People tend to assume active aging means being physically active. While physical wellness is an important component of a healthy lifestyle – and supported at Carroll Lutheran Village with a full-service gym, heated saline pool and group exercise classes – active aging really focuses on wellness for the whole person.
Active aging (i.e., wellness) is a blend of the physical body and intellectual, emotional, vocational, spiritual, environmental and social needs, also known as dimensions, of a person. I’ll expand on these later dimensions with some examples from Carroll Lutheran Village, which I hope provides some ideas and inspiration towards your pursuit of active aging.
Classes
Our lifelong learning program focuses primarily on the intellectual dimension of wellness. We invite college professors and other experts from the workforce to share their knowledge and experience with courses such as Tech Soup, Art History and the Great Battles of the Civil War. It also provides residents an opportunity to fulfill emotional needs through Zentangle, Mindfulness Meditation and Chair Yoga.
Volunteering
Volunteering is great at supporting the giving and receiving aspect of the vocational dimension. Groups of our residents participate in Project Linus and Threads of Compassion, which provide hand-knit blankets or scarves to those experiencing physical or emotional distress. Residents also spend time outside of Carroll Luthean Village reading to daycare children, serving food at the local cold weather shelter and working at Carroll Hospital’s reception desk.
Consider your personal interests and look for opportunities that allow you to give and receive through meaningful activities, whether that be through volunteering or a paid position.
Worship and Mindfulness
The spiritual life program at Carroll Luthean Village is robust, and because the spiritual dimension is very individualized and tends to mean different things to different people, we provide a variety of options for residents to explore their spiritual interests and needs.
Our chaplains provide weekly non-denominational worship services, bible studies and other opportunities to explore spirtual growth. Additionally, we have a successful Stephen Ministry program, organized by trained resident volunteers.
We also offer simple less formalized options like seating areas that overlook the picturesque views that surround our 100-acre community and a labyrinth – both providing opportunities for residents to practice mindfulness.
Explore outlets that feed your spiritual needs, whether they involve simple or formal approaches.
Mother Earth
Environmental wellness is at the forefront of the world right now, and Carroll Lutheran Village residents are committed to keeping the Earth beautiful and healthy for future generations. Through adopt-a-road programs, campus clean-up days and multiple community garden areas, residents take care of the world around them, making Carroll Lutheran Village and the greater community a better place.
Consider how you are currently supporting your environmental wellness interests. If you feel you could do more, look into opportunities that could help you do that. If you enjoy gardening, consider planting a vegetable garden to help source your own food or plants that promote the ecosystem.
Group Activities
We provide extensive opportunities to support the social wellness needs of our residents, including being part of our Residents’ Association Council and various resident clubs and committees; traveling on bus trips to points of interest, enjoying live entertainment and participating in themed dining experiences, just to name a few!
If you’re looking to build your social network, think about your interests and find groups that align with them. You just might meet new friends who share your interests too!
The benefits of becoming and remaining active throughout life are numerous. From decreased blood pressure, cholesterol and depression, to increased social connectedness and growth of brain cells. No matter what age you are, you can start aging actively now! Grab a friend and go for a walk, mentor a teenager in your community, volunteer at a local library, help clean-up your city park, follow your passion, whatever it may be, and experience the benefits of active aging.
If you need a little more inspiration, read how one resident brought home five medals from relay racing.
At Carroll Lutheran Village, wellness is a way of life that naturally comes with the lifestyle we offer. Learn more. Speak with an advisor today!
About the Author
Jessica Andrews is the director of resident life at Carroll Lutheran Village. She holds a master’s degree in gerontology and bachelor’s degree in exercise science and physical education. She started working at the community in 2008 as the fitness and aquatics instructor and then worked as the resident life coordinator until she was promoted to her current position.
