Live Well With Our INSPIRE Program at The Barclay, a Retirement Community in NC
December 28, 2021
Life is rich and full when you feel balanced in all areas of wellness; at The Barclay, we believe that optimal living encompasses the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, occupational/sense of purpose and environmental facets of your livelihood. As a sought-after retirement community in North Carolina, we know that staying well—body, mind and spirit—has tremendous benefits for people of all ages.
Staying Active
The National Institute on Aging reports that exercise in older adults “reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, colon cancer, and breast cancer.” What’s more, they found that exercise lowers the risk of falls and fall-related injuries. Physical activity is also linked to benefits in mental health; a recent article in U.S. News & World Report highlights 14 mind-boosting benefits of exercise, including lowering stress levels, reducing symptoms of depression and improving learning.
Tending to All Areas of Wellness
At The Barclay, we believe that wellness extends beyond exercise. Your friendships and social connections, spiritual life, environment, and so more impact your quality of life. Our INSPIRE wellness program is designed to boost your overall well-being. The program launch coincided with our community’s opening, and we continue to expand our programming to engage and delight our residents. Our Wellness Director, Anna Eagle, and our Life Enrichment Director, Lesley Donovan, keep the INSPIRE calendar brimming with activities so that our residents have plenty to choose from in their quest for better health. Eagle reports that roughly 85% of the population at The Barclay at SouthPark is engaged in the INSPIRE program. From our outdoor walking groups to chair and standing yoga, circuit strength, tai chi, water exercise and so much more, you’ll feel inspired to get moving and dig deeper in your search for health.
Why INSPIRE?
Each letter of the program name represents an area of health:
- Inspirational: INSPIRE is designed to help residents reach higher levels of well-being and self-efficacy across the board.
- Nutritional: Dining is good nutrition and much more—it’s a time to spend in community with friends and neighbors.
- Spiritual: We recognize attending to our spiritual health is just as important as taking care through physical activity.
- Personal and ongoing goal-setting: New community members receive an in-home visit and a welcome packet with a program overview. We schedule Wellness Assessments at the residents’ convenience.
- Integrative: Programs cover the social, spiritual and intellectual aspects of residents’ wellness.
- Rehabilitative: We work closely with the inpatient and outpatient therapy department to continue the plans of care for residents in the Wellness Center upon discharge from therapy services.
- Educational: Our community often partners with local colleges and training centers.
Are You New to the Fitness Scene?
Many of our residents are just dipping their toes into adopting an exercise routine. We always recommend speaking with your physician first. Eagle shares, “This dialogue helps the resident understand clearly the guidelines they must follow to safely begin an exercise program.”
Donovan has a word of encouragement for those who are beginning their journey to live healthier and longer: “Many residents had never been involved in fitness before. Their lives have changed because they are moving more.” With the support of our knowledgeable Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy departments, our residents are living better lives.
Resident Favorites
Water exercise classes are the most popular with residents and for good reason. Water is gentle but challenging, and many find moving in the water relieves pain in the bones, muscles and joints. Eagle explains, “The warmth, buoyancy, and resistance of the water create an environment where we can do more and have fun while benefiting our heart, lungs, muscles and bones.” Eagle goes on to say, “We offer seven water exercise classes a week with an instructor and 7 hours of open pool time where residents can come and exercise in the water on their own.” Donovan also reports that residents have warmly welcomed the recent addition of Tai Chi.
What INSPIRE happenings should residents be aware of in the new year?
Residents will usher in 2022 with The Barclay Wellness Challenge … SIP – SNACK – STROLL, which will award points to residents who drink water, snack responsibly and accumulate active minutes each week.
The Barclay Outdoor Adventure Club is also in the works. Eagle says the vision for the club is to take “active day trips to an array of exciting destinations in the Carolinas and beyond!” Adventures may include hiking, biking or water activities like fly fishing or canoeing.
Eagle has more good news: “In early April, we are planning a Spring Fling at the newly renovated Fairmeadows Swim & Racquet Club located directly behind The Barclay at SouthPark.” The Spring Fling is made possible through a special partnership between Fairmeadows Swim & Racquet Club and Liberty Senior Living and will include a picnic for all residents in the beautiful gazebo. She also shares, “Barclay residents are invited to enjoy the pool, playing tennis, pickleball and lawn games any time of the year.”
What INSPIRE offerings speak to you?
The Barclay at SouthPark is a remarkable new retirement community in North Carolina with unparalleled offerings, including elegant independent living apartment homes, high-end amenities, distinctive dining options, concierge services and an engaging lifestyle that emphasizes whole-person wellness. Request your free brochure online or contact us at 980-224-8540.