This is the week that our Vitalize 360 program gets its real launch and sign-up opportunity. A project of Kendal, it provides us Collington residents the opportunity to get a “life coach,” who will help us bring together whatever resources and help to decide what they want to achieve next in our lives. If one of us does not yet know what this is, our new staffer Kim Rivers will help us figure that out too. Once a goal is identified, Kim will help pull together the Collington resources, staff and residents, to support the process.
Often this is thought of in traditional medical terms, such as achieving a particular “vital sign” milestone, or getting physically strong enough to, for example, get on a plan to visit grandchildren.
But many of us feel that the most exciting engagements that this makes possible are more intellectual, political, academic, etc. Dianna Cox, who runs the project, and was here for a great presentation yesterday, gave an example of a man who had decided to challenge his golf club’s men only policy, and did so successfully. (Other more transformative possibilities might come to mind.)
Tomorrow, Friday March 9 at 10:30 in the Game Room, there will be a meet and greet to get to know Kim and learn more about the project.
Here is the PowerPoint that Nancy Cox presented.
Here is a short video:
It is important to note that Vitalize 360 is a key pat of our strategic plan, both as a specific element, and as something that will help build culture-transformative energy.
Indeed, a recent article in the Journal of Aging Research and Healthcare, here, concludes:
In this project, COLLAGE [Vilalize at one location] 360, a comprehensive assessment system and wellness coaching program that focuses on prevention and wellness was implemented in one continuing care retirement community. Following completion of two assessment tools through directed conversations with a wellness coach, older adults developed an individualized vitality plan that outlined life goals, supporting goals and action plans for goal achievement. Results from this program suggest engagement in the assessment and wellness coaching process via the COLLAGE 360 program translated into sample older adults sensing that they live in a more supportive environment when compared with elders not receiving any wellness coaching. In addition, the older adults had positive responses in the areas of mood and life satisfaction. Strategies to improve health and well being need an extended focus beyond the older adult‘s medical conditions and consider psychological, spiritual and social needs with personal preferences being paramount. These issues are foundational to a person- centered, health promotion approach needed among older adults.
Do not miss the opportunity.