Dec 12 2011
Seven Dimension of Wellness
The health and wellness industry has identified seven dimensions of wellness, including social, physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational, and environmental. The lifestyle provided at Shell Point is the epitome of active aging in all seven dimensions.
1. Social
All of the 100-plus activity and volunteer service groups at Shell Point provide the perfect opportunity to socialize with those of like interest, as well as those whom we serve and are served by. Shell Point’s Weekly Reminder includes a listing of on-going activities and recruitment pieces for new volunteer opportunities within the various activity and volunteer groups.
2. Physical
Wellness, health, and fitness are of uppermost importance to senior adults. Residents make use of the beautiful climate and surroundings by walking the fitness trails, swimming in the pools, exercising and taking physical fitness classes in the health club, playing golf and tennis, boating, and taking classes in The Academy to learn about how to prevent illness, manage diseases, and obtain better health.
In addition, residents participate in groups, such as Tai Chi, table tennis, ballroom and line dancing, shuffleboard, kayaking, billiards, gardening, bocce ball, biking and more.
3. Spiritual
As a non-profit ministry of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, Shell Point fosters an environment for spiritual fulfillment. The Village Church at Shell Point provides opportunities for worship with staff that serve beyond the church walls and throughout the community, including the skilled nursing facility with a pastoral staff and non-denominational healthcare chaplain.
Not only do many C&MA missionaries and pastoral staff choose to live at Shell Point in their retirement, so do many clergy from other denominations, making for a rich and fertile ground for support, discussion, and lifelong learning presentations in The Academy.
4. Emotional
There are numerous groups at Shell Point, providing support for a variety of needs. These groups provide helpful information with a base of comfort from friends and neighbors who are experiencing common needs. Each edition of Shell Point Life features the details of every support group. It is common knowledge that volunteering not only adds years to your life, it also adds life to your years. Over half of the Shell Point resident population volunteers within the community, as well as the local region. This makes the community exceedingly rich with opportunity to contribute a lifetime of knowledge, experience, and ability while offering residents the benefit of each other’s special gifts.
5. Intellectual
The Academy at Shell Point gives residents an opportunity to teach, present, and learn, right in their own community. Keeping up with the latest research and trends, residents and staff keep The Academy relevant, challenging, and fulfilling. Each semester provides 90 plus courses. In addition, the Shell Point Library provides more than 8,000 items, including books, DVDs, and CDs that contribute a well-rounded intellectual base. A variety of resident groups provide a focus for new information through Library Book Talks, information forums, and current event discussion groups.
6. Vocational
Many residents continue to work after retirement, and that is certainly a growing trend internationally. Not only because of the current economic climate, but also because many people continue to enjoy the stimulation and good feelings that come from contributing on a paid and on a voluntary basis in their area of expertise.
Other ways to keep up with a pre-retirement occupation is by contributing to journals, lecturing, and consulting. Residents often continue to maintain connections to their vocation or try a new field by teaching in The Academy at Shell Point. Opportunities for art and music are plentiful. Residents can sing in the church choir, with the Shell Point Singers, and at the monthly Hymn Sing. Those who create arts and crafts can present and sell them at community arts and crafts exhibits and shows.
Many residents are embracing technology by taking and teaching classes in the Computer College offered through The Academy, and by taking advantage of resident proctor help in the computer labs. There are also opportunities to perform on stage through Shell Point’s Own Theater (SPOT), as well as variety and holiday shows.
Many residents continue to work after retirement, and that is certainly a growing trend internationally. Not only because of the current economic climate, but also because many people continue to enjoy the stimulation and good feelings that come from contributing on a paid and on a voluntary basis in their area of expertise.
Other ways to keep up with a pre-retirement occupation is by contributing to journals, lecturing, and consulting. Residents often continue to maintain connections to their vocation or try a new field by teaching in The Academy at Shell Point. Opportunities for art and music are plentiful. Residents can sing in the church choir, with the Shell Point Singers, and at the monthly Hymn Sing. Those who create arts and crafts can present and sell them at community arts and crafts exhibits and shows.
Many residents are embracing technology by taking and teaching classes in the Computer College offered through The Academy, and by taking advantage of resident proctor help in the computer labs. There are also opportunities to perform on stage through Shell Point’s Own Theater (SPOT), as well as variety and holiday shows.
7. Environmental
An important aspect of wellness is the ability to enjoy the natural environment and experience the outdoors. At Shell Point, residents enjoy numerous opportunities to actively explore nature via boardwalks and walking trails, observation areas, and numerous recreational opportunities designed to take advantage of Shell Point’s waterfront location and the natural beauty of Southwest Florida. Even residents with lower activity levels or issues related to their health and mobility can enjoy the environment through the many areas have been established for viewing the beauty of the surroundings in a comfortable and safe setting.
Plus, residents can be actively engaged in preserving and protecting the environment for future generations through widespread recycling and conservation programs at Shell Point. The Academy provides information on what is being done by local environmental groups through On-The-Go educational field trips and lectures presented by area experts. Resident volunteers are working with the Shell Point Golf Club to extend its Audubon certifications. Shell Point birders take part in an annual bird count. Residents seek opportunities to extend recycling opportunities.