Make the Decision to Age Well
About half of the American population over the age of 85 live alone. At the same time, isolation and loneliness in seniors is increasing and approaching epidemic levels. This crisis isn’t just an emotional issue — recent studies show that loneliness and social separation are damaging to one’s health and can even lead to premature death. In fact, this epidemic and its mortality risk rival those of obesity and cigarette smoking. It doesn’t have to be this way. Seniors with a lot of life left in their years have an opportunity to avoid being one of these statistics, giving themselves the gifts of physical and emotional health and wellbeing - and having a great deal of fun while they are it.
The research is clear: Those who reside in positive, social communities have better emotional, physical, intellectual, and vocational wellness than those who do not.
Yes, change can be hard – particularly when that change is a move from a home full of memories to a new environment, but when this move is approached as an aspirational one, seniors have a powerful opportunity to achieve the highest quality of life in their later years.
Even those who are active and engaged find that community living amps up their lifestyle. It’s much harder to procrastinate on getting regular exercise when it’s just an elevator ride away and your neighbor is headed that way, too. Taking up a new hobby or attending a lecture or performance is much more likely to happen when it doesn’t require any more planning than checking the events calendar and showing up.
SageLife’s Commitment to Aging Well
SageLife, a leader in the aging well movement, has designed a specific lifestyle approach that empowers residents to improve and maintain their mental, physical, and emotional well-being, called “MOSAIC.”
The key elements of MOSAIC are Movement, Outreach, Social, Arts, Intellect, and Curiosity — all important components to well-being.
Movement
Daily physical activity is important for a healthy lifestyle, benefiting the body, mind, and spirit. And recent studies have proven that physical activity is the number one contributor to longevity. Movement helps maintain weight, decreases the impact of illnesses, and enhances mobility and cognition.
Outreach
Giving our time and talents to others sparks a sense of purpose. Research has shown that having a sense of purpose and staying connected with peers are key factors in happiness.
Social
Preventing isolation within the aging population is paramount, as loneliness can cause premature death. Social interaction also enhances emotional and mental health.
Arts
Everyone benefits from having a creative outlet. For older adults however, especially those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other chronic diseases, expressive art programs help reduce depression and anxiety.
Intellect and Curiosity
Continuing to learn new things and exploring and expanding the mind go hand in hand because they both impact a person’s mental stimulation. Mental simulation practices — such as discussion groups, workshops, and lectures — help aging people maintain a strong brain and mental health.
As people live longer, so does their potential for loneliness and isolation. With the MOSAIC approach, residents in SageLife communities are enjoying better health, happiness and wellness as they age.
Echo Lake, SageLife’s community at Atwater in Malvern, is now open. The first residents moved in mid-July. Echo Lake includes 250 apartments, with an array of amenities including clublike community spaces for socializing and entertaining, a 4,500-sq.-ft. fitness center, a sports lounge with a high-tech golf simulator, and expansive patios and terraces. To learn more about the ‘aging well’ movement at Echo Lake and the community’s commitment to creating an environment where mind, body, and spirit can flourish, visitliving at echo lake. com.