Studies increasingly indicate that spiritual practices are linked with better individual health and well-being. For example, many seniors engage in regular prayer, finding it a source of inner comfort and support. They are among the 76 percent of Americans who report praying daily, weekly or monthly, according to a 2014 Pew Research Center survey.
Today, some retirees also embrace contemplative practices such as meditation and yoga to help them relieve stress and calm themselves. As with prayer, these spiritual practices can contribute to improved mental and emotional health, allowing seniors to focus on what is most important to them. Often as they get older, they find they value more the intangible pleasures of life, such as love, forgiveness and gratitude.
“I’m 91 years old and a day doesn’t go by that I’m not aware of the many little things to be thankful for,” said the Rev. Norman Eddy. “It doesn’t matter how insignificant they may appear to others. A flower blossoming, a child’s laughter. We must never forget to give thanks.”
Finding that material items don’t satisfy the soul as they might have once done, many older people choose to simplify their lives during their senior living years and downsize their lifestyle. In fact, this leads many of them to move to senior living communities.
Spiritual support at Country Meadows
At Country Meadows Retirement Communities, we take an inclusive, interfaith approach to spiritual care and welcome all religious and spiritual backgrounds. Our full-time chaplains offer pastoral counseling, conduct interfaith worship services and spiritual enrichment programs and are always available to meet residents’ spiritual needs. We also provide transportation for our residents who wish to attend services at houses of worship within the local community.
Knowing that inner peace and relaxation can come from self-expression, we offer a number of creative activities to feed the soul, including painting, singing, writing poetry and gardening. Our fitness staff also leads residents in wellness and fitness programs, such as gentle yoga and walking, that contribute to spiritual and emotional health as well.
If you’re looking for a caring senior living community in Pennsylvania or Maryland where residents feel comfortable embracing their spiritual nature, we hope you will pay us a visit. We invite you to look at our retirement apartments, where you will find Country Meadows residents leading active, fulfilling lives, whether living in personal care, assisted living or senior independent living at our 10 Pennsylvania retirement communities or our Maryland retirement community. Please contact us for information or to schedule a tour so that we can introduce you to our comprehensive array of services.
Country Meadows
