Seniors Grow Wiser Beyond Their Years

LongIsland.com

While a younger generation of students recently celebrated their high school graduations, a different group of seniors recently celebrated their own graduation after achieving another milestone in their lives. Giving new meaning to the saying, ...

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Westbury, NY (USA) - While a younger generation of students recently celebrated their high school graduations, a different group of seniors recently celebrated their own graduation after achieving another milestone in their lives. Giving new meaning to the saying, "You're never too old to learn," 20 senior residents averaging 82 years of age received their diplomas for having successfully completed a nine-month adult education program at The Arbors Assisted Living Community at Westbury.

"Our Adult Education Program debuted in September 2010 and provided seniors with a curriculum that allows them the opportunity to continue their life long interest in furthering their education and also discover new interests and life experiences as they relate to various areas of study," said Elsa Nelmes, Recreation Director, The Arbors Assisted Living Communities at Westbury. "Capitalizing on our mission for maintaining a community environment and atmosphere, this program presented our seniors with more opportunity for enlightening and meaningful interactions between staff, peers and family."

Serving as Key Note Speaker during this monumental occasion was Dowling College's Department of Sociology Chair and Center for Intergenerational Policy and Practice Director, Susanne Bleiberg Seperson, Ph.D., who commended the seniors for their passion and commitment to continuing their education. "You have taught us that learning is not only for those young in years, but those young in heart, and young in spirit...that learning is an age-defying experience," Ms. Bleiberg Seperson told the graduates. "We also know that there is a correlation between maintaining social relationships and living longer. Being part of a learning community strengthens the social ties among you and strengthens the fabric of The Arbors at Westbury community."

The Arbors at Westbury Valedictorian Josephine Maneri, who was among the seniors to complete the program, found it to be enlightening and rewarding. "I never want to stop learning, and I am so happy to be celebrating this special day with my classmates," she said.

The Arbors at Westbury's Adult Education Program is offered through its Therapeutic Recreation Department and encompasses 12 to 15 courses that include such subjects as Fine Arts, History of Jazz Music, Broadway Musical/Theater, Introduction to Spanish, Astronomy and The Laws of Attraction/Positive Thinking.

"Our seniors are remarkable individuals who have already accomplished so much in their lives, which makes it that much more inspiring and invigorating to honor them for yet another fine achievement," says Ms. Nelmes. "We are thrilled with the response and look forward to our enrollment starting in September 2011."

About The Arbors Assisted Living Communities
The Arbors is one of Long Island's leading assisted living communities with newly renovated locations in Hauppauge, Westbury, Islandia and Bohemia. Each resident's life at The Arbors is enriched through a distinctive approach of compassionate and comprehensive care coupled with a fulfilling recreation program, individualized attention, fun social activities and extraordinary cuisine.

For more information about The Arbors, visit www.thearborsassistedliving.com. For more information regarding The Arbors at Westbury, please call (516) 333-6400.