According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence.

For residents of retirement communities, this means having access to resources to help support and thrive on all levels of wellness. As a life enrichment tools, the programming and activity calendar need to be part of the community’s wellness strategy.

A recent study from USC supports this idea: “What is critical is that, as we age, we continue to be engaged in life through a sustainable mix of productive, social, physical and spiritual activities. This goal of prevention and wellness is really a key to health care reform, and results in cost savings to society,” said Clark, professor and associate dean of the Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, and president of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

How does this get implemented in activity calendars?

1. Frequently cover all areas of wellness: Most, if not all, residents enjoy fun and games. But accessing quality programming about education, occupation, religion and spirituality is essential to their well being. Setting rules for the calendar such as X number of physical, Y number of spiritual, Z number of educational activities is an important method to put in place
2. Make all sphere of wellness accessible: No matter how high or low functioning residents are, they should all be stimulated on these different dimensions.
3. Include all residents all the time: Actually not that difficult! Care planning and/or monthly meetings with residents help shape the needs and how their demand evolves over time. A resident council is a good way to push residents pro-activeness about what they want and can do for their community
4. Make sure the calendar offers social interactions: Beyond “socials” the residents should be able to have discussion and opportunities to share stories and learn together. Creating activities around the concept of “team building” has been extremely successful. Having a “welcome new comers” event also insures a smooth transition for newer residents

Work from Dr. M. Powell Lawton touches upon level of activity and actual well being:

The results indicated that an internal locus of control was positively related to exercising and participation in leisure activities. Finally, higher levels of activity are associated with longer retention in the AL setting. (- Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2008 Jun;23) which supports that a better wellness approach actually drives higher occupancy: Another reason for senior communities to focus on better activities and programming for their residents!