Aberdeen Village residents enjoy summer without sweltering

Residents of Aberdeen Village enjoy all the pleasures of summer without the discomfort of sizzling temperatures.

When the mercury is at a comfortable level, they are outside tending the community garden, walking on the trails through the lush landscaping of Aberdeen Village’s sprawling grounds in Olathe, pitching horseshoes or honing their golf skills on the putting green.

Because of its popularity, the community garden has been expanded, providing even more room for residents to grow vegetables, fruits and flowers.

But when the temperature soars, Aberdeen Village residents are indoors swimming in the temperature-controlled pool, using the fitness facilities, pursuing hobbies in Grandpa’s Workshop or the train room, or enjoying activities with friends in the game rooms.

“Because our swimming pool is indoors, it is always refreshing,” said Suzanne Willey, community relations director. “Families really enjoy using it when they visit. And they don’t have to worry about using sunscreen while relaxing on the pool deck.”

Residents also can avoid excessive heat by attending social or educational programs inside the building.

During these leisurely summer months, an array of excursions take Aberdeen Village residents on weekend or day trips to a variety of entertainment, shopping and dining venues throughout the area.

“Being active means doing what you enjoy,” Willey said. “You’ve done your work, raised your children. Now it’s time to enjoy life. There are always a lot of activities going on and we strive to offer a catered lifestyle. Residents have lots of choices.”

Those choices begin with the apartments themselves. Five floor plans for one- or two-bedroom apartments offer a spectrum of possibilities. Each apartment has a balcony or deck, a fully-equipped kitchen and washer and dryer. Weekly housekeeping and maintenance are included and emergency alert systems are in each apartment. Garages and carports are available.

Once the floor plan is selected, residents have more choices: paint colors and flooring, to start.

“We try to customize each apartment,” Willey said. “This is a new chapter and a new lifestyle. People like a fresh look and a fresh start with new home decor.”

Along with the choices of floor plan and decor comes a selection of lifestyle options that includes everything from independent and assisted living to various levels of healthcare, including rehabilitation and memory care. Aberdeen Village is a full continuum of care community, so residents can transition among all care levels.

Within the wider Aberdeen Village community, residents’ choices are limitless. They can choose to prepare a meal in their apartment or dine in one of the restaurant-style dining rooms.

Throughout the day, they can participate in activities that are as varied as the residents themselves. Grandpa’s Workshop offers woodworking and stain-glass-making opportunities. Model train enthusiasts pursue their hobby and camaraderie in the train room.

“Our arts program has really grown because there’s no limit to arts,” Willey said. “Art goes beyond a canvas and a brush. It’s about photography. It’s about mixed media. It’s about a variety of things. The program exists and grows according to the needs and wishes of our residents.”

Aberdeen Village frequently hosts various entertainment, guest speakers and special classes. For those wanting to get out, transportation is provided to take residents to attend a variety of activities such as theater, museums and restaurants.

“For us, community goes beyond the four walls,” Willey noted. “We have chambers of commerce that come out for coffees. We have special dances and a variety of entertainment. We have continuing education. We have lecture series. We get out and participate in a lot of things in the Kansas City area. It’s all about the way you want to live.”

Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, putting green, chapel, library, exercise facility, salon, cappuccino bar and more. Affiliated with Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, the faith-based, Christian community has a chaplain, satellite church and vesper services, plus Bible study groups and opportunities for spiritual enrichment. Bridge groups, fitness classes such as tai chi and yoga, wellness and health programs, and other activities can be tailor-made for residents.

The best way to learn about the variety of living options available at Aberdeen Village is to visit, Willey said. “We like to speak about experiencing Aberdeen Village rather than ‘touring.’ Touring is merely visual, and to really grasp what it’s like here, it’s important to engage the other four senses, as well.”

Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America has been providing retirement communities for more than 60 years. To view a video, visit AberdeenVillage.com.

This story was originally published June 20, 2014 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Aberdeen Village residents enjoy summer without sweltering."