Life after 55 full of socialization, activities

Oct. 12—Residents at Go Ye Village have fun on their campus, and the activities and socialization available tailors a well-rounded life for seniors over age 55.

A new activity gaining popularity on campus, at 1201 W. Fourth St., is urban polling. Tony Ward, assistant campus director, said the activity helps with balance and stamina.

"We just found [the activity] this year, and have three organized classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday," Ward said.

Tanya Wagnon, director of life enrichment, explained how urban polling works, and her assistant, Maddy Welch, demonstrated the new sport.

"It is a more advanced exercise program, so only those who have good balance and vision are recommended to take part," Wagnon said.

Welch and Wagnon are both certified in urban polling.

"I get a workout myself, and I can tell them how it feels, and when polling with them how to better do the exercise," Welch said. "There's a couple of my regulars who I'll see, when we aren't in class, who have their own poles and walk around and really enjoy it."

Most residents who have opted into the program love it so much they have purchased their own poles. The activity follows a person's natural gait, Wagnon said.

"We want to have our backs straight, our shoulders back, and be mindful of our breathing," Welch said. "Step with your opposite arm and opposite foot forward, and keep your head up and let your poles touch the ground, and just walk."

Experts advise not to push off when walking, because like any exercise, it can be overdone, Welch said. Wagnon said they have seen an obvious difference in those who are urban polling, with better balance and walking straighter.

"Using our core muscles especially, because that is a lot of what is holding our bodies up, and just be as mindful as you can," Welch said.

Jack Ritchie and Bob Lackey, new residents to the campus this year, have their own take on the activity.

"I've seen others do it, and it makes me tired to watch," Ritchie said, laughing. "My rocking chair is my favorite activity. My wife, Dadreon, is in the health center — she had a stroke — so I spend most of my time with her."

Ritchie said the folks are friendly, the place is clean, and they serve great food, especially breakfast.

"They have the best thin bacon here," Lackey said. "I'm a short-timer, since this February, in independent living. I try to participate in shuffle board, dominoes and bingo. I'm close to heaven here. It's a really great Christian organization."

The on-campus pastor, Brian Zinck, is an employee of the company, and preaches at the in-house chapel. As the only person with a CDL license, he takes the residents on special trips.

"He has a Thursday service in the health center, for those who can't make it to the chapel," Ritchie said. "He has a singing and a service."

In the dining room, Sam Parris and Maxine Parris sat with their daughter, Lisa Adams, and son-in-law Dean Adams. The Adams drove from Kerrville, Texas, and this was their second visit to see Lisa's parents.

"We love it, and we are fairly new here," Sam said.

Visitors can use the furnished RV hookups, spend a few days without worrying about finding a hotel, and can eat meals and spend time in the private residences of friends and family. The Parrises do not participate in the urban polling but love many of the other activities.

"We play baseball bean bag toss on Saturday, and that's a riot," Maxine said. "There's a board and you throw bean bags at it. There's foul balls, first, second, third base and home runs."

The Parrises moved here because of the Cherokee Nation. There wasn't anything that fit their needs with Cherokee Nation and they were advised to check out Go Ye Village.

"It's a big campus, and everything is here," Maxine said. "They have a chapel, grocery store, exercise room, game room and laundry room, and a library. We volunteer in the grocery store."

The baseball bean bag game is set up for the blind — Maxine is 90% sight-disabled, and in the library she can listen to books on audio.

"I like girl meets boy, falls in love, gets married and lives happily ever after stories," Maxine said.

Several activities are planned in the near future, including a Halloween Trick or Treat event on Oct. 28, when residents will decorate booths and have children come through for candy. On Nov. 4, a holiday market is scheduled featuring arts and crafts of the residents. Artisans do quilting, wood turning, painting and general crafts. Other events are on tap weekly.

Milkshake Mondays, once a month, are a favorite, and on Oct. 16, the flavor is "Cookies and Scream." A caramel apple-making class is this month's cooking activity.

"I'm sure there will be some joking about teeth coming out while munching," Wagnon said.

Welch, age 25, says working with seniors is rewarding, and finds that the folks she associates with have a lot of interesting and surprising stories. Welch believes young people would gain a lot from spending more time with elders.

"I get a lot of perspective, a lot of excitement for life to come," Welch said. "They have so many hobbies, interests, and stories to hear. One of my favorites is when a class is clearing out and you get a couple of stragglers who start talking of amazing lives lived. That's my absolute favorite part of this job."