The first thing a visitor notices upon entering Chai Point, an independent and assisted living residence on Milwaukee’s east side, is a light-filled atrium with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Lake Michigan.
The second thing a visitor may notice is a group of energized seniors dancing to swing music, listening to a world-renowned flutist or engaging in a vigorous discussion on the world economy with an expert in the field.
Equally stimulating activities take place elsewhere in the building — from tai chi and yoga classes to Wii bowling and pool exercise. Following the morning activity, seniors enjoy a kosher noon meal every day.
The Lakeside Senior Enrichment Program, located in the Rubenstein Pavilion at Chai Point, is a certified provider of PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) classes.
The program is funded through an allocation from the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s annual campaign and also receives funding from the Milwaukee County Department on Aging and the Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation. About 80 seniors are registered for the program, and many of them are residents of Chai Point.
A persistent issue with programming for seniors is transportation, and the Milwaukee Jewish Federation is addressing this issue with a task force of professionals representing Jewish Family Services, the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center and Chai Point.
One solution for the transportation issue is bringing programs to seniors instead of bringing seniors to programs. This is an inherent benefit of the Lakeside Senior Enrichment Program.
Georgeta Kelner, a Chai Point resident, is a regular participant. Among her favorites are Tai Chi and water exercise. She said the activities have a significant effect on the quality of life for herself and for other residents. It “keeps us young in mind and body.”
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