Fitness Director Helps Rekindle Passions

 

Haley Kinne-Norris is the INSPIRE Wellness and Enrichment Coordinator for Liberty Senior Living, a collection of 21 continuing-care retirement communities for active adults. INSPIRE stands for Inclusive, Nutritional, Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, and Engaging. It’s that “E” word – engaging – that captures Haley’s mission: to create a robust opportunity for Liberty residents to discover old passions and rekindle them or to find something new they’ve never done before. “One in six older adults in the USA is at risk of social isolation, which can be as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes,” says Haley. With a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s in Gerontology, Haley is well-suited to keep everyone in their communities engaged and active.

“Everyone has a kid inside of them,” Haley says, explaining that any activity, from riding a surfboard to playing water volleyball, can be adapted to a person’s abilities and needs. “People who haven’t been in a pool in 40 or 50 years can be encouraged to get back in. Water exercises help with daily movement,” Haley explains. “People can sometimes minimize older adults. If you think they can’t do something, they won’t.” Haley has even created the Liberty Games for residents of eight communities. In March 2023, the Liberty Games included events from water polo to bridge. In addition to all the fun and games, Liberty Senior Living gives its residents many opportunities to enjoy local entertainment and volunteer at schools, soup kitchens, Boys & Girls Clubs, and wherever they can lend a hand and heart.

Sharing and Caring

St. James Plantation in Southport is North Carolina’s largest planned community. The St. James Service Club, with a mission to support the quality of life for those most in need in Brunswick County, has raised and donated more than $2.4 million since its founding 25 years ago. “Our Service Club is like a miniature United Way,” says John Thompson, Community Manager for the St. James Plantation Property Owners’ Association. The Service Club’s annual fundraising activities include food and school supply drives, and Celebrating the Holidays in St. James, a tour of festively decorated homes.

St. James CARES (Community Action for Recycling and Environmental Services) is a team of active volunteers who help keep the area’s highways and beautiful beaches litter-free. St. James has ways for everyone to serve the community by donating their time and talent. Mike’s Garage Band, a group of local musicians, rocks and rolls at fundraising events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Island of Caring and Giving

 

Residents of Dataw Island in Beaufort, SC, have a great time doing great work. Recognizing both the historical and environmental significance of their coastal community, Dataw Island homeowners have a History Club and a Conservancy to protect the man-made and natural treasures of their island. Every year, the Dataw Island Women’s Golf Association has an annual fundraiser to support the local cancer center, and the Dataw Island Quilters create a blanket for each child in a nearby preschool. The Visual Arts Club provided paintings to decorate the community’s new in-patient hospice. Dataw Islanders support veterans’ organizations and many local causes with their time, talent, and treasure. Additionally, residents are well-known for helping Dataw Island employees with annual holiday giving and ad hoc efforts to support employee families in a time of crisis. Friendly, philanthropic, and fun is the spirit of Dataw Island.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reposted from an article in Ideal-LIVING Magazine, 2023 Spring Issue – THE GOOD LIFE