Published: January 7, 2021
“Well, I’m doing my best.” We’ve all thought it or mumbled it, probably a lot during 2020. But what about taking that mantra a step further in 2021 and intentionally work on doing our best every day?
That’s the focus of a three-session online series entitled “Designing Your Best Day - Creating a Supportive Daily Routine”. The series is presented by Rebecca Donato, executive director of Vitalize 360, a national program developed by The Kendal Corporation and Hebrew Senior Life to engage, challenge and inspire older adults to live full, healthy, vibrant lives.
Kendal at Oberlin, along with other Kendal affiliates, is offering this series to prospective residents and Priority List members. A separate program will be offered to Kendal residents in the future. The schedule of the series, which runs 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., is:
Jan. 21, Session one, “The Health Benefits of a Daily Routine”
Feb. 4, Session two, “The Anchors of a Supportive Daily Routine”
Feb. 18, Session three, “Designing Your Best Day”
The Importance of a Meaningful Daily Routine
Explains Rebecca:
“A gift that we receive at the beginning of each new year is the ‘fresh start’ energy that it brings. As we reflect upon our intentions and goals for the months ahead, January is an ideal time to tap into this invigorating momentum and reflect upon how our current daily routine supports our health and overall well-being. Our ability to live our best life, despite whatever circumstances we face, depends upon the intentions that we bring to how we live each and every day. Taking a step back to reflect upon the unique collection of ingredients that we need to live our own ‘best day’ is a strategy to ensure we use the precious gifts of our time and energy to the fullest extent possible.”
“What’s more is that having a consistent rhythm to our day, particularly one that is in line with nature’s cycles, creates a stability for the body and mind that enhances our mental and physical well-being. Having a thoughtful and meaningful daily routine that includes what matters most to your mind, body and spirit is a pathway to living as full, whole and healthy as possible.”
The series objectives include: learning about the health benefits of establishing steady rhythm in your day; reflecting on some key components of a supportive daily routine; being guided through a process to clarify the ingredients for your best day; and setting new intentions for your own routine as means of supporting your health.
If you are interested in attending, or to learn more about Kendal at Oberlin, contact Elisabeth Christman in the admissions and marketing office at 440-775-9062.
Vitalize 360 is currently being used in about 20 life plan communities, including Kendal at Oberlin.
How Vitalize 360 Works
Jill Tvaroha, Kendal at Oberlin’s Wellness Coordinator, sends each new resident a welcome card, followed by a letter explaining Vitalize 360.
“I tell residents the 360 refers to the 360-degree view of you,” Jill says.
Typically, a resident fills out a 4-page “lifestyle survey” before meeting with Jill or Saun Howard, a fitness wellness specialist and Kendal’s other coach.
The survey covers a variety of topics from physical and recreational activities, diet and weight concerns and social relationships and spiritual needs.
Some of the questions ask a resident to pick one of three answers about a given activity, such as travel or meditation: not interested, interested and already participating, or interested and not participating.
Often a springboard for conversation comes when a resident selects “interested and not participating.” For instance, a resident may say she is interested in attending a place of worship but has not found one yet. Jill can help or refer her to social services.
For some residents, losing or gaining weight might lead to a meeting with Sue Campbell, community nutritionist, or someone with financial concerns might connect with Ann O’Malley, chief financial officer.
And for other residents, just spending time voicing a concern with a coach is enough.
Resident goals are often short term, “I want to get in physical shape to go on a hiking trip with my grandchild,” while others use Vitalize 360 to look at the long road, “I have 10 to 20 years to live here, what do I want to be doing?”
Older Adults: Planning for Your Own Future Brings the Gift of Peace-of-mind.
A life plan community like Kendal at Oberlin can be a source of comfort and security. To learn more, schedule a "Walk and Talk" virtual tour with Elisabeth today.
In the past, Molly Kavanaugh frequently wrote about Kendal at Oberlin for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, where she was a reporter for 16 years. Now we are happy to have her writing for the Kendal at Oberlin Community.
