Wellness means different things to different people. Some immediately think of physical activity like sports or exercise. For others, wellness brings to mind emotional health and spirituality. For most older adults, wellness simply means living life fully.
If you live in a senior retirement community in Canada, the best way to achieve that end is to think in terms of the dimensions of wellness.
The 5 Dimensions of Wellness
People often think about wellness in terms of physical health — exercise, nutrition, etc. But it is so much more. Wellness is a holistic integration of physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual wellbeing.
At All Seniors Care, we focus on the five dimensions of wellness for a more complete and satisfying lifestyle. To help you understand how you can incorporate and optimize your wellness in retirement, we’ve put together this simple to follow guide using the ASC Senior Games as an example
Handy hint: If you live in one of our residences, it’s not too late to sign up for the games! Simply download this registration form and give it to your Health and Wellness Director today.
1. Physical health. Get Moving!
Physical wellness balances all aspects of the physical self which includes sleep, movement, nutrition, hygiene, relaxation, management of illness and injuries.
Physicians and researchers agree and the reasons are well documented: staying physically active is particularly important for older adults. Strength exercises work to build muscles, improve balance, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Regular stretching can increase flexibility and freedom of movement to make everyday activities easier and safer. Activities that build balance can help to prevent falls.
The perfect example – this might surprise you! – is Wii Bowling. The simulated game delivers fun yet effective balance training. Think beyond weight transfer and arm swinging. It also helps with visual perception, eye-hand coordination, and sequenced movement. Wii games for seniors make exercise fun.
ASC Resources:
- Aquatics
- Dining Services
- Fitness Center
- Health Education
- Health Services
@collegepark2rrHave you played Pétanque Atout before? We are training for the All Seniors Care Senior Games. Keep moving!♬ Keep Moving – Jungle
2. Emotional health. Find inner peace!
Your emotional wellbeing is just as important as your physical well-being. Good emotional health is the key to boosting quality of life in your golden years.
Feeling isolated from people and a sense of purpose can make seniors more prone to declines in mental and emotional health. To remedy this, find opportunities for human connection by staying social and active in your community.
Events like the Senior Games connect us with those around us in an entertaining and meaningful way. The comradery facilitates feelings of interpersonal closeness … not to mention stimulating, friendly competition!
ASC Resources:
- Activities, clubs, and outings
- Health and Wellness assessments
- Mental health resources
- Social services
3. Cognitive Health. Stay sharp!
Cognitive health — the ability to think, learn, and remember — is an important component of performing everyday activities. Cognitive health is just one aspect of overall brain health.
Flexing cognitive muscles goes beyond passive sports – active sports also boost brain power. Playing Pétanque atout takes concentration. Ladder ball and physical exercise sends your heart racing, which pumps blood through your body, increasing the oxygen to your brain.
Did you know that leisure activities like reading, playing board games, playing musical instruments, and dancing are linked to a lower risk of dementia?
This year at the Senior Games, older adults will test their brain power during a Jeopardy face-off.
ASC Resources:
- Brain games
- Current affairs groups
- Educational seminars
- Library
- Games Room
- Sensory rooms
4. Social. Get involved. Be connected!
Social activities are more than just enjoyable ways to pass time. Social wellbeing involves building personal relationships, creating a healthy living space, and taking part in your community.
Older adults who participate in social or productive activities such as cooking or gardening feel more connected, meet people, and create lifelong friendships. Whether you actively participate in the Games or cheer for your favourite team, the sense of community will lift your spirits and improve your overall quality of life.
ASC Resources:
- Community Engagement
- Meet and greets
- National and local events
- Seniors Games
- Social groups
- Volunteer and leadership opportunities
5. Spiritual wellness. Have faith!
The ability to recognize the search for meaning and purpose, to develop an appreciation for life and the natural world around us point to spiritual wellbeing. Some people follow specific religious practices, while others lean toward the pursuit of harmony and self-awareness through meditation. Either way, spiritual health is a dimension of wellness that complements and impacts our physical and emotional wellbeing every day.
Why not Walk and Roll through Love Lane at the 12th Annual Senior Games? For the last year, residents have been creating artwork and love letters that will be displayed on each floor of our beautiful residences. At the end of the event, these will be donated to local helpers in an expression of appreciation and goodwill – the truest expression of love and spiritual wellbeing.
ASC Resources:
- Fundraising opportunities
- Nondenominational chapel
- Intercultural and intergenerational programs
The Dimensions of Senior Health and Wellness At ASC
Fueling the body, engaging the mind, and nurturing the spirit are all critical components of seniors’ overall health and wellness. All Seniors Care takes pride in ensuring the highest quality of life for residents. That means encouraging older adults to live energetic, full, independent lives that include exercise and laughing together at every opportunity.
These kinds of shared experiences have tremendous value and are a priority at all our senior living homes. With a balanced style of programming that incorporates the five dimensions of wellness, you or your loved one will enjoy a happier, healthier, and more vibrant retirement lifestyle throughout the years.
Whether you are interested in assisted living in Saskatoon or luxury retirement homes in Hamilton, book an appointment with our friendly Lifestyle Directors. You can also click here to see all our locations or call 1-866-797-7169.
@chapelhillretirement All fun and games until…… the celling gets hurt? #funny #chapelhill #seniors #laddergolf #miss #foryou #foryoupage ♬ Funny Song – Cavendish Music
Writer – Julianna McLeod
Julianna is a health and wellness expert at All Seniors Care. Her mission is to create content that empowers seniors to form sustainable solutions for lasting health and happiness. She is an experienced writer, editor, and Recreational Therapist living in Toronto.