When you think of senior living, do you think about care options, or do you think about wellness options?
“There has been a seismic shift in the way senior living is approaching lifestyles in their communities,” says Judy Given, Senior Director of Campus Development for Abe’s Garden Community, a senior living community in Nashville, TN. “It’s no longer focused solely on care, which is more of a reactive practice. Instead, the focus has transformed to approach health and wellness from a holistic angle – a more proactive approach to a healthy and happy lifestyle.”
In a 2019 survey conducted by the International Council on Active Aging, about 60% of senior living communities reported that their community is or will be based on a wellness-focused lifestyle by 2023.
“Today’s seniors are living longer than ever and healthier than ever, and they’re seeking out opportunities to ensure that their health and wellness is a priority no matter how their health needs may change,” says Judy. “At Abe’s Garden Community, our lifestyle is developed from the ground up to promote and maximize health and wellness in mind, body and spirit.”
Here are just a few examples of how health trends are shaping the life of planned communities and evolving from simply getting exercise and eating right to an existence based on a wellness-focused lifestyle.
Reducing stress.
Stress is something that many, if not all, Americans experience on a regular basis. Senior living professionals understand that reducing stress improves the quality of life for residents age 65 and older in a big way. Long-term stress causes havoc on our overall health, so senior living communities are focused on providing a low-stress lifestyle with options that include maintenance, culinary solutions, housekeeping and other perks that reduce older adults’ everyday stressors. This gives residents the time and opportunity to do the things they want to do – not the things they need to do.
Holistic, alternative health options.
Today’s options for care involve more than just a state-of-the-art fitness center. Practices like meditation, massage, yoga and others are being incorporated into care plans to help reduce joint and muscle pain, improve range of motion, strengthen immune systems and lower blood pressure. Many residents report a reduction in chronic pain, hypertension, stress and other issues.
Lifelong learning.
Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Seniors are eager to learn more about the world around them and being retired gives them the opportunity to pick up a new skill, learn something new or pursue a long-ago passion. Older generations are heading back to college, creating art and improving the world around them by learning every day. This helps reduce depression, boost self-worth – and is really fun, too.
Healthy diets.
As McKnight’s Senior Living states: Making great-tasting food is key to helping seniors eat healthily. Today’s communities are hiring staff nutritionists and chefs to integrate a healthy farm-to-table, fresh approach to dining that incorporates local ingredients, reduces preservatives and ensures that meals are always healthy, nutritious and delicious.
Today’s communities aren’t just helping seniors live well – they’re helping them thrive. By adopting the latest health and wellness trends, you’ll find that communities are creating balanced, healthy and engaging lifestyles to help current and future residents live well today and in the future.
Love Where You Live!
Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Do I love where I live?” If you ask that question of the residents of Abe’s Garden Independent Living, Nashville’s premier retirement community, the answer would be a resounding, “Yes!” For 60 years, Abe’s Garden Independent Living (formerly Park Manor) has served Nashville’s seniors by providing a community designed to support an active, independent, secure and hassle-free lifestyle. Located on seven spacious acres near the desirable Nashville neighborhood of Belle Meade, we’re proud to provide a lifestyle our residents love every day.
Our apartments and dining room have been renovated, and our programs, events and activities have been reimagined and refocused on enhancing the total well-being of mind, body and spirit. In fact, Abe’s Garden Community is establishing a replicable model for senior life that is focused on brain health, wellness and purposeful living.
This commitment to enhancing the lives of seniors is why we are held in such high regard by our surrounding community and are known as the premier retirement community offering independent living and assisted living lifestyles.
Abe’s Garden Assisted Living provides peace of mind with support and individualized care that simply can’t be matched when living alone at home. Residents have access to a vibrant, wellness-focused lifestyle rich with opportunities to nurture friendships and enjoy all the possibilities Abe’s Garden Community offers. Our assisted living lifestyle promotes independence, dignity, well-being and fulfillment.
For seniors requiring memory support, Abe’s Garden Community’s campus is home to the prestigious Abe’s Garden Memory Support Center of Excellence, which is committed to elevating the standard of care for those with dementia by studying, implementing and sharing best practices in care, design and engagement. Abe’s Garden Memory Support Center of Excellence has been internationally recognized as a groundbreaker in design for individuals living with dementia.
At Abe’s Garden Community, your continued independence is our top priority. Enjoy living life as you choose … in the comfort and privacy of your own apartment while having the peace of mind of knowing help is available if and when you need it.
For more information, please call 615.997.3030.