+ Retirement Centers Focus on Health and Wellness

In relation to Irene Saylor’s independent living apartment, we looked into alternative lifestyles for the elderly. Tawyna Hensley from the Lodge Retirement Community in Cincinnati, Ohio describes the health and wellness programs available to her residents.

Please tell me about your staff and their experience in the Health and Wellness field.
We have numerous years of experience in our facility as we have physicians, therapists, nurses and activity coordinators.

What are the current Lodge programs addressing Health and Wellness for residents?
Walking Club, Exercise Class, Bowling, Volleyball, Alzheimer Support Group, Harmonica Group for Parkinson’s Disease residents, Blood Pressure Checks, Medical Lab, Association of the Blind

What are the resident's reactions to Health and Wellness programs? Are they open to health suggestions or are they content with their current practices?
There are many who participate in one or more of these programs to keep them healthy longer or to regain some loss. They are open to suggestions.

Has The Lodge staff recognized emerging attitudes or trends that will change your Health and Wellness programs for the future? If so, what? and when will they start?
Exercise Partners

So the future is in partnerships - an age old approach. People want what is within their comfort zone, but in the context of a new experience. How can the design community focus on this idea as we innovate for the future of elderly care?