If the idea of an assisted living facility conjures up visions of the elderly napping in rocking chairs carefully placed by sunny windows to warm their bones, think again.

Exercise classes, game night, concerts, bingo, outings such as leaf peeping excursions to see the fall foliage, and painting classes are just a few of the activities that residents at Freese Assisted Living facility have available to them.

The facility, a program of the Eastern Agency on Aging, also offers sewing classes, manicures, a garden club that plants flowers and vegetables in the spring, and computer classes that have some of the residents “online” exchanging e-mails with distant family. Whew.

“We always have three activities scheduled every day,” said Marie Sklarz, activities coordinator at Freese. “We also average three outings each month, except when the weather is really bad.”

Sklarz rents a bus from Cyr Bus Line for the outings, enabling many residents to take the trip. Fifteen seniors went aboard recently for a tour of the city to view Christmas lights, she said.

Without daily activities the residents might have nothing to stimulate their minds, said Sklarz. Many of them would concentrate on their problems and illnesses, or would just sit alone and watch television, she added.

“Therapeutic activities are a critical component to the health and wellness of adults residing in assisted living residences,” said Amy Cotton, nurse practitioner for Rosscare’s Center for Healthy Aging.

“There is clear evidence in research literature that aging adults who remain engaged in meaningful activities have improved memory and cognition and lower incidence of depression,” Cotton said.

Activities that are individualized for the resident play a key role in promoting emotional, spiritual, and physical health, said Cotton.

“I serve as a clinical consultant to three area nursing care facilities – assisted living and long-term care,” she explained. “Activities are an essential component to facilitate adjustment to an assisted living facility.”

“I’d feel so isolated if I didn’t come to the activities, I’d just stay in my room and sleep,” said Mamie Haroldson. “I’d be thinking and not doing. I come all the time.”

Exercise classes are a favorite and very important, said Mamie, because she finds her “problem arm” feels better when she attends.

Esther Hodsdon agrees.

“I know I need the exercise,” she said. “My old bones get kind of stiff and they don’t move so well if I don’t keep them limber.”

The classes seem to be working. The participants have graduated from chair exercises to standing during class. Esther is especially pleased with her improved strength. Because of her regular attendance she no longer needs to use a walker.

Sklarz plans on starting up a light dance class, and hopes to bring in a line-dancing instructor. Once a month, she and her ballroom dance partner, Leonard Robertson, put on a show, after which Robertson dances with interested residents, including those confined to wheelchairs.

“They just love it,” said Sklarz, “and it’s good exercise.”

The craft classes are another favorite. Mary Peterson’s talent for crafts made itself known during the holiday season. She adorned the area surrounding her apartment with such beautiful and festive decorations reminiscent of Santa’s Village.

Game night is popular with Ethel Martin, who confesses to loving Scrabble.

“That’s because she always beats me,” said Sklarz, turning slightly red at the thought.

“Actually, I like all the activities,” said Martin. “If I didn’t have them, I’d just sit around and mope by myself.”

Concerts that are performed at Freese are so popular that Sklarz is attempting to form a resident choir.

“Ethel has such a great voice that she has to sing with us, if Nashville doesn’t find her first,” said Sklarz, erupting in laughter so spontaneous that the other ladies were prompted to join in.

Every Friday at 10 a.m. is reserved for News Update time. The Bangor Daily News (and I am sure The Weekly) is read to some residents who may have vision problems that prevent them from reading the papers themselves.

Starting off with the horoscopes and moving toward national news, this session keeps the residents informed about and connected to the world around them.

And they keep us connected to the past.

“They have seen so much that we will never see,” said Sklarz. “You can learn from them. Learn what life is all about.”

Carol Higgins is director of communication at Eastern Agency on Aging. For more information on EAA, log onto www.eaaa.org or call 941-2865 and ask for Marilyn or Chuck.