The Beverly Hills Courier, Beverly Press, and Spectrum News all profiled the new community space for older adults and the pilot programming its offering for members in-person and virtually.
Spectrum News got a look inside the new space and spoke with several older adults as they arrived for the first day of in-person classes.
The crew stepped into a gentle yoga class in GenSpace’s fitness studio and got a tour of the horticulture therapy space from the designer himself, Sean Knibb. Spectrum also toured GenSpace’s art room, tech bar, and sunken and rooftop gardens to get a taste of the classes and activities available to members.
Speaking to Spectrum, GenSpace Director, Dr. Jennifer Wong emphasized the importance of creating a space like this, especially after more than two years of social isolation.
“I think it’s so important that after several years of asking older adults to stay at home, we ask them to come back into communities safely and have some really great opportunities for social connection.”
Jennifer Wong, PhD
Spectrum cited a report from the National Council on Aging that finds senior center participants are healthier and happier than their peers. Despite these benefits, many older adults don’t use community centers, in part because they don’t feel warm or inviting, but GenSpace is changing that.
Spectrum highlighted GenSpace’s bright, sunny rooms, sleek, modern design, and peaceful outdoor space, not to mention its wide range of activities.
Spectrum wasn’t the only local outlet to get an up close look at the new space. The Beverly Hills Courier highlighted the striking design of the building, which was brought to life by the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) and architect Shohei Shigematsu.
The Beverly Press also spoke with Dr. Wong about the important role GenSpace will have in the community and the resources it offers older adults through its virtual classes and in-person activities.
If you’re interested in visiting GenSpace or learning more about classes and other resources, click here to schedule a tour.
