Wellness as a way of life

It's the start of a new year and for many, the time to set fresh goals and replace old habits.

According to The Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, nearly 55% of New Year's resolutions are health related: exercising more and eating healthier.

But well-intentioned goals are often short-lived. Clinical psychologist Joseph Luciani estimates that 80% of New Year's resolutions fail by the second week of February.

Strava, a social network for athletes, reports an even shorter window for New Year's zeal. After analyzing 31.5 million online activities, the network pinpointed January 12 as the date when most people break their resolutions.

At Highland Springs, the Erickson Living-managed community in North Dallas, wellness isn't a once-a-year effort; it's a way of life.

"There's an emphasis here on creating wellness opportunities for the whole person," says Kris Allison, who's lived at Highland Springs with her husband Tom since September 2018. "We have the opportunity to get involved in so many activities, which benefit us socially, physically, and intellectually."

Bee Healthy Expo

Highland Springs recently celebrated the community's commitment to wellbeing at the Bee Healthy Expo, an annual event showcasing resources within Highland Springs and in the greater North Dallas community. The "bee" theme carried throughout the Hillcrest Clubhouse as décor in yellow and black invited residents to explore more than 50 booths filled with wellness resources.

"The Bee Healthy Expo is sponsored by the Medical and Continuing Care Committees on campus," says Joan Becker, who chaired the expo. "It's a way to share information to help us all lead healthy lives and connect with resources available on campus and beyond."

Joan, a nurse consultant who moved to Highland Springs in 2018, says a healthy lifestyle starts with the big picture.

"You're missing out if you don't engage with people, take care of yourself, and seek ways to give back," she says. "We have everything we need at Highland Springs to live well-rounded, healthy lives."

The expo highlighted various departments on campus, including the onsite fitness center, group exercise classes, medical center, rehabilitation services, pastoral ministries, dining services, and resident life. Outside vendors and organizations were also on hand to promote education and awareness.

"There's an emphasis on health and wellness on every Erickson Living-managed campus," says Jeff Watson, director of operations for Erickson Living. "Fifty percent of how we age is determined by our lifestyle and the habits we build. When it comes to taking care of ourselves, it's not about perfection; it's about direction."

Embrace wellness

Last year, Highland Springs, along with the 18 other Erickson Living-managed communities nationwide, launched an Embrace Wellness campaign to align the community's offerings with seven dimensions of wellness: physical, intellectual, social, emotional, occupational, spiritual, and environmental.

"Our goal is to help residents thrive in the Highland Springs community," says Kimberly Reed, senior manager for Resident Life. "This support begins with our Welcome Home orientation and continues with fitness, entertainment, and learning experiences, as well as opportunities for socializing, volunteering, and leisure activities."

Elaine Holmes moved to Highland Springs in November 2018. She participated in the Bee Healthy Expo by handing out information from the American Heart Association.

"The atmosphere here is one of positive attitudes," says Elaine. "We enjoy great social opportunities, the meals are balanced, and we have well-trained staff to take care of us. I feel safe and settled, and I don't have anything to worry about."