Wellness seems to be on all of our minds lately — not just the physical aspect, but the mental and emotional ways to be well, too. While wellbeing is important in all stages of life, the idea of increasing wellness as we age is receiving more attention.
“We know it’s important to provide more than just a place to live and services to our residents,” says Rachel Keistler, Lutheran Hillside Village Director of Lifestyle Enrichment. “We’re focused on caring for the whole person and giving our residents opportunities to reach their full potential.”
The National Wellness Institute defines wellness as an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence. This is done by addressing wellness in all its forms. The six dimensions of wellness are physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and occupational.
Physical wellness is the one people are most familiar with — it’s about exercising and eating healthy foods. Social wellness is being part of a community and contributing to it, while intellectual wellness is continuing to learn and to be stimulated by creative endeavors.
“Surrounding yourself with options to be part of a community and engage in activities that stimulate your curiosity is important, especially as you enter your older years. That is when these opportunities need to be sought out more intentionally,” adds Keistler. “At Lutheran Hillside Village, we organize a wide variety of events and activities, from social hours to educational lectures, to give residents the opportunities to be part of the community and continue to grow and learn.”
Wellness includes a spiritual dimension as well, reminding us that it’s important to continue to look for deeper meaning in our lives. Emotional wellness is being aware of and accepting your feelings and generally feeling positive about your life. Occupational wellness is finding personal satisfaction and enrichment through your work.
“By being part of a community, people can find many ways to contribute to society using their gifts and talents,” says Keistler. “For example, we have volunteers within our community and many altruistic activities that are organized by the residents themselves. We also have organized Bible study, prayer groups, and religious services throughout the week.”
With wellness becoming a big part of daily discussion, more senior living communities are dedicating spaces to its pursuit. These areas may include a gym, community center, and other gathering spaces.
“Continuously improving the amenities we offer to help our residents to live their lives to the fullest is so important to us,” says Keistler. “Because of this, we will break ground for the construction of a new Wellness Center this summer. We’re also expanding our wellness programming.”
Plans for the Wellness Center, slated to open in Summer 2020, include a saltwater therapy pool, fitness room, theatre, multipurpose room, and much more.
Lutheran Hillside Village, a Lutheran Senior Services Life Plan Community, offers a variety of services and amenities and a robust calendar full of activities and educational opportunities for all residents. Lutheran Senior Services is built on a 160-year tradition of service excellence. As part of the Lutheran Senior Services family, Lutheran Hillside Village has the support and stability to ensure they’ll be here to take care of residents’ needs long into the future.
To visit Lutheran Hillside Village and see our Life Plan Community, which offers all levels of living, call 309-689-9605.