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Naples, Florida is on or near the top of a lot of lists: Best Places to Live, Best Places to Retire. Safest Place to Live. Fastest-Growing City. Sunniest Places on Earth. And Best Beaches. These are just some of the accolades our beautiful city has earned.
And now, there’s another list-topper: Blue Zones Community. As of August 22, 2022, Southwest Florida is a certified Blue Zones Community® – one of the few in the U.S. to achieve this milestone. And Naples has been part of this important health initiative since 2015.
A “Blue Zone” is a term introduced first by Blue Zones Project founder and National Geographic fellow Dan Buettner. He discovered five areas across the world where a large number of people lived significantly longer lives and identified the productive lifestyle habits they shared. Begun in 2009, the Blue Zones Project is dedicated to helping communities across the world become “healthier, happier and more productive.”
Over 800 business and organizations across Southwest Florida have participated in the Blue Zone Project. These include supermarkets, restaurants, schools, park systems, faith-based organizations, employee worksites, homeowners’ associations and governments.
By committing to best practices for making healthier choices easier, participants have helped to reduce major health risks compared to Florida as a whole. These include 36% lower tobacco use, 28% lower in poor nutrition; 17% lower stress, 23% lower obesity, and 9% lower in lack of exercise.
The Arlington is extremely proud to have done its part. We’re the first organization in Southwest Florida to be triple Blue Zones Project Approved®: as a Worksite, a Homeowner’s Association and a Faith-Based Organization.
Of course, wellness programming – from healthy eating and customized fitness regimens to life-enriching daily activities – has always been an essential part of our lifestyle since we opened in 2015. And that’s one reason why we were eager to join in the Blue Zone Project.
Here’s just one example: We took part in a Blue Zones Project “Track Your Trek” challenge, which is designed to encourage people to get on their feet and get moving. We enrolled more than 70 enthusiastic residents and employees who walked a total of over 25 million steps over four months. In case you don’t have a calculator handy, that adds up to a remarkable 12,813 miles. One resident was happy to report losing 13 pounds!
Personal choice is key to Blue Zone Project success. As the Blue Zone Project – Southwest Florida says, “We don’t mandate that you adopt certain health practices. We invite you to make small changes which will lead to big health benefits in the long run.” At The Arlington, we heartedly agree.
Learn more about the Blue Zones Project – Southwest Florida and how you can participate by visiting southwestflorida.bluezonesproject.com.
Aging gracefully and healthily is a journey that encompasses more than just medical care; its about nurturing the whole person body, mind, and spirit. This comprehensive guide, drawing from the expertise of Executive Home Care, is designed to help seniors and their caregivers navigate the path to a fulfilling and vibrant senior lifestyle. We understand that every individual is unique, and hence, this guide offers a holistic approach to healthy aging, covering physical activity, mental well-being, social engagement, personal care, and emotional support.Physical Activity and Exercise: Staying active is crucial for maintaining strength, flexibility, and overall health in senior years. Gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, or light weightlifting are recommended to preserve bone density, muscle strength, and joint health. For those with mobility challenges, assistance from caregivers or tailored exercise plans can offer safe ways to stay active. Remember, its not about the intensity but the consistency of the physical activity.Mental Health: Cognitive and emotional health are integral to a seniors quality of life. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like reading, puzzles, or hobbies helps keep the mind sharp. Emotional well-being can be nurtured through regular social interactions, and companionship care programs can play a significant role in combating loneliness and depression.Social Engagement: Social connections are vital for emotional and mental health. Participating in community activities, classes, or group hobbies can offer meaningful interaction and a sense of belonging. Caregivers can facilitate these activities, ensuring that seniors remain integrated within their communities.Personal Care and Hygiene: Maintaining personal hygiene and a clean living environment is essential for physical health and self-esteem. In-home care services can assist with daily routines, household chores, and ensuring a safe living space, thus promoting a dignified and independent lifestyle for seniors.Healthy Lifestyle and Independence: A balanced diet, regular sleep patterns, and routine health check-ups are fundamental for a healthy lifestyle. In-home care services can assist with nutritious meal preparation, errands, and transportation, supporting seniors in maintaining their independence safely.Emotional Support and Encouragement: The role of emotional support in the lives of seniors cannot be overstated. Caregivers and family members should provide encouragement, listen attentively, and offer companionship to enhance the emotional well-being of seniors.Tailored Care Plans: Individualized care plans, developed with input from healthcare providers, caregivers, and the seniors themselves, ensure that each senior receives care that is specifically suited to their needs and preferences. In conclusion, healthy aging is not just about adding years to life, but life to years. Its about empowering seniors to live their best lives through comprehensive care that addresses their physical, mental, social, and emotional needs. At Executive Home Care, we are committed to supporting seniors in every step of their journey towards a fulfilling and vibrant life. By embracing these principles, we can ensure that our seniors not only live longer but also enjoy a richer, more satisfying quality of life. Remember, every day is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our beloved seniors, guiding them with care, compassion, and respect towards a joyful and healthy future.
Socialization plays a crucial role in the well-being of seniors, especially those residing in senior living communities. Lets explore why its essential and how these communities foster social connections:Importance of Socialization for Seniors:Chronic loneliness can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health. Prolonged feelings of isolation trigger stress responses that impact our bodies negatively.Seniors who lack social connections may experience depression, poor sleep, and even cognitive decline due to cellular inflammation.However, increasing social activities can significantly improve seniors overall well-being. Studies show that seniors who engage in more social interactions feel more satisfied with life and have a more positive outlook1.How Senior Living Communities Encourage Socialization:Proximity: Residents in senior living communities live close to their neighbors and are surrounded by staff. This proximity is reassuring, especially when friends or family members dont live nearby or cant visit often.Planned Activities: These communities offer a rich array of social opportunities, including:Shared Meals: Residents can choose to eat with others instead of dining alone.Activity Participation: Seniors can join classes, workshops, or interest groups.Outings: Community transportation makes it easy to agree to outings or shopping trips.Game Nights, Movie Nights, and other entertainment events.Support Network: For seniors whove experienced loss (such as the death of a close friend or spouse), socializing with others helps cultivate new friendships. These peers understand similar life transitions and provide support and understanding.Sense of Purpose: Healthy social interactions affirm seniors worth and make them feel valued members of the community123.In summary, senior living communities create an environment where social connections flourish, reducing loneliness and promoting overall health.
Self-care is the practice of taking care of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your life to promote health and wellness. It goes beyond mere indulgence; rather, its an essential component of overall well-being. Lets delve into what self-care truly means and why it matters:Understanding Self-Care:According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-care encompasses various facets of life, including:Hygiene: General and personal hygiene.Nutrition: Making mindful choices about what we eat.Lifestyle Factors: Exercise levels, leisure activities, and overall lifestyle.Environmental Factors: Living conditions and social habits.Socioeconomic Factors: Income levels and cultural beliefs.Self-Medication: Following treatment plans for existing illnesses.The primary goal of self-care is to prevent or control disease and maintain overall well-being by consistently tending to different aspects of our health.What Self-Care Is Not:Its not about overindulgence or instant gratification. Instead, it involves:Prioritizing physical and mental health.Adopting healthy lifestyle habits that are sustainable.Eating a balanced diet.Engaging in regular exercise.Getting adequate, quality sleep.Following treatment plans for existing conditions.Taking time for activities that bring joy and relaxation.Types of Self-Care:Physical Health: Taking care of our bodies through exercise, nutrition, and rest.Mental Health: Nurturing our minds, managing stress, and seeking professional help when needed.Emotional Health: Acknowledging and expressing emotions, practicing mindfulness, and building resilience.Spiritual Health: Connecting with our inner selves, values, and beliefs.Social Health: Cultivating meaningful relationships and social support.Benefits of Self-Care:Clinical studies have shown that self-care can:Reduce anxiety and depression.Minimize stress.Improve concentration.Increase happiness.Enhance energy levels.Promote resilience.Contribute to longevity.Equip us to manage stress effectively.Remember, self-care isnt selfishits an investment in your well-being. So, take a moment today to prioritize yourself and engage in activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul
Residential Nursing within Oakton Place at The Arlington Our residential healthcare services are overseen by an experienced medical director specializing in the unique needs of seniorsas well as an experienced, highly qualified director of nursing. In addition, we maintain a favorable staff-to-resident ratio and ensure that all our professionals receive high-quality, ongoing training. All of our skilled nursing accommodations are private suites and baths.Private suites with private, accessible full bathrooms, including walk-in showersLicensed and certified nursing professionals 24 hours per dayDaily housekeeping and linen serviceThree daily, chef-inspired meals are served bistro style with the ability to accommodate most special dietsLife enrichment programs include choices of entertainment, educational and cultural opportunitiesIndividual climate controlComplimentary Wi-Fi Internet
Heartfelt Connections A Memory Care ProgramAn LCS Signature ExperienceHeartfelt Connections is a nationally recognized memory care model. Caregivers are trained to provide a continuum of care for residents with Alzheimers disease and other related memory-impairing dementias that focuses on the individual person. By getting to know each resident on a personal level, caregivers can design a unique experience. Memories fade, but we know past relationships and experiences continue to shape the lives of residents every day. Our memory care program uses customized reminiscence tools to help loved ones capture a lasting legacy of details about each residents lifefamily, friends, career, hobbies, likes and dislikes. We apply the insights gained from each life story to individualized programming for every resident. Customized activities are designed to promote physical and emotional well-being and prolong daily functioning. These activities also help residents maintain a sense of purpose, satisfaction, dignity and quality-of-life. Features Include:Private studio apartments with walk-in showers Dedicated professionals with expertise and specific training in dementia servicesLicensed and certified nursing professionals 24 hours per dayMedication administrationAvailability of additional services tailored for each individualAbility to work with outside organizations to provide additional personalized optionsIndividual climate controlComplimentary Wi-Fi InternetThree daily, chef-inspired meals with the ability to accommodate most special diets
Assisted Living at Oakton Place We offer award-winning assisted living services in a choice of lovely one- and two-bedroom apartments. No entrance fee is required for direct admission. Its an excellent option for seniors who live relatively independently. Two additional levels of care are also available and are designed to enhance quality-of-life and improve health and safety within assisted living. Unlike many assisted living communities, Oakton Place is specially licensed to administer therapies and medical services within assisted living that otherwise would require a transition to a higher level of care. With our Extended Congregate Care license (ECC), Oakton Place residents have the opportunity to age in place in a familiar setting. Assisted Living at Oakton Place is a choice that can be made with confidence. Nurses are on-site around the clock to provide the highest level of professional oversight. Residences and engaging community spaces provide a beautiful place to call home. Currently, we have beautifully redecorated respite apartments open in our Assisted Living neighborhood. If youre planning for respite care soon, please call us now to ensure availability. Features of Assisted Living Include:Maintenance-free living with one- and two-bedroom floor plan optionsFull, accessible bathrooms including walk-in showerCertified nursing professionals are available 24 hours per day Person-centered options are planned and individualizedto promote day-to-day success for each individual Assistance with self-administered medicationComplimentary Wi-Fi Internet