This blog was originally published in Nov. 2021. It has been updated in May 2022.
Many prospective residents tell us they're not ready to come to Otterbein Granville yet, as they enjoy living in their own homes. But what they may not realize is that almost all of the things they love about their homes are also at Otterbein ― plus, several added bonuses.
Here are some examples:
- Outdoor patio/sunroom
- Pool
- Garden area
- Spacious kitchen
- Spare room or study
What this means is that, essentially, you don't have to give up anything to join Otterbein Granville, except perhaps some space, some house maintenance, cooking, and a few other chores, which will be done for you! You can still have your garden, your patio, a pool, a spare bedroom for when the kids or grandkids come to visit, a spacious kitchen with the latest appliances, and space for your hobbies.
Acting Your Age? Not Necessarily 😉
Living at home can come at a cost for older adults. Their social circle of family and friends is limited and usually diminishes as they age. People who study aging find that seniors who join retirement communities tend to live healthier, fuller, more satisfying lives. That's certainly true at Otterbein Granville. We have residents who are between 95 and 100 years old, and Otterbein has even been home to a few centenarians.
On the other end, we have younger people in their 70s and 80s who feel like they're in their 60s because they get out, exercise, meet with friends to pursue common interests, and lead an active life. While you can be a couch potato at Otterbein Granville and no one will chide you for it, most people like to participate in the many activities available. Some residents have never been busier, and they love it that way!
Whatever Your Interests, There Are Others Here Who Share Them
Otterbein Granville activities are self-funded and self-determined. In independent living, we don't even have an activities director. Instead, we take it upon ourselves to govern and fund our own activities.
We have over 25 groups in the Residents Association. Some meet weekly, some meet twice a month or monthly, and others meet when needed. Some need funding to do what they do and are granted a budget. Others need nothing and do what they do without a budget.
Activities include:
| Group/Committee | Description |
| Archives Group | Collects, labels, and preserves photos of Otterbein Granville events and residents for posterity. |
| Artist-in-Residence Committee | Guides our Denison University summer intern in art or music (or both). |
| Monthly Book Group | Selects, reads, and discusses books that they arrange to get copies of from the local library—both best-sellers and classics are included. |
| Bulletin Board Group | Tracks, posts, updates, and changes the big calendar on the main bulletin board, listing many ongoing events at Otterbein Granville, Denison, Granville, and Newark. |
| Computer Users Group | Need help with your Apple tablet, computer or phone? Join this group and get it! |
| Council | This group is the residents who have been selected by the Residents Association to govern the organization and all its groups and committees. The Council has a president, a president-elect, a secretary and a treasurer, plus a half-dozen other members-at-large who meet monthly. |
| Decoration Committee | Responsible for the Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa decorations that adorn the Otterbein Granville lobby. |
These are just a few examples ― the list goes on and on...
Make Your Experience Whatever You Want It to Be
When you come to Otterbein Granville, you can be as busy and involved in hobbies and activities as you want to be. You can join as many groups and committees as your time, interests, and energy allow. And you will be welcomed and encouraged to participate.
It's socializing like this that you can't get by living alone in your home. It's community involvement, especially in a caring community like Otterbein Granville, that makes the difference between putting years in your life and putting life in your years! Otterbein Granville is a fun place to live life to the fullest, and it truly does transform the experience of aging.
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