Corporate Fitness and Active Aging

Regular exercise is incredibly beneficial for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). It helps manage symptoms like stiffness, gait issues, posture, and balance deficiencies. Individual exercises can build into complex movement patterns, eventually evolving into activities such as dancing, yoga, and boxing. Since PD presents itself uniquely in each person, no two exercise programs will look the same. A personalized plan that takes into account both the individual’s daily needs and the activities they enjoy most will have the greatest impact on improving their quality of life.

Guidelines for a Parkinson’s-specific program recommend three 30-minute sessions per week that include cardiovascular work, strength training, and a preferred activity (yoga, boxing, tai chi, etc.). Training balance, posture, and flexibility should happen daily if possible. Cardiovascular exercise enhances motor function and cognitive abilities, while strength training slows disease progression and improves dopamine efficiency in the brain. Regular balance, posture, and flexibility work promotes better mobility, and a person’s favorite activity helps them apply these skills in a fun and challenging way.

Do it for the moves and the mood! Getting heart rates into the target zone (50-80% of maximum) has been shown to improve executive function, speed of processing, and memory. High-intensity exercise can slow neurodegeneration and, in many cases, even reverse the effects of PD. Cardiovascular exercise can be done with cardio equipment, but it can also be combined with balance, strength, and reflexive movements found in activities like dancing, boxing, or ping pong. This creates a combination of benefits that also boosts mood.

Do it big and with gusto! High-energy movements, challenging sequences, and the ability to adapt in real-time are key. But make room for proper rest and resets throughout. It's important to celebrate achievements along the way and remember—there are no mistakes for someone with Parkinson’s, only opportunities to adjust and discover new ways to move. The brain is always rerouting itself through neuroplasticity.

Movement, sleep, and repair go hand in hand. Exercising regularly in the described style promotes better sleep, allowing the body to repair itself. This includes clearing away brain accumulations, releasing growth hormones to build strength, and reinforcing learning that leads to greater movement efficacy and confidence. Understanding the connection between exercise, sleep, and repair is crucial. Adding an evening ritual of breathwork and flexibility exercises can help maximize the benefits of movement and improve overall wellbeing.

Step up for a cause! Join us Thursday, April 10, for Pump It for Parkinson’s. Together, we can reach 25 million steps in support of those living with Parkinson’s disease. Don’t miss out—register today and help us make a difference!

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At NIFS, we believe in the power of movement. That’s why our partnership with NuStep has become an integral part of NIFS Pump It for Parkinson’s, a nationwide initiative that raises awareness about Parkinson’s Disease (PD) while inspiring communities to take meaningful steps (literally and figuratively) toward better health.

Every April, during Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Pump It for Parkinson’s unites communities across the nation on a shared mission to highlight the critical role exercise plays in managing PD symptoms. At the heart of this event is the NuStep cross trainer, a machine that has not only become a hallmark of our program but also a gateway for residents to rediscover the joy of movement.

For many residents, the NuStep offers a level of approachability and ease that makes starting or returning to exercise possible. Its seated, low-impact design eliminates the barriers that often discourage seniors from engaging in fitness, especially those managing mobility challenges or chronic conditions.

In one community, a resident who had never stepped foot in the fitness center joined Pump It for Parkinson’s because of a PD diagnosis, and quickly discovered how enjoyable and empowering regular movement could be. Stories like this remind us why the NuStep is so much more than a piece of equipment, but also a bridge to better fitness.

The beauty of Pump It for Parkinson’s is its flexibility. The NuStep serves as the cornerstone of the event, but we encourage communities to build on it in ways that engage their residents and staff:

• Organizing a community-wide 1k walk event.
• Highlighting Group Fitness Classes: From cardio drumming to dance classes, we’ve seen communities get creative by adding group activities that complement the NuStep challenge.
• Inclusive Opportunities: Every step counts when building awareness, so we offer step-conversion charts and alternative activities like walking, biking, or using the elliptical trainer.

Parkinson’s Disease affects more than 10 million people worldwide, including many in the senior living communities we serve. Exercise has been shown to slow the progression of PD symptoms, improve balance and coordination, and enhance overall quality of life. By combining education with action, Pump It for Parkinson’s sheds light on these benefits while fostering a culture of wellness and inclusivity.

Throughout the event, communities host educational booths, share resources about PD, and invite residents and staff to learn more about how they can support those living with the disease. This blend of awareness and activity is what makes the program so impactful.

In 2024, participants nationwide achieved over 18 million steps, and this year, we’re aiming even higher and know we can meet our 25 million step goal. The impact of this program goes far beyond the numbers. Residents gain confidence, friendships blossom, and communities come together in ways that inspire lasting change. We’re proud to offer this event which has become hallmark for many senior living communities and invite you to join us in making 2025 our most impactful year yet!

Join us for Pump It for Parkinson's this April and help us bring awareness nationwide to the benefits of exercise for those living with Parkinson's Disease.

Learn More: Pump It for Parkinson's

Aging gracefully starts with the right nutrients! Good health doesn’t happen by chance—it requires proactive choices. Nutrition is important for every generation, but it becomes even more critical as we age. As we grow older, our nutritional needs change, and understanding what’s essential can make all the difference in staying active, healthy, and full of energy. In this blog, we will discuss why your nutritional needs change with age, key nutrients to focus on, and easy ways to incorporate them into your life.

As we age, our bodies undergo changes that affect metabolism, digestion, and nutrient absorption, making it essential to adjust our diets accordingly. With a slower metabolism, fewer calories are needed to fuel our bodies, but lower calorie needs don’t mean fewer vitamins and nutrients. In fact, the opposite is true. Aging actually increases the demand for certain essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, aging bones, muscles, and joints require extra support.

Let’s take a look at 5 of the most important nutrients we need to start incorporating into our diet.

Vitamin B12

If you’ve been feeling more fatigued lately, low B12 levels could be the culprit. This vitamin plays a key role in energy production and brain function. B12 is found in foods like meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. If you have a hard time consuming these foods, a supplement may be your best option.

Calcium and Vitamin D

Without adequate calcium and Vitamin D, even strong bones gradually weaken over time. These nutrients are crucial for bone health, especially as the risk of osteoporosis increases with age. Yes, exercise helps to strengthen bones, but without the right fuel, even the strongest bones will begin to break down over time. You can find calcium and Vitamin D in foods like leafy greens, dairy, and fatty fish.

Fiber

Digestive troubles are a common issue as we age, but fiber is here to save the day! Be sure to include foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These nutrients help keep things moving and maintain a healthy gut.

Potassium

Increasing potassium intake can help regulate fluid balance and prevent muscle cramps. Potassium is also essential for heart health and reducing the risk of high blood pressure. It can be found in bananas, sweet potatoes, and spinach.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

This little helper has a host of benefits for the body and overall health. Adding omega-3 fatty acids will help improve heart health, brain function, and even reduce inflammation. It’s the all-in-one nutrient! Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include nuts, seeds, and fatty fish like salmon.

Nutrition is the foundation of health, no matter what age you are. Learning and making small changes to include these important nutrients will have a positive impact on how you feel and age. Think of these small dietary changes as an investment in your long-term health, well-being, and vitality.

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You are scrolling through social media for entertainment and inspiration, and you see the person you want to be like. They are fit, energetic, happy, and have been consistent with their workouts for years now. Maybe you’ve been exercising on and off for a while but can’t find the routine that you can stick to. Well, it’s a new year, so… “New year, new plan!”

The first step is determining your SMART goal:

S: Specific – A specific goal adds clarity to a broad statement. “I want to be fit” is a great goal, but the specific goal needs to add depth to what being fit means to you. “I want to improve my muscular strength” is more specific and leads us into the next letter…

M: Measurable – You need to be able to measure your progress. For the previous example, you can use a one rep max to test muscular strength and easily measure before, during, and after results.

A: Attainable – Make sure you are honest with yourself. Your goal needs to be challenging, but doable. Is gaining muscular strength attainable if you only go to the gym once every other week? Probably not. But it would be if you know you can commit to lifting three times per week.

R: Realistic – Similar to the attainable aspect, you need to know yourself when setting goals. Can you realistically set aside one hour a few times per week? Are you realistically going to go to the gym at 5am?

T: Time-Sensitive – If a goal doesn’t have a start and end point, it’s hard to measure progress or ever feel like the goal is complete. Pick a duration that makes sense to you and then add that to the calendar.

Sticking with the example, your goal could look something like this: I want to improve my muscular strength to feel more fit. I’m going to go to the gym at 5am three days per week for 8-weeks.

So, now that you have your smart goal, how do you stick with it?

Tip #1: Accountability Partner

Exercise with your spouse, friend, or a personal trainer. If you commit to a plan with them, you are more likely to follow through. You get the additional benefits of social wellness and can improve your mental health as well. I can vouch for this one. I have been trying for a while to find a routine to stick with. Who knew that all I needed was a workout partner for my 5:30am swims!

Tip #2: Plan & Prep Ahead

Whether you goal is to exercise in the morning, afternoon, or evening, you can make a commit to tomorrow’s workout by setting out your clothes and gear the night before. Additionally, have an idea of your meals and/or snacks to make sure you are getting the nutrition your body needs when it needs it. Gym bag packed – check. Water bottle filled – check. Alarm set – check. Determination – check.

Tip #3: Mini Goals & Celebrations

It is quite helpful to celebrate small wins along the way. Was it hard for you to wake up early for your first ever morning workout? Then set a mini goal to wake up early three times this week. If you can do that, you will buy those colorful running shoes you’ve been wanting. A celebration should make you feel accomplished but try to celebrate in a way that does not deter you from your end goal. Yes, waking up is tough, but no, your celebration shouldn’t be an extra day off of exercise.

I hope you are eager to set a SMART goal and start working hard on what really matters to you. This is your year. The time is now! Are you ready to commit?

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Staying active and making healthy choices is important, especially as we get older. Strength training and maintaining a healthy body composition can make a big difference in how we move, look, and feel as we age. 

Understanding Body Composition 

Body composition is the balance of muscle, fat, bone, and other tissues in your body. As we get older, this balance tends to shift. Without regular exercise, body fat usually increases, and muscle mass can start to decrease. This change can impact your health and increase disease risks. 

Muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, often starts in your 40s and speeds up with age. At the same time, fat storage—especially around the belly—can increase, even if your weight stays the same. This shift in body composition can slow your metabolism, making it easier to gain fat. Hormonal changes, such as lower testosterone and estrogen levels, also contribute to these changes. 

Why Strength Training Matters 

Strength training, or resistance training, involves exercises that use weights, resistance bands, or body weight to strengthen muscles. It’s one of the best ways to combat age-related body changes. Here are some key benefits of strength training as you age: 

• Maintains and Builds Muscle: Strength training can help you prevent muscle loss and even build new muscle. 

• Increases Metabolism: Muscle burns more calories than fat, even at rest, so by building muscle, you’re boosting your calorie burn all day. 

• Helps Burn Fat: Strength training not only builds muscle but also helps burn fat by raising your metabolism. 

• Strengthens Bones: Lifting weights improves bone density, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis. 

• Improves Balance and Flexibility: Strong muscles around your joints help you stay steady and can reduce the risk of falls. 

• Lowers Chronic Disease Risks: Strength training can decrease the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. 

Adjusting Your Strength Training Routine by Age 

As you age, your strength training goals may change. Here’s a general guide for each stage: 

• 40s: Focus on maintaining muscle and preventing early muscle loss. Include exercises like squats, lunges, and deadlifts to build strength. If you’re new to strength training, start slowly and increase intensity gradually. 

• 50s and 60s: Prioritize functional strength and flexibility. Exercises that improve balance, such as planks and resistance band work, are especially helpful. Make time for recovery and add stretching or yoga for flexibility. 

• 70s and Beyond: In your 70s and beyond, it’s all about maintaining independence and supporting everyday movements. Light weights, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises are ideal. Listen to your body, and make adjustments to stay safe and comfortable. 

Additional Tips to Support Muscle Mass 

• Eat Enough Protein: Protein helps your muscles repair and grow, especially after workouts. Foods like lean meat, fish, beans, and eggs are excellent sources. 

• Stay Hydrated: Hydration keeps your muscles working well, so be sure to drink enough water daily. 

How to Start a Strength Training Routine 

If you’re new to strength training, start with bodyweight exercises, light weights, or resistance bands. As you gain confidence, you can increase the weight or number of reps. Set realistic goals and track your progress to stay motivated. Consistency is key—strength training provides benefits that build over time. For personalized support, visit your onsite NIFS fitness center, where our staff can help you get started! 

Strength training is one of the best ways to improve body composition and support your health as you age. It’s never too late to start, and by making it a regular part of your routine, you can set yourself up for a stronger, healthier future. 

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Picture this: You're gliding effortlessly across a small trampoline, the rhythmic bouncing sending a gentle wave of energy through your body. This isn't just some childhood fantasy; it's rebounding, a low-impact exercise gaining popularity among senior citizens for its myriad health benefits.

Unlike traditional exercises that can strain joints and muscles, rebounding is surprisingly gentle. The trampoline's bouncy surface absorbs the impact, allowing you to engage in a full-body workout without putting undue stress on your body.

Why Rebounding is a Perfect Fit for Seniors

As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to the effects of inactivity. Osteoporosis, weakened muscles, and diminished balance are just a few of the challenges older adults face. Rebounding tackles these issues head-on, offering a safe and effective way to improve overall health and fitness.

1. Cardiovascular Health Boost: Rebounding gets your heart pumping, increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to your vital organs. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.

2. Bone Density Enhancement: The weight-bearing nature of rebounding stimulates bone growth, combating osteoporosis, a common concern among seniors.

3. Balance and Coordination Improvement: Rebounding challenges your vestibular system, which controls balance. This can help prevent falls, a major risk factor for older adults.

4. Stress Reduction and Anxiety Relief: Rebounding releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones that elevate mood and reduce stress. This can also improve sleep quality, a crucial factor for overall well-being.

5. Muscle Strengthening and Endurance: Rebounding engages all major muscle groups, leading to increased strength and endurance. This improves overall fitness and mobility, making everyday tasks easier.

6. Weight Management: Rebounding burns calories, aiding in weight loss or maintenance. This is particularly beneficial for seniors who may be struggling with weight-related health issues.

7. Mental Function Enhancement: Rebounding increases blood flow to the brain, boosting cognitive function and improving memory, concentration, and mood.

Facts About the Safe Use of a Rebounder

Rebounding is a safe form of exercise for most people, including senior citizens. However, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. It is also important to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that allow freedom of movement. If you have any health concerns, talk to your doctor before starting a rebounding program.

Here are some additional tips for safely using a rebounder:

• Use a rebounder with a sturdy frame and a padded surface.
• Place the rebounder on a level surface in a well-lit area.
• Hold onto the handlebars for support when you are first getting started.
• Land gently on the balls of your feet.
• Listen to your body and stop if you feel pain.

Embrace the Bounce: Elevate Your Senior Fitness

Rebounding is more than just exercise; it's a gateway to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. Seniors who embrace rebounding often experience a newfound sense of vitality, relaxation, and mental clarity.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a rebounder, put on your favorite music, and let's bounce our way to better health!

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Last year, the only complaint we heard about Pump it for Parkinson’s was several communities heard about it too late and missed out on the fun! 2023 was the first year the National Institute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS) hosted the event to raise awareness on the benefits of exercise for those fighting back against Parkinson’s Disease and by all accounts it was a smashing success!

• Over 4 million total steps on the NuStep cross trainer were accumulated by senior living communities across the US far exceeding our goal of 1 million steps.
• 100% of event survey responses reported Pump it engaged their residents and staff in a fun new way and created buzz within their community!
• 100% of event surveys reported their residents were pumped to contribute to a Parkinson’s focused event!

As we gear up for year number two, we are going even bigger with new goals, new recruiting efforts to engage more communities, and an optional fundraising element. Here are the basics of what Pump it for Parkinson’s is and how communities can get involved.

Pump it is an event on World Parkinson’s Day where communities can rally their residents and staff to contribute steps on their NuStep cross trainer to submit towards NIFS nationwide goal. Registration is free and participating locations receive a digital toolkit of educational resources, signage and tracking sheets to help them promote and host the event in their community. Hosting Pump it for Parkinson’s is a great way to engage your residents and staff in wellness, contribute to a nationwide goal and help your residents who are impacted by Parkinson’s feel recognized. At the end of the day, communities submit their total step count to NIFS and we tally up all the hard work from thousands of residents and staff across the US who contributed! One thing we heard repeatedly from communities last year is they were surprised to learn how many residents and staff were directly impacted by Parkinson’s Disease and how many residents kept their diagnosis hidden. Pump it empowered many individuals to share their story!

The one-day event will be hosted on Thursday, April 11, 2024, and here are our big goals for this year:

• We are aiming for 10 million total steps to honor the 10 million people living worldwide with Parkinson’s Disease! Rally your residents, staff, families, and prospects to contribute steps on as many NuSteps your community has available. This a great program to engage residents across the continuums if you are a lifeplan community by recruiting your activities and rehab staff in licensed areas to participate! Our motto, every step counts and it’s a great way to help residents of all abilities contribute.
• Due to requests, we are also proud to announce a partnership with Team Fox to incorporate an optional fundraising element for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF)! Communities can form or a team or individual donations can be made if desired.
• We are inviting senior living operators to make a Pump it Pledge by recruiting as many of your communities to participate in this free event as possible. We will recognize your organization’s commitment to resident well-being through future blogs and social announcements featuring our participating locations. Contact Emily Davenport for more information on creating your organization’s Pump it Pledge!

Not only do communities have an opportunity to participate in an engaging event, but they also have a chance to win a free NuStep T6 Cross Trainer thanks to our partners at NuStep and a kit of Parkinson’s fitness resources from NIFS to enhance their wellness program.

Visit our event page to register: https://wellness.nifs.org/pump-it-for-parkinsons and follow along at Pump it for Parkinson’s Facebook page for great tips, images, and inspiration for a successful event. We would also like to extend a thank you to our event partners who are committed to helping us spread the word about Pump it for Parkinson’s including NuStep, Wellzesta and ICAA. If you are a vendor in the senior living space willing to help us spread our message, please reach out here for more information on how you can help.

Learn More: Pump It for Parkinson's

It has often been thought that core strength can only to be achieved through sit ups, crunches, and planks but in recent years there has been a lot more discussion about the way we breathe and how it effects our core. If you participate in 1-1 training or group fitness, you have probably heard your trainer tell you to breathe and brace your core through a particular exercise. What does it mean to effectively brace your core and why is it important? Is it to see your abdominals, provide you strength or to help with your posture? In all reality, we use our core for many daily tasks such as standing tall, getting up off a chair, or even walking. Learning how to brace your core is fundamental in creating a strong foundation for all movements and can also help to aide in injury prevention.

As you may know, your core is not merely just a sheet of muscle. In fact, there are several muscles that work together to brace your core and support your spine. These muscles include rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, internal and external obliques, erector spinae, and your quadratus lumborum (also known as the QL muscle). These mighty muscles work together to keep your spine stabilized and upright. If there is weakness in one or a few of these muscles, it can lead to lower back pain, hip pain, or injury. Knowing this foundation, it can help us know how to engage these muscles for them to work altogether.

When it comes to your core, breathing is an excellent tactic to get those muscles working! What you can start with is a deep breathing exercise. Take a moment to breathe. Start by inhaling through the nose, really feeling your ribs expand. The next step is to brace the core muscles. Tighten your midsection by pulling your navel to the spine, think of this as bracing for impact – you will feel your ribs flare downwards as you do this movement. Of course, do not forget to exhale and expend the air being held in the lungs during the bracing. Some exercises can also be done to help brace the core such as squats, bird dogs, planks, and the list goes on and on.

At the end of the day, it is important to understand the proper breathing technique that coincides with bracing your core. Take a moment to think of your favorite exercise. Is it a squat or a bicep curl? Whatever it may be, there are two main stages in the lift that correlate with the proper breathing and core bracing technique.

Let’s start with a squat and keep these steps in bind for breathing and bracing.

1. When you are standing, try to keep your shoulders rolled back and down, allowing optimal space for your lungs to expand.
2. As you go down into the squat, gravity is helping you get lower, this is the key motion to allow yourself to take a deep breath in.
3. When you are ready to stand from the squatting position, this is where bracing your core is the most effective. As you push to stand, let out a breath through your mouth and brace your core.

The push of the air coming out of your lungs will help to contract your core muscles and make the movement much smoother.

Now, here is a challenge for you! Think of any movement you do daily and try to practice it at least one time each day. When gravity is assisting, that is the time to breathe in, when you are pushing up against gravity, brace that core and exhale! Learning to brace your core takes time and a lot of practice. Bracing your core can be done as you’re completing your daily tasks. Take time to practice, and watch it help you in your day to day!

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Every senior living community offers group fitness classes.  If you want to stand out from the competition, you have to offer more.

Good is no longer good enough.

So much in senior living is evolving, except for fitness.  The fitness industry itself is evolving, and rapidly, but many communities aren’t progressing to adopt new exercise equipment for older adults, updated staff-led services that increase resident participation, or smart data from the fitness program that can inform future decision making.

What about your community?  It’s likely that you are offering at least some group fitness classes that the residents choose from each week.  These classes in senior living, especially formats that specifically address balance training or brain health, are a must for any senior living community.  There’s a decent chance that your residents love their group instructors, and the report from your life enrichment director probably notes that the classes are well-attended and well-liked.

There’s also a strong likelihood that you haven’t looked closely at your exercise program recently as a place where the community could position itself as a leader in your market.  Good is no longer good enough.  Good is a starting point; it doesn’t mean the exercise program for your members is complete. 

It’s time to do more than group fitness.

When prospective residents walk into your community for a tour, they see a welcoming, warm lobby area with social nooks for sharing a cup of coffee and the latest gossip or viral YouTube video.  On the tour, you show them contemporary dining venues with menus that make their mouths water. You talk about updated apartments, technology tools that help them stay connected to their family and the larger community.   

As the tour progresses through the community, you eventually arrive at the exercise room. (Or maybe you skip the exercise area because it doesn’t contribute positively to the lifestyle you’re selling.) And it looks old, maybe like an afterthought. The equipment is donated or dated, the artwork is original to the wall, the small collection of dumbbells have cracked vinyl or rusted edges, and the information on the bulletin boards is no longer current.  Worst of all, it’s a ghost town; no one is in there.

It’s a disconnect for the individuals on the tour.  And while that disconnect is real for your prospects today, it will be even more jarring for future prospects and adult children who are the savviest health consumers we’ve seen to date. Certainly, you can’t update all areas in your community at the same time, and there are many priorities ahead of the fitness space(s).  But that doesn’t mean a revitalization of the exercise program should be entirely off the table. 

You don’t necessarily need massive capital budgets to make improvements in your community fitness center.  And you don’t need to blow your operating budget to provide vibrant exercise-related programming to community.  But if you want to start using elements of your senior living programming to combat someday syndrome at your community, you absolutely have to do more than offer group fitness classes.

Find out how to do better for your residents.

Your prospects expect more than just classes on the calendar, your current residents deserve better, and NIFS can help you get there.  Find out more about how the right staff, the right services and the right equipment can positively and profoundly impact the exercise program you're offering your residents. Click below to find out more.

How Outsourcing fitness center management can work for your community

As the seasons change and leaves take on vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange we are reminded that much like an artist, we can craft our lives in beautiful ways, and what better time to celebrate that reminder with our senior residents than during Active Aging Week? Active Aging Week, celebrated annually, shines a light on the importance of maintaining an active and engaged lifestyle as we age. This year, at NIFS, we’ve decided to focus on “aging artfully” and help the residents in the communities that we partner with age well through embracing their creativity.

As fitness professionals, we are sometimes met with surprise when we step outside of the fitness center and run programs that are more wellness and activity based, but across the country we have a team full of passionate and creative staff, and together we focus on total person health and wellness. We know that aging doesn’t mean there has to be a decline in quality of life, but instead provides opportunities to explore new passions, hobbies, and forms of self-expression. As we hold offerings to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being this week we will also be emphasizing the role of art and creativity in active aging and bringing light to some of the benefits that come with them:

1. Social Interaction: We know that not all residents in our communities are fitness buffs, so offering programs that are outside of the box gives us the ability to connect with a new group of residents and ease them into participating in other wellness programs and events. For all, joining in on creative groups and classes combats loneliness and isolation and helps to foster social connections while nurturing creativity.
2. Mental Stimulation: Engaging in creative activities and trying new things stimulates and enhances cognitive function and memory while keeping your mind active.
3. Emotional Well-being: Increased happiness, a sense of accomplishment, and stress reduction are all biproducts of creative expression thanks to an outlet for emotions. Participating in creative programs can help reduce stress, improve mood, and provide an avenue for processing emotions and memories.
4. Self-Discovery: Exploring your creative side can help you to better understand your interests, and help you find new hobbies and passions. It’s never too late to learn an instrument, try your hand at painting, or share your wisdom. Your creative work can also become a meaningful legacy!

Some of the programs that our staff have planned for this active aging week include classes in various mediums of art, music, dance, writing, expressive exercise classes paired with music or art, outdoor exercise in nature, active adventures, upcycling projects, collaborative offerings with other departments including food and beverage, activities, physical therapy, and so much more.

Artful aging is about staying engaged in the world around us, embracing creativity and living with intention. Celebrate Active Aging Week with us by embracing the art of aging well.

Learn more about how NIFS programming makes an impact in senior living!

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