The Thrive Wellness Steering Group met for the fifth time on October 14th. It focused on developing key principles for Thrive based on the common elements, themes, and trends highlighted in the feedback data from all residents’ surveys and focus groups. As previously mentioned in this monthly blog series - the steering group studied and analyzed all resident responses. As a result of this, they have been able to “pull” key ideas, common themes, and what PSL residents are saying is most important to them in their wellness journey.
The team also continues to work on developing the overall framework for Thrive Wellness. It is essential at this stage in the development of Thrive Wellness that the overarching tenets and principles be named and established for the whole organization. A philosophy has also emerged for Thrive Wellness that is consistent with PSL’s mission and core values – Thrive creates a culture of wellness, engagement and purposeful living, empowering all individuals to live their best lives. This includes challenging the perception of aging across society. 
What helped establish key principles for Thrive Wellness was organizing all of the data into the top ten statements, themes, and ideas. At this time, the steering group is focusing mainly on the top five of that list. This is important and valuable at this stage of development because it ensures that Thrive Wellness will honor and commit to including the things stated by residents as being most important to them and their wellness.
The Thrive Wellness Steering Group has also been considering a charter for the Thrive Wellness Community Committees forming at all communities shortly. This charter will help create this resident-run team that will soon be a part of each community’s Resident Council. The steering group’s goal is to develop and adopt this charter by mid-November at the latest.
The next few Thrive Wellness Steering Group meetings will consist of marketing, communication, messaging and a Thrive Wellness rollout plan in 2021. Thrive Wellness education is also being developed to share with each community when the time comes. Exciting times lie ahead!
Teams of residents travel across the USA engaging in an eight week challenge
Presbyterian Senior Living is a member of the ICAA – International Council on Active Aging and recently celebrated Active Aging Week from October 5th through October 11th. As part of that week PSL kicked off an exciting, fun-filled, friendly competition for all residents in the PSL family across the entire organization.
The eight week Obscure Landmark challenge was mentioned in a recent post about Active Aging Week. During this challenge, over eight weeks – ending December 3rd - residents will get credit for every minute of cardiovascular activity they do. 
All participating residents in each community make up that community’s team. Total minutes are submitted at the end of each week – and for every 15 minutes – credit for one mile is given. Total miles are recorded and marked on the map of the USA! As the teams progress across the country, they pass obscure and interesting landmarks along the way!
This challenge is a fun way to experience camaraderie and fellowship with the PSL family while competing in a friendly, virtual way with people who live in all locations across the organization. So far, residents have responded well to the challenge and are signing up to participate and join in on the fun!
Please stay tuned for next month’s post for Thrive Wellness updates and share this information with your friends. Invite them to subscribe to the PSL blog. Thrive Wellness monthly blogs will post at the end of each month.
People who come to Presbyterian Senior Living come for more than just a place to live – they come to feel energized, challenged, and fulfilled; they come to THRIVE.