Sumner on Ridgewood: Take a spin on the wellness wheel of 'fortune' – LIVING WELL Magazine

Take a Spin on the Wellness Wheel of ‘Fortune’

By Rowena Wilkins, Director of Marketing at Sumner on Ridgewood, Akron LIVING WELL Magazine

As senior independent living communities evolve, they should have one sole purpose: to promote independence and wellness for their residents. Their main goal should be to create programs and services that cater to residents’ changing needs and contribute to their quality of life. So what can communities do to ensure that they are meeting these needs? They can apply the Wellness Wheel to develop dynamic programs. You, too, should embrace these Seven Dimensions of Wellness to enhance your well-being in the retirement community you choose.

Social Wellness—Interaction and engagement of residents with one another for active enjoyment: Make new friends. Participate in social events. Invite another resident to a movie. Attend a concert.

Emotional Wellness—Learning how to express your feelings while adapting to a new environment: Foster relationships with other residents. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone. Join the community’s welcome committee.

Spiritual Wellness—Engaging in community fellowship through nature walks or religious worship: Join the bible study group. Take a walk on the grounds. Meditate. Find things that inspire you.

Environmental Wellness—An overall appreciation of nature through green activities: Create and maintain a garden. Recognize your environmental impact. Initiate a community recycling program.

Vocational Wellness—Getting involved in volunteer opportunities or committees both inside and outside the community: Volunteer at your local church or school. Take a leadership role in the residents association or on a committee. Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer.

Intellectual Wellness—Learning and enriching your life with new skills or ideas: Attend an educational seminar. Study a foreign language. Join a book club. Do a crossword puzzle.

Physical Wellness—Active involvement in exercise and healthy eating: Use the fitness area. Take a water exercise class or do some line dancing. Join the culinary committee and make menu suggestions.

These Seven Dimensions of Wellness are the focus of retirement communities that seek to integrate their residents’ physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Let the Wellness Wheel be your tool to discovering the perfect community for you.

To learn how Sumner on Ridgewood can help you achieve optimal health, please contact Rowena Wilkins today at 330-664-1289 for an appointment.