Active Aging Week is all about celebrating the possibilities that come with staying active, engaged, and connected as we age. Through innovative wellness programs, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to challenge themselves, residents at Eastmont are proving that healthy aging is about much more than physical fitness.
At Eastmont, active aging isn’t just a week-long celebration. It’s a way of life.
As the Director of Wellness and Engagement, Michaela Williams oversees activities, transportation, and resident engagement programs that help residents stay physically active, socially connected, and emotionally fulfilled. Her work, alongside the rehabilitation team and other departments, reflects a commitment to supporting both healthspan and wellspan, ensuring residents have opportunities to thrive in every aspect of life.
One of the standout examples of this commitment is resident participation in the Nebraska State Games. Through encouragement from the activities team, residents were given opportunities to practice events, enter raffles for participation, and build confidence before competing. The goal went beyond the games themselves. The experience promoted movement, friendly competition, and the joy of trying something new.
Supporting these efforts is Mark, Eastmont’s Director of Rehabilitation, who Michaela describes as a passionate advocate for helping residents stay active. Through fitness classes, wellness education, posture training, and fall prevention programs, residents are empowered with both the tools and the knowledge they need to maintain their independence and overall well-being. Monthly wellness presentations further reinforce the importance of healthy living by helping residents understand not only what they’re doing, but why it matters.
For Michaela, active aging extends beyond physical health. Eastmont intentionally incorporates opportunities for spiritual growth, lifelong learning, and social engagement into its programming. This holistic approach aligns with the belief that wellness includes the mind, body, and spirit. Residents are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of activities that foster purpose, connection, and personal growth.
The impact of these programs is evident throughout the community. Michaela notes that when residents participate in activities and spend time together, meaningful relationships develop. Neighbors become friends, friends become support systems, and residents motivate one another to stay engaged. New residents, in particular, benefit from the welcoming environment as they form connections and become active members of the community.
“Socialization is so important for all of us as humans,” Michaela shared. “The more people come out and come together, it seems like the community gets built. They check on each other. They motivate each other to get to exercise class.”
Eastmont also embraces intergenerational programming, creating opportunities for residents and families to connect across generations. These events help foster a warm, family-centered atmosphere where relationships continue to grow both inside and outside the community. According to Michaela, these connections strengthen the sense of belonging that makes Eastmont feel like home.
As we celebrate Active Aging Week, Eastmont serves as a powerful reminder that healthy aging is about more than staying physically active. It’s about building community, cultivating meaningful relationships, continuing to learn, and finding purpose every day. Through wellness initiatives, educational opportunities, social engagement, and events like the Nebraska State Games, Eastmont demonstrates how active aging can help residents live healthier, fuller, and more connected lives.
Active aging starts with connection, and at Eastmont, that connection is helping residents thrive every day.
Want to Learn More About Eastmont?
At Eastmont, active aging is more than a philosophy. It’s a commitment to helping older adults live with purpose, connection, and vitality every day. From wellness programs and lifelong learning opportunities to meaningful social experiences, residents are empowered to thrive in a community designed to support the whole person.
If you’re interested in learning more about life at Eastmont, we’d love to connect with you.
402-566-5616
https://transformingage.org/community/eastmont-living/
6315 O St., Lincoln, NE 68510
Discover how active aging comes to life every day at Eastmont.