Celebrating Men’s Health Month and Promoting an Active Lifestyle

At Chelsea Retirement Community (CRC), a Brio Living Services community, it’s not unusual to see Rev. Russ Smith swimming laps in the McMullen Wellness Center, briskly walking through the community, or participating in a balance and strength class with CRC’s Director of Lifestyle and Health, Tylene Costello. Two years ago, Russ suffered a stroke. In addition to the quick action of family and CRC team members who were with him, as well as his medical team, Russ credits his active lifestyle for his ability to recover quickly. “I think it prevented the severity of the stroke and helped with my recovery,” says Russ, now 95. “I was able to return home in just a few days. My doctors thought it was quite remarkable that I recovered so well, and they encouraged me to continue to be active.”

June is Men’s Health Month, and this week leading up to Father’s Day is Men’s Health Week. Established in 1994, Men’s Health Month is intended to help educate men and their families about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular doctor visits and being proactive about your health, and making healthy choices. On average, life expectancy for men in the U.S. is nearly 6 years less than that for women. Men make half as many physician visits for prevention as women, yet they are at higher risk for many serious diseases, including heart disease and many types of cancer. This disparity is even greater for men of color (National Center for Health Statistics).

Across Brio Living Services, we celebrate the importance of health and wellness for all the older adults we serve. This month at Porter Hills Village and Cook Valley Estates, residents are enjoying Camp NIFS (National Institute for Fitness and Sport), a 4-week initiative all about movement, fun, games, and enjoying the great outdoors, according to Maddie Andersen, Wellness Guide at Porter Hills Village. “We kicked it off with a delicious cookout meal, cornhole, bocce, and putt-putt,” says Maddie. “This experience is about more than just physical activity; it’s a celebration of life, laughter, and community.”

To enhance and encourage health and wellness for its residents, CRC kicked off a new pilot program in January 2024, called Balanced Living. This pilot program integrates the Seven Dimensions of Wellness, including Environmental, Intellectual, Vocational, Emotional, Spiritual, Physical, and Social wellness. “Studies show if one dimension is neglected for too long, it can adversely affect a person’s health. Through Balanced Living, we aim to provide opportunities for residents to explore all dimensions of wellness to contribute to their own quality of life,” says Tylene.

Russ participates in Tylene’s aqua exercise and balance and strength classes, swims two evenings a week with his daughter, and plays bridge three times a week. He also takes part in other Balanced Living activities, such as Chef Keith Darlington’s recent cooking demonstration. “It was a superb demonstration,” says Russ. “Healthy diet is so important, and Chef Keith shared healthy recipes we could prepare in our homes. Healthy eating is a beautiful extension of the wellness program.” 

The Men’s Health Network offers these four tips to promote general health:

• See all your doctors
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Prioritize mental health

Friday, June 14 is Wear Blue Day to help raise awareness for Men’s Health Month. Brio Living Services wishes all dads a Happy Father’s Day!