When we hear the word wellness, it’s easy to think first about exercise, nutrition or keeping up with medical appointments. While physical health is certainly important, true wellness encompasses so much more.
August is National Wellness Month, an opportunity to consider the many things that help us feel our best — physically, emotionally, socially, intellectually and spiritually.
The National Wellness Institute describes wellness as an active process of making choices toward a more fulfilling life and identifies six interconnected dimensions: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual and occupational wellness.
At Sholom, we see these dimensions come together every day. Wellness isn’t simply about adding years to life. It’s about creating opportunities to connect, thrive and belong throughout every stage of aging.
Wellness Can Start With Connection
One of the most important pieces of well-being can also be one of the simplest: having people around you.
A conversation over coffee. Joining friends for lunch. Attending an interesting program. Trying a new activity. Celebrating Shabbat or another meaningful tradition. Checking in on a neighbor.
These everyday moments create connection and purpose.
As we age, our social circles and routines can change. Retirement, the loss of a spouse or friends, changes in mobility, or simply spending more time at home can make maintaining those connections more difficult.
That’s one reason senior living can offer benefits that go far beyond having a more manageable home.
Making Wellness Part of Everyday Life at Knollwood Place
At Knollwood Place Apartments, Sholom’s 55+ independent living community in St. Louis Park, residents maintain their independence while having opportunities for connection, activity and enrichment right outside their apartment door.
Located on the 17-acre Ackerberg Family Sholom West Campus, Knollwood Place offers a lifestyle where residents can choose how they want to spend their days.
That might mean participating in a fitness or wellness program, attending a cultural or educational event, gathering with neighbors, enjoying a meal together, spending time outdoors overlooking Lake L’Chaim or participating in spiritual programming.
Residents have access to amenities and resources including a fitness center, community gathering spaces, scheduled transportation, dining options, social and wellness programming, and Sholom’s Community Ambassador Program.
And because Knollwood Place is part of a larger Sholom campus, additional services — including home care and rehabilitation — are available when needed.
The goal isn’t to fill every hour of the day. It’s to make opportunities for wellness accessible.
Finding Purpose at Every Age
Intellectual and emotional wellness matter, too.
Learning something new, sharing a talent, volunteering, mentoring someone, attending a discussion or simply having something meaningful to look forward to can provide a renewed sense of purpose.
At Sholom, we believe aging should continue to include opportunities for growth, curiosity and contribution. Everyone brings experiences, talents and stories that enrich the people around them.
That philosophy is reflected in our approach to programming and community life: you don’t stop growing because you’re growing older.
Caring for the Body — and the Whole Person
Of course, physical wellness remains an important part of healthy aging. Movement, nutrition, restorative sleep and preventive care can all support health and independence.
But wellness doesn’t look the same for everyone.
For one person, wellness might mean a vigorous fitness class. For another, it could mean a walk with a friend, an adaptive exercise program or simply finding ways to safely incorporate more movement into the day.
The same is true across every dimension of wellness. Spiritual wellness might mean participating in religious services, connecting with nature or taking quiet time for reflection. Intellectual wellness might mean attending a lecture or learning a new game. Social wellness could mean joining a group — or simply sitting down for dinner with a neighbor instead of eating alone.
There is no single formula.
Small Choices Can Make a Big Difference
National Wellness Month is a great time to ask yourself:
- Physical: Am I finding ways to move that feel good and work for me?
- Social: Who helps me feel connected, and am I spending enough time with them?
- Intellectual: When was the last time I learned or tried something new?
- Emotional: What brings me joy, comfort or a sense of calm?
- Spiritual: What gives my life meaning and helps me feel grounded?
- Purpose: Where am I sharing my talents, experiences or time with others?
You don’t have to make a dramatic lifestyle change to invest in your well-being. Start with one small choice.
Call a friend. Take a walk. Join an activity. Try something new. Share a meal. Volunteer. Spend time outside. Ask for support when you need it.
Most importantly, find the people and places that help you feel like you belong.
Connect. Thrive. Belong.
At Sholom, wellness is woven into our commitment to helping older adults live meaningful, connected lives — whether they are living independently, receiving additional support or participating in one of our many community programs.
If you’re considering what the next chapter could look like for yourself or someone you love, Knollwood Place Apartments offers an opportunity to experience independent living with connection, convenience and purpose built into everyday life.
Because sometimes wellness isn’t about adding more to your to-do list.
Sometimes it’s about finding a community that makes living well a little easier.
