S MAGAZINE ★ 4 AUGUST 2019 37
The eight
pillars of
wellness
Looking after our emotional and physical
needs becomes increasingly important
as we get older, says Michelle Hammond
I
f there’s one thing I’ve learnt as
a wellness consultant it’s that
feeling happy and fulfilled is
important at any age, whether
that is 18 or 88. As we journey
through life we want to be able to
move, think and laugh freely, which
can be challenging when faced
with adversity or big change.
Feeling well is an active process
that means different things to
people. For some people, a weekly
yoga class or daily meditation
might tick the box, whereas for
others maintaining a healthy diet
or spending time with friends is
more important. Whatever it is for
you, living well now not only means
living longer, but living better.
As we get older it’s not unusual
to downsize to a smaller home or
move to an age-exclusive property
with a sense of community. Inner
wellbeing plays a role in deciding
where and why to move. Retirement
housing specialist PegasusLife’s
holistic approach to development
uses the eight pillars of wellness
to inform its philosophy and ensure
people can live well. They are...INTELLECTUAL
We never stop learning – and
discovering new passions can be
one of life’s greatest pleasures.
I encourage sharing knowledge
with friends and taking advantageof organised excursions in arts,
music, theatre, culture, craft
and nature. Look for health and
wellbeing workshops that include
practical insights into nutrition,
aromatherapy and meditation.
Action: Sign up for classes at
your local education centres
or visit the library.PHYSICAL
Recognising the need for regular
physical activity, a healthy diet,
optimum levels of nutrition and
good-quality sleep are key
components of our wellbeing.
You don’t have to be a gym goer
to maintain a level of fitness, but
by gentle working out even novices
can feel comfortable trying t’ai chi
or building core strength.
Action: Make sure your bedroom
is a calming place. Switch off
your phone at night.EMOTIONAL
Being in touch with your emotions
might seem an obvious pillar of
wellness, but understanding and
navigating feelings can be difficult.
Creating satisfying relationships
and sharing your deepest
emotions can help people cope
with the twists and turns of life.
Action: Keep a journal and write
a list of the key people you would
turn to in a crisis.ENVIRONMENTAL
Beautiful surroundings
and time spent in the natural
world are important – but
environmental wellness extends
beyond that into areas that boost
wellbeing in all forms. According
to heart specialists, a 10-minute
sauna twice weekly can help lower
blood pressure and reduce the
risk of a heart attack and for
those who suffer from arthritis,
hydrotherapy pools’ warm jets aid
relaxation and suppleness.
Action: Think of small ways you can
help the environment, whether it be
by driving less or picking up litter.SOCIAL
Being part of a close-knit
community can be a source of
happiness but our social circles
shrink as we age. Developing a
sense of connection and belonging
can be difficult, so you need to tap
into a support system of like-
minded people. PegasusLife’s
age-exclusive developments have
social hubs to encourage people
to make such connections.
Action: Connect with someone
new each week and search for
social networks online.FINANCIAL
Getting your financial house in
order is key to wellbeing andindependence.
If you aren’t used to taking control
of financial matters it can be
a daunting task – but seek advice.
It is free and will save money in
the long term.
Action: Create a financial planner
to make clearing debt a priority.OCCUPATIONAL
The satisfaction and enrichment
that for many people comes
from work may start to wane
once we retire. Use your free
time to take up a range of
hobbies. Trying new things
and having fun is part of a
fulfilling ageing process.
Action: Step out of your comfort
zone. Join a dance or drama group.SPIRITUAL
Expanding our sense of purpose
and recognising the value of
our contribution to people and
the planet can be empowering.
Aim to give back within your
community, whether it be working
at a library or in a homeless
shelter. Take the time to reflect
and be mindful.
Action: Write down three things that
mean a lot to you, whether they are
family, friends or health.Michelle is wellness consultant at
PegasusLife. See pegasuslife.co.uk.HEALTH
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