As people age, they begin to hear more and more about being at risk for falls and how they may lose some balance and stability. They may begin to hear it from health professionals first and then perhaps friends or family. The good news? There is a whole lot you can do to protect yourself, and it can be fun as well as functional. In addition to the numerous classes and resources that we have at our Aquatic & Fitness Center, we have a few classes that stand out as most helpful for balance and stability improvement.

Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance

This class is a sure thing to get your balance and stability back on track. It is a research-based balance training regimen designed for older adults at risk of falling and people with balance disorders. The class aids in improving lower limb muscular strength, sensory integration, limits of stability, and global cognitive function. It has been credited for reducing incidence of falls by 55% in community-dwelling older adults and by 67% in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Zumba Gold

Whether you actually have moves or not, dance is a fun way to help with balance and stability. As you learn new moves, your body is forced to adapt and become more coordinated, which in turn leads to better balance and stability through increased neuromuscular control and function! Research has shown those who dance have better muscle efficiency, which supports the idea that this training can influence the control you have over everyday movements.

Tai Chi

Tai chi has many physical benefits. The slow, extended weight shifting helps improve bone density and joint stability. The movements also stretch and strengthen muscles. Like yoga, tai chi has a meditative quality that can trigger the relaxation response. A number of studies have shown that tai chi improves balance. Tai chi combines the physical components needed to stay upright—leg strength, flexibility, range of motion, and reflexes. You’re practicing your balance and teaching your body to be more sensitive and have greater strength. As a result, you’ll be able to maintain your balance if you encounter uneven pavement or if you are walking through the shopping mall.

For more information on the classes and programs offered to Panorama residents, contact a Retirement Advisor at (360)456-0111.

Because being active physically, socially and mentally is good for the brain

Written by Sara Wasser, Social Services Advisor

Fostering dementia-friendly and inclusive communities is happening all over the world, and Panorama is part of the movement!

In 2017, Panorama’s Clinical Operations team asked Independent Living residents questions about their health, wellbeing and overall satisfaction in the Quality of Life Questionnaire. While falls and mobility were major concerns for many of you, memory loss also ranked as a top challenge.

The Clinical Operations Team and Lifestyle Enrichment Department are developing more dementia-friendly activities as a result of these findings. Through the generous donations to the Office of Philanthropy, we will be able to host a new monthly Memory Café beginning in June.

What is a Memory Café?

Memory Cafés are simple –it’s all about connecting, companionship and having fun together! They offer a welcoming space for people with dementia and their care partners to socialize and connect in a relaxed environment free of expectations and judgment. The concept originated in the Netherlands almost twenty years ago and Memory Cafés are now popping up all over the world. There are 14 cities in our state with Memory Cafés including one hosted by South Sound Senior Services on the first Thursday of every month from 2:30-4:30pm at Rivers Edge Restaurant in Tumwater.

Panorama’s Memory Café will include a complementary (non-alcoholic) beverage and musical entertainment by Panorama favorites Phil Bunker, Alan Zaboski, Scott Cossu and others. Independent Living Social Services staff will also be there to welcome guests, facilitate conversations and provide educational handouts on dementia, caregiving and other valuable resources.

Who is the Memory Café for?

Memory Cafés are designed for people with early-to-moderate stage dementia and their care partners, as well as those who worry about memory problems. It’s not a respite or adult day program. While Memory Cafés are not considered a “support group”, peer support and social contact becomes a focal point. Many people make friendships as a result of the group and are able to provide mutual support outside of the Memory Café.

We held our first Annual Panorama Pathways 5k on Saturday, May 19th and it was a huge success! Approximately 130 residents participated, opting to run, jog, walk, or ride a scooter through the 3.1-mile course – some even went through twice! The course wove through several different campus neighborhoods, taking advantage of the beautiful scenery our arboretum has to offer. Staff from a variety of departments joined in the festivities by hosting water stations and cheerleading efforts throughout the course. The energy of all involved, combine with the perfect weather made it a day for the books.

Here’s what one participant had to say following the event:

“The Panorama Pathways 5K walk yesterday was amazing. I’d like to send kudos to so many of our fine staff. It seemed that every department was represented! Lifestyle Enrichment, Marketing, Independent Living Services, Seventeen51, Urgent Response, Security, and our bus drivers! I can’t name all the names I saw there helping, but I am just amazed at the outpouring of energy by the folks who keep us active, connected and healthy! Kudos all round for a job well done!”