The Lifelong Learning program was a sample of the stark contrast that motivated their move to GreenFields of Geneva senior living community.
Bob and Regina McPeek spent a long time looking for a senior living community to move to. “We did quite a bit of shopping for many years,” Bob said. “We’d seen some communities where the only interaction between residents was at mealtime. In stark contrast to that, GreenFields was clearly a very active community, and that was important to us.” The couple moved to GreenFields ten years ago, and they have been happy, active, and engaged ever since.
One of the most important enticements for the McPeeks and for many others who have moved to the vibrant senior living community was the engaging Lifelong Learning initiative. The resident-driven program was launched in 2014 by residents wanting to take the opportunity in their retirement to keep learning and growing through lectures, presentations and discussions. The Lifelong Learning program was formed with a committee of interested residents supported by staff. Helen Meints, who was among the first residents to move to GreenFields with her husband Don in 2012, has been the program’s driving force and leader.
Five pillars of Lifelong Learning were developed to help define and shape the program: the arts, wellness, local and area interests, nature, and science and technology. “Those are the same pillars that exist to this day,” said Helen.
The committee also developed the Lifelong Learning mission statement. It explains the program’s objective is to ‘encourage and promote educational experiences and opportunities for GreenFields’ residents so as to stimulate and enhance personal, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual growth.”
Lifelong Learning programming at GreenFields is frequent, averaging about ten events/month. The topics and speakers are suggested by residents, reflecting their wide variety of interests and talents. Subject matter includes, but is not limited to, history, politics, nature, local lore, science, and more. Much of the content is presented by outside experts. Some of the content is presented by the senior living community’s own residents, many of whom have fascinating backgrounds and experiences. “We have a goldmine of residents who have served as teachers, missionaries, scientists, historians, artists etc.,” said Bob.
The Lifelong Learning committee members are “all dedicated members, coming to monthly meetings. And they don’t come just to warm a chair. They help develop and coordinate ideas for programs and topics they’d like to learn more about,” said Helen.
Titles of programs during a recent month included Remembering Nixon and The Watergate Burglary, Fraud Prevention, Hickory Knolls Presents the Good-Natured Hour, Gary Midkiff Presenting the 1960’s Series, and John Boda’s Musical Conversation: Rita Hayward.
A unique program of Lifelong Learning at GreenFields is the bi-weekly Issues of the Day Forum. It is a current events discussion group featuring polite, educated and respectful conversations about important topics. People express their viewpoints which may differ, but don’t polarize.
Jim Krage, who first moved to the community with his wife Barbara in 2018, said they, too, were attracted to GreenFields because of “all the activities going on. Helen recruited me to join the Lifelong Learning committee, and I was excited about being a member. It’s the first committee I joined, which is still one of my favorites.”
“When we moved here, we got a whole different concept of what it’s like to live in a retirement community. I had always thought retirement was a very quiet step in life. It was a big surprise to us how active and enjoyable life in retirement can actually be. GreenFields is an environment of fascinating people and opportunities. When I look back over our ten years here so far, the opportunity for participation and learning is what amazes me the most.
