Ease of living, fine dining, staff ready to help with any issue—there are a lot of benefits to senior living communities. We’d be remiss to leave off all of the activities, entertainment and events. These communities offer days full of fun and learning, with calendars full of fitness classes, games, expert speakers, nights on the town, live music and more. T&S reached out to Janine Lawler, event and entertainment director at The Gatesworth, to learn more about how the community keeps residents engaged and entertained.
Each day at The Gatesworth is filled with activities, ranging from exercise and art classes to film screenings and bridge games. “We have a jam packed calendar,” Lawler says. “You can also find a game in session, a club meeting and a class underway.” She adds that the schedule is constantly being adapted to meet residents’ interests. Recently, the book club expanded to meeting twice monthly to accommodate more members. The Gatesworth also introduced ping pong and Scrabble games to its weekly calendar thanks to resident feedback.
The Gatesworth is dedicated to offering educational programming, not just entertainment and activities. “Our residents are well educated and lifelong learners,” Lawler notes. “We want to nurture those interests and provide as many learning opportunities as possible.” Every Monday, the community holds a discussion group led by a facilitator or local professor to discuss current events. On Wednesdays, the Questers series brings in experts in a variety of topics to present. Recent speakers have covered topics like the history of soccer in St. Louis, opera and great American songwriters.
Along with its clubs and educational offerings, The Gatesworth also offers weekly entertainment. Every weekend, the community welcomes live performances. “It varies every week—we’ve welcomed jazz artists, wonderful mezzo sopranos and classical musicians,” Lawler says. “We want to ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy.” The Gateworth’s resident association also has an entertainment chair. Two Wednesday evenings a month, the chair organizes entertainment for their fellow residents to enjoy. Monthly outings outside of the senior living community are also organized, including visiting local restaurants and cultural institutions.
One of The Gatesworth’s newer and most creative events is its annual Cruise Week. Last month, the community held the event for the second time. Residents enjoyed special entertainment and dining options themed about three ports: Athens, Greece; Barcelona, Spain; and Rome, Italy. Festivities included cultural programming as well as traditional cruise entertainment, such as games, karaoke, a gold party and a class on folding towel animals. “Cruise Week is really the icing on top of the cake,” Lawler notes. “It’s an entire week of themed special activities, and the residents always have fun.”
While Cruise Week is the only themed week The Gatesworth organizes, Lawler and her team are always looking for unique seasonal activities and events. “In February, we hosted a Super Bowl tailgate, so residents could watch the game in our theater while enjoying refreshments,” she notes. “We also celebrated Mardi Gras with special dining options. We try to capitalize on whatever holiday is coming up.” In March, residents can look forward to an Academy Awards viewing party. In the lead up to the awards ceremony, The Gatesworth’s theater also will be screening all 10 of the Best Picture nominees, so everyone can root for their favorites on the big night.
Lawler is excited to be able to offer residents entertainment and activities that keep them excited and engaged. Her door is always open, and she’s ready to take suggestions for new offerings. “We want to ensure that there truly is something for everyone,” she says. “Our guarantee is that anyone can find something that will interest them at The Gatesworth.”
Photos: Rayley Smith
