkways connect us with every building,” says resident Jean Stokes. “So if it’s raining or snowing outside, you don’t have to go out.”