Posted: October 24, 2024
In this 3-part series, Healthy Aging Through the Lens of Our Five Pillars of Wellness, we will explore the concept of healthy aging, the benefits of community life and discovering purpose in older adults.
Cognitive fitness for older adults has become increasingly essential as we recognize that total wellness extends far beyond physical health alone. We all know the importance of staying healthy and intentionally taking steps to maintain our overall well-being, especially as we age. Yet being healthy isn’t as simple as we may think—it involves numerous factors. Using our Five Pillars of Wellness, we will be diving into these elements to discover the role healthy habits play in our lives. In part one, of this three-part series, we explore health as it relates to our physical, cognitive, and spiritual fitness.
To remain physically fit, we must continue to move and exercise our bodies to maintain strength, mobility, and cardiovascular fitness. While the brain is not a muscle, the same principle applies—if we don’t use it, we lose it. This understanding has sparked a significant shift in senior living communities, expanding beyond physical wellness to embrace cognitive health as an equal priority.
While physical care and wellness programs often draw residents to senior living communities initially, our approach at Cappella of Pueblo West goes deeper. Yes, strength training and aerobic exercise remain fundamental to our physical health programs. But, we’ve discovered that vitality come from encouraging residents to discover or re-discover interests and passions that will help them to thrive, both physically and cognitively.
Our Rhythms Life enrichment (LE) programs are built upon the “Five Pillars of Wellness”: social connection, intellectual engagement, purposeful living, physical health and spiritual growth. Providing residents with opportunities to achieve and keep the brain active and healthy.
Building community through shared values and experiences, fostering relationships that bring us together.
Loneliness can be a common problem among older adults, especially since oftentimes the opportunity for social interaction can be limited. Studies have proven that having regular social interaction leads to happier and more fulfilled lives and this has a correlation with long-term mental health. In fact, a recent Harvard Medical School study found that older adults who interacted with people outside of their usual family and friend circle were more likely to be more active, have greater positive moods, and fewer negative feelings.
Supporting brain health with lifelong learning and meaningful ways to keep an active mind.
According to the National Institute on Aging, as we age our brain health can be affected by a variety of age-related changes and there are some factors that affect brain health that can’t be changed. However, there are lifestyle changes that may help make a difference in maintaining good brain health, one of which is keeping your mind active. Some studies show that learning new skills and stimulating the brain can help improve thinking and memory. At Cappella of Pueblo West, residents participate in planning our monthly continuing education opportunities so they will always have a way to learn something that interests them.
Promoting healthy choices and habits, independence and inclusive fitness for enhanced function.
As we get older, it becomes more and more important to maintain physical strength, balance, and flexibility. Whether it is in the form of taking a walk or cleaning their home, exercise helps older adults reduce falls, improve strength and balance, and improve mental health and overall quality of life. Plus, it’s a great way to make new friends! Cappella of Pueblo West has a walking group of residents that get together each day, listen to music and walk around the community. It’s a great way to get those steps in and stay engaged with each other.
Engaging in meaningful choices, serving, feeling valued, and sharing gifts with others.
As a society we underestimate the desire and need for older adults to have purpose. We expect them to just slow down and enjoy their golden years, but the fact remains that older adults who have a sense of purpose enjoy life more and stay healthier. Studies show that older adults with a sense of purpose are more likely to live longer and less likely to develop cognitive impairments.
Does this mean that having a sense of purpose is the twenty first century fountain of youth? Probably not, but it does help maintain motivation and a zest for life that keeps us young at heart and enjoying our lives to the fullest. This is why the residents of Cappella of Pueblo West are so involved in the activities and programming at our community. This is their home and their opinions matter.
Nurturing the soul, spirit and emotional well-being by connecting to our purpose, values and beliefs.
Let’s not forget about spiritual wellness. For some this may mean religion, for others it may be some other form of spirituality. Spirituality becomes a bigger part of many people’s lives as they get older. According to an article published in the National Library of Medicine on the role of religion/spirituality in older adults, “spirituality and/or belief can have numerous positive outcomes for older adults including enhanced health and well-being, greater capacity to cope, social support, and opportunities to participate in society.”
A common misconception about community living is that once a resident arrives, they surrender their independence. At our community, residents enjoy the freedom to choose what they want to do. Our vibrant life enrichment calendar—full of activities, classes, events and excursions—reflects our commitment to purposeful living. Many of these programs are not just attended but also developed by residents.
This emphasis on resident-driven decision-making creates a sense of ownership in the community and opportunities for personal growth. Whether it’s forming new friendships through book clubs and dining outings, or nurturing the spirit through prayer groups and studies, residents can shape their journey of growth and discovery.
Learn more about assisted living at Cappella of Pueblo West and discover how community living can enhance your life and bring new opportunities for purpose and growth!
Healthy Aging Through the Lens of Our Five Pillars of Wellness: 3-Part Series
© 2024 Cappella of Pueblo West
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