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Recreation staff outline growing ‘active older adult’ offerings, plans for dementia-friendly activities
Summary
Recreation coordinator Al Vandehoft reported rising participation in older-adult programs, previewed October’s Active Aging Week themed ‘Slow Down and Shine,’ and described new dementia‑friendly offerings and caregiver supports.
Al Vandehoft, Inver Grove Heights recreation coordinator, told the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission on Sept. 10 that older‑adult programming has expanded over the past year and drew more than 5,000 participants across classes and events.
Vandehoft detailed the department’s plans for Active Aging Week in October, which will feature a craft sponsored by Aetna, a “wisdom and wellness” sound bath, a fitness‑focused day called Mindful Movement, and a new “Moments That Matter” day planned to introduce dementia‑friendly activities and caregiver support. He said the dementia work will involve partners including Dementia Friends, DARTS and Serenity Home Care and that the department hopes to offer activities and caregiver resources during the winter and spring months.
He also summarized other recent senior-focused programs: a Healthy Living Fair that drew about 170 participants and 37 vendors; partnerships for estate‑planning and Medicare navigation classes; a collaboration with the Dakota County Library on digital literacy and arts projects; split line‑dancing classes for different skill levels; and a “ladder” pickleball league to match players by skill level.
Vandehoft described the senior club’s continuing role in the center: the club has about 100 members, averages 48–50 participants at monthly luncheons, and contributes to events such as bingo and outreach to visiting groups. He noted new off‑site luncheons and highlighted intergenerational programming discussed with the school district’s community education director.
Vandehoft emphasized community partnerships in the programming mix, citing the fire department’s annual safety presentation for seniors, Coffee with a Cop, and plans for an IT help session aimed at seniors. He invited commissioners to ask questions and said staff will continue outreach for intergenerational volunteer opportunities.
