For seniors, keeping a pulse (literally and figuratively) on your wellness is vital. Research shows that by nurturing your body, mind, and spirit as one, a person reduces their risk of disease and depression, and increases their quality and expectancy of life.
What do you see when you envision ‘wellness’? For many, the term ‘wellness’ conjures visions of food pyramids, diet fads, fitness plans, all things nutrition and fitness related. But did you know that good fitness and nutrition make up just one out of six dimensions of wellness?
The Six Dimensions of Wellness – And Why it Matters to Seniors
Dr. Bill Hettler, co-founder of the National Wellness Institute developed a model for wellness based on six dimensions, or categories. This model fits in well with Vantage Point’s holistic and resident-centered approach to wellness within our communities.
The concept of holistic wellness fits seamlessly into the programs Vantage Point creates because the two are not mutually exclusive. Meaning, you can’t have one without the other.
Let’s identify these six dimensions, and discuss how they are a part of the ‘adVantages’ that come with living in a Vantage Point community.
Dimension #1: Physical Wellness
This dimension recognizes the need for regular physical activity and eating a well-balanced diet. Those who navigate this dimension well know the important role fitness and nutrition play in overall health. It’s not just about maintaining an ideal weight or body image, it’s about the health benefits associated with physical wellness, such as reduced risk of chronic illnesses and falls that lead to fractures. The dimension of physical wellness is also about taking control of your healthcare, practicing self-care, and keeping up with routine medical appointments.
“Your adVantage” with us: Vantage Point communities integrate physical wellness in just about every facet of life.
- We create and support well-rounded fitness programs that enable residents to maintain their independence.
- We establish meaningful partnerships with healthcare providers
- We use advanced technology to keep you healthy and well
- We create dining programs and menus that are delicious and fresh, with a variety of offerings that cater to those seeking a healthy lifestyle
Dimension #2: Emotional Wellness
This dimension recognizes awareness and acceptance of one’s feelings. It’s also about finding the right ways and the right outlets to express those feelings. Coping with stress, feelings of isolation and loneliness, and understanding limitations are all challenges seniors face as they age. Being mentally and emotionally resilient and creating satisfying relationships with others are essential to well-being; as is the ability to recover from physical and emotional set backs.
“Your adVantage” with us: To Vantage Point, “community” is so much more than a physical building.
We offer community in every sense of the word. When a person moves to a Vantage Point community, they’re joining an extended family of people who are dedicated to improving the quality of life of those who reside there. Our wellness programs are designed to do so much more than offer fitness classes. We create engaging programs and design our communities to create an atmosphere that encourages building relationships and celebrates life.
Dimension #3: Spiritual Wellness
Our search for meaning and purpose in human existence makes up this dimension of spirituality. It’s so much more than practicing faith, whatever that means to you. It’s the search for meaning and purpose, appreciating life, and aligning your actions with your values and beliefs. For some it’s about following a specific religious practice, while for others it is a more general approach to self-awareness.
“Your adVantage” with us: Vantage Point believes spirituality is best defined by an individual, not a community.
We believe in an inclusive philosophy to practicing faith. Whatever your path to spirituality, we will work as a community to ensure that your lifestyle allows for you to feel connected, joyful, and peaceful with yourself and amongst others. Whether you find spirituality through meditation, attending religious services, or simply sitting in peace on a beach, opportunities to practice spirituality are abundant in a Vantage Point community.
Dimension #4: Social Wellness
The social dimension emphasizes building quality relationships with other people and your community. It’s about being aware of your importance in society and how you influence those around you. Social wellness focuses on maintaining meaningful relationships and fostering new friendships with those who lift you up, and vice versa.
“Your adVantage” with us: This dimension is one reason why people choose to live in communities like Vantage Point’s rather than living at home.
Community lifestyles provide residents with opportunities to engage with people who have similar interests in ways that are not possible at home. Whether you are a ‘joiner’ or prefer to observe, a community lifestyle offers you choices and opportunities to build better personal relationships, better living environments, and a better community in general
Dimension #5: Intellectual Wellness
This dimension of wellness is designed so you always have the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to challenge yourself. A person who practices intellectual wellness expands his or her knowledge and skills while sharing it with others and being open to the knowledge of others.
“Your adVantage” with us: Vantage Point communities are hotbeds of intellectual growth.
From educational series and continued learning, to creative opportunities, there is something for everyone to keep intellectually stimulated and well.
Dimension #6: Occupational Wellness
While this dimension focuses on satisfaction through work, it doesn’t define ‘work’ as a 9-5 job. Sure, some people continue to work well into senior-hood, but others find volunteerism rewarding. However you define ‘work’, this dimension of wellness is based on contributing unique gifts, skills, and talents to work that is personally meaningful. It means developing skills, volunteering, mentoring and just about any way you can lend your intellectual talents.
“Your adVantage” with us: Vantage Point communities are embedded into the greater communities in which they’re located.
We believe in becoming contributing members, volunteers, and champions for organizations that serve the local senior organizations and beyond. If contributing time, skills, and energy are part of what makes you feel fulfilled, you’ll find an outlet here.
