Four laps.
Speeds of up to 120 mph.
A car packing 717 horsepower.
It’s not exactly what most people picture when they think of activities at a senior living community.
But six residents of Beacon Hill senior living community in Lombard, Illinois, recently signed up for a high-speed adventure at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois. Buckled into Dodge Hellcats with professional race car drivers behind the wheel, they experienced the power, precision and excitement of a performance car on a professional racetrack.
For resident Al Reiman, part of the fun was feeling the force of the car as it accelerated and swept through the turns while, he said with a big grin on his face, “hanging on for dear life.” The experience delivered a thrill that would be hard to replicate anywhere else.
Dick Anstee was impressed by more than the speed. He paid close attention to the cars’ braking and suspension systems as the drivers navigated the track, appreciating the technology that helped make the ride both thrilling and controlled.
Al was also impressed by how smoothly the event came together. He described himself as “surprised and delighted” by how well organized and thoughtfully planned the experience was, calling it “outstanding.”
A Need for Speed and a Spirit of Curiosity
For Al and his wife, Carol, the outing rekindled a longtime interest in racing. Although they never raced themselves, they spent years following the sport as enthusiastic spectators, thanks to a friend who raced. When they learned Beacon Hill was offering the Hellcats experience, they were eager to take part.
Al, an Air Force veteran who learned to fly when he was young and later taught flying. Carol learned to fly too although she chose an instructor other than her husband. Their shared interest in trying new things made the racetrack adventure a natural fit.
“If there’s something you haven’t done, you need to try it,” Al said, adding that in addition to the experience, he values the storytelling opportunities resulting from adventures.
Dick, also an Air Force veteran, brought his own memories to the track. During his three-year service in England, he bought his first MG and enjoyed driving fast.
“England country roads are a thrill, and then you add to that, the fact that you drive on the wrong side of the street,” he said.
The Hellcats event offered a new take on that driving excitement, with far more horsepower and professional drivers at the wheel.
Adventure Has No Age Limit
The outing reflects Beacon Hill’s commitment to offering residents adventures and experiences they might not otherwise encounter. Jamee Harkabus, lifestyle director at Beacon Hill, creates programming that gives residents opportunities to explore interests, try something unexpected, and enjoy experiences beyond more traditional activity calendars. “We’re always looking for ways to make the life here engaging and full of possibilities,” Jamee said. “We want to bring unique opportunities for excitement and enjoyment to our residents’ lives.”
For Al, Carol and Dick, the day was about more than a fast ride. It was a chance to revisit old interests, appreciate new technology and discover the fun of trying something different.
As they continue to explore new experiences in retirement, Carol sometimes wonders why they didn’t try some of them when they were younger. The good news is that there’s still plenty of time and opportunities for new adventures.
“Just because we’re in our 80s doesn’t mean we’ve lost the desire to do things and try things,” Carol said.
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is a senior living community in Lombard offering spacious, well-designed residences and a range of services that support independent, maintenance-free living for older adults. As a Life Plan Community, formerly known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Beacon Hill provides a continuum of care, including independent living with access to higher levels of support. The community is owned and operated by Lifespace Communities, a non-profit organization with nearly five decades of experience in senior living. For more information, call 630-620-5850 or visit www.BeaconHillLombard.com
