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Seniors

The Barrington Area Council on Aging (BAOCA) is ahead of the curve when it comes to considering the needs of the older residents in the community. “BACOA has always recognized that, given the choice, people prefer to stay in their own communities—and in their own homes, in fact—for as long as they are able,” says Joyce Palmquist, executive director of the Barrington Area Council on Aging.

As the “baby boomer” generation begins to shift out of their jobs in the traditional workforce, the Council has already begun preparation to discover new ways to help these residents assimilate into their new lifestyle and role in the community. This “Age-Friendly Initiative,” as it has been called, will help make the transition far easier for those who love the area and want to continue living there. Palmquist points out, “Our programs and services already keep this goal in sight. But we also realize that the upcoming wave of boomers may desire to continue to contribute to their own community either by working or volunteering. So our focus on workplace development and volunteer opportunities for older adults is a natural extension of that.”

With this commitment to residents in mind, the BACOA formed a task force, made up of key community leaders such as Janet Meyer, president of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce; Monica Keane, executive director of the Barrington Career Center; and Mark Mrozinski, a dean in the Continuing Education Department at Harper College. Community volunteers, library staff and BACOA Board and Advisory Board members are also participants who are involved in the initiative. Palmquist says, “Each of us has a different perspective, and as we bring these individuals together we can see where the common ground is and where the differences are.” Working with this type of group helps to broaden the perspective on the issues involved.

The task force worked to identify opportunities in the community for collaboration, reviewed current research about age-friendly communities and began to look at action steps for the implementation of workforce development and civic engagement programs for older adults. Throughout this time, the BACOA has been fortunate to have the wise counsel of Sandra Alexander from Gerontology Concepts, who is a consultant with a strong background in the field of age-friendly community planning.

The initial planning process included the identification of existing community assets that could be used to support this type of programming, such as the library, which serves as a focal point for the community. It also took a close look at some of the challenges in the area, like the lack of awareness of all the opportunities that already exist and are available to older residents. Knowing what the issues are on the front end has helped the group plan their strategy in a more organized and efficient manner, working toward the best possible approach.

Partnership and support from businesses, officials and others will continue to play an important role in the initiative as the group begins to make the transition from the original task force into a leadership group. This leadership group will then begin to oversee the workforce development and volunteer programs and evaluate their progress. They will also continue to plan and develop new ideas and projects for the initiative. “We can’t see what the specific needs will be in the future,” says Palmquist, adding, “but we hope to be here for the long haul.” Palmquist emphasizes that the group is meant to be dynamic and fluid so that it can see shifts and changes and respond to them accordingly.

The key to making this a successful program is actually one of the strengths of the Barrington area—coming together. For the Age-Friendly Initiative to blossom as it truly can, it will require the community businesses and residents to walk together with the leadership group on this journey, helping to uncover opportunities for further development of the program and supporting the initiatives that have already been put into place.

If you are interested in getting involved in the Age-Friendly Initiative, please contact the Barrington Area Council on Aging at 847-381-5030.

T?he Dining for Wellness™ program at Lake Barrington Woods Retirement Community is serving up fine, healthful dishes that are freshly prepared and attractively presented. Senior Lifestyle Corporation brought Dining for Wellness™ to Lake Barrington Woods earlier this year, and residents have responded with resounding pleasure.

This program works to provide food choices that focus on health issues seniors need to be aware of. Menus are designed to deliver enticing meals with necessary nutrients to fend off illness and keep existing conditions under control.

Staff members at Lake Barrington Woods Retirement
Community understand the contribution of good food to
quality of life. Especially Executive Chef Michael Danczyk, who brings a wealth of culinary experience to the table and works closely with residents to tailor meal selections to their tastes.

“As the executive chef of the Lake Barrington Woods
Retirement Community, our Dining for Wellness™ program
allows me the opportunity to meet the nutritional needs of my residents and help make their dining experience not only fun and social, but also well balanced and nutritionally sound,” said Danczyk. “My goal is to show our residents that eating healthy food can taste good!”

He works closely with David Koelling, Senior Lifestyle Corporation’s corporate director of hospitality and dining services, known locally for his acclaimed restaurants, The Greenery in Barrington and Biloxi Grill in Wauconda.

Throughout the year, Dining for Wellness™ offers six menus, each blending creative dining choices with information on fitness and nutrition. Tasty meals are prepared each day with an eye toward low-sodium, heart-healthy options and accommodations for special dietary restrictions. “Every other month our menu features meals to help combat common illnesses. We select health issues that can really be changed by diet,” Danczyk continues. “Our dining modules focus on diabetes, macular degeneration, memory loss, arthritis control and high blood pressure.”

Residents Mr. and Mrs. Southard said, “Mike always tries to
fulfill our diet needs. For example, I am allergic to peppers, and Mike remembers this at every meal. He not only takes out the peppers for me, but he adds in another seasonal vegetable or fruit to replace the fiber that I’m missing with the pepper.”

The meal begins with homemade soups and green salads served with freshly baked breads. Residents then select their entrée from daily specials or more traditional selections, from rotisserie chicken to classic grilled cheese, with many more options in between. Signature desserts run the gamut from fresh-fruit plates to homemade pastries, cakes and pies. An array of low-fat, no-sugar-added sweets offer a guilt-free close to the meal.

Resident Sonia DeSmet said, “I am always surprised that the food tastes so good. It is hard to believe that I am eating healthy, watching my weight and enjoying mealtime so much.” Residents are encouraged to invite guests to join them in the dining room, a private dining room, or, weather permitting, on the landscaped patio. This brings the social element of dining into play and makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Resident Catherine Ann Weber stated, “One of my favorite things about living at Lake Barrington Woods is the food. Before I came here, it was difficult for me to eat all of the fruits and vegetables that I wanted to because I had a hard time carrying them home from the store. However, now that I am here, there is always fresh fruit and vegetables, and I can eat my favorite salad everyday.”