Masterpiece Living: Aging Successfully

We think staying healthy means more than just getting a little exercise. That’s why we’re the only community in the area to feature Masterpiece Living®. A research-based initiative developed in partnership with the Mayo Clinic, it brings residents an exclusive, groundbreaking approach to a lifestyle of whole person wellness. Based on findings from a 10-year study by the MacArthur Foundation, which reveals that 70% of how we age is a result of the lifestyle choices we make, Masterpiece Living partners with the Mayo Clinic to incorporate successful aging into every aspect of our community.

The Masterpiece Living® initiative you’ll experience at Somerby follows the same guidelines set by the Masterpiece Living Reseach and Advisory Board. You’ll enjoy a lifestyle of high physical, mental, social and spiritual engagement. You’ll have the opportunity to evaluate your current lifestyle while receiving feedback and help in developing a customized lifestyle plan.

At the forefront of this revolutionary new lifestyle initiative is Dr. Roger Landry. Dr. Landry is a highly decorated former Chief of Aerospace, Occupational and Preventive medicine for the U.S. Air Force, and currently serves as president of the Masterpiece Alliance Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit organization completely dedicated to energizing older adults toward a lifestyle of engaged living and successful aging.

Dr. Landry’s 10 Tips to Aging Successfully:

Use It or Lose It
If you want to have the ability to do something as you get older, you must do it now. Challenge yourself physically, mentally and socially to be at your best.

Keep Moving
Physical activity is the closest thing to a fountain of youth. Staying active – even just 30 minutes a day – can prevent heart disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis and dementia. The best results come from a commitment to strength training, endurance, flexibility and balance.

Challenge Your Mind
Most mental ability lost with age is due to lack of use, but by continuing to learn throughout life, we can grow new connections in our brains. To stay mentally alert, do things such as take courses, converse with friends, play word games or learn new languages.

Stay Connected
Having a network of friends and being part of a community is the thing most associated with happiness. People who are socially connected have much lower risks for all diseases.

Lower Your Risks
By identifying health risks and working with your doctor to eliminate threats, you can function at very high levels for decades. Don’t skip on regular physicals and be proactive about your health.

Eat for the Long Haul
Avoid skipping meals, as research shows lack of nutrition may result in dementia later in life. Also, Mom was right – eat your fruits and vegetables, stay hydrated and take vitamins.

Never Act Your Age
Age is an attitude – not a number. Following your heart and acting how you feel will keep you dynamic, creative and living life to the fullest.

Wherever You Are, Be There
Don’t let your chattering mind take you from this moment, which is the pure joy of life. Find pursuits such as music, art, writing or enjoying nature, which will keep your mind from the negative thoughts that lead to disease.

Have Children in Your Life
Children bring wonder, renewal and a sense of optimism to our lives, just as we bring wisdom, order and stability to theirs.

Laugh
In studies on centenarians, the most commonly displayed traits by these individuals are humor and optimism. Laughter stimulates the immune system, protects us from disease and definitely makes the journey more fun.

Want to learn more? Then contact us today or call (251) 776-1455.