|
     |
|
      |
|
|
 |
This article appears in the Spring 2001 issue of The Good Samaritan, the official publication of the Ev. Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, Sioux Falls, SD. Pohai Nani Boasts a New Aging Paradigm
When one thinks about the prospect of growing older it's easy for the mind to assume that aging and frailty are synonymous. Residents at Pohai Nani, a Good Samaritan Retirement Community located in Kaneohe, Hawaii, are debunking that myth. Too often human aging is perceived from a deficit model, yet research clearly shows that older adults have the capacity to adapt, modify, change and grow. One of the first studies to give validity to this occurred in Boston at the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center -- essentially a nursing home. Maria Fiatarone, M.D., worked with 63 females and 37 males ages 72-98 years of age. She focused on the effects of exercise in the knees and hips. Each subject performed 30-45 minutes of moderate activity three days a week for 10 weeks. At the end of the study the average gain in strength was 113%; walking speed rose 12% and stair climbing increased 30%! Luann Foos, Executive Director of Pohai Nani, often regarded as a maverick, didn't disappoint with the recent development of a wellness program. In late 1999, she was noticing that Pohai Nani was not only losing market share to a new housing development nearby, but had less than desirable occupancy levels at Pohai Nani. Luann contacted Age Dynamics Inc., a gerontology and marketing firm based in Eugene, Oregon. Together, they formed a working relationship that would focus on the development of a wellness program as a way to add value to their current product and shore up their marketing opportunities. One year later, Pohai Nani boasts a thriving wellness program -- and 100% occupancy! Luann states, "the wellness initiative has transformed the way staff and residents think about their health and well-being. It has energized our entire community to the point where it is even felt by the prospects and visitors who walk in the door." According to John Rude, the program's developer, Pohai Nani's wellness initiative is built around three key principles: 1) Prevention - heading off morbidity (disease, dysfunction, disability) before it arises 2) Plasticity - the human organism can adapt, modify and change 3) Potential - regardless of age adults have the capacity to grow and develop in mind, body and spirit. The objectives of the program go way beyond attending exercise classes or wellness lectures. Programs are designed to optimize resident's function level so they can perform their ADL's, enjoy lifestyle choices and most of all maintain their autonomy -- perhaps the most precious of all human values. Take for example Virginia MacDonald. In her 80's and still practicing architecture, Virginia suffered a major stroke about 24 months ago leaving her paralyzed on one side of her body and confined to a wheelchair. Following therapy, she moved to Pohai Nani, bringing with her a 'can do' attitude. An avid participant in the wellness program, she performs water exercise five days a week and strength training three days a week. Today she is pleased to report that nearly all signs of her stroke are gone (except for some limited flexibility in one foot), and she has shed her walker and cane. The notable point is that she has regained her autonomy and is back to doing her passion -- her work -- which is about advising clients on passive solar energy. Virginia states emphatically, "I don't just want to live, I want to be alive!" Another resident, Stevie Clifford, stated, "after six weeks we were all amazed at the difference the wellness program made in our strength and quality of life. We are able to do many activities that we could not have done previously. We have developed strength, better sense of balance and more dexterity. The program gave me the confidence to negotiate all the challenges of travel as I embarked on a week-long fishing trip to Alaska. Our group had a very rigorous daily schedule -- up at 4:30 AM and dressed in heavy clothing, we had to climb in and out of vans, planes, barges and boats -- then fish all day long arriving back at the base camp around 7:30 PM. I came home knowing I kept up with everyone else, did not experience an injury and returned with 70 pounds of fresh salmon to share with my friends." Talk with Vivian Thompson, a prolific writer (she has 20 published books) who stated, "I've really noticed a difference in my health from the wellness classes. Currently I'm involved in a very demanding program which is turning all my books and manuscripts over to the Children's Collection at the University of Southern Mississippi. The wellness program has given me the energy and endurance to perform these tasks. I also noticed I'm sleeping much better." Vivian showed extraordinary results during the first quarter of the program. She increased her cardio endurance by 44% (even eliminated the use of her walker during the mobility assessment), boosted her leg strength 25%, her arm strength 36%, and her static balance a whopping 200%! Second quarter results showed she increased her balance another 413%! Have a conversation with resident Rev. Willis Wygant and you'll soon discover he's got a lot of irons in the fire. Before the wellness program, began he experienced heart failure and was told he wasn't a good candidate for heart surgery. He entered Pohai Nani's wellness program and showed such positive results his doctor encouraged him to stay with it. Willis now reports he has more endurance (a recent assessment showed an increase of 94%), and he performs at a higher level -- Willis leads weekly Bible classes at Pohai Nani, performs many pastoral duties at a nearby church and is currently marketing his new book, Parallels in Christian Thought and Hinduism. Willis states, "I really enjoy the wellness program because I'm doing something where I can see results. It makes me feel both confident and healthy." Some residents are so enthused with the wellness program they become part of the wellness team. For example, Irene Breed, a certified Arthritis Foundation instructor, teaches two water based classes at Pohai Nani. Irene and her husband, Allen, are both active daily and see the wellness program as a significant part of their lifestyle. Currently they are traveling on a cruise to Fiji and Samoa. These and other stories abound at Pohai Nani. With nearly 50% of the residents actively engaged, participants are noticing huge changes in how they feel and what they can perform. First quarter results showed that residents (on average) gained 64% in their balance, 35% in strength, 56% in flexibility and 38% in endurance. Twenty (20) residents moved out of the 'high risk' balance category and were no longer vulnerable to falls -- one of the biggest threats that robs older adults of their independence. What makes these programs so successful? Consultant John Rude states, "the key ingredients are a corporate commitment to prevention and wellness strategies, professional leadership, educating both providers and consumers, appropriate program protocols, a recognition system and managing program outcomes." To stimulate the recruitment of a professional wellness director, Pohai Nani hosted an island-wide aquatics seminar targeting instructors who work with older adults. An outstanding candidate emerged who became their wellness director -- Judy Knutson. Judy has a degree in occupational therapy, several fitness certifications plus extensive experience instructing older adults in both land and water based programming. Not only did wellness benefit Pohai Nani residents, but it also stimulated marketing. Carolyn Morrison, Marketing Director, reports, "the wellness program has added another dimension to our product. We can talk with prospects about how residents lives have changed -- why they have more energy and how it has increased their abilities and expanded their lifestyle." Whether
you live in Hawaii or on the mainland, you too can debunk the myth about
frailty and aging. Wellness is about discovery, tapping into your potential,
pushing limits and optimizing your health and well-being!
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
John Rude is a nationally recognized authority on the consumer behavior of the mid-life and older adult population. He is available for press interviews in person or by telephone. Call Age Dynamics Inc. today at 1-800-929-2719, or e-mail us at info@agedynamics.com to schedule an interview. BACK
TO TOP |
||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||
..
