Active Aging is the New Normal
Aging is no longer a bad word. We are all getting older; however, staying active, seeking ways to live longer, better, and staying connected with family and friends is an ongoing trend. As a result, we are increasingly attracted to senior living communities for our family members or ourselves that promote and support these wellness expectations.
Pi and the Active Wellness team are creating active aging spaces, partnering with senior living communities and others to integrate fitness and wellness amenities. Our thought process: Aging isn’t synonymous with decline, particularly with the right approach to exercise and nutrition. Nutrition and exercise have a proven impact on health span, as borne out by years of research, according to Elizabeth Studebaker, Active Wellness senior marketing manager.
Older adults who prioritize longevity and aging well seek senior living options that enable them to accomplish their life goals. Increasingly, this means settings with not only a fitness center but a wellness center that provides activities, services, and education that promote health and well-being. This may mean a spa-like setting that offers services like red light or cold therapy, along with traditional services such as facials and massages. “We have partnerships with various vendors to enable the provision of these types of amenities,” said Studebaker. Residents should be able to pick and choose the services and amenities they want and receive personalized, focused wellness support.
Several key elements of an effective wellness effort in senior living include:
Identification of areas/spaces that are available for new wellness programming. If some programs or amenities can’t be held onsite, consider adjacencies and partnerships to enable easy resident participation. Each person needs a simple program that meets them where they are and is enjoyable to follow,” Studebaker said.
A vibrant, engaged community. “When done well, the wellness center becomes a part of a daily routine that is never missed. It’s where the community gathers, engages in shared activities, and learns together about health and wellbeing,” she said.
Top-notch staff. This not only means people who are skilled and well-trained, but also individuals who know the residents and are engaged in the community.
Strong resident participation. “Identify ambassadors and invite them to participate in leading clubs and groups that enhance engagement,” Studebaker said. Don’t forget about residents who have limitations or disabilities. According to the Department of Health and Human Services data, 41.3% of older adults with reduced physical or cognitive function engage in “light, moderate, or vigorous leisure-time physical activities.”
Ability to set goals and track progress. Whether it involves the use of wearable devices, online portals, and/or other efforts, it’s important to enable residents to see their progress so they can change or tweak their wellness program, add or eliminate activities, and celebrate when they reach goals. Studebaker said, “If we have that data, we can understand where somebody's starting in a program and what’s involved. Then we're able to survey and test them again and see what improvements were made.” That helps move the needle, not only regarding the person’s physical health goals but also how they feel mentally and emotionally.
Be creative. Each community is different. Consider programs or activities most likely to appeal to residents, involve the community at large (including intergenerational efforts), and align with the physical environment. Bring in local experts for educational programs, support pop-up stores for appropriate fitness and wellness organizations/vendors, utilize the special skills, knowledge, and experience of residents and family members, etc. The little things affect quality of life, so pay attention to details, including quick response to residents’ questions, concerns, and requests.
A growing number of senior living communities want to attract a younger, healthier audience that wants programs to keep them healthier and enable them to live longer and better. To meet the needs and demands of these residents, communities need to assess their amenities and services and identify gaps that need to be filled. Pi partnerships with organizations like Active Wellness can help enable communities to offer a broader range of targeted programming to attract new residents and keep their current ones healthy and engaged
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