Craig and Mille Brandt build strength and
wellness through “BeWell,” a pro-
gram of Lutheran Homes of South Carolina.
‘BeWell’ It’s smart to
This S.C. Lutheran retirement
community strengthens seniors By Elizabeth Hunter
T
hey’re at the gym regularly. It’s not about a six pack (defined abs) or an upcoming race but remaining healthy and partnering in continuing care as they age. Five years ago, Margaret and Joe Zeigler moved into an independent living residence at The Heritage at Lowman in Whiterock, a ministry of Lutheran Homes of South Carolina.
“I was 68 and he was 70,” Margaret said. “We knew a lot of things here would keep us well. It means we can take care of ourselves longer than if we’d stayed in our old home in the [North Carolina] mountains, where I was so lonely. Here it’s not just sitting and watching TV all day, which is what you start doing if you don’t have physical activities and involvement with other people.” Margaret, a longtime yoga enthusiast, can pick from the Lutheran Homes’ extensive “BeWell” menu: tai chi, aerobics, balance classes, arthritis exercises, health lec- tures, fitness center workouts and outdoor exercise sta-
COURTESY OF LUTHERAN HOMES OF SOUTH CAROLINA
tions. On Sundays they can walk to nearby Bethel Lutheran Church. Helping the Zeiglers and oth- ers in independent, assisted living and health-care units manage their health is important, said Cindy Cur- tis, BeWell program manager. Curtis developed BeWell (“Bringing Everyone Wellness Enrichment for Lasting Life”) in 2007 based on national research and a six-dimensional model of well-
ness (physical, spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual and vocational). “A MacArthur Foundation study has shown that if you stay active and engaged in life, it will prevent [issues that jeopardize independence],” she said. With a three-year grant from the Duke Endowment, Lutheran Homes launched “this comprehensive program to fit the older adults who are the coming silver tsu- nami,” Curtis said. “It’s made a remarkable difference,” she added, tick-
ing off benefits: fewer falls; improved flexibility, balance and strength; and a powerful group of physically active seniors. “When I started, 10 percent of residents exercised daily. Now 40 percent of residents exercise daily.” Wellness nurse Brenda Musick makes personal vis-
its, teaches lifelong health and gives just the little push some need to become more fit as they manage chronic health conditions. “We’re trying to prevent disease and maintain high functioning,” she said, adding that even nonresidents aged 50 and up can join through fitness memberships. “It’s quite a bargain because you can do as many classes as you want, participate in trips and take part in other programs,” said Mille Brandt, who has a fitness membership with her husband, Craig. As for Margaret Zeigler, she admits to not needing
the Be Well program as much as some. “But that’s why I’m here: so when I do need it, I can use it,” she said. “I wouldn’t go back on the mountain for anything.”
Hunter is a section editor of The Lutheran.
Take away What can you take away from this? ELCA congregations can help seniors when funding or transportation gets in the
way of wellness, said Cindy Curtis, BeWell manager for Lutheran Homes of South Carolina. “Older adults want to stay active and engaged, but too often can’t access programming,” she said. “They can become
isolated, and with that isolation comes physical, mental and emotional decline.” So take a page from South Carolina Lutherans, Curtis said. You and your congregation can bring older friends and neighbors to wellness classes in your community. For more information, contact Curtis at
ccurtis@bewellsc.org.
34 The Lutheran •
www.thelutheran.org
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