Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Think of wellness programming at most retirement communities, and boxing classes aren’t often top of mind. But at The Terraces at Bonita Springs, they are one of the most popular new fitness offerings – with additional classes already being added.
Is boxing a good workout for seniors? According to Jennifer Meisner, director of lifestyles at The Terraces, it is. “Not only is boxing a phenomenal form of cardiovascular exercise,” she says, “but it also improves balance, posture and core strength, which can all be issues as we age.”
Physical wellness programs, like the popular boxing classes, are just one component of the wellness-
focused lifestyle residents enjoy at The Terraces. “Intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual and nutritional wellness are equally important in helping residents maintain their health, mental skills, and overall quality of life,” says Jennifer. “And at The Terraces, we strive to incorporate all aspects of wellness and well-being into everyday life.”
Seniors who embrace wellness often see significant benefits in longevity and quality of life. A wellness-focused lifestyle in retirement aids in overcoming issues like depression, reduced mobility, lack of independence, safety concerns, and countless other health issues related to aging.
Each day, residents at The Terraces have opportunities to make healthy lifestyle choices from all perspectives. Here’s a glimpse of how wellness is incorporated into daily life:
Education and Lifelong Learning
While diet and exercise are key components of wellness, there’s much more to learn. The Terraces’ regularly scheduled classes, workshops and lectures not only address the importance of healthy aging and how to do it, but they also help residents keep their minds active and sharp by encouraging them to explore their curiosity. “Residents love getting together in these relaxed social settings to learn and discuss new things,” says Jennifer. “From classes and lectures on language, literature, art, music, ancient and near history, religion, and philosophy, we make sure residents have plenty of opportunities to enrich their minds, find joy in learning, and remain mentally fit.”
Social Activities
Daily social programs and organized activities promote engagement, connection and fellowship while reducing isolation and loneliness. The health risks associated with social isolation are comparable to the dangers of smoking and obesity and can increase mortality by up to 30%. The ever-changing monthly activity calendar at The Terraces is packed with opportunities to build friendships, discover new hobbies, and have a lot of fun. Field trips to local attractions, social hours, parties, dances, book and gardening clubs, and various craft classes are some of the residents’ favorite activities.
Fitness
Physical fitness is a key component of overall wellness and well-being at The Terraces. Each day, residents can participate in a variety of physical fitness classes, including strength and weight training, balance, mobility, chair yoga, swimming, water aerobics, water sports, walking clubs, boxing – and so much more – all designed to encourage and promote active living and good health.
Healthy (and Delicious) Dining
What you eat matters. Good nutrition helps reduce disease risk and can often lead to improved functionality and a better quality of life. Good nutrition can significantly contribute to deterring the risk for dementia and other conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and immune-
related diseases. So it’s critically important to eat a balanced diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle – and the Terraces makes it easy. Our award-winning executive chef and culinary team carefully prepare healthy, delicious menus, selecting only the freshest ingredients. The team will always address specific nutritional needs – without sacrificing taste!
Schedule a community tour by calling 239-204-3469 or take a virtual right now!
Wellness Tips
By Wellness Coordinator Selena Marable
. Drink at least half your weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink 80 ounces of water a day. This is essential in keeping the body hydrated, especially during physical activity.
. Incorporate flexibility exercises into daily life. It is important to stretch before exercising to warm up the muscles. Stretching can also lessen incidences of injuries.
. Surround yourself with like-minded people. This allows you to be your authentic self while enhancing social and interpersonal skills.
. Say yes – and no. Be confident enough to say yes, yet in the same sense, do not be afraid to say no and put yourself first.
. Face your feelings. Don’t ignore or become a victim of emotions by not unraveling them. If you are feeling something, take a moment to understand why.
The Terraces in Bonita Springs
239-204-3469
