Edgewater’s Six Dimensions Promotes Successful Aging

 

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA — Sept. 21, 2009 — The staff at the recently opened Edgewater are working to support the physical and social health of their residents by celebrating National Active Aging Week, Sept. 21 – 27, with a variety of activities aimed to support healthy living and successful aging. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults who choose to stay healthy both mentally and physically reduce their risks of heart disease and diabetes.

Edgewater, a West Des Moines Active Life community sponsored by WesleyLife, promotes a holistic philosophy that focuses on the six dimensions of wellness — physical, emotional, vocational, social, spiritual and intellectual. Edgewater residents experience a wellness program that reaches far beyond physical health to build on individuals’ social engagement, spiritual enlightenment, emotional strength and intellectual health.

“From tai chi classes to LifeBio courses and Dakim Brain Fitness, residents are empowered with a variety of choices to help them age successfully,” said Abby Reynolds, director of wellness for Edgewater. “Our focus for National Active Aging Week is to offer a variety of exercise activities in a safe, fun environment.”

Successful aging is often defined as being engaged in life, experiencing a low risk of illness and maintaining high physical and cognitive levels. During National Active Aging Week, older adults are encouraged to look for new opportunities to stay active and engaged.

 

“It’s never too late to incorporate an exercise routine or new hobby into your life,” said Reynolds. “The preventative measures you take in your 40s, 50s and 60s can exponentially impact how successfully your mind and body will age. And it doesn’t have to be something difficult or expensive. You can complete the morning crossword puzzle, or take a walk each day with a neighbor.”

 

To encourage wellness on an individual level, all Edgewater residents take the Senior Fitness Test and work with staff to develop a wellness plan that not only sets physical activity goals, but life goals as well. Reynolds stresses the importance of physical strength, highlighting upper body strength and flexibility for older adults. Edgewater fitness classes are function-based and each move serves a purpose beyond strength — like ensuring flexibility and balance so older adults who are grandparents can easily pick up and carry grandchildren or continue to enjoy their favorite activities like golf, tennis or swimming.

 

National Active Aging Week is the annual health initiative of the International Council of Active Aging (ICAA) that aims to promote a healthy, active lifestyle among aging adults. For more information about ICAA or National Active Aging Week, visit http://www.icaa.cc/aaw.htm.