On belay! Residents (age 74 – 88) from The Palisades at Broadmoor Park learned to rock climb at City Rock indoor climbing center on Tuesday, April 26. While it may not have been your typical senior living outing, it’s certainly one BIG with benefits – and that defied negative perceptions tied to aging adults!
According to Emily Cozzetto, the director of resident enrichment at The Palisades at Broadmoor Park, the idea was sparked when she learned that City Rock had an active older adult group that met regularly.
“My husband and daughter enjoy climbing, so when I learned about the adaptive options City Rock offered I thought it may be something our residents would enjoy trying,” said Cozzetto. “Plus, the physical and mental benefits are well worth harnessing in.”
The fact is, rock-climbing can improve cognitive function, memory and reasoning skills as climbers map out and solve the puzzle of climbing routes. The stretching and strength building associated with climbing can also aid seniors balance and improve muscle tone. Since there are no jerky movements, rock-climbing is also gentle on joints.
Of the men and women from The Palisades who joined the outing to scale the wall, all were new to the sport.
De Anderson, “It’s just like when we started marathons. I wanted to try something new and see if I could be successful at it,” said De Anderson, a resident who participated.
“We decided as a group to take it step-by-step. Our experienced instructor and belays were able to assuage most fears. In the end, if anyone decided not to participate – it was entirely their choice. But, everyone got on the wall at least once,” said Cozzetto.
“We had so much fun and it stretched perceptions – both of what residents thought they could do and what people think seniors are able to do,” added Cozzetto, “The comradery and way they interacted and supported one another in this experience was amazing.”
Cozzetto’s teenage daughter joined the outing to support residents and share her love of climbing.
“It was so cool seeing them try something new. At their age it can be tough being active but they crushed it,” said Addison Cozzetto. “It was such a cool experience to watch them.”
Exposing residents to new activities that encourage active aging, provide physical and mental benefits, and promote wellness is central to life at The Palisades at Broadmoor. In addition to the signature Mind+Body Wellness program, the community offers a fitness program called MBK Fit. The directors of these programs work together monthly to devise a full calendar of activities to support residents health and longevity and connect with individual hobbies and interests.
“We have done line dancing, meditation, yoga and hiking. Aside from the fitness activities we offer a beginning American Sign Language class weekly, interactive learning and activities on our iN2L system, Pub Trivia and much more. Residents are never at a loss for something to do at The Palisades,” said Cozzetto.
“We have also started an Active Adventurers Club,” said Cozzetto. “We’re planning a sky diving outing but some of the other ideas include a hot-air balloon ride and river rafting. It’s really up to the residents as to what adventure they’d like to take.”
Owned and operated by MBK Senior Living, The Palisades at Broadmoor Park is an independent living, assisted living and memory care conveniently located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The community has a longstanding reputation for high-quality care, service excellence, and offering residents amenities and programs that enrich their lifestyles while encouraging independence, connectivity and wellness.
To learn more about The Palisades, visit www.MBKSeniorLiving.com and schedule a tour today.
