Active Aging Week at Era Living Communities

Active Aging Week is Underway.

It seems apropos that the first, full week of fall is also National Active Aging Week. It’s the time of year when many of us get back into our routines, and notice that our energy levels are more balanced as a result.

Era Living communities are committed to helping residents be active, and stay well through the Thrive program. Thrive focuses on the mind, body, and spirit connection to promote healthy living.

 

Thrive: Where Mind, Body & Spirit Unite

 

Thrive was born from our commitment to respect and honor older adults by enhancing the quality of their lives.

 

A few years ago we noticed something. Era Living residents, staff, and our partners from the University of Washington Schools of Nursing and Social Work were doing great work inside our communities. Their combined efforts empowered good health, and encouraged social engagement for vibrant living.

 

Together, we realized we had an opportunity to engage even more residents in thriving lifestyles. We combined efforts to form a single program. Thus, Thrive was developed using evidence-informed protocols that have been shown to promote high quality lifestyles for older adults.

 

Through Thrive, participants are:

• Encouraged to challenge their minds
• Be physically active
• Make nutritious dietary choices
• Build closer relationships

 

Active Aging for the Mind

 

An engaged, and passionate mind is key to maintaining brain health.

 

Thrive offers participants options to enjoy intellectual pursuits, explore curiosity, and get creative by learning a new hobby or skill. Stimulating onsite lectures from leading academic minds, brain fitness courses, dance classes, discussion groups, and exploring learning opportunities around Seattle are available to the residents at all Era Living communities through the Thrive program.

 

Active Aging for the Body

 

Energy is a key component for anyone who wishes to live life to the fullest.

 

Thrive uses a holistic approach to physical well being by combining nutrient rich food options with personalized fitness. Residents involved in Thrive can work with personal coaches to create programs specifically designed for their bodies and health goals.

 

Each Era Living community offers monthly, dietician-lead nutritional talks, and chef-designed tasting events. Residents are encouraged to ask questions and provide feedback.

The Thrive approach to fitness combines exercise programs and therapies.

Fitness classes include Enhanced Fitness® instruction, aqua aerobics, balance classes, and exercise designed for weight management. We have also found that many residents benefit from therapeutic massage and acupuncture, which we offer onsite.

 

Active Aging for Spiritual Growth

 

Human connection strengthens the spirit. Through the Thrive program, residents and staff are encouraged to make connections that foster good personal, and community health.

 

One of the most popular elements of the Thrive spiritual component is the volunteer partnership program. Each Era Living community fosters relationships with schools, food banks, community gardens and nature preserves. Through these relationships successful volunteering programs have been developed, empowering residents and staff to work with neighbors to enhance their communities.

 

Thrive participants consistently remark that the Thrive program naturally generates enhanced social interaction. The residents often attribute this to the diverse and robust programming that Thrive delivers. By knowing their immediate neighbors through community activities, learning programs and exercise classes, residents say that social opportunities like art galas, outings to performances, sporting events, restaurants and museums are enhanced.

 

The Thrive program’s spiritual element does not focus exclusively on social interaction; there are several elements in place designed to nurture the spirit. Meditation programs, life reflection classes, religious services and study, along with non-denominational spirituality workshops support residents who desire deeper exploration of the spiritual self.

 

National Active Aging Week is a great reminder that each of us can choose to thrive. Era Living residents are encouraged to participate in as much, or as little, of the Thrive program as they choose. And, Thrive continues to bring people together though positive, health-focused experiences.