The Art of Retirement: Seniors Enjoy Abundant Cultural Activities in and Around The Village
Where can you find delightfully walkable streets dotted with galleries, theaters and world-class performance venues? Germantown, Tennessee, of course. And folks who live and work at The Village at Germantown senior living community love the rich artistic and cultural tapestry that defines the neighborhood right outside their doors—and they share that love with everyone they meet.
We sat down with Resident Services Director Kaylee Jackson and asked her how The Village at Germantown is elevating the retirement lifestyle to an art form.
An Artistic and Cultural Hub That’s Perfect for Today’s Savvy Seniors
“Germantown is one of Tennessee’s hidden gems when it comes to artistic and cultural activities—especially for seniors,” Kaylee says. “For starters, the Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC) is right down the street from The Village, and it features all kinds of performers from around the world—not to mention the Germantown Symphony Orchestra.” She adds that outdoor concerts in The Grove are a big hit among residents of The Village, especially on balmy summer evenings.
Many residents of The Village also take advantage of our proximity to Memphis to bask in Bluff City’s ballets, operas and symphonies—and some are even season ticket holders. “We arrange lots of bus trips to venues like Theater Memphis,” Kaylee explains. “The plays and musical programs are particularly popular, and no one has to worry about parking.”
Kaylee points out, too, that taking in a concert or play helps folks feel more socially connected to the Germantown community—and each other. “There’s something almost transcendent about fine arts,” she says. “The shared experience truly binds people together.”
Setting a High Standard for Entertainment at The Village
As Resident Services Director, Kaylee plays a key role in bringing on-site entertainment into The Village—a calling she takes very seriously. “I was a music major for some time, so I’m passionate about booking top-notch talent,” she explains.
Most Friday evenings, folks here can enjoy performers like string quartets, professional magicians, a cappella groups from the University of Memphis or Rhodes College and musicians from around the world. And sometimes, the highest-caliber performers are brought in by members of our community.
“Our resident violin virtuoso Joy Brown Wiener uses her connections to the Memphis Symphony and Memphis Chamber Music Society to bring in musicians we might not have access to otherwise,” Kaylee explains. “Another resident has a daughter who produced a film about local hero Tom Lee, so she came in to give a talk about the cinematic arts. She even brought some of the actors with her, and the audience peppered them with questions.”
Intergenerational bonds are also being cultivated through music. A student group called Bridge of Youth to Seniors shares their talents through piano, strings and song—and its members sometimes learn a thing or two from our resident musicians. For her part, Kaylee is gearing up to perform with her a cappella group this fall. “As activities director, I guess I have a responsibility to walk the walk,” she laughs. “We’ll be singing some Gospel favorites, along with songs from Disney movies like ‘Toy Story.’ That’s always a crowd pleaser.”
Folks Here Don’t Just Appreciate Art … They Create It
The Village is home to many retired artists and art teachers—many of whom have had their work displayed in galleries. And our staff makes sure they have ample opportunities to show off their skills and maintain their mental alertness. “Every Monday, we hold an open art session where residents can grab their supplies and work on their passion project,” Kaylee explains. “We also have a group of talented crafters who gather for regular ‘Crafternoon’ sessions, where they design bookmarks and jewelry, press flowers and decorate backpacks for local schoolkids.”
There’s so much talent at our Germantown senior living community that we even held our own summer art show featuring more than 50 paintings, sculptures, photographs and more. Our artistically inclined staff members had a table of their own as well. “The birdhouses were a big hit,” Kaylee says. “Our resident woodworkers built them, then handed them over to be painted by members of our crafting group. It was a real team effort.”
Not to be outdone, The Village Drama Club is always hard at work rehearsing and building scenery. This past spring, they performed the satirical murder mystery Death by Chocolate to a packed house, and everyone is eagerly awaiting their fall production. “I hear it’s going to be a night of comedy skits,” Kaylee says. “One involves a little old lady and a telephone scammer, and another tells the story of a group of people who get stuck in an elevator. It should be hilarious.”
Come Explore the Art of Healthy Aging
When you don’t have to worry about dusting the furniture or cleaning the gutters, you have more time to enjoy the many artistic and cultural activities at The Village and around every corner in Germantown. And you’ll connect with other creative retirees who feel like family.
To schedule your tour today, call 901-737-4242.