Wanderlust in Action: Moorings Park Communities' Residents Take Adventure to New Heights

The latest Wanderlust Program adventure had Moorings Park Communities’ residents skydiving from 14,000 feet. 

“This is my favorite Wanderlust Adventure so far,” said Barbara Bou-Sliman. “I was inspired to jump after I saw a video of the last skydiving adventure, and I thought, oh, that looks exciting. I want to do that. Living at Moorings Park absolutely inspired me [to jump].”  

A large group of Moorings Park Communities residents and employees began 2025 with a one-of-a-kind adventure: skydiving. For those who dare to leap from a plane thousands of feet above the earth, the experience is often described as life changing. An adventure for those with wanderlust, or the irresistible longing for an adventure into the unknown. Moorings Park Communities in Naples, Florida, is a place where these types of individuals congregate; thrill-seeking seniors who enjoy passing time by racecar driving, hang gliding, and even skydiving.  

Aging with Passion, Purpose, and Curiosity

Moorings Park Communities offers residents these thrilling opportunities through the Wanderlust Experience program, an initiative aimed at encouraging unique experiences, goal setting, and neighborly camaraderie, all of which contribute to a longer, healthier, more vibrant life and successful aging. 

 “At Moorings Park Communities, a big part of successful aging is challenging the idea that there’s limitation to what we can achieve as we age,” said Associate Executive Director of Wellness Brett Swanson. “Age is just a number, and we want to help residents break the barriers that society sometimes puts on older adults. You may think skydiving is a big leap, but it’s not about the jump itself. It’s about continuing to set goals and helping our residents achieve them as they age.”  

Among those who deeply understand this vision is Executive Director of Successful Aging Jessica Brinkert, who joined these daring residents to make the jump. 

“This experience embodies the essence of successful aging: embracing challenges, staying active, and cultivating a mindset of growth,” said Jessica. “Physically, it pushes boundaries and strengthens resilience, while mentally it fosters confidence and joy. This event was a reminder that successful aging is about attitude, curiosity, and seizing opportunities. Adventure and aging are not mutually exclusive. Our residents redefine what it means to age by living with purpose, passion, and curiosity. Their example has taught me that life is about embracing experiences and continually challenging ourselves to grow.” 

Camaraderie and Community Behind Every Jump

About two hours northeast of Naples, Florida, lies one of the largest, safest skydiving centers in the world, Skydive Spaceland Florida, where this Wanderlust Experience took place. This center has been operating for over 35 years and can handle up to 100 first-time jumpers on any given day. Moorings Park Communities’ residents and partners spent the morning preparing for their leap beneath a spacious hangar overlooking a flat, wide-open airfield. 

Each jumper was paired with a highly trained instructor for their tandem skydiving experience, who worked with each resident and partner to ensure that they were safe, informed, and able to fully enjoy and appreciate the adventure.

One by one, the brave individuals adorned their jumpsuits and helmets and entered into the Cessna Super Caravan aircraft with their respective instructors to begin their ascent 14,000 feet into the air. Those who awaited their turn on the ground, or who had already made the jump, patiently anticipated the moment when the skydivers could be spotted high up amongst the clouds. When a parachute could be seen gliding through the air, the group would pour out of the hangar to get a glimpse of their friends soaring through the sky as they floated back down to Earth.

It was during these moments that the camaraderie between the group was clear. Cheers and claps broke out for every courageous skydiver and questions about the experience were asked with anticipation. The general consensus to jumping out of a perfectly good airplane? Simply the best!

In Their Own Words: The Thrill of the Fall

“It was really wonderful,” said Clair Behr. 

“I’ve never had that feeling before; it’s like you’re flying like a bird,” said Tom Brand Jr. “It was a great experience. I’ve got to do it again.” 

“I did it!” said Beverly Drum. “I loved it.” 

“I’m doing it again next year!” said Bill Fennessy. 

“What a day,” said Bill Follit. “Can you believe I just did that? Dove from 14,000 feet. What a great opportunity. You could see everything as we buzzed back and forth; the lake, the fields. I think I’m on next year’s trip to do it again.”  

“I thought it was very startling at first out of the plane, but it quickly turned into great fun. I’d do it again any time,” said Alan Horton. 

“It was amazing,” said Dan Kruse. “Such a great feeling. It’s hard to describe.” 

“It was really cool,” said Sara Morgan. “It happened so fast that you don’t have time to think. You’re just there and then you’re tumbling out of the plane. The wind was blowing so fast.” 

“Astounding, I loved it. It was a totally new experience, but it was phenomenal,” said Joy Neubert. “Perfect view of Florida.”  

“It was fun! I had a good time,” said Don Osborne. 

“It was great, I had a great time,” said Betty Pursley. “When I jumped out, I was a little scared, but it wasn’t so bad.”

“The second jump was so much better,” said Fred Yanni Jr., who had attended the previous Wanderlust skydiving adventure. “You could really feel what was happening.”  

“I feel fantastic,” said partner Nick Rosa. “Once you see the first person leave the plan, it hits you, but once you see that view, the parachute is up, and you’re just floating… oh man. It’s incredible. I would do it again.” 

“Seeing their courage was a privilege and a moment of pure joy,” said Jessica. “I’ve never been skydiving before, but I was inspired to jump by our incredible residents who show courage and zest for life every day. Sharing this meaningful experience with them felt like the perfect way to celebrate their adventurous spirit. They inspire me daily, and if they could take the leap, so could I!” 

Watch this incredible adventure unfold here.

More Than a Jump: Successful Aging at Moorings Park Communities

The Wanderlust Experience not only reinforces the idea of living boldly and fully but reminds us of the power of community, a defining characteristic of life at Moorings Park Communities, where individuals are able to connect with like-minded neighbors who share a vibrant zest for life and a passion for new experiences.     

“Moving to Moorings Park and meeting the other residents just made me feel like I was at home,” said Barbara. “It’s a blessing [to be] surrounded by people like me, and the staff is very, very caring. They treat you like family. That's important. It’s amazing [here], and I’ve learned a lot.” 

Ranked the #4 senior living destination in America, Moorings Park Communities believes in fostering a vibrant and healthy lifestyle for Southwest Florida’s seniors and boomers. This successful aging initiative is supported through state-of-the-art amenities, engaging programs that support the mind, body, and spirit, five-star restaurants, and personalized healthcare. To learn more, visit the Moorings Park Communities website, call 239-451-5509, or schedule a personal tour of Moorings Park Communities’ three gorgeous campuses in Naples, Florida.