Senior
Friday, October 27, 2017 [11]
www.auburn-reporter.com
FALL 2017
RESOURCE GUIDE Using the body and mind to enhance quality of life in aging While education is certainly an active part of an adolescent and young adult’s life, it typically ebbs as one’s professional life becomes established. Learning is a notion that is oftentimes overlooked once retirement has come and gone. And yet lifelong learning keeps a person flexible in thinking and promotes creativity and neuroplasticity. Village Concepts, a Washington state third generation family-owned and operated company, has incorporated lifelong learning into the enrichment programs at all of its retirement communities. Called “The Evergreen Program”, all folks are introduced to the series upon movein, and encouraged to participate in its many facets throughout their stay. This program, when fully appreciated, supports the Village Concepts
philosophy of “bringing retirement to life.” The Evergreen Program uses four building blocks to ease a new person into the series: BUILDING BLOCK 1: Starting with the idea of adaptability, the person is encouraged to make small changes in his/her daily life in order to promote brain growth and the appreciation of differences. This may include shopping at a different store, listening to different kinds of music, or visiting with neighbors. BUILDING BLOCK 2: The next area of focus is the notion of creating and maintaining a positive outlook and gratitude. Seminars emphasize starting a gratitude journal, writing thank-you notes, and rewiring the brain to focus on the
positive. BUILDING BLOCK 3: Movement and exercise has shown to enhance mood and memory while maintaining or improving health. Classes weave in different methods of exercise to include strength, stretching, cardiovascular, and balance training. BUILDING BLOCK 4: The final building block builds on all of the previous seminars and adds in the challenge of “reimagining yourself.” Oftentimes younger adults set aside their own dreams and goals in order to focus on family and career, never to return as they settle into retirement. This exciting block challenges folks to revisit past goals or create new ones; staff assists in seeing the goals through to fruition. Far beyond the typical life enrichment program, The Evergreen Program disputes the idea that older citizens are happy just playing Bingo and watching television. The ultimate goal is to provide an environment where residents can live, not just exist.
Welcome to Village Concepts of Auburn! Brannan Park Retirement Assisted Living & Memory Care
Voted Best Assisted Living in Auburn 2017
Call Today: (253) 736-2800 See all 17 locations on our website: www.villageconcepts.com 1983809