At Optima®, our communities are built around more than architecture—they’re built around people. From thoughtfully integrated green spaces to fitness-focused amenities, the Optima® lifestyle supports wellbeing at every age. It’s no surprise, then, that a rising wellness philosophy known as wellderliness aligns so naturally with how our residents live, thrive, and grow.

The term “wellderliness” merges two powerful ideas: wellness and elderliness. Rather than viewing aging through the narrow lens of decline, wellderliness reframes it as an active, vibrant, and dynamic phase of life. It prioritizes lifelong curiosity, emotional connection, movement, creativity, and purpose—all values that resonate deeply within Optima® communities.

Living Well, Wherever You Are in Life
Whether in our Scottsdale or Chicago communities, every Optima® property is designed to remove barriers and create opportunities for wellness to flourish. Wellderliness isn’t a program or a product—it’s a mindset. And at Optima®, that mindset is built into the very fabric of daily life.

Residents enjoy easy access to world-class fitness centers, yoga studios, indoor and outdoor pools, walking paths, and curated social programming—all contributing to the active lifestyles that wellderliness encourages. Movement isn’t just for youth; it’s a lifelong companion to mental clarity, mood regulation, and physical strength. The design of Optima® buildings invites motion, whether it’s a walk along the verdant landscaped terraces or a swim in the rooftop pool with skyline views.

Social Wellness and Connection
One of the pillars of wellderliness is meaningful social connection. Studies show that staying socially engaged is as vital to longevity as diet and exercise. At Optima®, that principle is supported through warm, integrated communities that promote daily interaction. From resident-organized book clubs to spontaneous chats over morning coffee in the lounge, opportunities to connect are woven into the architecture.

Many residents form friendships through shared spaces—like pickleball courts, fitness classes, or community events—and these relationships evolve into informal support systems. That’s wellderliness in action: community fostering vitality.

Spaces that Nurture Purpose and Creativity
Purposeful living is another essential part of wellderliness. Whether that’s learning a new skill, giving back, or pursuing creative expression, the freedom to explore is critical. Optima®’s expansive amenity offerings, from multipurpose rooms to serene garden courtyards, give residents the space to read, create, volunteer, or simply reflect. Residents who find purpose in art, music, or mentoring younger neighbors often say that these outlets are what keep them feeling fully alive.

Wellderliness also embraces beauty and nature as necessary to wellbeing. The biophilic design of Optima® communities—featuring vertical landscaping, abundant natural light, and carefully curated art—helps residents feel at ease and inspired in their surroundings. Simply put, Optima® makes it easy to fall in love with where you live, every single day.

The Path Forward
As society rethinks aging, the concept of wellderliness is leading the way. It offers a hopeful, joyful perspective on what’s possible at every stage of life. At Optima®, we’ve always believed that design has the power to elevate how we live. With spaces that celebrate wellness, beauty, and connection, our communities are the perfect setting for residents to embrace the principles of wellderliness—and to age not just gracefully, but vibrantly.

Learning to swim as an adult can be a transformative experience—equal parts physical fitness, personal triumph, and sheer joy. At Optima®, where every community is thoughtfully designed with access to exceptional indoor and outdoor pool facilities, residents are uniquely positioned to explore the benefits of swimming in a supportive, beautifully designed environment. While many associate swimming with childhood lessons and summertime play, the truth is, it’s never too late to dip your toes into the water. Whether you’re starting from scratch or rediscovering the water after years away, learning to swim opens the door to wellness, confidence, and a new kind of personal freedom.

Why Learn to Swim Now?
Swimming is a low-impact, full-body workout that builds cardiovascular endurance, strengthens muscles, and improves flexibility—all without putting stress on your joints. For adults, especially those easing into or maintaining a fitness regimen, it offers an ideal blend of resistance training and aerobic exercise. Plus, there’s a deep sense of accomplishment in mastering a skill that may have once felt out of reach.

Beyond the physical perks, swimming also has powerful mental health benefits. The meditative rhythm of laps, the weightlessness of the water, and the focus on breath work all contribute to stress reduction and enhanced mindfulness—values that resonate throughout Optima®’s wellness-centered communities.

Supportive Places to Begin in Chicago
Chicago’s urban setting offers a surprising number of opportunities for adult swim lessons, both for beginners and those looking to refine technique. The Chicago Park District provides a range of adult classes at local indoor pools throughout the city. Classes are typically structured in tiers, allowing learners to progress at their own pace, with experienced instructors who create a welcoming, non-intimidating environment.

Private fitness centers like the East Bank Club or Lakeshore Sport & Fitness also offer personalized swim coaching and small group sessions. For those living at Optima Signature® or Optima Lakeview®, proximity to both public and private aquatic centers makes regular practice easy and convenient.

Additionally, organizations like the Chicago Blue Dolphins offer adult swim programs focused on everything from learning freestyle to conquering open water swimming—ideal for anyone eyeing a triathlon or simply hoping to feel more confident in the water.

Scottsdale’s Sun-Drenched Swim Culture
With year-round sunshine and an outdoor lifestyle at its core, Scottsdale is a natural place to learn to swim at any age. Residents of Optima Sonoran Village®, Optima Kierland Apartments®, or Optima McDowell Mountain® are already in the heart of a community that prioritizes fitness and connection to the outdoors—and pools are often just steps away.

The City of Scottsdale’s Parks and Recreation Department offers adult swim lessons at various public aquatic centers, including the popular Eldorado Mountain Aquatic Center and McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center. Lessons range from absolute beginner classes to technique-focused clinics, and many are offered in the early mornings or evenings to suit working schedules.

For a more customized approach, private clubs like Village Health Clubs and the YMCA offer one-on-one instruction, with trained coaches who specialize in helping adults overcome anxiety and build lasting confidence in the water.

A Lifelong Gift
Whether you’re learning for safety, fitness, fun, or simply to check something off your personal bucket list, adult swim lessons can be a deeply rewarding experience. It’s about more than just strokes and breathing techniques—it’s about growth, resilience, and reclaiming a sense of freedom in the water.

At Optima®, where active, balanced living is at the heart of every community, we encourage residents to explore new challenges that enhance well-being and foster connection. So take the plunge—you might discover that swimming isn’t just a skill, but a celebration of movement, self-trust, and joyful exploration.

Within Optima® communities, meaningful social engagement is part of everyday life. Whether it’s an impromptu gathering in a shared lounge, an evening around the fire pit, or a wellness workshop, opportunities to connect are built into the rhythm of living here. Now, a classic game is drawing people together in a new way—Mahjong meetups are gaining momentum throughout Chicago, offering residents at Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature® a refreshing, strategic, and community-centered way to unwind.

A Rich Tradition Reimagined
As we explored in a recent Optima® blog post, Mahjong is more than just a game—it’s a cultural tradition with deep roots. Originating in 19th-century China, the game spread globally in the 20th century, finding particular resonance among Jewish-American women in the postwar period. Over time, Mahjong became not just a pastime, but a way to build friendships, share stories, and cultivate multi-generational connections. Today, the tradition lives on, but with a fresh twist. Mahjong clubs and meetups across Chicago are drawing in new players of all ages and backgrounds, blending the timeless pleasure of the game with the modern desire for connection and community.

Where to Play in Chicago
For residents of Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature®, Mahjong is more accessible than ever. A growing number of cafés, community centers, and even libraries now host weekly or monthly Mahjong events. Here are a few notable places where you can take part:

• The Book Cellar (Lincoln Square): This independent bookstore periodically hosts mahjong nights where beginners are welcome and instruction is provided.
• Sunday Mahjong Club: An active meetup group with regular sessions hosted at rotating venues throughout the city, often in the city’s outdoor markets, cozy cafes, or quiet event spaces.
• The Mahjong Society: The Mahjong Society, founded in 2023, bring people together through the tradition and fun of mahjong. Their lessons and events are aimed at helping people create new rituals through unforgettable experiences.
• Sulzer Regional Library (Lincoln Square): This beloved community hub occasionally offers mah jong workshops and game days—perfect for those who want to learn in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
• Mahjong at Home: For Optima® residents, the beautifully designed communal spaces within the buildings offer the ideal backdrop for hosting your own game night. With plenty of natural light, comfortable seating, and vibrant community energy, it’s easy to start a casual mahjong circle with neighbors.

Why Mahjong?
Part of the game’s current appeal lies in its unique ability to slow things down. In a world saturated with digital everything, mahjong invites players to unplug, gather face-to-face, and exercise a different part of the brain. It’s strategic and cerebral, yet social and lighthearted.

Beyond the cognitive benefits—such as memory enhancement, concentration, and pattern recognition—mahjong builds lasting bonds. For residents looking to deepen their sense of community, the game offers a low-stakes, high-reward way to connect with new neighbors.

The Perfect Game for Optima® Living
Mahjong fits beautifully into the lifestyle that Optima® communities are designed to support. It encourages regular social interaction, celebrates multicultural heritage, and promotes wellness of mind and spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, joining or starting a mahjong group is a great way to make friends and bring a little joy into your weekly routine.

So why not grab a set, gather a few neighbors, and see what unfolds? In a city like Chicago—and in communities as dynamic as Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature®—it doesn’t take long before a simple game turns into something more: a new tradition, a familiar rhythm, and another reason to love where you live.

Spring in Scottsdale is a season of warmth, vibrant community, and cultural richness. For residents at Optima® communities like Optima Sonoran Village®, Optima Kierland Apartments®, and Optima McDowell Mountain®, one of the most anticipated events on the calendar is the Scottsdale Jazz Festival. Set to return on April 26–27, 2025, this celebration promises to delight jazz enthusiasts, culture seekers, and families alike, bringing world-class music and community spirit together in a spectacular outdoor setting.

A Jazz Experience Like No Other
Since its inception, the Scottsdale Jazz Festival has evolved into one of Arizona’s signature events, drawing musicians and fans from across the country. Located in the picturesque Scottsdale Civic Center Park, the festival creates a captivating atmosphere—sunshine, clear skies, and world-class talent performing amidst lush greenery. With Scottsdale’s iconic public art, vibrant lawns, and exceptional city amenities nearby, the festival seamlessly blends the energy of live jazz with the desert’s uniquely beautiful backdrop.

In 2025, festival organizers have curated an extraordinary lineup designed to entertain jazz lovers of all ages. From classic swing and bebop to smooth contemporary jazz, the event will feature a range of award-winning musicians, international jazz legends, and promising local artists. Whether you’re a fan of the mellow saxophone or the dynamic rhythms of the drums, the Scottsdale Jazz Festival ensures a musical journey for everyone.

Beyond the Music: Community and Culture
More than simply a musical event, the Scottsdale Jazz Festival has become a celebration of community, aligning closely with Optima®’s commitment to fostering cultural experiences and building strong neighborhood bonds. While the centerpiece is undoubtedly the music, guests can enjoy a host of additional activities. From local food stalls showcasing Scottsdale’s eclectic culinary scene to artisan booths filled with unique crafts and interactive spaces for children, the festival aims to engage attendees of all interests.

Families will appreciate kid-friendly workshops, face painting, and abundant open space that invites dancing or simply relaxing under the sun. Emphasizing inclusion and connectivity, the festival welcomes seasoned jazz aficionados and newcomers alike, bridging generational and cultural gaps for a collective experience of harmony and fun.

Supporting the Community, Enriching Lives
An integral part of the festival’s mission is giving back to the local community. Portions of the event proceeds support youth music education programs, scholarship initiatives, and other arts-focused causes throughout Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area. This spirit of philanthropy resonates deeply with many Optima® residents who value both cultural enrichment and social impact in their daily lives.

Getting There and Making the Most of Your Experience
Conveniently located near Scottsdale’s main thoroughfares, the festival is easily accessible—whether by car, biking along city paths, or taking a leisurely walk in the Arizona sunshine. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and low-back chairs, making it easy to settle in for a full day of music and fun. Many people choose to arrive early to secure a prime spot on the lawn, allowing them to savor the sights and sounds without feeling rushed.

Local food trucks and pop-up eateries serve everything from gourmet street tacos to refreshing frozen treats. Between sets, you can visit the art exhibits, explore Scottsdale’s public sculptures, or even take a short stroll through nearby shops. With so much to see and do, a single afternoon can quickly become a memorable weekend experience.

Celebrate the Spirit of Scottsdale
Ultimately, the 2025 Scottsdale Jazz Festival embodies what makes Scottsdale—and the Optima® lifestyle—so special: a dedication to culture, community, and top-tier experiences. With its star-studded musical lineup, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to supporting arts and education, this festival offers residents of Optima Sonoran Village®, Optima Kierland Apartments®, and Optima McDowell Mountain® a perfect way to embrace spring and show love for their community. Mark your calendar, round up friends or family, and get ready to swing into the season with the soulful and uplifting sounds of jazz.

Spring in Scottsdale is a season of vibrant contrasts. Under a brilliant sun and amid the rugged terrain, the Sonoran Desert awakens in bursts of color. Each year, for a fleeting window of time, cacti, wildflowers, and desert shrubs transform the landscape into a floral tapestry so captivating that even longtime residents can’t help but pause in amazement. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the natural side of this dynamic city, and for residents at Optima Sonoran Village®, Optima Kierland Apartments®, and Optima McDowell Mountain®, a morning or afternoon among the blooms is a memorable way to experience the Sonoran Desert’s softer side. Here’s how to take advantage of the spring bloom while it lasts.

A Timely Spectacle
Desert wildflowers are notoriously fickle, and their shows are heavily dependent on winter rains and spring temperatures. In a “good year,” you might see golden poppies and blue lupines carpeting desert valleys as early as mid-February. By April, towering cactus blossoms—ranging from magenta hedgehogs to bright fuchsia prickly pears—add a dazzling vertical element to the color palette. Most desert blooms peak around March or April, though cooler or warmer weather can shift the schedule by a few weeks. Keeping an eye on local wildflower reports is your best bet to ensure you catch the desert at its most vibrant.

Where to Go: Top Spots for Bloom-Spotting

• McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Located just a short drive from Optima Sonoran Village®, Optima Kierland Apartments®, or Optima McDowell Mountain®, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers more than 225 miles of scenic trails. Come spring, these routes are lined with native wildflowers like Mexican gold poppies, brittlebush, and desert marigolds. For a leisurely stroll, try the Gateway Loop—a popular moderate trail that offers great vantage points to see the mountains tinted with blooms. If you’re feeling more ambitious, Tom’s Thumb trail delivers panoramic views of multiple desert washes dotted with color.
• Desert Botanical Garden. For a more curated encounter with desert flora, the Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park is a staple. Walking paths meander through 50,000+ species of cacti, trees, and flowers set against red sandstone buttes. During spring, the garden holds special events celebrating desert wildflowers and cactus blossoms—complete with interpretive signage that tells the story behind each species. It’s a must-visit spot for photography buffs, horticulture enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a more educational approach to the bloom.
• Lake Pleasant Regional Park.  Slightly farther west but worth the trip, Lake Pleasant is known for water sports and camping—but it also boasts excellent wildflower displays on the park’s perimeter. The Wild Burro Trail guides you to panoramic overlooks of the lake, with patches of poppies, lupines, and daisies along the way. If you’re up for a day-long adventure, combine a morning hike with an afternoon picnic by the water, where you can watch sunlight dance on the lake surface while desert blossoms sway in a gentle breeze.

Best Ways to Enjoy the Bloom

• Go Early: Mornings are cooler, and the gentle light enhances the petals’ color. Plus, you’ll have fewer crowds—enjoying the hush of nature as birds flit among the flowers.
• Stay Hydrated: Even in spring, the desert sun can be intense. Bring more water than you think you’ll need. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, breathable clothing, and sunscreen.
• Bring Your Camera: The annual bloom is fleeting. Whether you’re using a DSLR or a smartphone, you’ll want to capture the season’s beauty, from macro shots of saguaro blossoms to wide expanses of golden poppies.
• Practice “Leave No Trace”: Resist the urge to pick wildflowers. Their seeds help ensure next year’s display, so stick to trails and preserve this spectacle for future nature lovers.

Incorporating Desert Beauty into Optima® Life
For residents of Optima®’s Scottsdale communities, the desert bloom can also translate into daily inspiration. After a morning hike, bring a piece of the outdoors home by creating a small succulent garden on your balcony or patio—keeping in mind guidelines for sustainable planting. Share bloom updates and trail tips with neighbors in communal lounges, or arrange a weekend group hike. At day’s end, consider using the serene rooftops or courtyards available in Optima properties for a post-hike wind-down—meditating outdoors while the sun sets over the blossoming desert is an unmatched experience.

From high-color wildflowers dotting desert washes to towering cactus blossoms in bright pinks and oranges, spring in the Sonoran Desert is a natural spectacle that’s both humbling and uplifting. Whether you dedicate an entire weekend to exploring the McDowell Sonoran Preserve or simply spend a peaceful hour strolling through the Desert Botanical Garden, you’ll witness firsthand the desert’s incredible ability to renew itself each year. For Optima® residents, it’s also a reminder that in a place as dynamic as Scottsdale, wellness and adventure go hand in hand—even in the simplest act of stopping to smell the wildflowers.

Interested in learning more about desert wildflowers? Visit the Arizona State Parks & Trails website here.