THE ROLE OF SOCIAL COMMUNITY IN HEALTHY AGING
In September of 2011, St. Leonard became the first community of its kind to be certified as a Vital Life Community, a national movement to transform senior living culture through innovative wellness efforts. Research has found that substantial differences in health are possible when a community focuses on eight dimensions of life with the guiding focus being socialization. These wellness dimensions are social, physical, emotional, intellectual, environmental, spiritual, nutritional, and occupational.
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
The vision of Vital Life is to emphasize through a nationwide culture change, community purpose and value as a catalyst for optimum health in the United States.
The mission of Vital Life is to create the healthiest community in America one by one so that the benefits derived by the people in those communities will be significant and desired.
The strategy of Vital Life is to achieve a reduction of disease and chronic illness through the employment of holistic wellness and preventative maintenance programs.
THE BENEFITS OF LIVING A VITAL LIFE
The benefits of Vital Life are the reduction of lifetime healthcare costs, a wellness culture that can be sustained, and increased personal fulfillment by residents, staff and community members who participate.
The Franciscan Center is the focal point of the Vital Life well efforts in the St. Leonard community. Here at St. Leonard, examples of Vital Life activities are walking groups, team dinners, and a wide array of social programs. To find out more about Vital Life at St. Leonard, contact Debra Stewart, Director of Wellness at 937-439-7117. To follow the progress of Vital Life at St. Leonard, visit http://stleonardcommunity.blogspot.com.
St. Leonard Social Walking Program
About
Three years ago St. Leonard created a social walking program which has been a wonderful way to
socialize and come together for a focus of wellness. We have walkers from all levels of care here at
St. Leonard as well as walkers from the greater community. Using a graded perceived walking scale, we
can adapt anyone’s mode of walking. For example, if a person marches 100 high steps from a chair or
bedside this is considered equivalent to a walking mile. You’re steps can also be doubled or tripled. For
example walking in the sand at the beach doubles your amount of steps, and underwater walking steps
are tripled. All walking is estimated, as it is not a race.
Benefits
- Walking with others offers Influence and motivation for you to achieve your wellness goals
- Walking with others supports all of the dimensions of wellness
- Social walking provides opportunities for strengthening the muscular skeletal system, improve balance, and flexibility
- Social walking is a great addition to your cross-training programs
- Walking with others is a great way to connect and meet new people
- Your walking motivates others
- Access to free wellness information through the St. Leonard website and blog
- Free coaching and tips for walking and staying well
How to Participate
Download your Social Walking Tickets Now!
–Click here to download ticket–
Tickets can be turned into the St. Leonard Chaminade Front Desk or by mailing it to Debra Stewart at:
St. Leonard
Attn: Debra Stewart
8100 Clyo Rd.
Centerville, OH 45458
Tickets may also be faxed to Debra Stewart at (937) 439-7165.
Questions?
Contact Debra Stewart at 439-7117 or stewartd@stleonard.net
