No matter how many candles crown our birthday cake, we humans share a thirst for knowledge and a need for companionship. At The Gatesworth, residents can find bountiful opportunities for both.
One recent event hosted by the senior living community was a ‘Men’s Breakfast In,’ featuring guest speaker Benjamin Hochman, St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports columnist. The talk, accompanied by a lavish breakfast spread, was popular, striking up rousing discussion among the attendees about Hochman’s career and all type of sports, says Kathy Davis, resident program director. Included in the crowd was resident Jerry Weil, a lifelong sports fan, who fondly remembers watching Cardinals games for decades. “There were lots of people at the breakfast who loved sports, and we were able to ask Benjamin plenty of questions,” he says. “It was an enthusiastic group—one man even showed up in full Cardinals regalia.”
The Men’s Breakfast is just one example of the myriad programs designed to help residents explore new ideas and enrich their lives. “One of the great things about The Gatesworth is all the incredible events they sponsor, including musical events, lectures, talks and book signings,” Weil says. “Every day there’s something interesting to do—from plays and films in their beautiful theater to art classes, bridge games and gardening.”
A particularly popular program, Davis adds, is The Questers, a weekly discussion hosted by university professors and other experts. The topics usually are pertinent to current events. A recent meeting, for example, included a talk from Dr. Terry Jones, a University of Missouri-St. Louis professor of political science and public policy, about what can be learned from the primaries in Iowa and New Hampshire. “The love of learning is strong here,” Davis says. “Every talk involves a question and answer period, which allows our residents to dig deeply on the topic and learn more.”
And by inviting residents to present on subjects they’re knowledgeable about, The Gatesworth also encourages its residents to share their passions. “Many of the resources I’m tapping into are right here under our roof, whether it’s people who have interests they want to share or they’re just offering a suggestion,” Davis says. One resident who teaches literature at the Lifelong Learning Institute at Washington University presents regularly, Davis notes. “The audience sits in rapt attention while she talks, and her eyes just sparkle and dance.”
Besides intellectual stimulation, these events provide easy ways to meet others in the community. “People have told me they’ve met their best buddies at one of our exercise classes or group talks,” Davis says. “You can’t come here and say that you’re lonely. The biggest problem for a lot of people is deciding what to fit into their schedule!”
A place to learn and a place to form treasured relationships makes The Gatesworth truly feel like home to its residents. “I like everything about it,” says Weil. “It feels like a cruise ship—it’s just a great place.
The Gatesworth, located at One McKnight Place, offers a broad range of learning and social opportunities for residents. Pictured on the cover: Gatesworth resident Jerry Weil (right) with brother Ron (left) and St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports columnist Benjamin Hochman. For more information, call 314.993.0111 or visit thegatesworth.com.
Pictured: Gatesworth resident William McAllister with sports columnist Benjamin Hochman
Photos courtesy of The Gatesworth
