There is so much more to retirement living than meets the eye! How we think about seniors and senior living has undergone something of a revolution in past years — and some of that is down to a generation of go-getters who are anything but retiring.
At GenCare Lifestyle Federal Way, the emphasis is on an active lifestyle — on your terms. The great staff at GenCare strive to meet the needs of this generation of seniors — and they’re not a generation that is ready to sit back. It’s about making the most of every day — learning new things, enjoying current hobbies, finding new ones, making new friends and finding new passions.
GenCare Federal Way offers a wide variety of activities, and they are constantly finding new ways to help residents pursue their passions, whether creative, athletic, or social.
Residents enjoy opportunities to join discussion groups or exercise classes that go beyond “Sit and be Fit.” Residents can choose competitive options such as Bocce Ball, Pickleball, or Choreographed Dance too. An active body goes with an active mind, and GenCare College Days is a new program that provides educational opportunities from community experts.
GenCare Players, another new program, will provide opportunities to tread the boards, or enjoy the show for the thespians in the crowd! Weekly music and programs that include choir, singalongs, dancing, karaoke, and music history round out the cultural arts!
Why do you love where you live?
While a list of activities is a great place to start, the residents know best how great it is to live in a vibrant and active community like GenCare Lifestyle Federal Way—and they love to talk about their home!
John M., president of the resident council, loves to partake of the weekly happy hours — he prefers to call them “Social Hours” — because of the diverse residents and the great conversations he enjoys. He also looks forward to the weekly entertainment (music, and sometimes magic!) and, of course, the many scenic tours, which include trying new restaurants and trips to the Federal Way Performing Arts Center.
John has a new favorite activity too. He says, “I love to exercise on the new step machine every day for 15 minutes — the exercise classes offered get everyone out and moving — I really enjoy that!”
Vern and Jean R., a married couple, enjoy the time spent with friends. Jean notes that “I love playing poker! Sometimes I win, sometimes I don’t , but I just love playing with people.” Vern once played for the Des Moines Merchants for senior softball, winning the state tournament. He still loves to be active and says, “I’m over 90 years, but l like to play. I love to exercise and play chair volleyball.
“I love all of the group activities because I get to talk to people—and I love people!” notes Karen R., “I can’t choose just one activity!” Lisa J. plays piano for the weekly happy hour sometimes, and she says that “I love music, especially the singalongs. Sometimes we go on YouTube and sing along as a group.”
No matter what you love or what you want to try, GenCare offers all residents great opportunities to pursue their passions. The activity director gets to know every resident so that everyone can live a fulfilling and active life.
John M. sums up life at GenCare Lifestyle Federal Way nicely: “I really love that everyone here is so friendly. It’s safe and it’s truly a family-oriented facility.”
