The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Staying Active at Any Age
103-Year-Old Wesleyan Village Resident Proves It’s Possible
The staff and residents of Wesleyan Village, the Life Plan Community in Elyria, Ohio, weren’t surprised when their 103-yearold table tennis player returned home with an Olympic gold medal last year. It was just the latest addition to a collection of more than 100 award medals Walter Westermann has won with a paddle in his hand. A Life-Long Pursuit. For those who wish to remain healthy, staying as active as possible is often a life-long pursuit— and Life Plan Communities like Wesleyan Village and Wesleyan Meadows encourage it. Not Just in January. But Year-Round. “For many people, getting in shape is a New Year’s resolution…and that’s great! But year after year, even after the calendar flips to February, some are committed to staying active and engaged in life. And that’s what we think is most important,” says Jessica Short, Executive Director of Wesleyan Village. “We are so proud of Walter. He is passionate about table tennis. We love helping all Wesleyan residents continue to participate in the hobbies and activities they enjoy most.” Wesleyan Residents Are Committed to It. Year-round, residents of Wesleyan Village and sister community Wesleyan Meadows in Sheffield Village understand the focus should be on the eight dimensions of wellness. They know nutrition and exercise are important for living well, but many lifestyle behaviors— from volunteering to socializing, singing to meditating—also can help achieve wellness in body and mind. So the communities help residents explore spiritual, vocational, intellectual, emotional, physical, social, environmental and health services designed to provide healthy living for individuals aged 55+ of all abilities. Wesleyan Communities Encourage It! “We know it pays to stay active at any age, and we believe keeping every Wesleyan resident engaged in life is worth the investment,” says Sharon Watson, Director, Sales and Marketing. “It’s one of the benefits that attracts new residents and their families to our communities.” In fact, Wesleyan Village has picked up the tab for all Westermann’s competition expenses— funding everything from transportation to lodging, meals to entry fees over the last 23 years that their accomplished senior resident has competed in the Northeast Senior Games. The Results Are Obvious. 103 Years Later. Reflecting on his table tennis accomplishments over the years, including his participation in the Senior Olympics, Westermann says: “My pride and joy of the whole thing is that I’ve accumulated 110 medals, gold, silver and bronze. And a lot of people think that’s a marvelous thing.” Yes, staying active at any age is a marvelous thing. Getting More Information Is Easy. For more details about Wesleyan Village or Wesleyan Meadows, the Life Plan Communities that help centenarians like Walter Westermann compete and take home the gold, interested retirees and families may go to WesleyanLiving.org. Or, for Wesleyan Village, call 440-284-9000 or for Wesleyan Meadows, call 440-934-9400.