Maravilla Offers Residents New Experiences
10-4-2019

Residents at Maravilla recently tapped into their sense of adventure by kayaking in the Santa Barbara Harbor.

Their outing was featured in the local paper, the Santa Barbara News-Press. The reporter praised the group’s “Yes I Can” attitude and the retirement community’s ability to not only encourage residents to be active but to engage with the external community as well.

Ninety-four-year-old Halina Silverman was one of the participants. She said she’d never given kayaking much thought, but once it appeared on the active retirement community’s calendar, she wanted to try it. She enjoys new activities and feels there are unlimited opportunities to have “first-time experiences” at Maravilla, such as learning Spanish.

Betty and Joe Hashem, 76 and 79 respectively, lived in Hawaii before moving to Santa Barbara decades ago but were never interested in kayaking. Once it was added as outing, they mutually agreed: “Let’s try it!”

The adventure was coordinated by Zest Director Jill Hyers, charged with providing experiences/opportunities that stimulate/engage residents’ mind, body and soul. Hyers and her team believe “firsts” never stop and facilitate the access and encouragement needed to help Maravilla residents step outside their comfort zone. Past outings have included bird watching, bicycling on the beach, Zumba and horseback riding.

Research shows kayaking offers numerous health benefits, including increased muscle strength, particularly in the back, arms, shoulders and chest from moving the paddle. It’s also a great low-impact physical activity that takes advantage of Mother Nature.

Next up for this group of adventurous seniors? A flying trapeze!

“You have to have confidence in your abilities!” advises Mrs. Silverman. “Age is just a number so don’t take it too seriously or dwell on it.”

Maravilla offers independent and assisted living lifestyles as well as award-winning memory care services. Please call 805-308-9585 for more information.