Physical wellness includes achieving or maintaining a healthy body through sound nutrition, regular exercise and healthy living habits. The Presbyterian Homes, Inc. (PHI) communities offer modern amenities with superior aquatic and fitness programs to help residents pursue healthy, active lifestyles. Our full-time Wellness Directors provide comprehensive class schedules, as well as individualized fitness programs tailored to one’s ability.

Engaging with others in the daily activities of life is essential to overall wellness. Our residents enjoy a full calendar of events, programs and activities. Weekly excursions to surrounding areas of interest and cultural events encourage camaraderie and a strong sense of belonging. Residents can be as busy as they wish!

As part of the enCompass wellness program, PHI communities encourage residents to participate in Lifelong Learning opportunities with local colleges and universities. Lifelong learning incorporates non-credit academic classes, travel for education, volunteering and community service to stimulate the brain, boost physical activity and build strong social relationships.

Many Glenaire residents participate in the Encore Program for Lifelong Enrichment at NC State University, and Scotia Village Residents can benefit from the St. Andrews Institute of Lifelong Learning (SAILL) at nearby St. Andrews University. “When you look at the benefits gained from keeping your mind sharp, it’s incredible,” says Lifelong Learning guru Nancy Merz Nordstrom. “Lifelong learning is like a health club for your brain. And an active mind can stimulate physical activity and keep your spirits high. It’s an all-around fantastic tool for better health.” Nancy goes on to offer the Top Ten Benefits of Lifelong Learning in her book, “Learning Later, Living Greater: The Secret for Making the Most of Your After-50 Years” published by Sentient Publications (ISBN: 1-59181-047-7).

She says that lifelong learning:

In addition, our enLighten program is a unique interactive type of lifelong learning. It brings museums, institutes, parks and universities to our communities via live “face to face” video conferences. The presenter, usually a museum curator, musician, historian, park ranger or educator, leads participants on an interactive journey through the chosen topic. There are hundreds of organizations around the world offering thousands of courses. Topics include astronomy, ecology, music, history, science, medicine, sports, technology, literature, arts, culture, ornithology, women’s studies—the list goes on and on.

Spiritual wellness involves seeking meaning and purpose in human existence. It includes formation of faith and hope and the demonstration of values by behavior. With residents and staff representing a variety of religious backgrounds, our PHI communities offer a variety of meaningful opportunities supported by our on-site chaplains.

Eating well provides the body with the energy and nutrition it needs to function at its best. PHI communities offer restaurant-style dining coupled with delectable, heart-healthy meals which support one’s wellness goals without sacrificing taste. Additionally, educational programs provide residents with information about how to make healthy eating choices.

PHI and its communities believe in being good stewards of our natural environment. We are committed to preserving our environmental resources and encourage our residents and employees to take a leading role to help make PHI and its communities “green.” Our objective is to make “green” affordable; therefore, best practices are shared among our communities to maximize benefits.

A safe, secure community is the foundation for successful wellness. All PHI communities focus on safety by offering 24-hour security and emergency response systems in every home. We also recognize that smart preventative practices can extend residents’ wellness and independence.

Vibrant, healthy living includes reaching out and helping others. Studies indicate that people who invest their lives in others experience greater feelings of contentment and increased self-esteem. Individuals realize how their personal lifestyles and choices impact their communities environmentally and socially.