No one wants to feel unwell. It’s why we go to the gym, avoid fatty foods, and get regular checkups. But whole-person wellness is about more than taking care of your body. It’s doing things you enjoy and feel passionate about. It’s connecting with others and feeling a sense of belonging. It’s learning new things and expanding your horizons.
At McLean, our holistic wellness philosophy known as BOUNDLESS offers endless opportunities to pursue your interests, fuel your passions, and fill your spirit. BOUNDLESS encompasses multiple dimensions of wellness — physical, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, vocational, emotional, social — to help you achieve a greater state of balance and harmony.
Let’s look at some of the ways BOUNDLESS supports whole-person health.
Physical wellness — If improving strength and flexibility is a priority, you’ll appreciate the state-of-the-art HUR equipment in our Fitness Center. Unlike weight machines that can stress joints and cause injury, HUR equipment is pneumatic so the resistance remains the same throughout your range of motion. You don’t even have to change weights or adjust the seat because the machines are programmed to remember your settings.
You’ll also find a variety of group classes, including Tai Chi, yoga, balance, cardio drumming, and line dancing. Paved paths that wind throughout our campus and trails in the nearby McLean Game Refuge offer opportunities for walking, hiking, and connecting with nature.
Intellectual wellness — The adage “use it or lose it” applies to both mind and body. To stay sharp, you need to challenge your mind as much as your body. Studies show that intellectual exercise such as reading, playing an instrument, learning a new skill, or regularly stimulating your brain with puzzles and games helps prevent cognitive decline.
In the Sorenson Media and Technology Center, residents have access to brain fitness software and online classes through The Great Courses system. Foreign language software is also available to help you hone existing skills or learn a new language.
Exercising your creative abilities is also part of intellectual wellness. In fact, a Mayo Clinic study found that the behavior with the greatest protective effect against cognitive decline in adults in their 80s was artistic activity. At McLean, you can fulfill (or discover) a passion for painting, ceramics, or crafting in the art studio. Hone your woodworking skills in the woodshop. Or add your voice to the Music Makers chorus.
In addition, the popular “McLean Presents” series hosts plays and musicals throughout the year in the Garmony Performing Arts Center. This is also where you can attend educational presentations from visiting scholars, local physicians, and McLean residents.
Spiritual wellness —You’ll find multiple ways to maintain a healthy spirit at McLean. Join a Bible study group or attend church services in the Carling Chapel. Try yoga, Tai Chi, or meditation. Perhaps gardening or walking is what works best for you. Whatever inspires you, gives you hope, and connects you to your values and the world can enhance spiritual well-being. And as you’ll discover, practices that support spiritual wellness also support other dimensions of wellness.
Environmental wellness — Your surroundings can have a big impact on your health and well-being. At McLean, the surroundings are positively life-enhancing. Meadows and woodlands stretch to the horizon on our 125-acre campus. There are peaceful paths to walk and places to gather with friends under the shade of mature trees. And just minutes away is the McLean Game Refuge, a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Social wellness — Opportunities to meet new people and connect with others are easy to find at McLean. Classes, resident interest groups, games, social events, outings, volunteer opportunities, and more are yours to explore. Residents are always ready to share and learn from each other. It’s what makes our community so warm and welcoming. Residents also benefit from a complimentary social membership to Hop Meadow Country Club, where you can play pickleball, tennis, swim, golf, dine, and attend social events.
Learn more about wellness at McLean.
The BOUNDLESS approach to wellness at McLean is, by definition, open-ended. The point is to start wherever you are on your wellness journey and take the next step toward whole-person health. We’ll provide opportunities and all the support you need to pursue your interests and reach your goals.
To view this month’s scheduled wellness activities, visit our Wellness page. You can also take a virtual tour of our state-of-the-art Fitness Center and, if you live in the area, learn about joining our Fitness Center as a community member. To contact us directly, please call 860-658-3750.