At The Heritage of Green Hills, wellness is more than exercise classes and medical checkups—though those are important, too. True well-being comes from living a life filled with purpose, connection, joy, and vitality. That’s why the Shillington, Pa. senior living community created Well by Design℠, a holistic program that nurtures eight dimensions of wellness: social, physical, intellectual, emotional, vocational, spiritual, environmental, and health services.
“Every activity on our jam-packed schedule fosters at least one of these areas of wellness,” explains Well by Design℠ Director Cheryl Anderson, who created the program. “It’s not about keeping busy and filling your days — it’s about building a meaningful life full of connection and joy.”
Each month, both the Independent Living and Care Center calendars are chock full of engaging classes, events, trips, performances, parties, and volunteer opportunities tailored to residents’ interests.
Social Wellness
Connection is at the heart of happiness. From lively card games and parties to club meetings, residents enjoy ample opportunities to enjoy each other’s company and nurture relationships. “One of my favorite things is watching new friendships blossom,” says Anderson. “You can see the joy it brings to people who may have once felt isolated. For many people, it’s hard to meet new people later in life. At a welcoming, fun-loving community like the Heritage, it’s easy to find people you resonate with.”
Physical Wellness
Wellness is also about staying active, and at The Heritage, it’s fun, not a chore. Independent Living residents can dive into all sorts of different classes, including Pilates, cardio drumming, and belly dancing. Water volleyball is a very popular pastime and there’s even a spirited cheerleading squad, The Heritage Hotties. In the Care Center, programs are thoughtfully adapted. “We offer chair yoga, dance, and even our own seated cheerleading team, the Care Center Cuties,” shares Heather Setley, the Activities Coordinator for the Care Center. “We ensure that residents can keep moving in ways that are safe, but still fun.”
Intellectual Wellness
Curiosity fuels the brain. Residents can attend lectures on everything from history to technology, join book clubs, or sharpen their minds with brain games. “In the Care Center, we weave learning and exploring into fun activities,” Setley notes. “We’ll create a themed party or craft project that sparks discussion and keeps minds engaged. For instance, this September, we have a back-to-school theme with an intergenerational focus. Adult children and grandchildren are visiting, and we’re talking about our own experiences in school.”
Emotional Wellness
At The Heritage, emotional health is nurtured through support groups, shared laughter, music, and companionship. Therapy animals visit the Care Center regularly, and both Independent Living and Care Center residents enjoy concerts by professional performers. “Music brings so many smiles,” Setley says. “It changes the energy of a whole room. People with memory issues often still remember and love the music of their youth. It’s an important touchstone and source of happiness.”
Vocational Wellness
For many residents, fulfillment comes from giving back or exploring old and new passions. Volunteer opportunities, woodworking, art, learning ASL, and adding to the extensive display in the model train room are just a few ways residents continue to grow.
Spiritual Wellness
Faith and mindfulness practices round out well-being. Residents may attend worship services and prayer groups, or explore yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation. In the Care Center, accessible spiritual activities ensure every resident can participate.
Environmental Wellness
Maintaining a connection with nature is also important to overall health. The Heritage’s 78-acre campus itself is a wellness resource, with walking paths, gardens, and outdoor gathering spaces. The Care Center, which has its own beautiful patio and secure Memory Care courtyard, offers residents weekly scenic bus rides and gardening opportunities. “It’s important to breathe fresh air and feel the sun on your skin,” Setley reflects.
Health Services
The proactive approach to healthcare helps residents live independently longer. With on-site screenings, rehab services, medication management, and physician visits, support is always close at hand.
Living Well Every Day
Well by Design℠ is more than a program — it’s a lifestyle that helps residents of The Heritage thrive in every dimension of wellness. “Our goal is to help people live fully, on their own terms,” Anderson emphasizes. “When residents feel engaged and supported, you can see how much it improves their health, well-being, and overall sense of happiness.”
Learn More about The Heritage of Green Hills
Ready to discover what living well looks like at The Heritage of Green Hills? Visit https://heritageofgreenhills.com to learn more and schedule your personal tour today.