What are the 8 Dimensions of Wellness?

There’s more to wellness than diet and exercise.

While getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet are important for maintaining an active lifestyle, there’s more to wellness than physical health. Wellness, from our point of view, is about living life fully and being the best version of yourself. It’s a lifestyle that engages mind, body and spirit — resulting in a better quality of life.

The benefits, according to the landmark MacArthur Foundation study of successful aging, include a lower risk for disease, a higher level of engagement with others in the community, and high physical and cognitive function.

If that sounds good to you, you may be wondering what you need to do to start seeing these benefits in your life. The first step is to take a more holistic view of your health that encompasses 8 dimensions of wellness. At StoneRidge, we make it easy for residents to incorporate the 8 dimensions of wellness into their lives with a wide range of classes, activities and services. Expert staff and personalized programs are available to help residents reach their goals and feel their best.

The 8 dimensions of wellness:

1. Physical – We offer a wide range of fitness classes including aquafit, strength and cardio, fall prevention and balance training, Tai Chi, yoga, plus walking programs indoors and out. Healthy food choices are also on the menu, from garden-fresh salads to catch-of-the-day seafood.
2. Social – It’s easy to meet people who share your interests at StoneRidge. A wide range of clubs, classes, events and activities offer residents opportunities for connecting with others. To learn more, see our activities calendar.
3. Spiritual – Faith-based programs, meditation classes, mind/body classes and musical performances can expand your sense of purpose and give meaning to your days.
4. Intellectual – Continuing to find ways to expand your knowledge and skills can improve your memory and keep your mind sharp. Brain fitness programs, lifelong learning classes, book clubs, tech workshops, puzzles, games and opportunities to share your own gifts with others are all available.
5. Emotional – Understanding and managing your emotions, respecting other people’s feelings, and maintaining a positive attitude are all part of emotional wellness. Resources include support groups, grief and mental health counseling, and day-to-day interactions with staff and friends.
6. Vocational – This is all about feeling productive and doing work that is personally meaningful. At StoneRidge, residents serve on committees, volunteer on and off campus, and share their unique gifts, skills and talents as mentors and guest lecturers.
7. Environmental – At StoneRidge, this includes opportunities for gardening, nature walks and spending time outdoors, in addition to comfortable common spaces indoors and caring staff who brighten each day.
8. Health Services – We offer a full continuum of care on campus, if ever needed, including short-term rehab and transitional care; in-home assistance in living; memory care; skilled nursing; and hospice care.

So there you have it — the 8 dimensions of wellness. Incorporating them into your lifestyle can make a big difference in your quality of life. To learn more about the people and programs that support the 8 dimensions of wellness at StoneRidge, visit our HealthyLife^® Services page.