According to a 2021 survey, Naperville, IL is not only the safest city in the U.S. but also considered to be one of the best places to live, raise a family, and retire.
In fact, 13.3% of Naperville’s population are 65+, many of whom are not only Naperville born and bred, but have also been responsible for the city’s development.
Let’s get into it!
Naperville Spas
Did you know that spa treatments are not only a relaxing activity, but can also be good for your body especially if you’re a senior?
As you age, your muscles, joints, and skin can start to deteriorate. One way to improve and slow this process is by getting massages, acupuncture treatments, and manicures. These simple treatments can help with drying skin, gout, weak and brittle nails, rheumatoid arthritis, hair loss, and even depression.
Certain spa treatments can also help to improve mobility as well as sleep (something which many seniors struggle with). In fact, this 2020 study found that warm hand-bath massages greatly improved the sleep quality of senior women — proving that it doesn’t have to be an all-out body massage for you to see benefits!
Naperville offers senior outreach programs from time to time which include spa treatments. For example, in 2020, as part of Naperville Elderly Homes on Martin Avenue’s “Random Acts of Kindness”, Nail Care Spa treated a group of seniors to free manicures.
While you may not always be able to score a free manicure, there are plenty of day spas to choose from in Naperville. If you’re considering a relaxing spa day, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Pickleball in Naperville
Pickleball is a popular indoor or outdoor sport that’s similar to tennis and ping-pong, though the court is badminton-sized. Played with a paddle and plastic wiffle ball, it was invented as a children’s game in 1965 but has found much popularity with seniors.
In fact, the 2022 Sports & Fitness Industry report showed that over half of pickleball players were aged 55+, with roughly a third in the 65+ age range.
So why is it so popular with seniors?
Well, according to Time and researcher Jonathan Casper, there are plenty of health benefits to playing pickleball. These include:
- Pickleball is easy to learn and play
It’s a low-impact sport, but a great way to exercise. Not only can you improve your physical health, it can also help with balance and coordination — both key aspects to be mindful of as you age.
- It’s social
Similar to tennis and ping-pong, pickleball can be played either as singles games (two players), or doubles games (four players). Depending on how and where you play, there could be a number of people waiting to rotate in and out of games, creating an instant social circle.
Additionally, thanks to the game’s popularity, the average age of players is in their late-thirties. That creates a large cross-section of ages of participants, widening your social circle in ways it wouldn’t normally.
- It keeps the blues at bay
This study from 2018 found that playing pickleball helped to fight depression in seniors. Its competitive nature (paired with the fact that it’s a sport you can actively improve at over time) kept players hooked and gave them a sense of achievement, vastly improving their quality of life.
- It’s not just physical
Any activity that makes your brain work is good, especially for seniors! With pickleball, it’s not just about how hard you hit the ball, but where. Not only that, but the game can actually positively affect confidence as well.
And as for Naperville? There are 25 pickleball courts all over the city (both indoors and outdoors), with more planned.
So, if you’re a senior looking to get fit, stay sharp, and make some new friends — pickleball could be the answer!
Senior Housing Options Expo
Throughout Illinois, local TRIADs bring together a number of law enforcement officials as well as senior community advocates. Their main purpose is to work together for the betterment of the senior population.
Naperville is no exception. The Naperville and Lisle Townships TRIAD are extremely active in their community, bringing together law enforcement, community groups, and senior citizens for over 15 years.
One of their big programs is the Senior Housing Options Expo, which allows seniors from all over to meet with a number of service agencies and operators who deal with all aspects of living.
This includes:
- Home modifications
- Independent and assisted living options, and memory care
- Downsizing and home sharing
- Elder law
- Available local and county services
- Moving and selling
- Transportation
- Senior property tax
- Home care services
- Adult day services
- Medicare information.
For any and all housing option questions, this free fair can provide you with all of the answers.
Community Radio Watch
Ever fancied yourself as a bit of an undercover sleuth? Well, the Naperville Community Radio Watch (CRW) program could be your way in, even in your senior years!
Established in 1982, CRW members assist the police in keeping an extra eye out around Naperville. All members are subject to special training, with the goal being to be able to reduce crime and help keep residents safe.
While there are a number of qualifications you must hold in order to become a CRW member, this could be a worthwhile way to fill your time if you find yourself at a loose end post-retirement and want to give back to the Naperville community.
Responsibilities as a CRW member include:
- Reporting criminal activity
- Reporting any situations where criminal opportunities could occur (eg, doors left open, unsecured property)
- Reporting suspicious persons, situations, or vehicles
- Assisting with surveillance and security patrol
- Assisting with traffic control and radar patrols.
The full list of qualifications can be found here and, if you’re happy to comply with all of the criteria, fill out your application form!
DuPage Senior Citizens Council
If you’re living at home and not ready to give up your independence, then the DuPage Senior Citizens Council could provide much-needed services as well as activities to keep you connected to the Naperville community.
Around since 1975, the DuPage Senior Citizens Council provide and advocate for a number of programs for seniors. These are primarily provided for by volunteers and funded by generous donations. They assist all seniors in the DuPage County area, including Naperville.
Services offered include:
- Meals on Wheels
- Community dining programs
- Health and wellness education
- Well-being checks
- Assistance with pet care and food
- Minor home repairs
- Contractor referrals
- Assistance with yards
- House visits
- Phone calls
- Intergenerational activities.
In addition to these services, they also offer events for seniors, as well as cultural events. While these are currently suspended due to Covid-19 to keep senior citizens safe and healthy, no doubt they’ll be back in action soon.
Singing for Seniors
Love attending concerts? The Compass Church hosts “Singing for Seniors”, a regular free music event for those aged 55+.
The Compass Church is handicap accessible, so you won’t have to miss out if you have a physical disability. Event volunteers can even pick you up and drop you back home afterwards.
In addition, Singing for Seniors awards a Singing for Seniors Performance Scholarship annually to at least one high school junior student from District 203, 204, and Benet Academy. The prize is $1,000 and a performance during their senior year.
While there’s no website available, those interested in a Singing for Seniors event should call: (630) 343-9818.
Joseph and Sarah Levy Senior Center
Looking for somewhere you can connect with other seniors and keep yourself occupied during the day? Why not visit the Levy Senior Center, a senior day center located in Bolingbrook (to the southeast of central Naperville).
Built-in 1991, the Levy Senior Center was set up especially to serve the senior (55+) residents of DuPage Township. It has now evolved into a fantastic day center, with plenty for you to do.
Activities and services provided include:
- Hot lunches
- Exercise classes
- Art and ceramic classes
- Dancing
- Dinners
- Card Games
- Bunco and shuffleboard
- Free movies.
Best of all? Any senior citizens aged 55+ can become a member for free, no matter where in Naperville you live. Plus, if you’re based within DuPage Township you’ll also be able to use the Pace Dial-a-ride transportation door-to-door service for a small fee (only $2 per ride).
The Levy Center is open Monday–Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm.
Senior Suburban Orchestra
Becoming a senior doesn’t mean you have to give up the things you once loved, such as playing an instrument! Lucky for you, the Naperville Senior Suburban Orchestra allows you to do just that.
Consisting of a 50-piece orchestra, musicians are invited to join from over 20 suburbs around Naperville. There are no auditions necessary, nor any age requirement, and they rehearse on Tuesday afternoons at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.
They hold free weekday concerts every season (September–May) all around Naperville in senior centers, retirement and healthcare facilities, park districts, elementary schools, libraries, and more.
In addition to getting to play and perform, it’s also a great opportunity to meet others who are also passionate about music as well as keep up with your own talent!
FAQ
What medical facilities are available for seniors in Naperville?
There are a variety of medical facilities in Naperville for seniors. These fall into three main categories: home-based, community-based, and facility-based.
You can view a full list of Naperville-based care facilities, as well as those within 15 miles of the city here.
Additionally, if you need help with prescription medication costs or related information, there are various health benefits services you can access.
Lastly, for those suffering from or caring for those with dementia, Dementia Friendly Naperville has produced a resource guide.
Are public places in Naperville accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, there are public places accessible within Naperville for those with disabilities. Additionally, the Naperville website has a large list of resources for people with disabilities, covering all sorts of topics.
In downtown Naperville, you’ll find several locations with ADA parking spaces and parking decks, as well as wheelchair-accessible public places in Naperville include:
- Centennial Beach (they also have an ADA lift into the water)
- Naper Settlement
- Moser Tower and Millennium Carillon
- Naperville Park District.
Does Naperville have an active senior community?
Yes, Naperville’s senior community is quite active, especially within its various assisted living facilities.
However, as Naperville has a huge senior community outreach focus, there are also a large number of community groups and activities for seniors which bring together those living independently.
