By Marketing & Public Relations Manager, Davida Doyle

Are you a senior looking for new ways to stay connected this fall? Or, perhaps you’re the adult child of a senior, searching for opportunities that can help a parent remain engaged, independent, and involved in the community? If so, you’ll want to read on!

As summer slows down and families begin to settle back into the routine of the new school year, connection becomes more important than ever, especially for older adults. According to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), “…adults older than 55 are among the groups most vulnerable to social isolation.” Defined as having few social relationships, contacts, or interactions, social isolation has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and other health concerns (National Institute on Aging).

At Gurnee Park District, we offer a variety of options for older adults to combat social isolation. “We know today’s older adults aren’t looking to slow down,” shared our new Supervisor of Community Events and Programs, Rachel Laren. “They’re looking for ways to remain connected to the community, and our goal is to provide those opportunities for them, such as through a friendly meal, staying active, creative expression, or giving back to others.”

For those who enjoy meeting new people, our “Monthly Mixers” for ages 55+ are a great place to start. Beginning in September and continuing through the new year, these luncheons, which include a catered lunch, as well as themed entertainment, are the perfect place for new and old friends to gather, laugh, and connect in a no pressure atmosphere where everyone has a seat at the table.

Making connections doesn’t have to stop at the lunch table – for some, it begins through movement. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “regular physical activity can help older adults maintain mobility, reduce the risk of falls, and improve overall quality of life.” For those looking for an approachable starting point, “Senior Fit”, held at our Viking Park location, is a class designed for any mobility level that engages participants in building strength and improving flexibility through seated and low-impact exercises. Or, for those who are looking for a little friendly competition, try pickleball! We offer outdoor courts at several of our nearby parks, as well as indoor courts at FitNation and Hunt Club Park Community Center. 

As temperatures cool and the surroundings slowly fade from green to gold, a short, peaceful walk outside can brighten any day. Our free GO Gurnee Walking Club offers weekly walks at various trails within Gurnee and throughout Lake County, complete with not only exercise, but also lively conversations. And for those days when the fall weather becomes too cool? Visit our indoor walking track at the Hunt Club Park Community Center which offers a comfortable way to keep the movement and conversation flowing (plus, it’s FREE for GO Gurnee members – just remember to wear your GO Gurnee t-shirt)!

Connection can also be found through creative expression. Our fall adult programs, such as Studio Art, creative writing workshops, adult dance classes, and our NEW live production of, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” are all great options for seniors to express their creativity, have fun, and connect with others who share similar interests.

And for many, the strongest connections are made from giving back and sharing their experiences with others. Whether it is assisting at a special event or signing up to be a guest reader in our preschool classrooms, volunteering remains one of the most meaningful ways to stay engaged within the community. Volunteers at Gurnee Park District help to create those memorable experiences we all crave and aspire to be a part of, while also building friendships and discovering a renewed sense of purpose along the way.

So, as we enter the fall season, we encourage seniors, and the families who care about them, to rediscover the power of connection. Attend a Monthly Mixer, sign up for a new class, take a walk outside, or volunteer for a day – you never know where it might lead.