Promoting vibrant and intentional living lies at the heart of Inspīr Senior Living residences. Our philosophy centers around fostering health, wellness, and meaningful connections among residents, families, and staff through our Nine Core Elements which include: engagement, purpose, movement and mobility, art and music, belonging, family, brain health, nature, and laughter. These core elements were inspired by the lifestyle commonalities found among global Blue Zones - regions where people demonstrate unusual longevity and vitality well into old age. After studying these Blue Zones across the globe from Okinawa, Japan to Sardinia, Italy, common threads emerged as integral to their health and happiness. Daily movement, community engagement, laughter, family ties, sense of purpose, art, access to nature, and brain-stimulating activities were all prevalent. We incorporated these key elements into the very fabric of life at Inspīr to similarly promote longevity, quality of life, and personal fulfillment for our residents.
As we eagerly anticipate the opening of our second residence, Inspīr Embassy Row, in Washington D.C. later this year, we reflect on the profound impact these elements have had on the lives of our residents at Inspir Carnegie Hill. In a series of blogs, we reaffirm our commitment to this core philosophy, beginning with an exploration of the significance of laughter, engagement, and family.
Laughter:
Is laughter the best medicine? We wholeheartedly believe so. Numerous global studies attest to the positive effects of laughter on health. Recognizing its therapeutic value, we infuse humor into every aspect of life at Inspīr. The American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine underscores the role of laughter in happiness and its potential to counteract the effects of depression. Our experienced team curates a lively weekly schedule, offering various opportunities for laughter, from Broadway shows like Spamalot to in-house events featuring authors, Drag Queens, and other live acts. Our staff are also trained on our emotion-based approach to care and keep laughter flowing freely within our community.
Family:
Family is a cornerstone of our residents' lives, whether biological or the familial bonds formed within our community. We emphasize the importance of maintaining loving relationships, encouraging families to visit freely. Our beautiful residence was designed to be warm and welcoming spaces for families to gather, with open floor plans and intimate seating areas to host comfortable visits. We also offer private dining rooms that can be reserved for family celebrations and special occasions to further foster important generational connections. Following the pandemic we have witnessed residents discovering a new sense of family within the community, forming meaningful friendships and mutually supportive bonds. As shared by resident Norman Fryman in this video, the familial atmosphere cultivated at Inspīr becomes just as treasured as one’s biological family.
Additionally, we serve as a valuable resource for families, offering tips, guides, and peer-to-peer support to navigate the intricacies of elder care. Strengthening family ties remains an integral aspect of our mission.
Engagement:
Active engagement enhances the quality of life, and we prioritize tapping into residents' interests and abilities. Through a robust weekly calendar, we create opportunities for residents to connect with each other, staff, and visiting guests. From chef demonstrations and tastings to exercise classes and museum visits, our residents rediscover purpose and make new friends, contributing to marked improvements in overall wellness. Our commitment to sparking new journeys of joy, purpose, and community remains unwavering. The bonds of laughter, family, and active engagement fortify the foundation for intentional living.
Read Part 2 of our series, where we'll delve into the core elements: Movement/mobility, brain health, and nature. Inspīr Senior Living continues to be a beacon for intentional and vibrant living, enriching the lives of our residents every day.
