Watermark University to offer opportunity for local seniors to flex their body and brain muscles

EAST LONGMEADOW As adults age, getting and staying physically and mentally fit can pay big dividends a fact that is top of mind for East Village Place, a Watermark Community specializing in assisted living and memory care. That's why the community is launching Watermark University, with a variety of brain and body fitness classes designed especially for residents and area seniors.

Getting and staying in shape both physically and mentally is the heart of Watermark University. By developing the brain's plasticity through physical and mental challenges, we can ensure that our brains stay healthy and vital. "We lift weights to strengthen our muscles, and our stimulating, challenging Watermark University courses are like weight lifting for the brain," Pam Skiba, Executive Director of East Village Place, stated.

Watermark University offers a variety of courses created to help seniors build upon their current activities and interests and develop new ones to keep their minds and bodies engaged. Each course is designed to stimulate and challenge while maintaining a sense of fun and accomplishment. Fitness classes such as the Step by Step Walking Program, Arm Chair Fitness and Wii Games Sporting Events are offered to empower residents to enhance their body fitness at many different ability levels. One of the best things we can do for our minds is to get our bodies moving and have some physical fun, and Watermark University body fitness classes are designed specifically for this purpose.

In addition to the body fitness courses, Watermark University at East Village Place offers a wide array options for lifelong learning and brain fitness. In Arm Chair Travel, students travel to exotic places to experience culture, food and historical landmarks from the comfort of the classroom. Additional classes range from Music Class to Cooking with Sophia Brown, featuring authentic recipes and cooking techniques from Jamaica, Sophia's homeland.

Resident Bill Scheumann, faculty of the Watermark Carving Class, welcomes all aspiring wood carvers regardless of skill level or experience. A class entitled Brain Trivia encourages students to use their knowledge and problem solving skills to find the answer to word scramble, trivia questions, word search and other fun, challenging puzzles for brain fitness.

Community Nurse and faculty member Annalee Munson has always been a proponent of personal growth, and immediately became involved with Watermark University. Munson stated, "I choose to teach a Current Events course because the residents are so interested in what is going in the world today. We compare how things are today with how they were years ago to keep residents up to date and connected. What better way to use your brain than to fill it with things going on in the world right now?"

The faculty of Watermark University is a dedicated group of Watermark associates and residents as well as local experts with a passion for their class topic and a willingness to share their experience. To learn more about Watermark University, our philosophy, current or upcoming course selections or to become a faculty member, please contact Dee Chlebus, Director of Community Life, at 525-8150.