It is never too late to start making positive changes to your health. Research shows that healthy habits can reduce development of chronic illness, improve quality of life, and support cognitive function.[1][2][3]
Dr. Bill Hettler divides wellness into six dimensions: intellectual, social, emotional, physical, occupational, and spiritual. [4] By intentionally engaging in health-promoting activities in even one of these dimensions, individuals have developed protective wellness benefits.[3]
Social Wellness
Activities which support social wellness can include volunteering, engaging in meaningful conversation, joining a social group such as an Adaptive Movement Group, and celebrating traditions and holidays with loved ones.
Emotional Wellness
Exploring ways to manage emotional wellness may include reducing stress, improving sleep quality, strengthening social connections, and becoming more mindful. Some ways to foster these outcomes are joining group activities, going for walks or hikes in nature, and getting daily physical exercise.
Intellectual Wellness
Participating in events such as book club, writers’ circle, chess games, and knitting groups are optimal ways to engage the mind and maintain cognitive health.
Physical Wellness
It comes as no surprise that keeping active, maintaining muscle mass, and eating a healthy diet are important elements of physical wellness. Building healthy habits such as consuming a healthy variety of foods, drinking plenty of water, and committing to a regular fitness routine are important ways to support overall health.
Occupational Wellness
This dimension is often referred to as “vocational wellness,” as it is important to keep in contact with your hobbies, interests, and skills even after retirement. Some ways to support your occupational or vocational wellbeing include leading a community group, volunteering to help in a classroom, hosting fundraisers and volunteering at fundraiser events, and teaching group exercise classes.
Spiritual Wellness
Making time to appreciate the gifts of nature can offer unique perspective and gratitude. Active ways to support spiritual wellbeing can include reflecting on meaningful events in life, practicing compassion for others, and spending reflective time alone.
Plugging into communities which offer opportunities to enhance these dimensions of wellness can lead to significant health improvements at any age. Participating in regular group activities provides an added benefit of accountability among peers, which can help to stay on track toward wellness goals. Picking up a new hobby, returning to an old exercise routine, and making new friends in a group fitness class are fun and impactful ways to take control of your health today!
[1] Oster H, Chaves I. Effects of Healthy Lifestyles on Chronic Diseases: Diet, Sleep and Exercise. Nutrients. 2023 Oct 31;15(21):4627. doi: 10.3390/nu15214627. PMID: 37960280; PMCID: PMC10650398.
[2] Friedman SM. Lifestyle (Medicine) and Healthy Aging. Clin Geriatr Med. 2020 Nov;36(4):645-653. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2020.06.007. Epub 2020 Aug 19. PMID: 33010900.
[3] Strout KA, Howard EP. The six dimensions of wellness and cognition in aging adults. J Holist Nurs. 2012 Sep;30(3):195-204. doi: 10.1177/0898010112440883. Epub 2012 Jun 19. PMID: 22713605.
[4] Hettler, B. (1976). The Six Dimensions of Wellness Model. Stevens Point, WI; National Wellness Institute, Inc.
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