Recent studies have suggested that genetics only make up about 20% of a person’s life expectancy – with wellness and lifestyle choices being the prominent factor that determines longevity and healthy aging.
But what are the dimensions of wellness, and how do they contribute to a person’s life expectancy? When people think about the word wellness, it’s common to only consider aspects related to physical health, exercise and nutrition. While these elements are vital, the dimensions of wellness incorporate a combination of physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing, including:
As a senior living provider in Franklin, Indiana, Astral at Franklin is highlighting each dimension of wellness and how a senior living community can help enhance each area in your life.
Social wellness simply refers to the relationships we have and how we interact with others. Humans are naturally social creatures, and we want and need to achieve social connections with the people around us. When a person is unable to find that sort of connection, it can lead to serious health conditions.
Senior living communities are an excellent way to reap the benefits of socialization for older adults with limited social opportunities. From on-site clubs and classes to enjoying a meal with neighbors in the dining room, there are countless ways for residents of senior living communities to stay connected and engaged.
Our emotions allow us to cope with difficult moments and adapt to change and challenges. They also allow us to connect, appreciate and understand the feelings of others, which can go hand-in-hand with the social dimension of wellness.
By managing emotions in a healthy, constructive way, a person is more inclined to view the world and the people around them positively. Not only does this help create a sense of grounding connection, but it can lead to a balance in awareness, purpose and passions in life.
The spiritual dimension of wellness involves finding our purpose and meaning in life, including morals and ethics. Spiritual wellness is at the forefront of our senior living provider in Franklin, Indiana. We understand how crucial purpose and fulfillment are for a person to live an active, joyful life.
Spirituality connects everyone to the world around them in a uniquely personal way. Being such a personal practice, there are many options for achieving this dimension of wellness, and it may look different for everyone. However, “if we take care of our spirit, we will be able to experience a sense of peace and purpose even when life deals us a severe blow. A strong spirit helps us to survive and thrive with grace, even in the face of difficulty (unh.edu).”
When we understand how social, emotional and spiritual elements contribute to overall wellness, it becomes easier to develop an awareness of the effects of daily habits on the physical environment.
When you contribute to the wellbeing of the environment, you feel a stronger sense of connection to the world around you, and you feel accomplished and healed in your own actions and intentions throughout your days.
Occupations are jobs or professions, but they can also describe how a person spends their free time. Unfortunately, after retirement, many older adults feel they’ve lost the workplace motivation that once kept them in a routine and drove them forward.
However, occupational wellness doesn’t only revolve around a job or a career. For instance, by volunteering, serving as a mentor and participating in vocational hobbies, you can find a meaningful way to fulfill the occupational spaces.
Cognitive wellness is a necessary component of healthy aging, as it keeps our minds healthy for everyday activities and affects many other bodily functions, like mobility and communication.
Keeping your brain active can stave off early signs of dementia and memory loss, and participating in creative pursuits can help individuals find even more purpose in life to stimulate and maintain cognitive wellness. For example, journaling, painting, reading books and puzzles and games are all ways to promote cognitive health.
Continued education is also an excellent way to learn new things and challenge yourself, whether you want to take courses that focus on a personal interest or even continue where you left off after high school or college.
Physical wellness allows us to maintain our physical health and independence. This dimension recognizes the need for physical activity, healthy foods and sleep, as well as being proactive against illness and injury or managing chronic health conditions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s recommended that adults over the age of 65 try to engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. In addition, older adults should strive for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and simple adjustments can go a long way toward building healthier eating patterns.
Astral at Franklin encourages residents to lead active, healthy lifestyles. With an on-site wellness gym, outdoor patios, courtyards and walking paths and exceptional dining options, we make it easy for residents to maintain and enhance their physical wellness.
So what are the dimensions of wellness meant to bring into your life? These dimensions serve as a guideline to help you achieve an ideal state of wellness to improve your mind, body and soul.
Our senior living community in Franklin, Indiana, utilizes each dimension of wellness to ensure residents have every opportunity to make the most of their days. We invite you to visit our website and discover a higher level of wellness at Astral at Franklin!
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