Blog | The Wellings

May 10, 2024May 10, 2024

Embrace a Stress-Free Lifestyle for a Happier, Healthier You

In the bustling rhythm of modern life, stress often finds a way to tag along, but imagine a life where stress takes a back seat, allowing you to thrive.

Cultivating a stress-free lifestyle isn’t just an excellent idea—it’s essential for boosting your overall health and happiness.

Every cell in your body will thank you for it.

Let’s dive into why reducing stress is crucial.

Stress is your body’s natural reaction to challenges, but when it lingers too long, it can lead to serious health issues like heart disease and depression.

Recognizing the need to manage stress is your first step toward a healthier life.

Now, how can you transform this knowledge into action?

Start with something as simple as mindful meditation. It’s incredible how sitting quietly and focusing on your breath can bring profound calmness and clarity to your mind, easing the day’s stress. Pair this with some form of physical activity you love, whether dancing in your living room, jogging in the park, or striking poses on a yoga mat. Exercise keeps you fit and releases endorphins, those excellent chemicals that make you feel good.

What about food?

Eating well plays a crucial role in how you feel. Including plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your diet can stabilize your mood and energy, which helps keep stress at bay. And let’s not forget the power of a good night’s sleep. Strive for 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night to help your body recover and reduce stress levels.

Socializing is another joyful way to beat stress.

Spending time with friends and family and sharing laughs and support can strengthen your resilience to life’s pressures. It’s all about building a network of love and support around you.

Efficient time management can also reduce stress.

By learning to prioritize your tasks and saying no when your plate is too full, you’ll feel more in control and less overwhelmed. For those moments when you need instant stress relief, try some quick relaxation techniques like deep breathing or visualization to calm your mind and ease tension.

Integrating these practices into daily life will significantly improve physical health, mental well-being, and productivity. Effectively managing stress opens the door to a more fulfilling and creative life.

So, while stress might be a standard part of life, it doesn’t have to control your life.

Start with small, manageable changes today, and you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.

Here’s to a happier, healthier you.

in Healthy Aging Posted by My Wellings

May 3, 2024May 3, 2024

Mindset Trumps Circumstances when it Comes to Happiness

Each one of us sees life through our unique perspective, formed by our beliefs and our experience. The lens we view life through is called our mindset; it plays an important role in how our reality is shaped. I’m not sure what it was like growing up in your family, but I wonder if you had the experience of your mother telling you that if you made a face at her, your face would stay that way. Anybody? While our Mum’s threat seemed serious at the time, our faces are pretty much a-okay today despite having frequently contorted them in displeasure at her attempts to discipline us kids. Nonetheless, a seed was planted, and I often wondered if I was temporarily getting away with it; perhaps one of these times, my face would stay that way. Now that I know better, I recognize that it’s one of the many myths I sort of believed as a kid.

Another one that was tough to take was while on family vacation we had to wait an hour after eating before going swimming. According to the Mayo Clinic there is no scientific evidence to prove this concept. My husband bought this myth as a kid too and he suggested it was out there to give our parents a break after a meal, so they didn’t have to supervise us kids swimming. How about one more? Were you taught that we only use 10% of our brain? That was my understanding too but according to a neurologist at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, we use virtually every part of the brain and most of our brain is active just about all the time.

“There is only one cause of unhappiness: the false beliefs you have in your head, beliefs so widespread, so commonly held, that it never occurs to you to question.” – Anthony de Mello

According to Dr. Jacob Towery, clinical instructor in the department of psychiatry at Stanford University, our mindset is helpful when it comes to filtering information, it can also work against us when we hold on to ideas that are no longer relevant for us. Dr. Towery explains that we can change our mindset to shift out of distorted thinking, so that we can make room for more happiness in life. I love this idea, it reminds me of the concept of neuroplasticity, which describes how our brain can adapt or change over time with new information and new ways of thinking. This is why I believe that mindset trumps circumstance when it comes to our happiness.

“When you have your health, you have everything. When you do not have your health, nothing else matters at all.” – Augusten Burroughs

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying or said it yourself “when you have your health, you have everything.” I know I’ve said it without giving it much thought but now that I know better, I’ve stopped saying it. It’s another myth I want to bust. Having good health is not everything; having a healthy mindset is. Ask yourself is the reverse of that saying true? If I don’t have good health, I have nothing? The truth is that all of us at some point in life will encounter health challenges but that doesn’t mean we can’t be happy or that we don’t deserve to be happy. When we put our mindset in charge instead of allowing our circumstances to dictate how much happiness we’re entitled to, the results are impressive. Those of us who work at having a healthy mindset appreciate the value of community and the importance of having mutually beneficial connections with other people. Research tells us that a healthy mindset points us to appreciate the gifts we have in our lives every day, nourishes resilience and is a great support as we navigate the trials of daily living and any health challenges we encounter.

“If you accept a limiting belief, then it will become a truth for you.” – Louise Hay

We’ve been so conditioned to put the emphasis on the wrong thing that we forget what truly matters where our health is concerned. Our health is not only physical, but also emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual. We should all pursue a healthy lifestyle and that includes not only what we eat and how we move but also having healthy thoughts about ourselves and others. I think it’s equally important to say healthy things about ourselves and others, to surround ourselves with people who want only the best for us and to engage in hobbies and activities that support a healthy mindset so we can continue to learn and grow. Life is much more fun this way.

I believe everyone is entitled to a “pity party” for a short time when the wheels come off but let’s not unpack our bags and stay there. An important aspect of having a healthy mindset is having the courage to ask for help when we need it and at some point, we all need it. Recognizing that all humans have an innate desire to be helpful can make it easier to ask for help. Acknowledging that we all need support at some time means you’re not taking anything away from anyone, rather you’re giving someone the gift of being able to be there for you in the same way you would be there for them. Let’s revisit the saying I mentioned earlier and reframe it so it’s true for us. When you have a healthy mindset, you have everything because with a healthy mindset you can navigate anything.

in Healthy Aging Posted by Kathie Donovan

April 20, 2024April 20, 2024

Tips for Seniors to Outsmart Online Scams

As the world evolves, so too do cybercriminals’ tactics, with seniors increasingly becoming targets of sophisticated online scams.

Understanding these scams and learning how to protect oneself is crucial.

Here’s a guide to help you stay safe online.

Beware of Tech Support Tricks

Tech support scams are prevalent and particularly nasty because they play on fears of technology issues. Scammers may alert you to nonexistent problems on your computer or smartphone, often through pop-up warnings or unsolicited phone calls. They’ll ask for remote access to your device or demand payment for support services. Remember, legitimate companies like Microsoft or Apple will never initiate contact about tech problems on your device.

The Grandparent Scam: A Call for Caution

This emotionally manipulative scam involves a call from someone pretending to be your grandchild in a crisis. The caller might request money for an urgent problem like bail money or hospital bills and often pleads with you to keep it a secret. Always verify such claims by contacting your family members through known phone numbers, not the ones provided during the suspicious call.

Romantic Ruses: Steering Clear of Sweetheart Scams

Online dating can be an excellent way to meet new people, but it is also a standard arena for scams. Scammers create fake profiles to build relationships, only to eventually ask for money, often citing emergencies. Be cautious with new online relationships, especially those that progress rapidly and soon involve financial requests.

Impersonation Scams: The Fake Officials

Scammers might impersonate government officials, threatening fines or arrests to scare you into paying them money or disclosing personal information. Genuine agencies will never threaten you over the phone or demand payments via unconventional methods like gift cards or wire transfers.

Charity Scams: When Generosity is Exploited

You might receive calls asking for charitable donations after natural disasters or during the holiday season. Verify the legitimacy of these organizations by visiting their official websites or checking with platforms like the Better Business Bureau. Never give out your credit card or personal information over the phone to unsolicited callers.

Investment Scams: Too Good to Be True

Be wary of anyone promising high returns with little to no risk. These scams often come with high-pressure sales tactics to rush you into making decisions. Always research opportunities and consult with trusted financial advisors before making any investments.

Staying Protected

Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest scams and protective strategies. Discuss these issues with friends and family.

Secure Your Devices: Keep your software updated and use comprehensive security software to protect against viruses and malware.

Verify Before You Trust: Always double-check facts when you receive unsolicited requests for money or personal information.

By taking these steps, you can help create a safer online environment for yourself and your fellow seniors.

Remember, awareness is your first line of defense against scams.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by My Wellings

April 14, 2024April 14, 2024

Clever Riddles to Brighten Your Day

Hello, dear Members of The Wellings!

Today, we’re exploring a delightful medley of riddles and brainteasers that promise to add a little fun to your day.

So, please grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s unravel these puzzles together.

What rocks but does not roll?

A rocking chair.

My voice is tender, my waist is slender, and I’m often invited to play. Yet wherever I go, I must take my bow, or else I have nothing to say. What am I?

A violin.

First, I am dry, and then I am wet. The longer I swim, the more taste you get. What am I?

Tea.

A man stands on one side of a river, his dog on the other. The man calls his dog, who immediately crosses the river without getting wet or using a bridge or a boat. How did the dog do it?

The river was frozen.

A doctor and a bus driver are in love with the same woman, an attractive girl named Juliet. The bus driver has to go on a long bus trip that will last a week. Before he leaves, he gives Juliet seven apples. Why?

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

A woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him underwater for over 5 minutes. Finally, she hangs him. But 5 minutes later, they go out together and enjoy a wonderful dinner. How can this be?

The woman was a photographer. She shot a picture of her husband, developed it, and hung it up to dry.

Until I am measured, I am not known. Yet you miss me, when I have flown. What am I?

Time.

There is a word in English in which the first two letters signify a male, the first three letters signify a female, the first four signify a great man, and the whole word a great woman. What is the word?

Heroine.

I left my campsite and hiked south for 3 miles. Then I turned east and hiked for 3 miles. I then turned north and hiked for 3 miles, seeing a bear inside my tent eating my food! What color was the bear?

White, since the only place you can do that is the North Pole, white polar bears are the only bears living there.

Also, if you walk south, east, north, and end up back where you started. You must be near the North Pole. This is because, at the geographic North Pole, any southward movement eventually leads to a circular path around the pole (due to the curvature of the Earth and its convergence at the poles). After moving east (which, near the pole, is moving in a circle around the pole), turning and moving north brings you back to the starting point.

Turn me on my side, and I am everything. Cut me in half, and I am nothing. What am I?

The number 8.

No matter how little or how much you use me, you change me every month. What am I?

A calendar.

How can 8 + 8 = 4?

When you think in terms of time. 8 AM + 8 hours= 4 o’clock.

As we wrap up our session of brain teasers, I hope you found joy and a bit of mental gymnastics in today’s riddles.

Whether you solve them quickly or ponder them over tea, these playful puzzles are an excellent way to keep your mind sharp and your spirits high.

Remember, every day at The Wellings is a chance to learn something new and share a smile with our neighbors.

We look forward to bringing you more fun and games next time.

Until then, keep those gears turning and enjoy every delightful moment at The Wellings!

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by My Wellings

April 6, 2024April 6, 2024

The Remarkable Journey Home: A Tale of Hope and Reunion

In the heart of a quiet neighbourhood lived an elderly woman named Mrs. Ellie and her adventurous cat, Whiskers.

Whiskers, a curious soul with a distinctive white fur over his mouth, embarked on an unexpected journey that led him far from home. His absence left a void in Mrs. Ellie’s heart, prompting a neighbourhood-wide search for the beloved pet.

After weeks of worry and longing, a faint meow from the old oak tree in Mrs. Ellie’s backyard signaled the end of Whiskers’ grand adventure and the beginning of a heartwarming reunion. Mrs. Ellie found Whiskers entangled in the branches, a little worse for wear but safe.

The joy of their reunion echoed throughout the neighbourhood, a testament to hope and the unbreakable bond between a pet and their human:

All celebrated Whiskers’ return, a reminder of the love and community spirit that binds us together.

This tale of adventure, hope, and reunion highlights the remarkable journeys pets sometimes take and the joyous moments when they find their way back home.

Here are a few other heartwarming stories of pets and their incredible journeys back to loving homes.

Let us explore these tales of happy reunions:

A Journey Across Miles: Discover the story of a dog who traveled hundreds of miles to reunite with its family, overcoming numerous obstacles. Read more here.

The Cat Who Came Back: Read about a cat that returned to its family after being lost for over a year. This story celebrates the resilience of pets and the miracles that sometimes bring them back to us. Read more here.

Each of these stories is a beacon of hope for those still searching for their lost pets, reminding us of the incredible journeys our animal companions can have and the joyous reunions that await.

Remember, while the journey might be long and filled with uncertainty, the possibility of a happy reunion is always there, lighting the way home.

Welcome home, furry friend, welcome home!

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by My Wellings

March 30, 2024May 3, 2024

The Power of Wonder and Awe

Do you remember that feeling as a child, when you saw the Christmas tree for the first time during the holiday season? Maybe it was your first flight or seeing your child or grandchild for the first time that made you feel something beyond words, something that transcends everyday life. It’s a feeling that we describe as awe or wonder; it’s magic that leaves an imprint.

Although we each have our own precious moments of awe and wonder, we are inclined to leave it to the world to bring these special moments to us. Recently I visited Canada’s National Gallery where it’s pretty much non-stop wonder for me. Visiting the aboriginal exhibit, seeing how early craftspeople made tools and garments leaves me feeling overwhelmed because their resourcefulness and skills are so impressive. Seeing the work of Canadian artists who capture the essence of a boreal forest with colours that don’t exist in nature, but they convince us otherwise leaves me speechless. We are swept up in wonder; as we participate in this creative connection and we allow ourselves to step away from our ruminating mind, to stand in awe. I love to visit the National Gallery because I know that I’ll be inspired to look at life differently.

“The key to a wonderful life is to never stop wandering into wonder.” – Suzy Kassem (writer)

Think of a wedding, where family and friends gather to celebrate love between two people. It’s such a joyful and powerful experience for those in attendance, often moving them to shed happy tears. That’s awe and wonder in action. Sometimes watching a sunrise or a sunset can inspire a strong emotional response. We can call that everyday wonder because these events happen every day. Research tells us that nourishing awe and wonder in our lives is a healthy coping tool, often strengthening our connection with others when we share the experience.

Being in nature is not only awe inspiring, its medicine for us humans. Japanese culture promotes forest bathing or shinrin-yoku, shinrin: forest and yoku: bathing, where people are encouraged to experience the wonder of nature without distraction, walk at a slow pace and notice their surroundings. The benefits of this practice include improved immunity, lung, and heart function as well as memory, and focus. Forest bathing is an excellent antidote for stress and anxiety and is helpful with recovery from injury.

“Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.” -Stephen Hawking (Cosmologist)

I’m old enough to remember dial telephones and party lines. I love those experiments where they put young kids in front of a dial telephone and ask them if they know how it works. Most of the time they have no idea and that’s just to demonstrate how far we’ve come and how quickly technology has been evolving. I asked Chat GPT, an artificial intelligence language model that has been trained to produce human-like text, to tell me how a rotary phone works and in seconds I had a pretty thorough explanation. While Artificial Intelligence or AI is one of mankind’s greatest achievements, it comes with plenty of warnings. While we need to embrace technology to stay relevant, as a society, we need to be cautious around its use. Sure, it can respond to questions effectively and efficiently, but I wonder who’s curating the information being shared. I wonder about AI’s impact on our workforce, but I don’t doubt the positive impact it can and will have in our world.

“You will enrich your life immeasurably if you approach it with a sense of wonder and discovery and always challenge yourself to try new things.” – Nate Berkus (designer)

To be alive today is to live in an era of wonder. We’ve witnessed some of mankind’s greatest successes but we’re also experiencing some detrimental effects from some of these great accomplishments. Because so many of us are connected to our devices, there’s a loneliness epidemic and while there are and will be many innovations to help connect us as humans, nothing is better than human to human connection. At least for now, there’s no heart and soul in what Chat GPT produces and this is what we humans require. Let’s embrace these technological innovations with a beginner’s mindset and not get disillusioned because while change is inevitable, our world is a pretty remarkable place. Let’s choose an approach of wonder and awe about it instead of deciding to be afraid of it.

There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle. – Albert Einstein

Let’s be life-long learners, excellent students of wonder and awe in our every day. As corny as it may sound, there’s magic in seeing the beauty in nature: watching a bird feeding or flying, noticing the intricacies in a flower and marveling at it all. See all your life as the miracle it is and take your sense of wonder with you wherever you go and hopefully you’ll inspire others to do the same.

in Healthy Aging Posted by Kathie Donovan

March 24, 2024March 24, 2024

Choose a 55+ Adult Lifestyle Community That Fits Your Lifestyle

Choosing an adult lifestyle community is a significant decision that goes beyond the physical amenities.

It involves considering the overall feel and atmosphere of the community and whether or not they align with your vision for your future.

A community will not be all things to all people, so knowing its most important aspects is essential for thriving.

We always suggest working on this before you visit any communities and understanding through conversation with us or the community leasing specialist; more may be added to your list!

We hope you will seek a community that isn’t just a collection of homes or apartments but a living, breathing entity fostering belonging and connection.

Here are some key factors we suggest you consider:

Sense of Community:

Let’s face it: if you are considering a community setting, most likely it’s because you want more connection with a diverse group of people in a similar life stage. We often hear, “My neighbours get me.” This cultivates a feeling of togetherness; knowing that you are not alone and that the people you are meeting also share a sense of life and wisdom about them can be comforting.

Social Activities: Look for a community that offers a variety of social activities and events and whether or not you can do member-led activities of your own. This fosters a sense of belonging and encourages residents to connect while recognizing that everyone brings a hobby they may want to share with the community.

Community Spaces: Check for communal areas like clubhouses, lounges, or activity spaces where residents can gather and interact. Are they clean and large enough for the community you are considering, and would you be proud to have a friend join you?

Wellness and Health Focus:

Fitness Facilities: Assess the availability and quality of fitness facilities or opportunities within the community, such as gyms, walking paths, or recreational areas. Check if there are classes and if they are available for your fitness level.

Health Services: Consider the proximity to healthcare facilities and the availability of health services within or near the community.

Accessibility and Safety:

Ease of Navigation: Ensure the community is designed with accessibility, elevators, and well-maintained pathways for easy navigation. Can you access the common spaces and use your suite fully if you have a walker?

Safety Measures: Inquire about safety features such as security systems, well-lit areas, and emergency response protocols.

Lifestyle Options:

Housing Options: Look for a community offering plenty of different designs that appeal to singles & couples. This will help create a more diverse community dynamic.

Cultural and Recreational Opportunities: Consider the availability of cultural and recreational activities that align with your interests and hobbies.

Surrounding Environment:

Natural Elements: Assess the incorporation of natural elements like green spaces, parks, or water features that contribute to a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Proximity to Amenities: Consider the convenience of nearby amenities such as shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural venues. In smaller towns, are the roads easily navigated, and how far are the nearest services?

Engagement and Inclusivity:

Community Engagement Programs: Inquire about programs encouraging resident involvement and community engagement. Our Wellings programming encourages many member-led activities, as they are encouraged to be extensions of their lifestyle goals.

Inclusivity: Ensure the community embraces diversity and inclusivity, creating an environment where all residents feel welcome.

Management and Services:

Professional Management: Evaluate the professionalism of community management. Wellings managers are focused on maintaining their communities, addressing any concerns promptly, participating in activities, and bringing fun to the community.

Maintenance and Services: Consider the quality of maintenance services and the availability of convenient services for residents.

Feedback from Residents:

Talk to Current Residents: Speak to current residents to get firsthand insights into their experiences and the overall feel of the community. Ask if you can join the community for supper to understand the food.

Future Planning:

Long-Term Sustainability: No one wants to move more than necessary. Assess the community’s plans for the future, ensuring they are well-maintained and have a vision for long-term sustainability.

By carefully considering these factors, you can better understand the overall feel of an adult lifestyle community and determine whether it aligns with your preferences and lifestyle goals now and in the future.

Embarking on the journey to choose an adult lifestyle community is like navigating the pages of a captivating novel—one where each chapter unfolds a unique aspect of what could become your next home.

We would proudly introduce you to our resident ambassadors and lead you through our beautiful Wellings Communities.

The choice is yours, and we would love to help you make an informed decision and gather whatever facts you need to do just that.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by Natalie Tommy, VP Marketing, Nautical Lands Group of Companies & Wellings

March 15, 2024March 15, 2024

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at the Wellings 🍀

Hello, wonderful Wellings residents.

As the breezes of March whisk through, bringing with them the whispers of spring, we find ourselves on the Saturday before one of the most spirited celebrations of the year – St. Patrick’s Day.

And who says it’s just the young or the Irish who get to have all the fun?

We’ve got a pot full of activities and ideas to ensure St. Patrick’s Day is as magical and memorable for us at the Wellings as finding a four-leaf clover in our backyard.

Parade Participation – Virtually or Locally

Nothing screams St. Patrick’s Day quite like a parade. Whether we attend a local one or watch a grand parade virtually from cities known for their St. Paddy’s Day festivities, let’s immerse ourselves in this beautiful day’s vibrant greens, lively music, and joyous dancing.

Dancing to the Rhythms of Ireland

Fancy a jig or a reel? Let’s move our coffee tables aside and learn an Irish step dance in our living room. Plenty of beginner-friendly tutorials are online; we could put on a show for our friends and family over a video call! It’s all in good fun, and laughter is guaranteed.

Melodies from the Emerald Isle

From the hauntingly beautiful strains of Celtic Woman to the rollicking tunes of traditional Irish folk music, let’s fill our homes with the sounds of Ireland. Music can transport us, so why not let it take us on a journey to Ireland’s lush landscapes and rugged coastlines?

Brain-Boosting Trivia Night

Why not host a St. Patrick’s Day trivia night? With categories ranging from Irish history to famous Irish legends and landmarks, we can test our knowledge and learn something new. It’s a fantastic way to engage our brains and share a laugh.

Crafting Green

Let’s get our hands busy with some St. Patrick’s Day crafts. From green necklaces to rainbow portraits, crafting is not just a way to celebrate; it’s a way to express our creativity and add a personal touch to our decorations.

A Scavenger Hunt for the Young at Heart

Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt? Hide some leprechaun cutouts or pots of gold around our community or homes, and let the games begin. It’s a beautiful way to add a bit of adventure to the day.

Cooking Up a Storm

From baking shamrock-shaped cookies to whipping up a traditional Irish stew, cooking is a delicious way to dive into the celebrations. Sharing these treats with friends and neighbors (while donning a chef’s hat with a shamrock) can add to the fun.

Hosting a Green Happy Hour

Let’s raise our glasses (filled with green punch or shamrock shakes) to good health and happiness. Hosting a happy hour, even virtually, can bring us all together in spirit and cheers.

Decking the Halls in Green

Why spruce up our spaces with green decorations, shamrocks, and perhaps even a leprechaun hat? It’s a simple way to bring the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day into our homes.

Crafting with Loved Ones

For those of us with grandchildren or young visitors, spending an afternoon crafting can be a joyous way to bond. Whether it’s simple shamrock hats or green bead necklaces, these activities are fun and keepsakes.

Let’s make the most of this St. Patrick’s Day at the Wellings by engaging in these delightful activities. Whether we’re dancing, baking, crafting, or simply enjoying the music, there’s no end to how we can celebrate. So, let’s don our greenest attire, embrace our inner leprechauns, and spread some joy and laughter around. After all, we’ve all got a bit of Irish in us on St. Patrick’s Day.

Sláinte to a day filled with fun, laughter, and the warmth of community! 🌈🍀

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by My Wellings

March 14, 2024March 14, 2024

Where Senior Living Meets Purpose and Community – NLG’s Approach

I am proud to say that at all levels of Nautical Lands Group, we understand the significance of creating environments that go beyond mere structures, focusing on community, well-being, and purpose for our seniors. As we navigate the landscape of senior living, it’s important to keep this in mind, so we are purposefully building communities that are aligned with the goals of the very people who will live with us.

Let’s delve into key elements that guide us in crafting thriving senior living communities.

Clusters of One Storey Villas, mid-rise and hi-rise communities.

In the small to mid-size communities we build in, there is a focus on one-storey bungalow-villas and often there is a mid-rise component within the same site plan. This fosters a sense of connection between residents and the greater community, At NLG, we believe in creating living spaces that encourage social interaction among residents while providing a sense of autonomy and privacy. In our Hi-rise communities, we purposely locate all of our amenities between the first and second floors to ensure our members connect with not only each other but also with the greater community at large everyday. This is important to feeling connected to the world.

Promenade

Our commitment to senior well-being extends to the outdoors and we celebrate the ability to live in a natural setting whenever we are able to. We design communities with pleasant walking paths, creating a perfect setting for physical activity, socialization, and a connection with nature. The promenade becomes more than just a walkway; it becomes a vital part of daily life, encouraging fitness and community engagement.

Clubhouses and Atriums

Communal gathering spaces lie at the heart of our vibrant 55 plus senior communities. These spaces, whether it’s a cozy corner garden or a bustling clubhouse, serve as focal points for social activities, events, and shared experiences. It’s about creating spaces where seniors can come together, form connections, and thrive on their own schedules. We often hear that our community gathering spaces make people feel like they are on vacation at a 5-star hotel.

Proximity to Community Services

Seniors deserve seamless access to the broader community. At NLG, we seek out communities that are large enough to deliver essential services and cultural experiences, but small enough to navigate easily. Ensuring that our resident members can easily feel and be connected to the world beyond their immediate surroundings and find many levels of health care when needed.

Common Areas at the Heart

Placing communal gathering areas at the center of our Wellings communities is a deliberate choice. Our community centers and activity spaces are designed to be vibrant hubs where residents can engage in a variety of activities, from fitness classes to reading nooks and live music. Many communities enjoy a diverse variety of member led experiences. These spaces are not just amenities; they are the heartbeat of our communities.

Activities and Hobbies

We understand the importance of fostering a sense of purpose among our seniors. Our communities encourage opportunities for meaningful activities and hobbies, by encouraging members to dig into passions they may have not had time to cultivate. Whether it’s taking a piano lesson, gardening, arts and crafts, or other creative pursuits, our seniors find avenues for personal fulfillment and contribution. Often sharing and offering their expertise to others.

Paths and Goals

Navigating our communities should be a seamless experience for residents with varying mobility levels. Clear pathways, thoughtfully designed with accessible features, guide our seniors through environments that offer not just movement but a sense of purpose and destination. In several communities, walking trails are easily accessible right from their own front doors.

Water features

Water features play a pivotal role in creating serene and visually appealing environments. Where space permits, we incorporate ponds, fountains, and other water elements to enhance the well-being of our members, providing spaces for relaxation and reflection.

At NLG and Wellings we are on a mission to change the way people perceive living in retirement. Changing where you live should not change the goals you have for a vibrant and healthy lifestyle, it should allow you the freedom to take the steps necessary to get where you want to go. By letting go of your home maintenance and your “ must do list” and picking up your nothing is stopping me, “ what’s on for the day” fun list, will slowly change your perception over time. Consider what you need from your surroundings to thrive and enjoy where you are in life.

Choosing an adult lifestyle community for living in retirement is a significant decision that goes well beyond the physical amenities. For NLG and Wellings, crafting thriving senior living communities goes beyond constructing physical structures; it involves designing spaces that prioritize community, accessibility, and purpose. It involves considering the overall atmosphere of the community. We are dedicated to creating environments where our seniors can truly thrive. We invite you to join us or visit one of the communities for yourself, as we continue on this journey towards redefining senior living with our members.

(Peter Gregor, VP Development for Nautical Lands Group, has been a leader in design and development for over 25 years and was entered into the “Global Healthcare” Hall of Fame in 2014)

in Nautical Lands Group Posted by Peter Gregor VP Development for NLG

March 8, 2024March 8, 2024

Fit Tips for Life: Staying Motivated and Persistent

Persistence is the key to unlocking success in life. When faced with challenges, it can be tempting to give up on our goals and move on to something else. But those who persist in the face of adversity will eventually achieve what they set out to do.

In my 36 years of working in the fitness industry, I have observed that staying dedicated to a workout routine can be challenging for many people. I fall victim to this also. This is why I implemented motivation and persistence tips each day to stay focused. I have listed these tips below for you to follow.

Set realistic goals for yourself and break them down into smaller, achievable steps. This will help you stay motivated as you work towards your overall objective.
Create a workout schedule for yourself and stick to it as much as possible. Consistency is key when it comes to building a fitness routine.
Seek a positive workout buddy or accountability partner who can help keep you on track and hold you accountable. Interacting with individuals who possess a positive attitude toward life can be a source of inspiration. They don’t suck the energy out of you; they help create it.
Ensure you’re enjoying your workouts. No, you don’t have to love everything in your workout, but overall, you must like what you are doing and see a benefit in it.
Remember to celebrate your progress along the way – even small victories can help keep you motivated to continue pushing forward. Focus on the journey, not the outcome. It can be a great experience if you let it.
Remember why you started this journey in the first place.
Practice gratitude daily. This action helps you recognize who or what you must be thankful for. It also reminds you of all your resources during roadblocks or challenging times in your fitness journey.

So, if you want to achieve your goals, staying motivated and persistent is super important. Whether it’s in fitness or any other aspect of our lives, setting realistic goals, creating a plan, seeking support, enjoying the journey, celebrating small victories, and practicing gratitude can help us stay on track and overcome any challenges that come our way. Remember, it’s not about being perfect but about making progress. So, keep pushing forward, and you will eventually achieve what you set out to do.

By: Tracy Reid
Health Coach
Fitness Powers

in Health and Fitness Posted by Fitness Powers