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Better Health D |
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| SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2024
A healthy
way of looking
at life
Senior Living at
Glenmeadow SPONSORED CONTENT BY ADVERTISING
(ABOVE PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCK IMAGES)
I
t’s 9:30 in the morning at Glenmeadow retirement community in Longmeadow and the exercise class is hopping. “Those classes are among the most popular of all the programs we provide. The place to be at Glenmeadow at 9:30 in the morning is our exercise class,” said Dr. Kathy Martin, president and CEO of the independent and assisted living community. According to the World Bank, the average lifespan of people in America is just over 77 years. The average age among the 160 residents at Glenmeadow is 88. As doctors and the medical community in general work to help people live longer, Glenmeadow is bringing life to programs that ensure better living as people age. “We are living longer. The question would be, are our seniors living better,” said Martin. Glenmeadow takes a focused approach toward ensuring the people who live there thrive physically, mentally and spiritually. Specialists in senior care assess residents when they begin their new lives in the community, identifying what every person wants and needs to be happy and safe—and the focus is on body, mind and spirit.
going to be critically important for the baby boomer population as they begin to retire, because it’s something they’re already deeply engaged in,” said Martin. Cognitive care at Glenmeadow involves everything from playing canasta and other games with friends to conversations over coffee, attending lectures, exhibits, enjoying the symphony, seeing the curtain rise at a local theater or staging any number of events that bring people together to mingle, talk and learn. “You want to secure your physical health but preserving mental and spiritual health are equally important. There is a critical need to prevent social isolation and to create ways for our older adults to connect with those across the lifespan,” said Martin. “We offer so many programs that keep our residents active and thriving.”
The Soul Purpose
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death among adults ages 65 and older, saying nearly a third fall and suffer serious injuries such as hip fractures, which may be fatal. With this in mind, Glenmeadow not only offers exercise classes—it is also nearing the end of a $10 million renovation featuring a new pool, wellness and fitness centers along with added space for its exercise classes. “The more you improve your physical health, the more likely you are to prevent falls, because you’ve got muscle strength, balance and good core. All of those things are important across the lifespan, regardless of your age, but the more we ensure our residents are actively engaged in some form of exercise, the better it will be for them,” said Martin.
While it’s easy to grab a set of weights, a hand of cards or tickets to a show, spiritual health can be more difficult to grasp. It’s about feeling at peace with your life, having a clear mind, positive direction and a healthy spirit. “The spiritual component is a strong part of what we offer, and spirituality means something different to every individual. It could be access to religious services, green spaces or meditation. We think holistically about how we define health and what each of our individual seniors needs,” said Martin. Convenience and nutrition play key roles in feeding the soul, and it’s more than putting away the pots and pans and having someone cook for you. From an executive chef and an on-site dietitian to a dedicated staff of cooks and servers, it’s all considered soul food. “We take the work out of dining. We have a menu that changes every seven days, and our residents have around 10 entrees to choose from. It’s like going to a restaurant every day and getting to choose nutritious, beautifully presented, delicious meals. And it’s not just kale and vegetables. It’s also steak and dessert,” said Martin.
State of Mind
Nailing it
In their first meetings and ongoing interactions with the staff, residents continue to express how much they enjoy and want to continue expanding their minds. Lifelong learning is a key concept at Glenmeadow, which also includes helping seniors live a life of purpose. “Our residents are incredibly interested in intellectual engagement. That is essential for the population in retirement now, but it’s also
From mind and body to hair and nails, there are so many components to better living. One of the more attractive fixtures in the newly renovated space is a beauty salon. “That’s another part of health and wellness—feeling good about how you present yourself to your friends and family,” said Martin. “A lot of great social interaction happens while you’re getting a manicure.”
Getting Physical
(ABOVE PHOTOS COURTESY OF GLENMEADOW RETIREMENT COMMUNITY)