Life Plan Communities: The Hidden Gem of Wellness
When you hear the word “wellness,” what comes to mind? Do you define it as physical or emotional health? How about socialization? Maybe you associate it with one’s overall sense of well-being? If you guessed any or all of the above, then you’d be correct—because to put it simply—wellness is the pursuit of continued growth and balance within seven dimensions.
In this article, we’ll explore how Life Plan Communities or continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) support healthy aging in place and how various aspects contribute to our health and quality of life.
Breaking Down the Dimensions of Wellness
Think about the following dimensions as parts of a whole person: spiritual, physical, emotional, occupational, intellectual, environmental and social. While some dimensions may be more prominent than others, neglecting any area for any length of time can have adverse effects on someone’s overall health. To achieve balance among the dimensions means understanding what each area requires. For example:
- Spiritual. The dimension that helps you explore your spiritual core/faith, principles, mindfulness and staying present.
- Physical. Getting adequate rest and exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, preventing injuries.
- Emotional. Tuning into your thoughts and feelings and allowing yourself to express them. An area that’s also about seeking and providing support to others and finding ways to cope with stress and heal old wounds.
- Occupational. Improving or acquiring a skill, teaching that skill to others, choosing a career that suits your interests and talents and being open to change.
- Intellectual. This area isn’t about intelligence but rather cognition—the mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience and senses. For example, learning or perfecting a language, attending a seminar, journaling, etc.
- Environmental. The relationship someone has with the world and things around them. The environmental dimension can be a renewed connection with the earth, where a person strives to conserve water or reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Social. The ability to interact with our community and to live up to the expectations and demands of our personal roles. The social dimension is where you cultivate healthy relationships, strengthen existing relationships, contribute to the community and clearly communicate your thoughts, feelings and ideas.
Life Plan Communities: What Are They Exactly?
By design, Life Plan Communities provide a holistic and supportive environment for seniors. They generally offer independent living (in apartments or houses) as well as access to higher levels of care for residents on campus, putting you in control of your own future.
Moving to a Life Plan Community is merely a change in address, not a change in preferences. They’re more than that.
These campuses focus on creating an atmosphere where older adults have the freedom to live the retirement they’ve always wanted—by providing easy access to culture, fitness programs, healthy chef-prepared meals and activities like painting and lifelong learning—all without the stressors of home maintenance.
According to the Age Well Study by Mather Institute and psychologist Susan Pinker, the power of community living enables people to:
- Become healthier and happier, thus living longer.
- Form close relationships and frequent social interactions—two of the strongest predictors of a longer life.
- Feel a significant sense of security thanks to friends, neighbors and professionals nearby.
Misconceptions
Planning for the future can be scary. And when you factor in aging and all that comes with the future, it can be straight up terrifying. The good news is that a Life Plan Community won’t hold you back from attaining or maintaining your current lifestyle. They boast plenty of creature comforts, social gatherings and a full continuum of care so you and your loved ones can have peace of mind and still find fulfillment in your various areas of wellness.
However, there’s a perception that Life Plan Communities are only for the elderly. It’s so prevalent that residents have consistently told us, “I couldn’t be more wrong” and “I should’ve moved in sooner.”
They’re quick to point out that not enjoying the amenities and social opportunities in a maintenance-free setting was a missed opportunity. Although age is just a number, many CCRCs are typically designed for adults aged 65 and older—those moving into independent living who remain active and engaged in their local communities.
What to Consider
Before moving to a Life Plan Community, it’s worth exploring what kind of future you envision. How do you define wellness? What goals do you have in mind, and can the Life Plan Community help you achieve them? The best way to find out is simply through experience. Call the community to find out how their residents think about wellness.
By understanding what wellness means to you, you’ll be able to determine which Life Plan Community aligns with your preferences and how its offerings can contribute to and improve your overall wellness.
To learn more about Gulf Coast Village and how it supports the seven dimensions of wellness, please fill out the request form or call us today. We’d love to speak with you!
