September is Healthy Aging Month, a national observance that highlights the positive aspects of growing older and encourages adults to take charge of their health, happiness and wellbeing. With Americans living longer than ever, the conversation is shifting away from merely adding years to one’s life to embracing ways to make those years vibrant, active and purposeful.
The Vincent Senior Living in Lafayette is leading the way in helping older adults live well, with thoughtful programming, strong social connections and a wellness-focused environment where residents become more active, mobile and engaged with their peers.
“A lot of times when seniors live alone, they tend to be more isolated and decline rapidly because they are not moving around as much and not interacting with other people. When they move into The Vincent, they are around people who are in their age range and can relate to their life experiences. That relatability piece is huge,” said Frankie Dabney, The Vincent’s Community Relations Director.
Experts note that four main pillars most often support healthy aging – physical fitness, mental stimulation, proper nutrition and social engagement. Studies show that each of these plays a role in reducing the risks of chronic illness, slowing cognitive decline and improving overall quality of life.
At The Vincent, those pillars are built into everyday life. From water aerobics and walks around the on-site pond to book clubs, live music and guest speakers, residents are offered a holistic mix of activities that meet both physical and cognitive needs.
“We have smaller activities like bingo and puzzles, as well as larger group activities such as talks from local experts about health and aging,” Dabney said. “We also promote a lot of reading. We have libraries in all levels of care as well as a book club. We keep our theaters open, which gives residents a chance to watch content online such as TED Talks or educational YouTube videos.”
For The Vincent’s memory care residents, cognitive programs are adapted to meet individual abilities. Dabney said the memory care activities are usually shorter – 30 minutes or less – and more hands-on in nature.
“We meet people where they are,” she said. “People with dementia and Alzheimer’s have much shorter attention spans, so we tailor those activities to meet that need. We do a lot of arts and crafts. In Independent Living, it’s a little more geared toward social activities, stimulation and engagement.”
From a physical standpoint, regular movement is one of the most important factors in healthy aging. Exercise helps preserve mobility, improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. Dabney said physical activity is woven into life at The Vincent. The Independent Living portion of the community features a gym and two swimming pools. Residents can attend organized classes or use them on their own on their schedule.
The Assisted Living portion of The Vincent has a physical therapy suite that doubles as a gym. Dabney said a physical therapist is on-site five days a week thanks to a partnership with LHC Group.
“The therapist also teaches community-wide balance and fitness classes and hosts a walking club. It’s a great partnership. She really helps contribute to the overall wellbeing of our residents,” Dabney said. “We also have a pond near the back of our property that is surrounded by a walking trail that is almost one mile long. A lot of residents enjoy walking out there when the weather is nice.”
What a person eats and drinks also directly impacts how they age. Balanced nutrition is key, but maintain proper hydration is equally vital. Dabney noted that The Vincent has hydration stations throughout the community to make it easy for residents to reach their daily water intake goals. All meals are reviewed and approved by a dietitian, ensuring residents receive the nutrients they need. Each day features both a daily special and an a la carte menu where residents can select their favorites.
“We definitely give them options so they can eat what they like,” Dabney said. “If they have any dietary restrictions, we are mindful of those. Food is such a big part of the culture in Louisiana and that extends to our community. We like to balance the nutritional needs with the fun and social aspect that comes with sharing a meal together.”
The Vincent’s model represents a broad-based healthy aging model that addresses physical health, mental stimulation, social connections and emotional wellbeing. By offering residents the tools to remain active, engaged and connected, The Vincent provides a roadmap for aging well. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 337-345-4105 or visit vincentseniorliving.com.
