7 Pillars of Wellness | CC Young

Author

CC YOUNG

For more information about the author, click to view their website: CC Young Senior Living

Posted on

Jan 26, 2024

Book/Edition

Texas - Dallas, Collin, SE Denton & Rockwall Counties

Share This

January 1, 2024 | Jen Griffin, Vice President of Engagement | CC Young Senior Living

Jennifer Griffin

by Jen Griffin, Vice President of Engagement

In my article in December’s Lifestyle Guide, I shared my profound paradigm shift about “wellness.” The shift went from viewing wellness in a physical context to recognizing that wellness is really multifaceted in nature.  It is not one dimensional!  This shift has driven our theme for 2024.  As a result, the Community Outreach Team has adopted the International Council on Active Aging’s 7 Pillars of Wellness serve as our guide for activities and special events in 2024.  All year long, we will focus on balance within these specific areas of life:  intellectual, physical, social, spiritual, vocational, emotional, and environmental.  The theme for the year is “Go for the Gold in 2024!”

You may ask:  What does that mean?  Well, to me, “go for the gold” means “continue to reach”- for whatever you want!  If you are exploring all pillars of wellness, the sky is the limit.  As Norman Vincent Peale once said, “Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss, you will land among the stars!”  I believe “shooting for the moon” is a mindset and a journey.  It’s a way of life with mindful attention to balance.    

Let’s face it:  Nobody’s perfect. I am The Worst about balance in my life, but I’m inspired to be better.  And like Vince Lombardi said, “If we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”  Personally, aiming in the right direction would be improvement!

So…with that in mind, what excites me most about this new paradigm of wellness?  It is that almost everything we already do at CC Young is related to wellness – and therefore to these 7 pillars!  To help you along so you can “see” what I mean, this month you will be able to identify the individual pillars in our revamped Lifestyle Guide. There will be a guide on each page so you can start to learn how we are categorizing each event.  I hope you will eventually be able to recognize the pillars and mentally chart your course for balanced participation in all the pillars.  It will be easy seek balance because we have so many options each month!  

Let’s break down the pillars in more detail.  (“Here we go” – a la Dak Prescott…)

Physical Wellness: This pillar is familiar to many—it’s about the importance of regular exercise, nutritious eating, and adequate rest. However, it’s not just about the body; it’s about feeling vibrant and energized in our physical being.

Intellectual Wellness: This means stimulating our minds through lifelong learning, exploring new ideas, and engaging in creative endeavors. Intellectual wellness fuels our curiosity and keeps our mental faculties sharp.

Emotional Wellness: This is about understanding, expressing, and managing emotions in a healthy way. This pillar teaches us resilience, self-compassion, and the ability to navigate life’s ups and downs.

Social Wellness: This one is about nurturing meaningful connections and fostering a sense of belonging within our communities – both here on campus and elsewhere. Social wellness thrives on genuine relationships and a supportive network…wherever that may be!

Spiritual Wellness: The key to this is reflecting on life’s purpose, finding inner peace, and seeking meaning and depth in our existence. Spiritual wellness is about aligning with our values and beliefs.

Vocational Wellness:  Sometimes a little mysterious by just the word, this one is about finding satisfaction and fulfillment in our work or personal pursuits. This pillar encourages us to pursue careers or hobbies that resonate with our passions and strengths.

Environmental Wellness: Finally, hopefully we will all continue being mindful of our surroundings and making choices that positively impact our environment. Environmental wellness emphasizes our responsibility to care for our planet.

As we navigate 2024, “Go for the Gold!” serves as a rallying call for each of us to broaden our horizons. It prompts us to ponder: What can we do differently this year to fortify our wellness – not just for 2024, but also for the years beyond? Our collective journey toward wellness isn’t merely about reaching a destination but rather embracing a [mindful] lifestyle—a way of living that nurtures every facet of our existence. It’s about fostering a community where each individual is empowered to thrive intellectually, physically, socially, spiritually, vocationally, emotionally, and environmentally.  Doesn’t that sound like a good path for all of us?

As we embark on this journey together, let’s seize the opportunities ahead, explore new horizons, foster deeper connections, and immerse ourselves in diverse experiences. Let’s champion our wellness, individually and collectively, and in doing so, paint a canvas of vibrant and fulfilled lives at CC Young.

I am jazzed about the transformations that await us as we “Go for the Gold” in 2024 and beyond. Can you tell?

Other Articles You May Like

Going Nuts for Pistachios

Let's celebrate one of nature's most delightful offerings: the pistachio. These little green gems are not just a treat for the taste buds; they're also packed with health benefits. Let's crack open the world of pistachios and other nuts, exploring their health benefits and some delicious pistachio-based snacks.The Wonder of PistachiosA Nutty HistoryPistachios have been a cherished snack for millennia. Originating from the Middle East, they have been a symbol of wellness and robust health since ancient times. Today, they are enjoyed worldwide, known for their unique flavor and vibrant green hue.Health Benefits of Pistachios1. Heart Health: Pistachios are great for your heart. They're loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber, which help in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart disease.2. Weight Management: Despite being energy-dense, pistachios have a high protein content and fiber, which can help in feeling full and preventing overeating.3. Blood Sugar Control: Their low glycemic index makes pistachios a smart snack choice for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.4. Eye Health: Pistachios contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that are crucial for eye health.We've put together a selection of pistachio-based snacks. From roasted and salted pistachios to pistachio-infused treats, there's something for every nut lover. These snacks are perfect for a healthy, satisfying nibble.Uncanny | Pistachio Salted | 1.3oz CanWonderful | No Shell Pistachios Roasted & Salted 0.75ozconsciouSnack Obleas Pistachio Amaranth Wafers (1.05oz)B'cuz | Granola Bites Cherry Pistachio Gluten-Free Snack (1oz)A Nut for Every NeedWhile pistachios are in the spotlight today, let's not forget about the wide variety of nuts available, each with its own set of health benefits. Almonds are great for vitamin E, walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and cashews are packed with iron and magnesium. Incorporating a mix of nuts into your diet can provide a broad spectrum of nutrients and health benefits.Visit our website - we are more than snacks, we promote wellness.  Perfect for vegans, diabetics, celiac, keto, and more...  

Tips On Staying Independent as a Senior

Home care can help seniors who want to age in place and maintain their independence by helping them around the house, providing transportation, and much more.Home care can help seniors age in place and keep their independence.Not all seniors want to go to nursing homes; many want to age in place and live out their days in their own ways. This is becoming a huge trend in the senior community, and it is more doable than ever before with a home care provider. Your senior loved one can stay at home and live the life they want without having to give up quality care.Here are some of the best ways your loved one can remain independent. Go To the DoctorJust because someone chooses to age in place doesnt mean they get to stop monitoring their health. In fact, one of the best ways to remain independent for as long as possible is by going to the doctor for regular checkups. A doctor should always be monitoring the health of a senior and they should be talking regularly about medications, side effects, and any concerning health problems.Your loved one can be independent and still have a team of home care professionals supporting their health and routing for them. This support will help them age in place and live a high-quality life. Keep MovingNo matter how old you get, you should be moving around, and this goes for your senior parents, too. They may not be able to run around the block or go rock climbing, but they can get up and move around the house every day. They may want to garden during the spring and summer or walk in their yard. Whatever it is, the more movement they can do, the more likely they are to live well while aging in place. Modify The HomeNot all homes are suitable for aging in place, but there are many ways to modify the home so your loved one can live there for as long as possible. Many of these modifications are not expensive, and your loved one can work around things. Move them to the main floor, put in non-slip rugs, change the doorknobs and light switches. You may even be able to add a home security system to help keep your loved one safe.When in doubt, encourage your loved one to move to a first-floor apartment. There are many ways for a senior to remain independent, and not all of them have to be expensive or massive. Get More HelpAt some point, more help will be necessary, but that does not mean you have to give up independence. Your loved one may need to ask family members for help, and its important you show up when its needed. However, many seniors dont want to feel like a burden, and they also dont want to move to a senior home.One of the best things they can do is hire home care to help them around the house. Home care providers will help with routines, transportation, and much more. Your loved one will never have to give up their high-quality life, and they dont need to give up care when they need it most. Its time to look into hiring a home care provider for your elderly mom or dad.  If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Brighton, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (720) 789-8529At Talem Home Care of Broomfield, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Broomfield, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, Erie, Firestone, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, Louisville, Northglenn, Sherrelwood, Thornton, Welby, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and surrounding areas in Colorado.

Chronic Back Pain in Seniors: 5 Easy Treatments

Older adults can experience pain related to many different conditions. Back pain, in particular, has a variety of possible causes, though the most common causes of chronic back pain in seniors are osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis. People over the age of 60 are more likely to experience back pain related to the degeneration of the joints in the spine. The good news is that there are also a variety of simple solutions that may help ease this pain.Sometimes the simplest answer is the best, and in some cases, one little change can make all the difference. For others, a few adjustments to their habits or lifestyle can ease the discomfort.There are other options besides surgery and prescription drugs.Causes of OsteoarthritisArthritis is a general term that means the swelling of a joint. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage at the joint wears down, leaving the bones without any protection against each other; it is the most common type of arthritis. It can occur at any joint in the body, though it is common in the spine.When this happens, or if the cartilage is chipped or damaged on one side, the injured cartilage or the neighboring bone rub against the bone, causing further injury. This, along with the accompanying joint inflammation and muscle spasm, cause back pain.Causes of Spinal StenosisThis is a narrowing of the bone channel occupied by the spinal cord and nerves, which puts pressure on the nerves and can result in tingling, numbness, or pain. Spinal stenosis is related to osteoarthritis and degeneration of the spine and could show up in the fifth decade of life and continue through the years.When the lower back develops lumbar stenosis, the spinal nerve roots in the low back become compressed and produce symptoms of sciaticatingling, weakness, or numbness that radiates from the low back and into the buttocks and legs. This often gets worse with activity, which leads people to avoid movement and exercise.Unfortunately, a sedentary lifestyle leads to additional health issues.Symptoms of Chronic Back Pain in SeniorsSymptoms of osteoarthritis may include: Pain that is most pronounced in the mornings and evenings. Pain that interrupts sleep. Pain after activity. Tender when pressed against. Stiffness and loss of flexibility in the back (being unable to twist or bend comfortably at the waist).Spinal stenosis often features slightly different symptoms: Leg and lower back pain after even a short walk. Lower back pain that is quickly relieved by sitting down. Weakness, numbness, and tingling that moves from the low back into the buttocks and legs (sciatica).In both cases, symptoms ranging from mild to severe may start slowly and increase over time.Simple, Natural Treatments for Chronic Back Pain in Seniors1. New, High-Quality Mattresses:All mattresses are not created equal! A high-quality mattress can offer huge relief for those experiencing back pain since old, worn-out mattresses do little to support the back or neck.2. Better Diet:Healthy fats (flaxseed oil, avocado oil, olive oil, etc), fruits, vegetables, nuts, ginger, garlic, oatmeal, and lean protein sources all help reduce inflammation. Meanwhile, dairy, pastries, red meat, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, refined grains, and any heavily processed foods are best to avoid because they increase inflammation in muscles and joints.3. Yoga:Many older adults have found the practice of yoga to work in their favor, particularly by practicing restorative yoga, a deeply relaxing approach to the traditional practice. Depending upon your range of motion and fitness level, you might also choose a gentle hatha yoga or chair yoga class. Studies have shown positive outcomes like decreased pain, increased the range of motion and a greater sense of well-being for people with back pain. John Hopkins offers more tips for doing yoga with arthritis.4. Acupuncture:This is a gentle, alternative medicine approach to help ease and treat the aches and pains in aging bodies. Instead of treating symptoms, acupuncture helps treat the pain source naturally, without the use of drugs.5. Massage Therapy:Pills can cause many side effects and long-term health problems when taken too frequently. Massage therapy improves circulation and reduces inflammation and swelling; studies have shown it to be effective in reducing chronic back pain, which may reduce a patients need for pain pills.Treating chronic back pain in the elderly doesnt always mean resorting to prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. There are all-natural alternatives that your caregiver may be able to help you try. Contact us today to learn more about in-home senior care.

Local Services By This Author

CC Young Assisted Living

Assisted Living 4847 W Lawther Dr, Dallas, Texas, 75214

The Assisted Living team at CC Young is committed to creating the optimal balance between your individual needs and the way you want to live. This dedication reflects our founders mission to provide support and care for seniors with an unwavering compassionate spirit. The CC Young Life Enrichment team offers residents a full calendar of activities and outings that engage the mind and encourage socialization. Choose from two distinctive residences and floorplans in The Hillside and The Vista to flourish in body, mind and spirit.

Prominent Home Healthcare by CC Young

Home Health 4847 W Lawther Dr, Dallas, Texas, 75214

Helping You Gain Strength & Confidence - Do you need healthcare as prescribed by your doctor after receiving a diagnosis, or after surgery, rehab or stroke? Our Home Healthcare offers skilled services - all delivered by our compassionate and experienced team. We offer Home Healthcare wherever a senior calls home.

CC Young Memory Support

Memory Care 4847 W Lawther Dr, Dallas, Texas, 75214

We are dedicated to enriching the lives of living with Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia. Our team members are specially trained to empower residents to live as independently as possible. As a proud MUSIC & MEMORY Certified Care Organization, this important music program helps residents to reconnect with friends and family. Call for more information and schedule a time to visit The Vista and our Assisted Living Memory Support community.