In celebration of National Book Month, La Posada, a retirement community in Palm Beach Gardens, is showcasing its thriving book club, which has become a cornerstone of resident engagement. The club, facilitated by resident Constance “Connie” Tozer, meets monthly and has grown to 17 members, prompting a cap on attendance and inspiring additional book clubs within the community.
According to Harvard Health and the National Institute on Aging, reading and participating in book clubs later in life can improve memory, reduce stress, boost mental sharpness, and support longevity. These benefits are a key reason the group continues to thrive, as Connie often reminds members at the start of each meeting.
The club selects a mix of fiction and nonfiction titles, avoiding political books to keep discussions focused on stories. La Posada supports the group by purchasing large-print and regular-print copies, and members also use e-books from apps like Hoopla and Cloud Library. “We’ve built real friendships through this group,” Connie said, emphasizing the social connections formed.
Brad Cadiere, executive director at La Posada, noted the community's pride in supporting programs that inspire lifelong learning. “It’s always wonderful to see the excitement build up when a new book is chosen or a meeting is around the corner,” he said. For more information, visit https://mylaposada.com/.
