At the age of 34, Jennifer Tapner made a drastic, healthy, change in her morning routine. The Executive Director of The Watermark at Logan Square, a continuing care senior community in Philadelphia has gone from sedentary to swift and svelte by starting every single day with 90 minutes of running or biking.
Now 40 pounds trimmer, muscular, lean and energetic, in just 3½ years she’s evolved into an accomplished competitive runner, marathoner and tri-athlete. Tapner still has the senior executive responsibilities that include spending time at a desk and computer. But, she is sure that the physical challenge she added to her pre-work routine improves life both for herself and for her large community, which includes 450 residents and 300 staff associates.
“That 90 minutes helps me better prepare for what I walk into each day,” explains Tapner. “I’m more grounded. It relieves anxiety. I have a clear mind and it gives me the endurance and the stamina to take what the day brings. I’m a better leader. It’s sort of like meditation. The days I don’t exercise, I’m not as focused. I can feel it.”
Rain or shine, frosty or humid, she’s out the door starting at 5 a.m., covering miles of her neighborhood in Voorhees, N.J. This is from a woman who literally couldn’t run a block at the beginning of her fitness campaign. Remembering initial days of her running program, Tapner recalls setting very small goals. “I started out with my block, then ½ mile, then ¾ mile. I built up my stamina and my ability. It’s taken years, but I’m proud to say that this year, I’m in multiple triathlons. I am also running two ½ marathons in Philadelphia in training for two full marathons out of town… one in Washington DC and another in Florida at Disney World.”
Tapner is an R.N. who applies her medical expertise to senior care. She recognizes that her own healthier approach to life has inspired the community of retirees and associates at The Watermark at Logan Square. Many have been part of The Watermark community for years, and have watched her physical transformation over the months since she began. “I hope I’m a role model for our residents, demonstrating that people can change and be more active. I was in terrible shape when I began working here. I don’t expect them to take on road races, but I do hope I encourage them to work at their ability, to walk around the block if they can, and to keep moving.”
Tapner likes to connect that inspiration with a word that defines the mission of all 27 Watermark retirement communities nationwide. That word is “thrive”. “In our free Watermark University classes, we have yoga and stretching classes and a full service gym. We encourage mental fitness as well. Our seniors can learn chess or tackle a foreign language. Learning to knit for the first time is very beneficial mental exercise. Wii bowling doesn’t use a heavy bowling ball. But there’s actually very challenging hand-eye coordination involved to make the controller hit a strike or pick up a spare. All these opportunities offer the residents different ways to find their passion. At The Watermark at Logan Square, we constantly remind each other that we are all capable of developing in some way and that it’s never too late to try something new. That’s the ‘thrive’ mindset.”
Still, for the residents of The Watermark at Logan Square, catching sight of their limber, fleet executive director zipping along courses that pass right through their neighborhood in Center City is an exceptional treat. “They come out on the street by the Logan Circle fountain and cheer for me when I run in local races,” explains Tapner. “Or they ask to see the medals I’ve won in other events. They take it very personally and you’d think they’d run with me! And it inspires them to keep moving, to get off the couch and try new things.”
The Watermark at Logan Square is located at Two Franklin Town Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more information, call 215-240-8915 or visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/logansquare
