St. James Place Takes a Holistic Approach to Wellness

At St. James Place, one of our guiding principles is to promote a holistic approach to wellness that will help keep you healthy and active throughout your life. What we mean by a holistic approach is one that encompasses the entirety of mind and body. This concept incorporates seven dimensions under its umbrella. These dimensions include physical, social, emotional, spiritual, vocational, environmental and intellectual wellness.

 
In working toward this goal, it’s important to remember that one size does not necessarily fit all. We look at our mission as finding a way to help ensure there’s something for everyone. We believe people should be able to live full, meaningful lives without the constraints of ‘you’re too old for that.’ Our job is to assist in finding ways to make your dreams accessible. It’s also important to note that the seven dimensions of wellness are a guide, not a rule book. How individuals approach wellness can vary. The important thing is to continue making the effort.

One way St. James Place helps do that is with our Brains & Balance classes. Developed by our own John Lopez, the Brains & Balance classes utilize specific exercises and games to help sharpen the cognitive abilities and keep the body flexible. Another way we help keep the mind fit and active is through continuing education. Our connection with LSU’s OLLI program, which includes classes on our campus, not only demonstrates you’re never too old to learn but also helps stimulate the mind, keeping it active and focused. It also encompasses the vocational aspect of maintaining wellness, with residents teaching classes, as well as the social ability associated with participating in a class.

An important, if often overlooked aspect of wellness, especially for seniors, is socialization, which has been shown as one of the most effective ways for seniors to maintain or improve their mental health. Socialization improves people’s mood, cognition and memory recall. At St. James Place, socialization is encouraged in many ways, including clubs, classes, the ability to participate in community-oriented committees, special events and, of course, our incredibly popular Happy Hour. It may sound simple, but socialization may be one of the most important factors for maintaining your wellness.

 
Diet is also an important factor in maintaining health. Many of us fall into bad eating habits when we’re younger. All the things we love, from red meat to sugary drinks, spicy food and high caloric desserts probably aren’t the best things to help maintain wellness as we age. Salt is also a large part of most of our diets from an early age. Unfortunately, too much salt can also increase the risk of heart disease. The good news is that properly prepared and portioned food can still be delicious. At the same time, it can also help maintain cognitive and physical energy. At St. James Place, we’re proud to serve healthy food that not only satisfies the palate but also contributes to the health of everyone.

 
Physical activity is also key to maintaining wellness in seniors. At St. James Place, you have a wide array of amenities and services to help you stay as active and fit as possible. Our state-of-the-art, 5,000-square-foot fitness center is at the heart of our belief in holistic wellness. With exercise classes including Pilates, yoga, aerobics and Tai chi, Technogym equipment for both able-bodied and disabled exercisers, weight training and flexibility machines, and range-of-motion training equipment, you can’t go wrong. Additionally, there’s our heated, covered swimming pool, shuffleboard courts, ping-pong table, an outdoor putting green, scenic walking trails and more. We even offer massage therapy, all to help you achieve and maintain wellness.

 
In taking a holistic approach to wellness, St. James Place goes above and beyond most retirement communities in attempting to ensure you are fully supported in achieving every aspect of wellness we can. Maintaining health and wellness shouldn’t stop at some arbitrary age. As we age, it’s important to continue working at maintaining a balanced mind and body. Physical well-being is one aspect, but we can’t forget the contribution happiness and fulfillment make.

Our residents want to continue living the active, productive and fulfilling lives they did when they were younger. At St. James Place, we do everything in our power to ensure the members of our community can continue doing so throughout their lives. That’s the benefit and power of holistic wellness.

If you’d like to see what makes St. James Place home for so many seniors seeking an active retirement, call (225) 314-5857 to arrange a personal tour.