Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Jenny Bradley
As we step into the new year, there’s no better time to embark on a journey toward an active and vibrant life. Drawing inspiration from the Blue Zones—geographic regions known for the remarkable health and longevity of their population—there are several lifestyle changes we can adopt to make wellness more than just a New Year’s resolution but a way of life.
Move Naturally: In Blue Zones, people engage in daily activities that involve natural movement. From gardening to walking, these individuals seamlessly integrate physical activity into their lives.
At The Carlisle Naples, an active retirement community, residents have numerous opportunities to embrace natural movement, complemented by a variety of structured exercise classes. For example, strategically located amenities such as the pool, restaurant, library, and business center within The Carlisle contribute to the seamless integration of natural movement into residents’ daily routines. Live entertainment and music also draw residents to the dance floor, providing a fun, upbeat way to move naturally.
Purposeful Living: Find and cultivate a sense of purpose in your daily activities. Whether volunteering, pursuing a hobby or contributing to your community, having a clear purpose can motivate you to stay active.
“It’s so important to have a strong sense of “why” in your life,” said The Carlisle’s Zest Director Marcia Aldana. “Our holistic approach to wellness appeals to residents’ mind, body and spirit. Whether a resident is discovering a new hobby or volunteering to help a local charity, our Zest initiatives are designed to improve residents’ quality of life.”
Stress Reduction: Chronic stress can take a toll on your well-being. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation or yoga. In Blue Zones, regular social interactions and close-knit communities contribute to stress reduction. Prioritize building meaningful connections with friends and family.
Senior living communities offer a maintenance-free lifestyle, ensuring residents can eliminate the stress of homeownership such as lawn care, cooking, and cleaning. Without day-to-day household responsibilities, residents can spend each day as they wish. The Carlisle, for example, provides weekly housekeeping and flat linen services and delicious dining with daily, chef-prepared specials. Fitness classes – linked to reduced stress – are also conveniently available onsite.
Plant-Based Nutrition: Embrace a predominantly plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Blue Zone residents often follow a similar diet, contributing to their overall health and longevity. Prioritize colorful, nutrient-dense foods to fuel your active lifestyle.
At The Carlisle, an executive chef ensures residents have well-balanced and nutritious options, including fresh salads and an assortment of fruits and vegetables. The Carlisle also offers FreshZest, an initiative that encourages a plant-based, whole-food diet that has been shown to provide numerous health benefits and may even reverse some chronic ailments, particularly in older adults. FreshZest is part of the expansive dining choices available in the community’s restaurant, The Carlisle Room.
Social Engagement: Surround yourself with a supportive community. Social connections play a vital role in maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Join local clubs, fitness groups or community events to foster meaningful relationships. The sense of belonging and accountability can keep you motivated to stay active.
A retirement community such as The Carlisle is the perfect place to expand one’s social connections. Residents who may have been living alone or serving as a caretaker for an ill spouse find the camaraderie of being with others uplifting. It’s unusual to have new friendships develop over a card game or through a shared former career. The Carlisle also hosts a variety of events, including a Newcomers’ Block Party, to help get residents acclimated to the community and meet their neighbors.
“By adopting the Blue Zones principles and incorporating these practical tips into your life, you’re not just starting the year off on the right note, you’re embarking on a lifelong journey towards vitality and well-being,” added Aldana. “At The Carlisle, wellness is at the heart of our community, and we encourage residents to embrace an active and purposeful lifestyle.”
Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers independent and assisted living lifestyles featuring spacious one-and two-bedroom residences, weekly housekeeping and flat linen services, basic cable TV, all utilities except telephone, and delicious dining with daily, chef-prepared specials. The community is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an important distinction that provides residents with the assurance that the highest standards of quality care, services and safeguards are maintained. For more information about the community, please call 239-221-0017 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.
Luxury Rental Retirement Living
6945 Carlisle Court, Naples, FL 34109
239-221-0017 . www.TheCarlisleNaples.com
