BEYOND THE CAMPUS
When you think of it, many of us allow "containers" to shape our lives; whether the house or building we are in, or the boundaries of our yards, neighborhood, towns or states. As we advise our audiences "Inter-generational Living" means more than inviting people in ("in" is known and doesn't foster growth), but also, and especially "out" is where we need to go, to grow.
Property lines are not fences, but in some communities the way they are designed, or managed, the effect is such that they seem to be invisible barriers.
Social walking clubs are the best exercise you can be involved in, minute for minute; not because they exercise the largest muscles in the leg or promote bone density or enhance aerobic capacity, but because it fosters socialization. The Vital Life Community Wellness Program encourages walking, lots of walking; the socialization realized, promotes the extension of the virtual family, and once the members take over, there is no telling where the various groups will walk, seeking experiences to brag about.
St. Leonard's groups, like many others, often walk in public places outside of the property grounds, like in the malls, especially during inclement weather. A great side story is that shoppers became interested in this large gaggle of people having so much fun and socialization and asked about their activity. Bottom line, St. Leonard now has sign-up slips allowing "outsiders" to join any one of the many and varied groups. In effect, it's a marketing person's dream - walking billboards extolling the vitality of the St. Leonard resident.
While the marketing people sit inside the property line they have the residents marketing the St. Leonard lifestyle by example; how good does it get?
Visit St. Leonard's blog site to see examples of the many and varied Vital Life teams that plan their activities off the campus grounds, such as the "ROMEO" group - Retired Old Men Eating Out!