Health and Wellness Article - January 2008Destination ... Discovery

by Marge Coalman, EdD, Touchmark Vice President, Wellness & Programs

This year, all Touchmark communities will focus on Destination ... Discovery. It sounds terrific, but what does it mean? For all of the dedicated staff, it means a renewal of our efforts to help every resident find that unique experience, opportunity, or challenge that will lead to new learning, meaningful relationships, and enhanced satisfaction.

Previously in this column, I’ve referred to the interviews I conduct in my travels to Touchmark communities. I ask residents what the most important elements of their lifestyle are since moving into the community. The answers vary, but here are two common comments.

“I didn’t realize how lonely and isolated I had become until I moved in and started participating in the activities and events. I made new friends and found others that I had known over the years but lost track of.” This particular conversation highlighted one of the most important and concerning aspects of living alone in our older years. Although active, this person recounted the challenge of keeping social contacts and dining with friends as being more and more challenging as skills in driving declined. With family members in other states, the opportunity for special connections was limited. Now, this person’s days are highlighted by friends, event choices, transportation to shopping and other opportunities, along with private moments in the apartment home.

“There are so many things to do all the time; it’s hard to choose one.” It is hard to make choices when there are many things competing for our time and participation. The Life Enrichment/Wellness program is developed recognizing that there is a lot of diversity in interests as well as preferences in times, days, and locations.

A great deal of planning, time, and consideration are spent developing Touchmark’s various events and offerings. Contact us to support your development of new “destinations of discovery.”

May 2008 bring you good health and much happiness.