Village Profile® Home Page | About our Company | Sales Opportunities | vpmobile.us®

Senior Lifestyles

As the Baby-Boom Generation reaches 65, a large population within the U.S. is now facing the process of aging. The Barrington area is no exception. This is a community that cares for people across all generations and is dedicated to safeguarding the lifestyles of its older residents. As a result, many organizations and senior living facilities are expanding their programs and services to meet the growing needs of seniors today.

The Barrington Area Council on Aging (BACOA) is a leading resource for older adults, family caregivers and the entire community. The not-for-profit organization, which just observed its 25th anniversary in 2010, offers a wide spectrum of no-cost or low-cost services to approximately 1,500 Barrington area individuals each year. Among its catalog of services and programs are housing and in-home care options, Meals on Wheels, health insurance information, support groups, educational programs and an array of activities for active seniors.

BACOA knows the importance of keeping seniors active and ensuring their quality of life remains intact for as long as possible. Seniors and their caregivers are supplied regularly scheduled activities at sites across the Barrington area community and beyond. The organization sponsors local outings, national and international trips, weekly Senior Lunch and Activity Programs (featuring a healthful lunch complete with card games and Wii Bowling, and, at times, free health screenings and special programs covering a variety of topics) and the twice-a-week Arthritis Association Exercise Program at Lake Barrington Shores (highlighted by relaxation and joint-protection techniques for those with arthritis).

In 2007, BACOA launched the Age-Friendly Initiative in response to the growing and changing senior population in the Barrington area. The initiative is made possible through the hard work and cooperation of local government, business, organizations and individuals, who are dedicated to ensuring Barrington is an attractive community for people of all ages. Currently, the main focus surrounds volunteer opportunities and workforce development for older adults. Among the supportive resources who continue to make the Age-Friendly Initiative a success are: AARP, the Barrington Area Library, the Barrington Career Center, the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, the Chicago Life Opportunities Initiative, Civic Ventures, the Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, VolunteerMatch and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 50+ entrepreneur information.

Area senior living communities are also incorporating new programming and facilities to encourage activity in senior residents. The innovative approach to active living that many of these communities have taken in recent years continues to draw in seniors from all over the country who are looking for fresh ways to sustain their independence.

The Garlands of Barrington presents an award-winning lifestyle to its residents, recently earning national and international recognition for its EngAGE by The Garlands program. The International Council on Active Aging bestowed top honors to EngAGE by The Garlands for its excellence and creativity in health, wellness and active aging programs – distinguishing The Garlands’ lifestyle from other continuing care communities across the globe.

Adults residing at The Garlands are afforded the on-site Center for Performing Arts, modern Art Studio, stimulating Lifelong Learning Center and the beautiful Garlands Club, which offers the best in active living. The Garlands Club features a state-of-the-art fitness center complete with modern equipment, aerobics classes and hands-on guidance from an in-house personal trainer; an Aquatic Center equipped with a heated, near-Olympic-sized pool, steam room and sauna; and the soothing Spa Vargas, which presents a variety of beauty and relaxation services.

Alden Estates of Barrington Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center furnishes residents with a 10-acre woodland campus complete with walking paths to enjoy with friends and family. Alden’s Activity Aides encourage residents to stay active by motivating them to participate in a wide range of facility-based activities, including a senior-oriented exercise class focusing on core strengthening, Wii Fit and an art and painting class taught by volunteers from the Hospice of Northeastern Illinois. Alden residents also participate in weekly outings to the Barrington Field House for various exercise classes, as well as other sites in town.

Realizing the importance of offering frequently scheduled activities to the overall health and well-being of residents, Eastgate Manor of Barrington sets itself apart from other senior communities by offering an extensive list of active programming for seniors. This family-owned and operated community affords everything from Tai Chi and functional fitness classes to musical and cultural programs, games and clubs. Nutritional counseling and monthly physician visits keep residents in top shape, while daily nondenominational worship services enhance their spiritual side. Also included in the year-round offerings here are widely popular outings to retailers, restaurants and the movie theater, along with exciting social events, such as the Annual Eastgate BBQ, pet visits, special entertainers, intergenerational exchanges and birthday tea parties.

The modern, four-cottage complex at Silverado Senior Living-Lake Zurich offers award-winning assisted living dementia care led by a dedicated staff of clinicians. According to Susan Kocanda, community ambassador at Silverado, “We offer engagement activities that bring LIFE – Love-Innovation-Family-Engagement – to the residents that are age- and function-appropriate. We are involved with the surrounding community businesses and engage our residents in classes, outings and trips that match their interests, such as cooking, gardening, art, current events, bowling, movies, museums and more.”

Lake Barrington Woods also supplies its residents with a full catalog of social, cultural and wellness activities, which are complimented by its modern on-site amenities. The well-appointed senior community offers a pool, gym, community room for group exercise and a club lounge with billiards tables. Its Dining for Wellness program is a unique offering for residents who enjoy living a healthy lifestyle through their daily meals. The program offers a series of six special menus focused on items that support a specific area of wellness for seniors, such as hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, dental health and others. Among the popular entrée choices are trout with parsley gremolata, savory sweet potato hash and lemon broccoli puree; a roasted herb chicken flatbread with rosemary cheese curds and country mustard topped with frisse lettuce and cider vinaigrette; and the pan-seared beef tenderloin with braised swiss chard, carrot puree and garlic demi glace.

From these modern communities to organizations dedicated to active aging, seniors in the Barrington area remain engaged and connected to a community that cherishes generations young and old. In the Barrington area, seniors truly do get the best out of their golden years.


Enter name or type of business		Enter city & state, or ZIP