We all want to live a long life. But while lifespan refers to the number of years someone lives, it’s healthspan that represents the years a person lives in good health and with vitality and purpose. In other words, beyond living longer, we should want to live better.
Of course, being “healthy” has a different meaning for everyone, which is why Life Plan Communities focus on holistic wellness and individualized care. The initiatives, amenities and programs offered at a HumanGood Life Plan Community are geared towards our formula for living your best life: connection + well-being + security. These core pillars represent a comprehensive, full-person approach to improving and maintaining health and wellness in our communities.
No matter what your personal definition of wellness looks like, “staying healthy” isn’t just about managing medical conditions or reacting when a health concern arises. Everyone should try their best to be proactive about their health by prioritizing habits that account for the whole person, including physical health, mental health and cognitive health.
This is the obligation of a Life Plan Community: to make healthy living as easy and enjoyable as possible for every resident. Here’s how:
Food is fuel — when you put good in, you get good out. In a Life Plan Community, residents receive fresh, healthy meals prepared daily by community chefs using local ingredients. Furthermore, many communities offer specialty options to accommodate those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
But the advantages of dining services go beyond managing physical health through diet. Life Plan Communities also provide numerous communal dining spaces, such as cafeterias and patios. This means that community members have plenty of opportunities to share meals and connect socially, benefiting their mental health as well.
As we mentioned in an earlier article, “The right senior living community is a launchpad for enriching social relationships.” With a variety of classes and programming, residents have ample opportunities to meet and make friends, particularly those with similar interests.
Apart from formal programs, such as clubs and planned outings, Life Plan Communities are designed to promote social interaction wherever possible, complete with a multitude of shared spaces, both indoor and outdoor, where residents are free to gather and socialize as they please.
Peaceful, outdoor gathering places are only the beginning. Most Life Plan Communities are also outfitted with numerous walking paths, pools and bike trails so residents can enjoy the fresh air and soak up some sunshine (weather permitting, of course).
Additionally, many communities are located near parks and other local attractions. Curating diverse outdoor spaces not only means residents have more fitness options (think jogging, biking or swimming), but they can also spend time outside in nature.
Life Plan Communities offer a variety of instructor-led classes and group activities that residents are welcome to participate in. In addition to traditional offerings and general fitness instruction, such as aerobics and yoga classes, the communities offer programs that focus specifically on older adult pain points, such as:
Balance work
Strength training
Mobility training
Fall prevention
Residents also have access to gyms and fitness equipment for personal use if they prefer solo exercise.
Fitness classes aren’t the only programming options, though. Life Plan Communities organize an entire calendar of events, activities and workshops to help promote lifelong learning in their communities. Besides socialization, these offerings promote cognitive and mental health by ensuring residents have the chance to pursue their passions and find their purpose.
Examples of these offerings include:
Interest-based clubs and groups
Skill-related workshops
Wellness programs
Guest lectures and partnerships
Travel and excursions
Even if you don’t mind cleaning or home maintenance, there’s no denying that it takes time and effort to execute. Plus, eventually, it tends to become too much to keep up with, either physically or emotionally.
If you move to a Life Plan Community, the majority of these responsibilities (e.g., laundry, housekeeping and landscaping) are taken care of. In fact, “residents at Life Plan Communities consistently report feeling more independent and unburdened because they’re free from daily chores that otherwise consume time and energy. They don’t have to juggle a to-do list when it comes to maintaining a home.”
In addition to necessary health services available on-site, Life Plan Communities tend to provide transportation options that allow members to get to and from doctor’s appointments or visits to other health care providers. On top of that, the qualified health care professionals and caregiving staff employed at these communities work closely with other members of a resident’s care network (e.g., physicians and therapists) to deliver personalized, consistent care.
Communities also involve personal members of residents’ networks — including family and friends — wherever possible, providing lots of opportunities for loved ones to visit and contribute to daily life.
To mitigate physical safety risks, residences can be equipped with accessibility features and accommodations, such as grab bars, ramps and more, that are specially designed for older adults. Low thresholds and first-floor-only residences help to minimize fall risks and provide easy access for those with limited mobility or disabilities.
The beauty of a Life Plan Community is that it offers a continuum of care, which means that your health care needs are met as they evolve. HumanGood Life Plan Communities offer a variety of living options — including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory support — right on one campus, plus detailed safety protocols and 24/7 emergency response.
Perhaps the best part? Even if you and your spouse or partner have different care needs, you can still stay together in the same community while receiving the personalized assistance you need to feel your best.
Healthy living doesn’t have to be difficult, especially when you’re surrounded by all the help and resources necessary to live a fulfilling life. As your health needs change, you need an environment that can reliably support your care needs, no matter how they play out. This includes not just meeting physical health requirements but also taking a holistic health and wellness approach that considers the entire person. You can further explore the many advantages of a holistic health approach with Your Best Life: A Holistic Guide to Senior Wellness.