Prioritizing Wellness in Senior Communities

Fact checked by Ros Lederman

Older adults searching for a retirement community should consider the community’s wellness programming. Wellness typically includes six aspects: intellectual, occupational, spiritual, social, emotional, and physical.

Anthony Rizzato, administrator of community life at Lake Forest Place, says that wellness took on renewed importance after the Covid-19 pandemic. Even after lockdown restrictions were lifted, it became “crystal clear that people continued to remain withdrawn and isolated,” Rizzato says. In response, Lake Forest Place instituted two wellness programs: one for employees and one for residents. 

Programming includes presentations from Lake Forest College professors and volunteer opportunities at Lake Forest Hospital and Bernie’s Book Bank, a local nonprofit. “Not only are they contributing to the larger community, the volunteer work also gives them a sense of purpose,” Rizzato says.

The wellness programs at Central Baptist Village in Norridge include fitness classes and a fully equipped fitness room that emphasizes balance to prevent falls. “Our residents understand that they are one fall away from losing their independence,” says administrator Jon Ragsdale.

Spiritual Life Director Mike Weber adds, “Many of the residents watch TV and are overwhelmed by all the bad news.” Spiritual wellness offers residents perspective and gives them tools to cope with challenges they encounter.

Originally published in the Summer/Fall 2025 print issue.