In our second installment of the Wellness Wheel, we’re exploring physical wellness at Willow Brook. While the retirement years are often considered a time to relax and take it easy, they are also an important time to prioritize physical health. When it comes to physical health, every little bit counts, and exercise, like walking, resistance training, or cycling, as well as body movement such as stretching, tai chi, or yoga can help.
Willow Brook offers weekly fitness classes at all three of its campuses. Fitness centers and dedicated physical therapy spaces help residents meet activity goals and effectively recover from illness or hospitalization. Outdoor courtyards and walking paths also provide scenic options for movement, especially in the warmer months.
“Willow Brook is committed to nurturing the physical bodies of our residents for optimal health and well-being. In general, when our bodily anatomy and physiology are functioning properly, we are able to better live life to the fullest.”
Carol Roden, RN, a wellness nurse at Willow Brook Christian Village, says, “Willow Brook is committed to nurturing the physical bodies of our residents for optimal health and well-being. In general, when our bodily anatomy and physiology are functioning properly, we are able to better live life to the fullest.”
This year, Willow Brook chose to highlight our commitment to active living by sponsoring Preservation Parks of Delaware County’s Winter 100 challenge, where participants are challenged to walk or run 100 miles or 100 kilometers (62 miles) between January 1 and March 31, 2022. Besides the motivation to stay moving (and stay healthier) in colder weather, research has shown that physical activity is beneficial for mental health, too, which can suffer in the darker, colder months of winter.
If nurturing your physical health seems overwhelming, don’t discount the small things that can be worked into your schedule that can make an impact. For example, if you are able, take the stairs more often, take advantage of gardening or light yard work, or park a bit further from your destination to get in a few extra steps.
Dietary choices are also extremely important to achieving and maintaining physical health. As you’ll notice on the Wellness Wheel, nutrition is the first point listed, and for good reason—you can’t out-exercise your diet! While we are not experts, research indicates that eating more fruits and vegetables is almost always a good idea, and staying hydrated with water helps your cells do what they need to do to keep you functioning at all levels.
If you have questions or concerns about your physical health, a visit with your doctor or other health care practitioner may be in order. And if you live at Willow Brook, don’t be shy about reaching out to our wellness nurses or the 24-7 nursing staff available to you. Your health is worth it!
