What does “leading an active lifestyle as you age” really mean? For WesleyLife community members, active aging is all about embracing a balanced, holistic approach to well-being.
Take a moment to learn more about this philosophy and the ways WesleyLife promotes active aging, from physical fitness and nutrition to a positive attitude and sense of belonging.
What Is Active Aging?
Active aging flips the script on aging, encouraging a proactive approach to maintaining (or even improving) health and well-being as you grow older.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines active aging as “the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age.” WHO’s framework for active aging emphasizes the importance of environments and opportunities that help people maintain what they value, such as their mobility, relationships, learning, autonomy, and community engagement. Blue Zones® provide another helpful framework for active aging. Research focused on longevity across geographical regions reveals common factors among communities where people tend to enjoy longer, healthier lives.
Any active aging strategy should include key priorities that promote a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. At WesleyLife communities for healthy living, we define these priorities as our Core4:
- Move naturally
- Eat wisely
- Foster the right outlook
- Be connected
Notice that active aging goes well beyond physical fitness to encompass other aspects of daily life. An active lifestyle not only promotes better physical health outcomes that lengthen your lifespan but also helps you enjoy a longer healthspan. In other words, you can experience an improved quality of life — more independence, more fulfillment, and more joy in each day.
How Community Living Promotes Active Aging
You can embrace an active approach to aging wherever you call home, but community living offers perks to simplify the process. You may even hear communities referred to as an “active aging community” or “community for healthy living” to emphasize this attitude toward aging and the way it informs daily life in the community.
Consider key ways communities promote active aging by providing:
- Convenient access to amenities and services that promote well-being
- Close community connections for a thriving social life
- An atmosphere of positivity and joy
Immersing yourself in a community that believes in a positive vision of aging and provides the practical means to accomplish it will shape your experience in invaluable ways. You can seek out opportunities to live actively no matter where you call home, but senior living communities bring opportunities to your door and simplify the process of building a balanced, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyle.
Keep in mind: Not all senior living communities are equally effective at encouraging active aging. Active senior living programs shouldn’t just keep you busy; they should provide meaningful opportunities to create joy and purpose in this chapter of life. Look for a community that offers both structured and organic opportunities throughout each week to nurture well-being, embrace positivity, and connect meaningfully with others.
What Does Active Aging Look Like in WesleyLife Communities
Imagine meeting a friend for coffee in the morning, taking a walk outside for fresh air, settling into the library to read, enjoying a delicious lunch with neighbors, attending a physical well-being class, and relaxing in your apartment while you plan your evening. Maybe you’ll join a game night, see a play, or invite a family member to eat dinner with you.
WesleyLife communities for healthy living inspire and equip older adults to stay active while making the most of each day. You won’t find a one-size-fits-all picture of active aging in our communities, but you will find a variety of ways people choose to embrace well-being each day.
In an independent living community, for example, you can take advantage of:
- Well-equipped fitness centers and physical well-being classes
- A full calendar of events and experiences
- Lifelong learning opportunities
- Gathering spaces for easy and meaningful social connections
- Chef-prepared meals for any dietary needs and preferences
- An emphasis on spiritual well-being and faith-based community
- Creative studios and classes to nurture your artistry
- Opportunities to connect to the greater community through volunteering
At a senior living community, you remain in the driver’s seat when building an active lifestyle that suits your preferences. Some days, you might enjoy more downtime and solitude; other days, you’ll move your body and socialize. Active aging looks different for everyone, but the goals of health and well-being remain consistent.
How Does WesleyLife Promote Active Aging at Home?
While community living offers great perks, you don’t need to move to experience the benefits of an active, well-rounded lifestyle. Older adults who age in place can also take a proactive approach toward healthy aging with support from WesleyLife.
The most comprehensive support available is our continuing care at home (CCaH) program, WellAhead — A WesleyLife Well-Being Experience. This program provides guidance and practical help to empower your health and independence in the home you love.
WellAhead members benefit from:
- Dedicated well-being coaching: Work one-on-one with a personal coach to establish individual goals for healthy living and to build an actionable plan tailored to your lifestyle.
- Health and well-being resources: Home safety evaluations, nutrition counseling, fitness classes, massage therapy, and more nurture your well-being.
- Social and educational connections: Stay engaged with virtual and local opportunities, including educational workshops, social gatherings, and volunteer initiatives that foster a strong sense of community.
- Practical in-home support: In-home services (e.g., light housekeeping or pet care) support you where you live. Choose from services each month that empower your independence.
- Peace of mind: WellAhead membership fees cover some future care costs through WesleyLife, should your needs ever change. Planning and protecting your budget this way can minimize stress and help you feel more in control of your financial future.
Learn more in The Complete Guide to WellAhead: Aging with Intention at Home While Ensuring Future Care Costs Are Covered.
Active Aging FAQs
What is active aging?
Active aging is an approach to growing older that prioritizes movement, personal growth, and holistic well-being for the mind, body, and spirit. Rather than taking a passive or reactive stance, active aging empowers older adults to build a lifestyle around proven principles for healthy living.
What are examples of active living for older adults?
Examples of active living vary widely. Meaningful activities for aging adults can include regularly moving your body, taking a class to learn something new, regularly gathering with friends, pursuing creative arts, or volunteering in the community. Other options include discovering a new passion that keeps you inspired, like Brio of Johnston resident Brian Donahue, who found his "reason to get up in the morning" by playing pickleball and competing in the National Senior Games.
Explore how our residents embrace well-being each day.
How do senior living communities support active aging?
Senior living communities provide convenient on-site access to fitness centers, chef-prepared nutrition, educational events, and shared gathering spaces. Built-in social opportunities and well-being resources are right outside your door, simplifying your ability to nurture a joyful, active lifestyle.
How to Choose the Right Active Living Environment
Not sure what this next chapter should look like as you embrace active aging? Whether you envision yourself thriving in a vibrant community or in your current home, you don't need to navigate these choices alone. Team members at WesleyLife communities are always happy to speak with you about your personal goals and preferences to help you find the perfect fit.
To learn more about healthy aging, take a moment to read and download our guide, Living Your Best Life After 55: Navigating Your Options for the Future.
