Life as a senior has gradually evolved over the past half century. Those who are over 55 are more likely to view their golden years as a time to explore a passion or hobby or even discover a new one.
Ronald H. Gall, president of R'Ode to Joy Tours (www.rodetojoy.com) in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., is in himself in his early 60s. He started his bike tour company to combine his interests of “cycling and eating well.”
Gall offers luxury bicycling vacations (select inns, gourmet meals) to small groups just 8 to 14 people. Routes can be modified to accommodate all levels of cyclists. Tours traverse the northeast region, such as in the Adirondacks. Bikers ride at their own pace, secure in the knowledge that the tours are fully supported; staff provides refreshments, mechanical assistance and have a van available for an occasional lift.
“You find that a lot of people who have retired are in relatively good health; we've been keeping ourselves in better condition than our parents did,” Gall says. “They want to do something exciting and something physically challenging.”
The Shepherdess (www.shepherdessbeads.com), a charming 26-year-old bead shop in San Diego, attracts people from all over the country with ongoing classes. Owner and bead artist Marcie Stone also leads two bead retreats every year. Recently, about 20 people attended the spring retreat at the Inn at Sunrise Springs, a resort and spa in Santa Fe, N.M., which
“In 2004, Marcie did one in France,” says store manager Cooky Schock. “They stayed in a private little B&B. There were about 12 people. One lady in her 90s came on her own from Florida and she loved it!”
Information on a fall retreat for 2005 should be available soon. “They afford people one-on-one attention. And you get to know everybody,” says Schock. “An incredible amount of friendships are made that way.”
For Beth Wadden, a busy 65-year-old reading teacher from Massachusetts, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health (www.kripalu.org) in nearby Lenox is her slice of heaven. “Typically, I spend about 60 days a year at Kripalu.” She participates and assists teachers twice a year in yoga, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
“Lots of seniors are comfortable at Kripalu,” Wadden says. “The building is comfortable. You don't have to trek across the campus. The dining chapel' is right there; the rooms for yoga are right there.” The largest yoga retreat center in North America, Kripalu has programs for all physical levels and interests, as well as healing arts and body treatments.
The grounds have more than 350 wooded acres and Lake Mahkeenak for swimming. Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Pops, is across the road. “We walk there with our blankets and beach chairs,” Wadden says. The allure of the good time Tuscan-style drew a small group of women ages 55 to 73 to Italy last spring. They were part of a tour given by L. Serenella Leoni, owner of Toscana Mia (www.toscanamia.biz).
“We did a trip based on the book Under the Tuscan Sun,'” Leoni says. “We started in my part of Tuscany, that's the part I love to share best.” She is from the beach resort-town Viareggio.
Packages include deluxe accommodations at a luxury Tuscan villa, most meals, gourmet cooking lessons from a James Beard House chef, and an evening with a master sommelier.
“The energy in Tuscany brings out this beauty and passion and art,” says Leoni. “Mixed with the energy of women of this age who have come into their own and are ready to experience life to the fullness it is a magical combination.”
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