LIFE-ENHANCING DESIGN
95.7% of the participants adopted their cat at the end of the study
With a big emphasis on healthy living, it makes sense for senior living communities to include a wellness model to meet market demand. Whether new construction, renovation, refresh, or repositioning, this model should be programmed in the built environment to support the residents and staff, making it more appealing in a competitive market.
Here are four research-backed and wellness-focused ways to invest in your community.
1. THE IMPACT OF CAT FOSTERING ON OLDER ADULT WELLBEING AND LONELINESS: A FEASABILITY STUDY
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Twenty-nine adults over the age of sixty participated in this study to foster a shelter cat for a minimum of four months, with the option of adopting the cat at the end of the study. The participants were measured on levels of loneliness, physical and mental health, self-efficacy, positive and negative effects, and comfort from a companion animal twice during the four months and at 12 months postplacement if the participants adopted.
Among various findings, 95.7% of the participants adopted their cat at the end of the study, and their loneliness score improved from the beginning of the survey to the four-month check-in.
TAKEAWAY: Implementing this plan may or may not be feasible at your property; however, animals’ role in therapeutics is no secret. An alternative may be to partner with a local animal shelter.
Recently, we attended the Florida Senior Living Association ENGAGE Conference. The organization’s staff teamed up with a local animal rescue for a delightful event called the Puppy Pits. The animal rescue brought the puppies to the venue, set up a secured play area for them to run around, and invited attendees to play—everyone loved it!
Space planning for special events like this is vital to create unique activities programming. Stackable chairs and foldable tables specifically for senior living environments save space when stored, are safer and more comfortable to use, and allow for a host of meaningful activities to support seniors’ wellness.
2. CLASSIFYING NEIGHBORHOODS BY COGNITIVE HEALTH FACTORS
Identifying individual risk factors for dementia, such as inactivity and social isolation, is well documented; however, our everyday environment outside the home has been typically overlooked. Cognability is a term that refers to how well a community supports cognitive health through public spaces for exercise, connecting with others, and keeping the mind active. The study works to identify specific neighborhood features that increase and decrease cognition in aging adults.
Higher cognitive function was associated with access to civic and social organizations, including veteran’s organizations, volunteer groups, social clubs, recreation centers, public parks, museums, performing arts establishments, and more.
Conversely, lower cognitive function was associated with areas near highways and fast-food establishments, citing air and noise pollution variables.
TAKEAWAY: This research can be applied to senior properties when
building, renovating, or adding on. Leveraging neighborhood assets like outreach programs offered through local museums and colleges give residents opportunities to connect and grow despite mobility issues.
Adding and maintaining courtyards, shaded outdoor spaces, and fountains balances our natural draw to be outside, breathe fresh air, and calibrate circadian rhythm.
If you’re building a new property, locate the majority of amenity spaces close to each other, creating a hub for social interaction. If your property already exists, upgrade dining and activity rooms with senior living-friendly finishes and furniture that will encourage use, boost staff morale, and show well for visitors and families.
To learn more about your community cognability score, please see the references at the end of this article.
3. LEARNING PIANO SUPPORTS OLDER ADULTS’ BRAIN HEALTH
In a randomized control trial, researchers evaluated the effects of piano on cognative performance, psychosocial well-being, physiological stress, and immune function in older adults.
Each group completed a 16 week program with two group training sessions per week for 90 minutes each session.
Researchers found that “piano and computer-assisted cognitive training enhanced working memory and processing speed compared to controls. Piano training significantly increased verbal fluency skills in category switching compared to computer-assisted cognitive training and no-treatment controls.”
TAKEAWAY: According to Lindebladpiano.com, citing multiple sources, there are 15 benefits to learning to play the piano: 5
1. Prevents brain processing, hearing and memory loss
2. Improved counting and math skills
3. Exercising new language skills
4. Improves reading comprehension
5. Encourages creativity
6. Practice with time management and organization
7. Requires concentration, discipline, and patience
8. Strengthens hand muscles and hand-eye coordination
9. Improves rhythm and coordination
10. Boosts self-esteem
11. Expands cultural knowledge
12. Reduces stress and anxiety Piano
13. Provides an “unplugged” outlet and entertainment
14. Allows for kinesthetic and tactile learning
15. Changes brain structure and mental ablity
Amazing. Using music as a form of therapy is well-known; however, participating in and learning the instrument takes it to a whole new level. Consider carving out some space at your property for a piano and hiring a music educator for group lessions. You should think about acoustics as well. Did you know there are floor, wall, and ceiling treatments that can be specified to absorb sound? From ACT ceiling tiles, ceiling baffles, and acoustic wall panels to carpet and window treatments, these impressive finishes on the market will deliver high performance and look beautiful.
References
4. CODE LAVENDER: DESIGNING HEALTHCARE SPACES TO ENHANCE CAREGIVER WELLNESS
According to this HERD Journal survey, the term Code Lavender re-emerged during the pandemic in response to staff crisis prevention and a lack of quality break areas to address the staff’s physical and mental health needs within the built environment. Lavender Rooms (also called Zen Dens, Wellness Rooms, Tranquility Rooms, and Respite Rooms) provide overworked staff with a solitary place to relax away from patients and families. Eighty percent of nurse leaders responded that the need for such spaces is more critical than ever.
TAKEAWAY: Restorative spaces for staff are essential. Survey respondents suggested these spaces be
secluded, have ample daylight and an outside view, are not adjacent to workstations, and are separate from staff lounges. Using diffusers, light dimmers, blankets, a massage chair, pillows, and a sound machine for music therapy will help set the mood for relaxation.
In addition, sound-absorbing finishes can be installed to insulate a quieter space, and restorative color, art, and plants can further support a calming environment.
1. The Impact of Cat Fostering on Older Adult Wellbeing and Loneliness: A Feasibility Study Sanderson, S. L., Emerson, K. G., Scott, D. W., Vidrine, M., Hartzell, D. L., & Keys, D. A. (2024). The Impact of Cat Fostering on Older Adult Well-Being and Loneliness: A Feasibility Study. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 79(1). https:// doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbad140
2. Classifying Neighborhoods by Cognitive Health Factors Finlay, J., Esposito, M., Langa, K. M., Judd, S., & Clarke, P. (2022). Cognability: An Ecological Theory of neighborhoods and cognitive aging. Social Science & Medicine, 309, 115220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115220
3. To learn more about your community cognability score, visit: https://cognability.isr.umich.edu/map
4. Learning Piano Supports Older Adults’ Brain Health Bugos, J. A., & Wang, Y. (2022). Piano Training Enhances Executive Functions and Psychosocial Outcomes in Aging: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 77(9), 1625-1636. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbac021
5. https://www.lindebladpiano.com/blog/benefits-of-playing-piano
6. Code Lavender: Designing Healthcare Spaces to Enhance Caregiver Wellness Gregory, D. (2021). Code Lavender: Designing Healthcare Spaces to Enhance Caregiver Wellness. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal. https://doi.org/10.1177/1937586721993785
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