By Greg Pascucci
Now in its 30th year, September is Healthy Aging® Month and focuses on the positive aspects of growing older. It also encourages everyone to take personal responsibility for their health.
The emphasis for 2022 is to stay fit, healthy, adventurous, and connected. Here are a few tips for incorporating them into your lifestyle:
Stay Fit
The National Institute on Aging recommends four types of exercises for older adults: endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Each offers a different benefit and combines to increase overall health and wellness. For example, endurance exercises such as walking and swimming can ward off many common diseases such as diabetes and some cancers. And though older adults may shy away from strength training, free weights and resistance bands can keep muscles strong, helping to maintain their independence. Balance exercises, including tai chi and yoga, are key for preventing slips and falls and can also help improve flexibility which helps our bodies move more freely.
At The Carlisle Naples, an active retirement community, the Zest Department ensures a wealth of classes incorporating all components of fitness. From water exercises to stretching and cycling, there is an activity to meet all fitness levels.
Stay Healthy
Maintaining healthy habits is vital to successful aging. The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease. Therefore, experts advise a well-rounded approach to staying healthy such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and positive emotional and mental health.
There’s an entire team at The Carlisle Naples dedicated to residents’ health and wellness. Each month, Zest Director Marcia Aldana plans a calendar chock full of programs catering to the eight dimensions of wellness: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational, financial, and environmental. Residents can attend college-level lectures, join neighbors for Bible study, participate in a volunteer project, or sign up to be part of the community’s Investment Club. Plus, residents have access to MyCare Clinic, an onsite personalized-medical concierge program and ONR, offering onsite access to specialized programs, including rehabilitation, wellness, and fitness education.
Stay Adventurous
You’re never too old to try something new! In fact research points to the many benefits of learning a new activity or discovering a hobby such as increased happiness and improved brain health. Online tutorials offer helpful ways to delve into one’s interests. The library also offers numerous free resources. The Collier County Library, for example, offers virtual programming exploring movies, cooking, art history, poetry, and more!
At The Carlisle, there is no shortage of opportunities for residents to tap into their adventurous spirit. They’ve been Senior Olympians thanks to our Summer Olympic Challenge, thespians through a partnership with the Naples Players, and athletic boxers, punching out Parkinson’s disease as part of a collaboration with Title Boxing Club.
Stay Connected
Experts on aging have long suspected socialization improves physical and emotional well-being, increases mental alertness and encourages a more active lifestyle. Recent data from the American Seniors Housing Association found social isolation is associated with increased depression and anxiety, increased risk of dementia, decreased cognitive function, lower likelihood of regular exercise, and increased risk of premature mortality. Volunteering, connecting with others who share your interests, and embracing technology such as video conferencing are just a few ways to stay connected.
At Senior Resource Group, owners and operators of The Carlisle, a data-driven program supports a personalized approach to promoting social connection. SRG uses an engagement platform tool to track and analyze resident data, plan social activities, and support residents’ connections to each other, their families and staff. The platform also functions as a community-specific social network, with a daily color-coded activity calendar, messaging (between residents, staff, and family members) and the ability to upload photos and tag other residents in them. The program is in addition to the many opportunities for social engagement – live concerts, arts and crafts, social hours and special events. At The Carlisle, there is always something to do and someone to do it with!
“Healthy Aging is a year-round initiative at The Carlisle,” said Executive Director Bill Diamond. “All the tools and resources needed for successful aging are within steps of residents’ front doors.”
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.
The Carlisle
Luxury Rental Retirement Living
6945 Carlisle Court, Naples, FL 34109
239-221-0017 . www.TheCarlisleNaples.com