b'C O M M U N I T Y Co\x1dection Teamwork F O S T E R SW E L L - B E I N GA ccording to the National Instituteellness means muchbest way to ensure a full on Aging, there is a strongW more than physicaland satisfying life. St. correlation between social interaction and overall health and well-beinghealth. Wellness isJohns makes it easy for among older adults.a practical, holisticus, says Mary. There is Social connection for seniors isphilosophy thatalways something going critical, playing an essential role inencourages a lifestyleon, there are always their mental, emotional and physicalLuther Acres Pin Oak Drivedesigned to enhance theopportunities to be as health," says Beth Bucher, Lutherresidents Larry Searcy &body, mind and spirit.engaged and active as Acres\' Wellness Manager. SeniorsNancy Forest Research on healthyyou want.with a strong social network have aaging shows that seniorsEvery day, our team better quality of life and experiencewho embrace wellness asunites to make our superior overall health and wellness. part of everyday life enjoyDon & Mary Miller residents\' wellness a formed a really special communityAnd then they got the call about Pinsigni\x1e cant bene\x1e ts.priority, says Anita. We Larry Searcy and his wife, Nancywithin a community. We couldnt beOak Drive. Forest, couldnt agree more and sayThe key to slowing downstrive to offer at least one the social connection and sense ofhappier. We jumped at the opportunity, saysthe aging process is regularevent or activity every day community they experience at LutherWhile the Pin Oakians are aNancy. We agreed to move in sightengagement in all dimensionsthat corresponds to one of the Acres has been life-changing.community within themselves, Nancyunseen because we knew if Lutherof wellnessphysical, intellectual,wellness dimensions. Wii Bowling, After the couple retired from theirsays they feel completely connectedAcres was behind this venture, itsocial, vocational, emotional,Knowing this kind of high- shuf\x1f eboard, chair yoga, \x1e tness to the Luther Acres campusin everywould work for us.environmental and spiritual,programs, trivia competitions, busy lives in Washington, D.C., theyway. Residents on campus havesays St. Johns Herr Estatequality care is available and volunteer opportunities, moved to a remote development inmade us all feel very welcome, saysPrior to moving in, the couple wasExecutive Director Anitaaccessible to us is verywalking clubs and church West Virginia. They had a large homeNancy. There is no difference inon the Priority Wait List and saysMartin. Putting them allservices are just some of the on \x1e ve acres in a small community.anyone interested in Luther Acrestogether in a holistic way leadscomforting. It de nes peace ofmany ways we foster a daily At \x1e rst it was wonderful to be awayservices or amenities between the Pinshould consider joining. For a Oak residents and campus residents.to a healthier, happier life." mindreal peace of mind. well-being.from the hustle and bustle of cityWe have easy access to everything. small, refundable fee, you are called life, says Larry. But after a few years\x1e rst when a new home becomesWhat does that look like? Don andMary Miller Don says the social aspect of life of snowstorms, home maintenance,We are closer to the Wellness Centeravailable, says Larry. And, you getMary Miller say, Life at St. Johnsat St. Johns cannot be overstated yardwork and social isolation, weand restaurants than many on- to use all campus amenities! ThereHerr Estate. when it comes to well-being. We are were ready for a change. Now I dontcampus cottages, says Larry. Weis everything to gain and nothing toDon and Mary are long-time residentsa small community, so everyone knows own a snow shovel or a toolbox.take full advantage, too. We lovelose. of St. John\'s Herr Estate. They believeeveryone, he says. Were all friends, Everything is taken care of. being on campus. the St. Johns wellness-focused lifestylewe look after one another, we playand Now, Larry and Nancy are residentsLarry and Nancy had planned tohas contributed to their happinessandpraytogether. We really are one big, of Luther Acres on Pin Oak Drive, amove to a Luther Acres cottage. Theytheir longevity. Don, 90, and Mary, 86,happy family.community of ten homes within Lititzwere on the waiting list for four years.say practicing a comprehensive and Reserve, a new townhome communityAfter falling in love with Lititz, theholistic approach to wellness is the on a property bordering the southerncouple moved from their home in side of the Luther Acres campus.West Virginia to a rental townhome We call ourselves Pin Oakians,community in Lancaster while they says Larry. All ten families moved inwaited for the perfect accommodation around the same time, and we haveat Luther Acres. It was taking longer than we anticipated and we were getting a bit concerned, says Nancy. 6 7'