Creating a Supportive Daily Routine
This three part health and wellness series was held January 21, February 4, and February 18, 2021. It was intentionally designed to help participants work on doing their best every day and learn more about the health benefits of establishing a rhythm in their day and reflect on key components of a supportive daily routine. The series guided participants through a process to clarify the ingredients for the best day by setting new intentions as means of supporting health.
The series was presented by Rebecca Donato, executive director of Vitalize 360, a joint venture of Kendal and Hebrew SeniorLife, a Harvard Medical school affiliate. Vitalize 360 is a program that fosters individualized well-being promotion in 20+ nonprofit senior living organizations nationwide. Rebecca’s 15 years of experience in aging services have been spent serving in executive and transformational leadership roles in life plan communities.
Through this work, she witnessed first-hand that people who live with a sense of purpose and who practice consistent self-care continue to flourish as they advance in age and was inspired to dedicate her focus to well-being promotion. In her current role with Vitalize 360, Rebecca designs and delivers best practices, programs, and training for a national consortium of Vitalize Coaches, employees of senior living providers who are dedicated to supporting older adults in continuing to live their best lives.
Rebecca Donato, Executive Director
Vitalize 360
SESSION ONE
The Health Benefits of a Daily Routine
The first session focused on why maintaining a regular daily rhythm supports health. Participants reflected on the components of a supportive daily routine, became more clear about the unique “ingredients ” for living your best day and set personal intentions to enhance the daily routine.
SESSION TWO
The Anchors of a Supportive Daily Routine
In session two we began by meeting Kim Rivers, Resident Engagement Coordinator & Vitalize 360 Coach from Collington, a Kendal affiliate in Mitchellville, MD. Then Rebecca shared the anchors of a supportive daily routine:
- Align with nature’s daily cycle
- Mindfully bookend your day
- Move, move, move
- Get outdoors
- Make time for meaning moments
- Restore and renew
Session Two Resources
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way
Association Between Life Purpose and Mortality Among US Adults Older Than 50 Years
Science links purpose to better health. Research increasingly demonstrates a correlation between life purpose and better health outcomes.
SESSION THREE
Designing Your Best Day
In the third and final session participants shared reflections while working through the Planning Guide. Rebecca explored the value of intention, shared additional resources and introduced Lathie Gannon, Vitalize 360 Health & Wellness Coach from Kendal-Crosslands Communities in Kennett Square, PA.
Session Three Resources
VIA Character Strengths Survey
Practice Gratefulness and Ritual
The Power of Purpose: Find Meaning, Live Longer, Better
Active Lifestyle
Maintaining an active lifestyle is a key component of healthy aging.
An active lifestyle is a great way to ensure good physical and cognitive health. Living a healthy lifestyle can not only increase one’s lifespan but also help achieve independence and enhance the overall quality of life. From daily fitness regimens to participating in adventure sports and travel – Kendal residents are always on-the-go.