Expanding experiences during Active Aging Week by Kori Poplin

•With more than 70% of the residents participating in our Fitness for Life program, we have created a culture of active aging at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury (RWC), a continuing care retirement community located in Irvington, Virginia. The daily routine for our 200-plus residents includes a variety of fitness classes and wellness activities to engage the mind, body and spirit. Our rural campus, with its mix of buildings linked with walking paths on the edge of a quiet lake, lends itself to active lifestyles.

Ironically, the idyllic location and everyday scheduling at RWC had presented a challenge for us when planning Active Aging Week in the past as our residents are focused on wellness and fitness each and every day. Consequently, during the first three years we hosted annual events to highlight the ICAA Active Aging Week we found residents and community members interested but not over-whelmingly enthusiastic about these special programs. For Active Aging Week 2011, however, we were determined to try a variety of new, different and rewarding opportunities to increase participation and stay true to the theme of expanding your experience.