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Women’s History Month Spotlight: Sharon Piety-Nowell, Westminster St. Augustine

Westminster St. Augustine resident Sharon Piety-Nowell retired from the field of education after a remarkable 47-year career. Starting as a second grade teacher, she gained extensive experience in various roles, including elementary school principal, course evaluator for the Federal Aviation Administration, and holding multiple leadership positions at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. After 15 years of dedicated service, she retired as Dean of the university.

“I didn’t really plan any of that. I didn’t have career goals aside from teaching second grade,” Sharon said. “I had opportunities that I accepted and I think that’s one of the things that’s really important to nurture in young people starting out in the career today is to nurture their willingness to take risks and opportunities.”

In honor of Women’s History Month, Mrs. Piety-Nowell shared invaluable insights from her extensive career in education. With a wealth of experience under her belt, she generously offered advice and tips for aspiring women aspiring to pursue a career in this field.

How do you feel that the landscape in your field has changed for women who are wanting to pursue a similar role/position?

I think that one way the field has changed is that there are more opportunities available for advancement professionally. Clearly women are being promoted to those higher levels of the professional ladder, however I still think that the academic institutional culture is still a patriarchal system and men still receive higher respect and pay, even though clearly in the field of education, there are more women than men.

What’s interesting is most of the structure in education, whether its K-12 systems or college levels, are controlled by boards – boards of trustees, boards of directors, school boards – and those are mostly men, and that effects the entire culture then. I think all of those things make it challenging for women still to be able to achieve what they are capable of achieving. If they will take the risk and take advantage of opportunities, I think they will be as successful as possible.

What do you think your field needs to be doing now to continue to advance women wanting to pursue a similar career?

I’m a big fan of mentoring, so I think it’s really important that the professional groups in education mentor the younger women in the profession. That has to start with K-12 classrooms and by examining the reward system for females. They really need to look at how they can reward female characteristics like caring, compassion, being servant leaders, using critical thinking and problem solving, and making sure those characteristics are rewarded along with traditional characteristics like leadership, power and control.

I really think one of the ways mentoring can be occurring that I don’t see happening as often is all of us retired professional women can be mentoring college students in a formal way. I do it naturally because I have graduate students that have stayed in touch with me, but it seems like we’re losing an opportunity not to make it more formal and cultivate the relationship between retired professionals and college students.

What advice would you offer to younger women who may be interested in pursuing a career in your given field?

I keep trying to analyze how I got into the positions I got into because I didn’t really set career goals to do that, and my conclusion is that you need to build a skills toolbox that can cross a broad set of abilities that you can apply to a diverse cultural setting. These skills are social and emotional intelligence, critical thinking, collaborative problem solving, needs assessment skills, research skills and especially a love of lifelong learning and education.

Can you share a memory of yours were you felt that the women that you were working with, stood together to overcome the challenges that are associated with being a woman in your given field?

I’ll give you two. One was from when I was an elementary school principal and one from when I was Dean. When I was an elementary school principal, I was the only female administrator in the school out of 18 administrators. I started as the principal of a small school with 130 students. However, after the first year, I was asked to close that school and combine it with a larger school with the total population of 600 students, and of course, the community didn’t want this. The group of teachers I worked with were unbelievable. We bonded together and structured the transition for the students and the parents to become one larger school and one full community and the results were just phenomenal. I was there 10 years and it was just one of the best experiences of my career because that group of women had such a strong bond.

The other one, when I was a Dean, I had the privilege of being the host to the Black Women’s Roundtable in 2011 at Bethune-Cookman University. Their purpose was to come and mentor young students on campus and serve as role models for the undergraduate and graduate students. Most of them were first generation college students and it was an experience seeing women mentoring women from all of the country. It was a transformative leadership program. Most of our students went onto masters and doctorate programs, and to become leaders in their chosen careers, a perfect example of women working together and overcoming challenges. You can imagine what it’s like to be the first woman in your family to go to college and then to go all the way through to your masters and doctorate – it was a really powerful experience.

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Martha Inman

Martha Inman has been the Assisted Living Activities Coordinator at Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee for more than 27 years – and she’s loved all of it. She has been the bedrock of the Activities team for so long that she has created an entire philosophy around it. “The Activities team is called to go in two directions: To serve the residents when needed, and to be a peer and a friend when needed,” Martha says.

This month, while we honor Women’s History Month, it’s important to look at how our field has changed and the women who touch residents’ lives. In 2023, Martha was recognized for the many ways that she makes the residents’ lives engaging and enriching when she received the CEO Award from Chief Executive Officer Terry Rogers at our Annual Awards Banquet.

How do you feel that the landscape in your field has changed for women who are wanting to pursue a similar role/position?

Activities has always been a more female-centric part of the field of senior living. Today, however, we are seeing the opposite! We see more acceptance of men who want to seek these roles. We have to be enthusiastic and welcoming of them, too, when we get a wonderful man serving in the role.
We have also come a long way in finding people who put the experience of the residents first, and show each other respect and mutual understanding. As we have shifted away from a clinical emphasis to really emphasizing lifestyle, learning and engagement at any age and level of independence, we have had to build a stronger Activities team.

What do you think your field needs to be doing now to continue to advance women wanting to pursue a similar career?

I think we’re already doing what we need to do. Salaries have nearly tripled in my time in the field, which allows me to bring in those who are passionate – men or women – who have something to bring to the table, whether it’s crafts, or music or something else.

There have always been amazing women in leadership in our organization, and having a woman who can be your mentor is a real advantage for women entering the field today. I have been fortunate to have three mentors who are women leaders, Sandy Hugg, Shannon Sauls and Vicki Brown. Sandy taught me what our field is all about and to be a daring risk taker and to encourage me. Shannon came one year later, and as my supervisor, she was always encouraging and allowed me to try creative programming for our residents. Now I work directly for Vicki, and she is an amazing leader, as well as a former nurse and Director of Nursing (DON).

Westminster Oaks has over the years become a haven for many women who needed to get her place in the world, financially, and to move to a better place in their lives. We help our team members build strong lives and provide for their families. We advance women who want to come to the company and stay with the company, and we fulfill our Mission in doing so.

What advice would you offer to younger women who may be interested in pursuing a career in your given field?

Check your temperament and ask yourself if you want a true vocational mission or calling. It takes that to succeed in this job. You have to be in it for the thrill of seeing the impact that you make in enriching people’s lives, and bringing joy to their lives as the outcome of what you do. If not, it will simply be hard work and you will say that it is too much at times. I have a lot of faith in the Lord, and I think our work is a place where we can make sure people are here with joy and leaving with joy at the end of their lives.
Our job is to keep the residents enjoying the in-the-moment joy that fills their lives. They have moved to a point where the responsibilities, worries and fears are behind them. We re-enrich their lives with what we can bring them to remember, explore, create.

Can you share a memory of yours were you felt that the women that you were working with, stood together to overcome the challenges that are associated with being a woman in your given field?

We have been blessed that I’ve been here for 27 years, and had so many strong women in leadership, that we have not had that problem. Many of our senior leaders are women, many of our Resident Council leadership have come from Florida State or Florida A&M University and they are women, and they create a supportive environment and expect that environment everywhere. Westminster Oaks has always been a very supportive place for female team members, even if the field as a whole may not have always been supportive.

Honestly, I feel blessed to have had this experience.

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Sallie Amato

Sallie Amato, a resident at Westminster Towers, holds the distinction of being one of the pioneering 18,000 women who served in the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve during World War II. Following her high school graduation, she worked as a telephone operator at an Army paratrooper camp. It was a poster that read, “Be a marine. Free a marine to fight,” that inspired her to enlist. At the age of 20, she enlisted and was stationed at Camp Lejune. After completing boot camp, she was assigned to the Field Music School, and became a bugler while taking on responsibilities at the headquarters company. Now 100 years old, Mrs. Amato takes a moment to reflect on her Marine Corps experience and shares some valuable insights for women aspiring to join the field, in honor of Women’s History Month.

How do you feel that the landscape in your field has changed for women who are wanting to pursue a similar role/position?

In my limited knowledge of what I hear and what I see today, sometimes the females are not respected. I think the Commandant and other people who are responsible try, but they are fighting against a very large group of men who do not respect women. It does not make any difference that the woman is wearing a Marine Corps uniform and proud to be of service. They take advantage of her weaknesses and this is televised, published, and made it even more hurtful for the women in uniform. I don’t know what can be done about that if anything. I think women really need to learn to protect themselves. That’s my feeling but I want to say that I’m so grateful because my service was during war time and we were respected for doing our job.

What do you think your field needs to be doing now to continue to advance women wanting to pursue a similar career?

At this point, I can only be an observer. Please, be grateful for those women who give their heart. They didn’t do this lightly. They didn’t do this to go get married. Some people look at them and say, “Oh, she’s joining the service to find a husband.” It’s not true. In their hearts, they love this country and they have enlisted or volunteered and they should be respected for volunteering and giving their young life.
Also, they should take advantage of the education that is offered to them. When I was discharged, I had choices. I could go to college on the G.I. Bill and the airlines were looking for women who had served in the military because they had dealt with people. I went to Radford College. At that time, it was the women’s division of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, in Blacksburg, Virginia. I didn’t have a lot of time allotted to me on the G.I. Bill, so the school and the professors worked with me and in 16 months I earned my bachelor’s degree in science and education.

What advice would you offer to younger women who may be interested in pursuing a career in your given field?

If possible, talk to someone who is serving now. Think about where you may be living. Know what the conditions will be. Where will you be living? If you join the Navy, will you be aboard a ship? Do you get seasick? Know in your heart why you want to join a particular branch of the service. Why are you doing this? What do you want to do after you do this? What do you want to do with that career? Because this is a career the same as going to college and if you are young enough and have the ambition, go enlist in a branch of the service. Get enough time to have your education paid for by the government. You serve the government, the government will serve you. It doesn’t take long and then you can have a career for the rest of your life even if you hope to be, or maybe already may be married, you’ll also need to have a career. Whether you use it or not, it is a very wise thing.

Can you share a memory of yours were you felt that the women that you were working with, stood together to overcome the challenges that are associated with being a woman in your given field?

The thing that pops into my mind are the religious women. I made a friend with a devout Catholic. She didn’t push her faith on me, we talked. She seemed to want to share her faith and I wanted to listen. There were other women who were part of other denominations – they wanted to share. It may be surprising to know how many of the women who were in the Marine Corps were devout Christians. There were also Jewish women and other denominations and groups of people. For those of us who were Protestant, we talked. In fact, the chapel was next door, right beside the flagpole.

After sounding my bugle calls, I would go in and talk to the chaplain who was Catholic. I asked him a lot of questions about Catholicism. He was never too busy to answer my questions. One day he said to me, “Sallie, if you ever want to be baptized Catholic, even though you’ve been baptized before, the Catholics ask that you be baptized Catholic. If there is a time that you want to do that, tell me.” Well, over those months that we became friends, I asked him a lot of questions and then there was the time that I said, “Yes, I really would like to be baptized Catholic.” And so he made the arrangements to go to the cathedral in downtown Washington and I was baptized Catholic. That was something that happened while I was a Marine in service. I am still a Marine and I’m still Catholic!

Westminster Shores Residents Lead the Way: 68 AEDs Installed at Westminster Communities

What started as an idea from Westminster Shores residents Geni and Jack Vanek has resulted in the installation of 68 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across all of Westminster Communities of Florida’s Life Plan Communities and Rental Retirement Communities.

Thanks to the passion they showed for the project and the generosity of previous donors, the Westminster Communities Foundation contributed more than $90,000 from the unrestricted fund to install AEDs in independent living common spaces.

“It really was a community effort,” Geni said. “And now it’s the standard… for all of Westminster.”

DeeLynn Rivinius, Director of Philanthropy at Westminster Shores, acknowledged the pivotal role played by Geni and Jack, emphasizing, “If it hadn’t been for their passion and commitment, I don’t know that this project would have had quite the effect.”

Vice President of Philanthropy at Westminster Communities Foundation Jeff Coates noted that this project shows how the Foundation is able and willing to support projects that are of great benefit across the entire organization.

“It’s one of those rare projects that we’re able to do not just for one community but for every community we have in the Westminster family,” Jeff said.

SAFETY FOR RESIDENTS AND BEYOND

The portable, battery powered, semi-automatic external defibrillator uses voice prompts and visual icons to guide the user through a cardiac arrest rescue. The device will analyze the electrocardiograph (ECG) rhythm of the patient and detect whether rhythm would respond to shock or not.

“It’s intended to help individuals that are having sudden cardiac arrest or a heart event,” DeeLynn said. She noted that while many hope the AEDs get very little use, just seeing them around the community brings her comfort.

“I walk by one of the AED machines every day and it just warms my heart,” DeeLynn said. “Heart events have no bearing on age. It can happen to anyone at any time, so it’s really reassuring.”

Jeff further emphasized that the AED installation offers an enhancement to the safety and well-being of all individuals within the community, regardless of their role or relationship to the residents.

“Think about the amount of family members that come through our communities and the number of team members that are in the communities. It’s not just a couple hundred residents that live there,” Jeff said. “It could be anybody at any given time.”

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE SPARKS ACTION

The Vanek’s moved to Westminster Shores, our Life Plan Community in the Bahama Shores neighborhood of St. Petersburg, in the beginning of 2021 and have been active participants in the community.

“They are individuals with a very philanthropic mission,” DeeLynn said. “They were both very passionate about this project and it made good sense for the health and well-being of our communities statewide.”

“For me it’s very personal,” Jack said. While having lunch with his father at a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Ohio after completing a 24-hour shift as a physician, a gentleman at the next table had a cardiac event.

“I had people call 9-1-1 and told them to bring me a defibrillator and to get a nurse – somebody to help me,” Jack said. “He needed CPR, and I started it on him, but no one came to help me and there was no defibrillator.” After Jack said what felt like hours but was probably only 10 minutes, emergency medical services arrived. They shocked the gentleman, and his heart came right back. He was transported by ambulance to the hospital and died two hours later.

“I can’t help but wonder if he would have had a much better chance if I could have shocked him immediately,” Jack said. “That is something that is etched in my memory. I don’t want to see that ever again.”

After hearing Jack’s personal experience, Jeff said it brought the need to life.

“It made it a no-brainer from the Foundation’s perspective because it’s core to what we do and what we should be providing to our communities,” Jeff said.

LIFE-SAVING COLLABORATION

Westminster Communities of Florida is partnering with the American Red Cross, local fire departments and other companies that conduct the standard CPR training with an AED module to train team members and residents.

“Team Members can be trained, and we also encourage residents who might be interested to get the same training. They would then be able to use the device or provide CPR, if they wish,” said Jim Polaski, Senior Vice President of Operations for Westminster Communities of Florida.

The AEDs are being placed in independent living commons areas at Westminster communities, where people gather in numbers or in proximity to those areas where people gather.

“You would still call 9-1-1 for an emergency response, and we’re blessed that at our locations the emergency responders have a great response time,” Jim said. “They would come in and take over after that.”

Geni noted that the local fire department that conducted the training at Westminster Shores is the same group that would respond if residents called 9-1-1, and that their training went very well.

“What most people verbalized is that it’s a lot of work!” Geni said. “CPR takes a lot of pressure and you’re tired by the end. If you can have more than one person there – one to call 9-1-1, one to push and one to relieve you – the more people that can respond, the better!”

ENHANCING OPPORTUNITIES WITH LOVED ONES

What Jim stressed is that the entire project is a response to a resident request. “We’re very grateful to the resident committee at Westminster Shores for discussing the details of how the program looks, and to the Westminster Communities Foundation for supporting this cause and making it easy to implement,” he said.

The implementation of the AED program not only provides a sense of security but also offers the possibility of more precious moments with family members.

“I think what most people want is the best chance to continue to see their grandchildren and their children and that’s what it really comes down to for me,” Jack said. “If it doesn’t work, I understand. It’s a difficult thing and it doesn’t always work, but if it works and I get to see my kids and grandkids again, that’s what I want to see. That’s what I want for everybody, as simple as that.”

To learn more about resident initiatives that make a difference at Westminster communities, find a location near you today!

‘Celebrating life, purpose, happiness and health’ at the 2024 Westminster Games

Residents from Westminster Communities of Florida’s senior living communities enjoyed outdoor festivities, games and fitness opportunities at Eckerd College

ST. PETERSBURG, February 23, 2024 – With lawn games, live music, dancing and more outdoor fun, the Eighth Westminster Games was celebrated on Friday at Eckerd College. More than 300 residents and team members from Westminster Communities of Florida’s communities throughout Florida came to enjoy some friendly competition. At the end of the day, their objective was to have fun in the great outdoors!

The Westminster Games showcase Westminster Communities of Florida’s active lifestyle, featuring their exclusive MyWLife program for wellbeing of body, mind and soul. Residents enjoyed a fun and active experience, supported by Eckerd College students and faculty, plus live music provided by the Bus Stop Band and a special salsa dance.

Chief Executive Officer Terry Rogers opened this year’s Westminster Games. “It’s that time of year again— time to unleash your inner Olympian!” said Rogers. “And it is time to celebrate this beautiful community and family that we have. Each of you plays a role in making this day amazing. Today is not all about winning the medals, it’s also about celebrating life, purpose, happiness and health. With hearts full of excitement and a shared spirit of good sportsmanship, let us officially declare the games open. Let the games begin!”

“On this beautiful day, we shout for joy, mindful of our many blessings,” said Doug McMahon, Chaplain of Eckerd College. “Let us go forth to love our neighbor and make a difference in our world.”

Attendees competed as teams by community in a variety of games to celebrate active living and wellbeing for seniors, with horseshoes, ring toss, corn hole, ladder ball and croquet.

Following the games, residents enjoyed a group boxing exercise, facilitated by the Westminster Resident Experience team and led by Steve Gallagher.

The winning team of the Eighth Westminster Games was Westminster Winter Park, followed by Westminster Towers and Westminster Shores. The spirit award for best team cheer was also won by Westminster Winter Park, which earned them an additional 5 points in the judging.

“Congratulations to all the winners!” said Jim Polaski, Senior Vice President of Operations.

We congratulate Westminster Winter Park, and all the residents of Westminster Communities of Florida, for joining us in celebrating active living.

Westminster Communities of Florida, the state’s largest not-for-profit provider of active senior living, emphasizes whole-person wellbeing for its older adult residents. With communities in Bradenton, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Orlando, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee and Winter Park, the organization serves more than 7,000 residents statewide with a lifestyle featuring active living, wellness and lifelong learning.

Enhance Your Spirituality With These Tips from Blue Zones

In today’s rapidly changing, digital world, it’s easy to lose touch with our spiritual side. What if there was a means to reconnect with our inner selves and experience a more fulfilling life? The Blue Zones, renowned regions where people live longer, healthier lives, offer valuable insights into unlocking our spiritual potential. By incorporating their wisdom into our daily lives, we can cultivate a thriving body and mind, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

We’re spotlighting the world’s Blue Zones in this series, because we all want to live longer, happier and healthier lives. We can learn from the people who live in “Blue Zones,” places like Okinawa, Sardinia and Loma Linda, Calif. It’s more than just nutrition — it’s a way of life that anyone can participate in and gain the health benefits. Follow the Blue Zones philosophy on food, physical activity, socialization and spirituality and you may just find yourself living to 100.

Foster a Sense of Community and Connection

In the Blue Zones, people have strong communities and social support, which helps them feel a sense of belonging and purpose and is a key factor in their longevity and spiritual well-being. To emulate this, make time for social interaction and engage in activities that promote social bonding. By prioritizing community and social connection, you can enhance your spirituality and potentially increase your chances of living a longer, healthier life.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

In Blue Zones, mindfulness and meditation are widely embraced as they cultivate a state of serenity, alleviate stress, and significantly contribute to overall well-being, which are pivotal factors in the long and healthy lives of individuals residing in these areas. Mindfulness is being present and aware without judgement, while meditation helps cultivate mindfulness. Regular mindfulness practice can help to improve your mood, enhance focus and concentration, and increase feelings of compassion and empathy. Try different meditation techniques from mantra meditation and breath meditation to walking meditation and find what works for you and make it part of your routine.

Engage in Meaningful Rituals and Traditions

Inspired by the Blue Zones, we can cultivate belonging and purpose through meaningful rituals and traditions. Join a spiritual community, attend religious services or practice daily prayer or meditation. These practices remind us of our interconnectedness with the world around us, promote a sense of reverence for life and offer moments of reflection and rejuvenation. Whether it is a daily practice of gratitude, a weekly gathering for spiritual teachings or an annual pilgrimage to a sacred site, these rituals and traditions can become anchors that guide us on our spiritual path.

Embrace Nature and the Outdoors

The Blue Zones emphasize the profound impact of embracing nature and the outdoors on both physical and spiritual health. Spending time in natural environments can induce a sense of awe and wonder, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and interconnectedness of all living beings. Being in nature allows individuals to disconnect from the fast-paced world and reconnect with themselves. Nature also reminds us of interconnectedness and encourages gratitude, fostering contentment and appreciation. Embracing the outdoors aligns us with the earth’s rhythms, deepening our spiritual journey and understanding of life’s sacredness.

The Blue Zones offer us a roadmap to reconnect with our spiritual side and live a more fulfilling life. By incorporating their wisdom into our daily lives, we can cultivate a thriving body and mind, embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, and potentially increase our chances of living longer, healthier lives.

Are you ready to embark on a journey towards a healthier, more grounded and spiritual future? Learn all about how you can enjoy living longer and healthier at a Westminster community — find the community nearest you on our website today.

Boost Your Heart Health: Tips and Strategies for a Happy Heart

This American Heart Health Month, we want to help you prioritize your physical well-being — so we asked one of our experts, Resident Experience Coordinator Wendy Tamarit, to share tips and fun facts to guide in boosting your heart health this month.

Did you know that the average adult heart weighs between 7 and 15 ounces? This powerful pump moves 2,000 gallons of blood approximately 12,000 miles throughout your body every single day!

Maintaining a healthy heart is of utmost importance. Regrettably, heart disease continues to escalate in the United States, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that approximately 805,000 Americans experience heart attacks each year.

Often referred to as the “silent killer,” the development of heart disease and the risk of heart attacks begin years, or even decades, before a major event occurs. Factors such as sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary choices, genetic predisposition, and other risk factors gradually elevate bad cholesterol levels, leading to arterial blockages and more. However, the encouraging news is that it is never too late to implement changes that can significantly improve heart health!

Engaging in regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to enhance not only your heart health but also to prevent other lifestyle-related diseases like Type 2 diabetes. The current guidelines for adults recommend aiming for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity every week. Additionally, adopting a healthy diet can yield tremendous benefits for your overall well-being. A healthy diet is one that consists of:

  • ample fruits and vegetables
  • whole grains
  • lean protein (or healthy protein alternatives)
  • healthy fats
  • minimally processed foods
  • limited added sugar and salt

Implementing other strategies such as living tobacco-free, staying adequately hydrated, managing stress effectively and ensuring sufficient sleep each night further contribute to maintaining a healthy heart.

If you wish to take action to prevent heart disease, start by talking to your doctor. Begin exercising at a pace that is comfortable for you and gradually increase it to meet recommended guidelines. Make healthy food choices as often as possible, and if you smoke, take advantage of local resources and smoking cessation programs. By applying these principles, you can keep your heart happy and healthy!

Embrace the opportunity during American Heart Month to prioritize your heart health and make positive changes that will benefit you for years to come. To learn all about how you can enjoy a healthy, happy lifestyle by living or working at a Westminster community, visit our website and find a community near you today!

Boost Your Physical Well-being with Blue Zone Wisdom

If you are ready to take control of your health and physical well-being in the new year, look no further than the wisdom of the Blue Zones, renowned regions where people live longer, healthier lives. By incorporating simple adjustments to your physical activity, you can unlock the secrets to a thriving body and mind. From regular exercise and natural movement to quality sleep and stress reduction, use these tips to guide you towards optimal health.

We’re spotlighting the world’s Blue Zones in this series, because we all want to live longer, happier and healthier lives. We can learn from the people who live in “Blue Zones,” places like Okinawa, Sardinia and Loma Linda, Calif. It’s more than just nutrition — it’s a way of life that anyone can participate in and gain the health benefits. Follow the Blue Zones philosophy on food, physical activity, socialization and spirituality and you may just find yourself living to 100.

GET REGULAR EXERCISE

The Blue Zones emphasize exercise as a cornerstone for improving overall health, and it’s no wonder why. In these regions, incorporating at least 30 minutes of physical activity into their daily routine is a common practice. Whether it’s walking, running, swimming, or cycling, finding an exercise that you enjoy and can easily fit into your lifestyle is key. By following the wisdom of the Blue Zones and making exercise a source of joy rather than a chore, you can enhance your overall well-being and increase your chances of living a longer, healthier life.

MOVE NATURALLY

Incorporating movement into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, and the Blue Zones provide us with inspiring evidence. In these regions, people naturally engage in physical activities as part of their daily lives, contributing to their longevity and well-being. For example, in Okinawa, Japan, where the Blue Zones concept originated, individuals practice low-intensity exercises like tai chi and gardening, which help them stay active and healthy well into their golden years. By following their lead and finding activities that align with your preferences and surroundings, such as walking, gardening, yoga, or swimming, you can make movement a natural part of your life and reap the benefits of improved health and vitality.

PRIORITIZE QUALITY SLEEP

Adequate sleep is not only essential for restoring and rejuvenating your body but also a common practice in the Blue Zones. In these regions, people prioritize quality sleep as part of their overall health and well-being. For instance, in Sardinia, Italy, where one of the Blue Zones is located, individuals enjoy an average of 8 hours of sleep per night, contributing to their longevity and vitality. By following their lead and implementing strategies to optimize sleep quality, such as establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment, you can enhance your sleep and reap the benefits of improved physical and mental health.

PRACTICE STRESS-REDUCING ACTIVITIES

The Blue Zones highlight stress management as crucial for overall health. To reduce stress and follow their example, try incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, and meditation into your daily routine. Spending time in nature, limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption, and engaging in enjoyable activities can also help clear the mind, reduce blood pressure, and improve your mood. By prioritizing stress reduction and incorporating these activities into your life, you can take control of your well-being and increase your chances of living a happier, healthier life.

By embracing these principles, you can take control of your health and increase your chances of living a longer, happier life. So, why not start implementing these tips from the Blue Zones today and embark on a journey towards optimal health? Learn all about how you can enjoy a longer and healthier life at a Westminster community — find the community nearest you on our website today!

Hard Work Pays Off: Adriana Cevallos Earns Bachelor’s Degree While Working Full-Time

Adriana Cevallos, the Administrator at Magnolia Towers, a rental retirement community in Orlando, has recently achieved a significant milestone by earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Polk State College in Winter Haven. Balancing full-time work with higher education is no easy task, but Adriana’s determination and hard work have paid off.
Alex Mookerjee, Executive Director of Housing and Rental Retirement Services, describes Adriana as smart, hardworking, and mission-oriented. “She’s also always looking to learn and do better,” Alex said. “I just really am so proud of her for doing this.”

After joining the Westminster Communities of Florida family in 2022, Adriana, who had a background in hospitality, decided to take on the dual responsibility of working as Administrator full-time while simultaneously pursuing her degree.

“It has been tough, I cannot lie,” Adriana admitted. “But I feel that it is a blessing that it’s finally done and that I was able to do it.”

Alex acknowledges the difficulty of working full-time in a position that requires being on call constantly. “We certainly work more than the hours say we’re supposed to work so it was quite an accomplishment,” Alex said.

Adriana made a commitment to Westminster to finish her degree, and she credits her success to her dedication and the support she received from her team and peers. “I received a lot of encouragement and love,” Adriana shared. “The position itself and the opportunity that Westminster gave me has been a blessing.”

Adriana’s accomplishment not only represents a personal triumph but also serves as an inspiring example for others. Since graduating, Adriana has been a source of support for her team, encouraging them to pursue career advancement opportunities and take advantage of resources for career advancement opportunities that Westminster offers including the Tuition Reimbursement Program and Team Member Scholarship Fund.

“Westminster offers the opportunity to grow and learn and they are always open,” Adriana emphasized.

“If you invest in your people it pays down the road,” Alex said. “The more we can do to invest in our people the better off we all are. Happy employees means happy residents.”

If you are interested in joining the team at Westminster Communities of Florida, serving seniors throughout the state, and pursuing your personal passion, explore the opportunities available at https://www.WestminsterCommunitiesFL.org/careers today!

Eat the “Blue Zone” Diet to Live Longer, Healthier and Better

Are you looking for a way to improve your overall health and well-being in 2024? Look no further than the “Blue Zones” diet! This diet is primarily vegetarian and is rich in whole grains, legumes, fruit, vegetables and minimally processed protein sources.

We’re spotlighting the world’s Blue Zones in this series, because we all want to live longer, happier and healthier lives. We can learn from the people who live in “Blue Zones,” places like Okinawa, Sardinia and Loma Linda, Calif. It’s more than just nutrition — it’s a way of life that anyone can participate in and gain the health benefits. Follow the Blue Zones philosophy on food, physical activity, socialization and spirituality and you may just find yourself living to 100.

What is the “Blue Zone diet”?

The Blue Zone diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. It’s low in processed foods, red meat and added sugar. This way of eating has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and certain forms of cancer. The Blue Zone diet can also help you improve your overall health and well-being, giving you more energy, better sleep, and a healthier weight.

How do you eat the Blue Zone diet?

  • Eat a plant-based diet.
  • Choose whole grains over refined grains.
  • Limit your intake of red meat and processed foods.
  • Choose healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts and seeds.
  • Limit your intake of added sugar.
  • Drink plenty of water.

The science behind the “Blue Zone” diet

One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that people who followed the Blue Zone diet for six years had a 23% lower risk of dying from heart disease. They also had a 13% lower risk of dying from cancer. Another study, published in the journal The Lancet, found that people who followed the Blue Zone diet had a 20% lower risk of dying from all causes.

Foods you should consider on the “Blue Zone” diet

Some of the foods that are recommended on the Blue Zone diet include:

  • Fruit: A great source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and cancer. Consider eating more blueberries, strawberries and bananas.
  • Vegetables: Another important part of the Blue Zone diet. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Vegetables can also help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and cancer. You can adopt leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and kale and alliums such as onions, garlic and shallots.
  • Whole grains: A good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. They can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. Focus on brown rice, quinoa, oats and farro (whole emmer wheat kernels).
  • Legumes: An excellent, plant-based source of protein for healthy meals. Whether it’s beans, lentils or pulses, you’ll find that these inexpensive and nutritious protein powerhouses help make your diet healthier.
  • Fish and lean meat: In the “Blue Zones,” not everyone is a vegetarian — but people primarily eat fish and lean meat, similar to the Mediterranean diet.
  • Plant-based fat sources: Consider using olive oil rather than butter, lard or other saturated fats in cooking and seasoning.

Foods you should avoid on the “Blue Zone” diet

In the Blue Zones, people avoid certain foods that are simply unhealthy. To reap the full benefits, consider avoiding:

  • Processed meat, such as bacon, sausage and hot dogs
  • Fatty meats, like highly marbled beef and pork
  • Highly refined grain products like white bread, white rice and pasta
  • Excessive amounts of unhealthy saturated fats, whether butter, lard or fatty meats
  • Artificial sources of trans fats like partially hydrogenated oils
  • Drinks with added sugar


Live longer and make dining a pleasure 

Are you interested in adapting the “Blue Zones” approach to living? Learn all about how you can enjoy living longer and healthier at a Westminster community — find the community nearest you on our website today.

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