By Mariah Morris, Life Enrichment Director, Meadows at Mercy Creek
This is your captain speaking, “We are now boarding for flight 1501,”Captain Bob gets prepared to fly residents of a senior living community to Ireland! Residents pile into the “airplane” and get themselves situated for their flight. “Everyone, we will now prepare for takeoff,” says Captain Bob, “Hold on tight!” Slowly giving the plane some power, pilot Bob pushes the joystick forward forcing the nose of the plane to angle up. You can almost feel the vibration of the plane. Flight 1501 is now headed up to the clouds!
Using the IN2L (“It’s Never Too Late”) flight simulator, residents are able to pretend as if they are the pilot or passenger on an airplane while sitting in a theater room. Using the joystick allows for the practice of hand-eye coordination and focus. This is just one exciting opportunity for residents with the IN2L system.
“It’s Never Too Late” is a technology system designed specifically for seniors. This IN2L system is built with a touchscreen, which allows seniors to touch through all the content finding what they deem enjoyable and engaging, regardless of their level of care or ability. Whether the activity is performed as a group or as an individual, residents will enjoy cognitive, spiritual, physical, and social benefits. Resident’s can create a personalized page that contains information about their lives and the content that they have found enjoyable.
From skyping with a loved one to emailing a friend, IN2L also allows residents to stay connected with family and friends all over the world. Engaging and fun cognitive activities help to simulate the mind and increase cognitive ability. Using the “health and wellness” content, residents improve physical abilities to help them continue to live the way they want to live. “Senior living communities throughout the nation are using IN2L’s adaptive technology to connect thousands of older adults,” said Jack York, CEO of IN2L. “The exploding world of high-tech multimedia provides limitless opportunities for enhancing their quality of life.”
For more information about senior living, you may contact Meadows’ senior director of marketing, Holly Hall, at 309-268-1501. Meadows offers a full range of senior living options—independent living, independent living-PLUS, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care and rehab therapy—with two locations: Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community in Chenoa and Meadows at Mercy Creek in Normal. Meadows is ranked a five-star quality care provider by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Photo courtesy of Meadows at Mercy Creek