Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield residents George (left) and Ruth savor snacks and drinks during a virtual “trip” to Mexico, part of the senior living community’s Armchair Travel Program. Each month, this program transports residents to destinations around the globe—all from the comfort of their home.
Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield Seniors Explore Culture, Cuisine through Armchair Travel Program
CLEARFIELD –Each month, Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield residents embark on cultural adventures without leaving the comforts of their home.
The IntegraCare senior living community’s monthly Armchair Travel program brings the world to its residents through presentations, discussions, decorations and tasty food entrees.
“The idea emerged from residents’ requests for engaging activities that would foster learning about various ethnicities and cultures,” said Brittany Gearhart, Executive Operations Officer at Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield. “In response, our team introduced Armchair Travel, a program designed to virtually explore different countries.”
Introduced a year ago, these monthly events feature destination-inspired cuisine, educational videos and intriguing cultural and historical insights.
January’s journey will focus on England. December included a ride on the Polar Express, while other countries recently featured in the Armchair Travel program included Germany, Mexico, Italy and Poland.
“The residents get really excited,” Gearhart said. “There are a lot of residents who want to learn. We give them reading material and present education videos. They really enjoy learning new things.”
Mexico was among the well-received Armchair Travel destinations, as residents savored delicious Mexican-inspired snacks while watching a video showcasing the vibrant culture, traditions and landscapes of the country. “Bright decorations added to the festive atmosphere, and the residents were all smiles as they discovered new flavors and fun facts,” Gearhart said.
Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield Dining Experience Director Kassidy Bouch embraces her role in the Armchair Travel Program, researching each month’s featured country to craft a menu of snacks and drinks.
“I think the Armchair Travel Program is absolutely fantastic,” Bouch said. “It gives our residents, as well as our team, a new outlook on different cultures and how foods we usually might not have an opportunity to sample can be seen in a whole new way.”
LifeStages Director Calley Kephart believes the Armchair Travel program provides residents with a much-anticipated adventure each month. Bringing the destination countries to Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield is a creative way for residents to experience different cultures.
“The armchair travel activities have been a wonderful way for our residents to ‘travel’ and either learn about a place or even reminisce about a place they traveled to in their younger years,” Kephart said. “A lot of conversation happens during the armchair activity. Reminiscing, adding facts that they themselves may know about the place, as well as learning fun facts that they may have never known.”
“Bringing in the food element is a fun way to really help them feel like they are there without leaving the warmth and comfort of their ‘armchair,’” she said.
The Armchair Travel program’s success has sparked excitement about future “travels.” January’s stop in England will give residents an opportunity to indulge in traditional English treats and learn about the country’s rich history and iconic landmarks.
The 2025 calendar will include other destinations throughout the world, proving to Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield residents that adventure, learning and connection are always within reach. No passport required.
For more information, contact Brittany Gearhart, Executive Operations Officer, Colonial Courtyard at Clearfield, at bgearhart@integracare.com or call 814.765.2246.