A Complete Guide to Senior Health and Wellness

Updated from the original publication on July 15, 2025.Living your best life in retirement means embracing wellness.While many think wellness is simply physical health.

We believe senior living health and wellness encompasses more.Our comprehensive approach to health and wellness integrates six vital dimensions: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational.With this multifaceted strategy, we create an environment where seniors can thrive, grow and belong, living their retirement years to the fullest.Dimensions of Health and Wellness in Senior LivingStudies show that optimal aging involves a blend of physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual and vocational activities.Senior living life plan communities help residents focus on all these areas through programs, spaces, activities, and events.

These communities may also be known as continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs).According to the National Wellness Institute, Wellness is functioning optimally within your current environment.It adds that focusing on wellness builds resilience and helps people thrive through lifes challenges.Addressing the six dimensions focuses on the whole person, environment, lifestyle and learning.The International Council on Active Aging supports the Dimensions of Wellness for seniors and notes that an active lifestyle can lessen the challenges and increase opportunities in aging.

In one of its White Papers, it shared that evidence indicates that cognitive health is supported by intellectual activity, social interaction and physical activity.Intellectual activity is also associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimers disease.Aerobic exercise is particularly associated with cognitive functioning.

A robust wellness program provides these dimensions.Health and Wellness at PSLPresbyterian Senior Living is committed to fostering a culture of health and wellness for every resident.We recognize that true wellness is multi-dimensional.Presbyterian Senior Livings Life Plan communities are thoughtfully designed to support the six dimensions of wellness through programming and community design.Whether youre practicing mindfulness in a meditation garden, engaging in spirited discussions at a weekly current event forum, volunteering with local organizations or strength training in a state-of-the-art fitness center, there are countless ways to live with purpose and joy at a PSL community.To support healthy living, PSL created Thrive Wellness, a resident-driven wellness program purposedly designed around the dimensions of wellness.The goal of this program is to:Help each resident live the life they choose to liveEncourage residents in realizing their full potentialCollaborate and offer intentional and self-directed ways that residents can connect with othersInteract and exchange through intergenerational connectionsTo complement the Thrive program, PSL re-instituted its Successful Aging Retreat in 2024.

First held in 2015, the retreat was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, then converted to community-focused activities over the past two years.The agenda for the day was a balance of every dimension of wellness with most agenda items overlapping multiple aspects.Over 40 people attended the event.Residents and team members from each community were invited as well as operations support team members.

The days agenda was planned by the Purposeful Living Team in collaboration with community input.But how do these dimensions of wellness break out and work together? Lets explore how each dimension of wellness leads to a fulfilling retirement lifestyle and enhances your overall well-being.Physical Wellness for Seniors: Staying Active, Staying HealthyAt the heart of health and wellness is maintaining and improving physical health through regular movement, proper nutrition and preventative care.At PSL, our approach goes beyond traditional exercise to make fitness engaging and social.From water aerobics in a heated pool to tai chi on a terrace, residents choose from diverse activities that match their interests and abilities.Our chef-prepared meals feature fresh, seasonal ingredientsand accommodate various dietary needs.

Our wellness team provides regular health screenings and coordinates with healthcare providers to support ongoing vitality.Exercise and MovementPhysical fitness is a cornerstone of overall health and PSL offers an array of programs tailored to help residents maintain and improve their physical vitality.Fitness classes cater to various interests and abilities, ensuring everyone can participate and benefit.Each resident can receive a personal fitness assessment and plan, ensuring exercises are safe and effective for their needs and goals.Kevin Mallon, Corporate Director of Thrive Wellness at Presbyterian Senior Living, oversees the health program.

The goal is to make fitness accessible, even to those with limited mobility, by providing low-impact classes and chair exercises that enhance flexibility and balance, he says.Our state-of-the-art fitness centers feature accessible equipment and trained professionals to guide residents and lead engaging group classes, including:Yoga and Tai Chi for enhanced flexibility, balance and mindfulnessLow-impact exercise classes for cardiovascular healthStrength training to build muscle mass and improve bone healthAquatic exercise for joint health and cardiovascular fitnessPSL has also started incorporating an emerging trend called functional fitness into its curriculum.This training emphasizes physical function with exercises that mimic daily tasks.

These might include standing from a sitting position or reaching upward.PSLs wellness staff incorporates these movements into classes to help residents stay strong and independent.Beyond structured classes, PSLs campuses are equipped with walking paths and recreational games such as bocce to encourage active lifestyles.

To encourage socialization and activity simultaneously, many PSL campuses organize walking sessions.These offer residents a chance to enjoy scenic pathways with friends, making fitness enjoyable and socially engaging.Nourishing Body and Soul: Our Approach to Healthy Eating for SeniorsHealthy eating plays a crucial role in maintaining vitality.While good nutrition is important to healthy living at every age, for older adults a well-balanced diet is even more essential.

A 2018 study by The Ohio State University and Abbott Health found that one-third of seniors arent getting enough protein to maintain muscle health, prevent age-related weight gain, or protect against different types of medical conditions and diseases.From falls to a vitamin D deficiency and type 2 diabetes, senior diets can lead to health issues and accidents.Much of this is linked to skipping meals or relying on packaged foods or fast-food restaurants.Nutrition is an area where a senior living community can make a difference in older adults lives.

Our dining teams go beyond merely serving meals.They are committed to creating dining experiences that are nutritious and healthy while also catering to individual tastes and dietary needs.PSL communities ask for resident input on menu items, and Residents are encouraged to share their favorite foods, including entrees, side dishes and desserts.Key features of our dining services include:Healthy meal options: Residents can choose from a variety of nutritious dishes, including vegetarian, low-sodium and heart-healthy selectionsFarm to Table Preparation: As much as possible, our dining team provides fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local providersSpecial Meals: Celebratory dinners and themed events bring variety and joy to mealtimesDietary support: Our dietitians can provide consultations to address specific nutritional concerns.PSLs commitment to healthy eating goes beyond the dining room.

Educational programs on topics like meal planning, cooking demonstrations and nutrition-focused workshops empower residents to make informed choices about their diets.For example, at Westminster Woods, Huntingdon, PA, the dining experience extends well beyond meals.Paul Sprowls, Director of Dining Services, and his team have established monthly The Wellness Kitchen.At this event, residents come together to learn, create and bond through culinary exploration.

These gatherings not only empower residents to develop their culinary skills but also to serve as a platform for social interaction and engagement.Food is what brings people together, Paul says.Once theyre together, we're always looking for ways for them to interact.We want to create a space that facilitates conversation.Residents gather at the Wellness Kitchen and learn to incorporate fresh fish, crispy greens, seasonal fruits and colorful vegetables into a healthy salad.

Each resident takes home a recipe card.Recipes that are popular become part of the dining services menu.Preventative Health: Proactive Health Made EasyPreventative care is vital for maintaining long-term health.PSL makes it easy for residents to access essential services.

Our on-campus offerings include:Vaccination Clinics: convenient access to flu shots, COVID-19 boosters and other essential vaccines.In a recent blog, Jessica Sharer, Vice President of Clinical Excellence, shared that being vaccinated is the most effective way to protect against the flu.PSL communities partner with a pharmacy to provide a dedicated day for residents to have easy access to flu vaccinations in-house.

Each community has its own day for the vaccination clinic.If a resident misses that day, PSL can arrange an alternative opportunity.Wellness Screenings: Routine health checks to monitor blood pressure and other key health indicatorsVisiting healthcare providers in various specialtiesCoordination with Primary Care PhysiciansRegular Fitness AssessmentsTransportation Services: Reliable transportation to off-campus medical appointments ensures residents can access specialized care when needed.By removing barriers to preventative health, PSL helps residents stay proactive about their well-being and reduce the risk of serious health issues.Cultivating Mental and Emotional Well-BeingKeeping the mind sharp and maintaining emotional health are crucial aspects of overall wellness for seniors.A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body.Encouraging Positive Mental Health for SeniorsPSL recognizes the significance of nurturing mental health and emotional resilience in seniors.

"Mental health should be an essential part of your self-care routine, just like maintaining a healthy diet or getting enough sleep," says Nancy Pilkington, MSW, LSW, Corporate Director of Resident Services."So many older adults are hesitant to talk about mental health, she adds."We need to let people know it's OK to discuss it."Our communities create a supportive environment, encouraging residents to express themselves and navigate lifes transitions.PSL's Connected Living platform provides residents with information on mental well-being.

In addition, PSL residents and team members can engage in educational activities focused on mental health They have taken part in programs such as Make it OK, QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) and the Community Resiliency Model developed by the Trauma Resource Institute.These programs equip individuals with valuable tools to understand and manage their mental health."I hope people take away the importance of considering their own mental health, supporting others in their mental health journey and being empathetic during challenging times," Nancy concludes.Lifelong Learning for SeniorsA curious mind is an active mind.Research shows that lifelong learning significantly benefits seniors, particularly in maintaining cognitive health.Our lifelong learning programs challenge residents to grow and explore new interests.

Weekly lectures from visiting professors or on-site retired professionals, book clubs, language classes and technology workshops keep minds sharp and engaged.At Cathedral Village, the Village College was founded in 1998 by passionate retired teachers.The program offers classes on traditional subjects without the burdens of writing papers, earning grades or doing excessive homework.Subjects include literature, religion and folklore.

Thanks to nearby historic mills and creeks, they have even offered an ecology unit.Village College offers a less formal approach than traditional college lectures.This creates an engaging and interactive learning environment for seniors.Approximately 120 residents attend classes each semester.Communities also take advantage of collaborating with local museums, libraries and cultural centers.

At The Long Community, residents regularly visit the local Quest for Learning.The organization is a senior education and community tradition in Lancaster, PA.Event calendars offer multiple opportunities to dive deeper into topics of interest.Residents also lead discussion groups on current events, share their expertise through on-campus teaching opportunities and participate in brain fitness programs designed specifically for cognitive health.Creative Arts and Well-BeingArt workshops, musical experiences and other creative expressions not only support brain health.

They also provide meaningful outlets for self-expression and personal growth.At Quincy Village, residents in Parker House Assisted Living developed the idea of making Spirit Earrings for the annual craft fair.These earrings used the school colors of the local high schools and were promoted for fans of all ages and types.The ladies learned to craft polymer clay earrings and created combinations for four area high schools.One of the programs offered at Pine Run Village, Opening Minds Through Art (OMA), creates opportunities for residents with cognitive changes to tap into their creative talents.

OMA (also grandmother in German and.Dutch) is an art-making program to transcend cognitive barriers through creativity.Volunteers from Independent Living partner with a resident artist in the Memory Care neighborhood to engage in creating art.

These shared activities trigger memories and also create moments of joy.Research shows that OMA sessions reduce stress, enhance emotional well-being and provide vital stimulation for cognitive function.Building Strong Social Connections for SeniorsHuman connection is vital at every life stage.Loneliness and social isolation can have a significant impact on health.This is why PSL prioritizes social wellness throughout all levels of living in a variety of ways.Social Connections through Clubs and Interest GroupsFrom gardening to photography, residents can join groups that align with their interests.

Community Life team members encourage involvement in resident clubs and committees.These groups assist with everything from program ideas to menu suggestions.When residents have that level of input, they feel empowered and connected.

Volunteer OpportunitiesVolunteer Opportunities: Purpose doesnt end at retirement.Giving back to the community fosters purpose and connection.Some residents serve on resident councils, veterans committees or arts board.

Others share their expertise through workshops, educational sessions or contribute to community projects.At Pine Run Village, Doylestown, PA, Carole Scanlon [add Carole photo] serves as coordinator of Village Voices.Her involvement in the chorus allows her to witness personal transformations as residents discover hidden talents and foster a sense of community through shared passions.At Cathedral Village, Philadelphia, Harry Gratwick, a retired history teacher, is spending his retirement in a state of continuous learning.Harry has taken on the role of dean at Village College, recruiting residents to participate in four six-week semesters each year.These classes cover a range of topics under the umbrella of the humanities.Harry also feels the benefits of lifelong learning extend far beyond intellectual stimulation.I think you meet new people, make friends, Harry says.

The socializing aspect is crucial.Also, the intellectual aspect is important, but the social elementlistening and engaging with a wider segment of your communityis equally valuable.Social Events and GatheringsOur communities buzz with opportunities to forge meaningful relationships.Regular social events, such as movie nights, holiday celebrations, craft days and more, bring residents together to socialize and build new friendships and memories.Seasonal Intergenerational events keep families connected, while our partnership with local organizations create opportunities for broader community engagement.

For example, each year students from Juniata College host a senior prom for residents of all ages at Westminster Woods, Huntingdon, PA.Presbyterian Village, Hollidaysburg, PA, has a similar event, thanks to the Key Club at Hollidaysburg Area School District.The groups gather together for a fun night of music, laughing, chatting and making new friends.Communities offer pool parties, game nights, dances, group dinners and neighborhood groups that welcome new residents and help them get settled.These activities stress the importance of play and community, gathering residents and promoting a sense of belonging.When you play, that idea of past and future goes to the wayside and it brings you into the current moment, says Kevin Mallon, Corporate Director of Thrive Wellness, The more we can drop into the right now is better for our psyche.

Play is instrumental in that.The joy of these events often is the focus of photos.Many of our events are featured on our social media pages, including community Facebook pages.But not all events have to be structured! Our community spaces are designed to encourage interaction from cozy conversation nooks to bustling game rooms.By offering open and comfortable spaces, our campuses encourage interaction, friendship and socialization throughout the community.With this commitment to socialization, PSL helps residents build friendships, improve emotional health and feel a sense of belonging.Nurturing Spiritual WellnessWhatever your faith tradition or personal belief, PSL supports each residents spiritual journey.

Spiritual wellness is a deeply personal dimension of health.It can mean different things to each person., Our communities create a supportive environment for residents to explore spiritual beliefs and cultivate their spiritual well-being.Elizabeth Scott, M.S.wrote in Spirituality and Mental Health: Benefits of Spirituality, While people use many different religions and paths to find God, research has shown that those who are more religious or spiritual, and use their spirituality to cope with life, experience many benefits to their health and well-being.At PSL, we provide a variety of services and opportunities for reflection and spiritual growth regardless of the residents journey.The worship schedule at Glen Meadows, Glen Arm, MD, reflects this inclusive philosophy.

Ron Standiford, Glen Meadows Chaplain, leads an ecumenical service focused on the teachings of Jesus.Local clergy from different denominations, including a Catholic priest and an Anglican minister, also provide services.Additionally, Ron has started exploring options for an Old Testament study to serve Jewish residents.Ronsays it best: Some residents here have been active in church communities for decades, while others are just beginning to explore faith.

With a steady presence and open heart, Ron welcomes them all.His focus on creating an inclusive space for spiritual exploration allows residents to grow in their faith journey, regardless of their starting point.At Glen Meadows, Ron oversees a wide range of spiritual services and activities, from Bible studies to ecumenical worship services.His goal is to make everyone welcome and provide meaningful opportunities.His view is reflected throughout our communities through:Chaplain services: on-campus chaplains offer spiritual counseling and guidance.Interfaith worship: Regular church services and interfaith gatherings accommodate residents of all faiths.On many campuses, these services are broadcast over internal television channels, allowing all who wish to attend the opportunity.Quiet spaces: Dedicated areas for meditation and personal reflection allow residents to nurture their spiritualityIn addition to our chaplain-organized events, our communities host resident-led Bible study groups, interfaith discussions and related spiritual activities.Recreational Activities: Pursuing Passions and Finding New InterestsStudies show that maintaining hobbies in your senior years helps preserve cognitive function, reduces stress and provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment.PSL offers residents a wide range of activities to help them explore new interests or rekindle old passions including:Arts and Craft Studios and ClassesOutdoor Activities such as fishing, biking and hikingCommunity Gardens and Gardening ProgramsWoodworking ShopsModel Railroading Clubs and LayoutsOur communities have a robust offering of clubs and interests, including activities across all levels of care.

At Cathedral Village, Philadelphia, Horticulturist Ruth McCarthy offers session for residents in the memory care neighborhood.Therapeutic horticulture for memory care focuses on the senses: touch, sight and smell as well as a sense of belonging and a sense of humor.Ruth will do a hands-on activity with the memory care group.It could be packaging seeds, sowing seeds, sticking cuttings or repotting plants for one of the community's plant sales."This is a way to have the residents be part of the whole population," Ruth says.

"At the sale, they may purchase a plant they can give to someone to show them gratitude or they may take care of it on a windowsill in the room."It's also important to remember that resident drive life enrichment programming at PSL.They play an integral role in making suggestions on programs to offer and are involved in deciding which speakers and entertainers to invite to the community.Because PSL is home to a diverse group of residents, the input they provide results in an engaging array of choices.PSL's Commitment to Your Well-BeingAt PSL, the dimensions of wellness aren't just concepts.

They are experiences woven into daily life.Our integrated approach to senior health and wellness ensure that every resident has the opportunity thrive across all aspects of well-being, creating a rich and purposeful retirement.We also understand that wellness is personal.Our team works with residents to ensure their lifestyle reflects their goals and preferences.Discover how Presbyterian Senior Living's commitment to wellness can enrich your life or the life of a loved one.

Contact us today!