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Focusing on Mind, Body and Wellness
Glenmeadow Better Health
By A nne- G erard F lynn Special To The Republican
It is no surprise that Glenmeadow’s recently-opened Vitality Hub with its new pool, state-of-the-art fitness machines and expanded exercise area has proven popular with the current 150 residents at the Longmeadow community that offers seniors 62 and older independent and assisted living options.
Their average age may be in the mid-80s, but Glenmeadow President and Chief Executive Officer Kathy Martin noted that “Glenmeadow and our residents have always been interested in physical activity.”
“Our exercise classes are some of the most well-attended programs that we have,” said Martin who holds a doctorate in physical education and was a collegiate field hockey player. “It did not take a whole lot of convincing for our residents to use the Vitality Hub that opened this spring.”
She said the name ‘Vitality Hub’ was chosen to reflect that wellness happens everywhere at Glenmeadow, not just in a space that includes a pool and fitness center. Residents have praised both its design and upgrades that include access to fitness equipment that tracks their individual workouts.
“The brand name of our weight-stack machines is HUR and they are specifically designed for older adults,” Martin said. “The machines operate with fob access so, residents flash their fob and a personalized screen will come up, welcoming them personally to their workout. The machine adjusts to their specifications and will also prompt the user to increase their weights when appropriate.” Glenmeadow is one of
only two communities in Massachusetts with HUR equipment. For Martin, HUR features are a “wonderful tool because it promotes education and safety, ensuring that users are being positioned correctly in a machine to avoid injury.”
“Our residents love it,” she said. “Our staff who can train our residents to use the machines, including our Director of Wellness Kinga Guberow, whose office is located in the fitness center to assist as well.”
Martin added the Hub also includes the “brand new pool and hot tub/spa, locker room,
and a massage therapy room. We used the footprint of the pool that was there, adding a ramp for accessibility, and added on the fitness center and open exercise studio,” she said.
She called the “pool area very serene and resort-like.”
“It looks out on what is really the back of Forest Park,” Martin said. “You can sit on a chaise lounge on the pool deck and read a book if you don’t want to go for a swim.”
The Hub opened in March after 18 months of construction and renovation. Its fitness center is open daily to all independent and assisted living residents with “any number of classes offered in the open studio space including flexibility, cardio and
strength training.”
There are also facilitated classes, such as sound healing, in which sound vibrations are used to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The focus is on programming that addresses social, spiritual, and intellectual aspect of wellness.
“Our programs are accessible to all ages and all ability levels,” Martin said. “The focus to all our wellness programming is to meet people where they are and to not have anything seem like a barrier to participation.”
The importance of preventing older Americans from be-
and strength can help reduce your fall risk, increase your resistance to injury and accelerate your recovery from injury.”
Martin, who had been an assistant provost at UMass-Amherst before being named to head Glenmeadow in Fall 2023, said she admires the commitment Glenmeadow residents have to their exercise and fitness routines.
“Regular exercise is important at every age,” Martin said. “It is absolutely inspiring to see some of our residents have the motivation and commitment to do that every day.”
“There are a lot of opportunities for socialization at Glenmeadow,” Martin said.
“It is something powerful to have dinner every night with friends, to meet up with someone to go for a walk after breakfast, or a group to play Mahjong with or Bridge.”
Some of the most popular programs focusing on intellectual engagement are led by residents, Martin said, with the newest peer offering an introduction to Shakespeare. She said residents respect each other’s privacy but that “people do look out for each other.”
“You can be as social as you
“It is not only exercise for the sake of exercise but it is helping our residents and by extension our staff to understand the longer-term benefits of regular physical exercise particularly strength training.”
Kathy Martin - Glenmeadow President and Chief Executive Officer
coming socially isolated is a key contributor to emotional health and aging well. Martin noted that “the longer-term benefits of physical activity are well documented.”
She said the educational part of fitness and exercise is balanced with the importance of participation at Glenmeadow.
“It is not only exercise for the sake of exercise, but it is helping our residents and by extension our staff to understand the longer-term benefits of regular physical exercise particularly strength training,” Martin said.
“We talk with residents about the muscles they are building, their function in anatomy, and how focusing on your core and flexibility
The average life expectancy from birth in the United States in 2025 is projected to be 79.25 years, a few years less than comparable wealthy countries.
Martin takes pride that Glenmeadow’s size - there are 113 independent living units and 34 assisted living apartments – is fully integrated for residents in both levels of care.
The Glenmeadow complex opened on 23 acres in Longmeadow in 1997, but its history traces to a home in Springfield for older women without means that opened in 1886.
One of its three separate dining areas features a fireplace surround that speaks to the residence’s beginnings.
want to be but, but you are also in touch with people who will help you with whatever you are experiencing that day,” Martin said. “There is something to be said to be among others who are having similar experiences to what you are having. You are not alone.”
Residents at Glenmeadow include those who have lived locally as well as those who moved there to be closer to family. Some continue to work, while others are fully retired.
Martin calls the “integrated nature of wellness at Glenmeadow one of our hallmarks” as well as its connection to the resources of Western Massachusetts.
She is particularly pleased
of the work they are doing to redefine aging, including its Age of Excellence Awards, which were presented for a second year in recognition of individuals over 60 who continue to make a difference. The sold-out event on Sept. 3 at Springfield Country Club honored nine individuals selected from around 30 nominations. Rick Sullivan, president and CEO of Western Mass Economic Development Council, received an honorary award for his efforts in regional business and job growth since 2015; he retires at year’s end. For the first time, a caregiver was recognized: the 2025 recipient is Betty Alban, honored for her dedication to her 97-year-old mother.
“The awards are Glenmeadow-centric and also Glenmeadow adjacent,” Martin said. “They are an important opportunity for all of us to remember that life does not end when you retire from your professional role. Whether you live in a community like Glenmeadow or are still in your own home there are any number of ways to contribute.”
Martin said the awards also address “the need to lift up a segment of our population that is often forgotten.”
“There are the 40 under Forty and 18 under 18 Awards given in some communities and we are delighted we had the idea to recognize older adults as well,” she said.
A nonprofit with a board of directors, Glenmeadow is private pay and uses an entrance fee compared to a rental model for its independent living apartments. It also offers respite care as well as in-home services to the Greater Springfield Area.
Traumatic experiences like being involved in a car accident can cause PTSD in some people.
Being involved in a traumatic event can be a harrowing experience. Such situations can elicit a range of reactions, some of which may linger for quite some time. When that occurs, people may be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
individuals who experience traumatic events do not go on to develop PTSD.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
The National Institutes of Mental Health reports that symptoms of PTSD are broken down into four categories:
Re-experiencing symptoms:
daily activities like sleeping, eating or concentrating. Being easily startled; feeling tense or on edge; irritability and angry or aggressive outbursts; and engaging in risky, reckless or destructive behaviors are some examples of arousal and reactivity symptoms.
What is PTSD?
The American Psychiatric Association characterizes PTSD as a psychiatric condition that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event or series of such events, which are viewed by the individual as emotionally or physically harmful or life-threatening.
Flashbacks in which the event is relived, including its physical symptoms; recurring memories or dreams related to the event; distressing thoughts; and physical signs of stress are considered re-experiencing symptoms.
Avoidance symptoms:
These symptoms may cause people to change their routines, such as avoiding being
Cognition and mood symptoms: These symptoms can cause people to feel detached from loved ones. People experiencing cognition and mood symptoms may have negative thoughts about themselves or the world; ongoing negative emotions, including fear, guilt or shame; feelings of social isolation; and difficulty feeling positive emotions like happiness.
Can PTSD be treated?
The basics of PTSD Healthy ways to cope with
stress
Stressful experiences are a part of life, and the
alcohol to combat stress, but there are healthy options. The
Leisure Time Physical Activity and Perceived Stress,” first published in 1996, researchers found that working adults who engaged in moderate physical activity had half the perceived stress when compared to working adults who did not participate. A 30-minute session each day can work wonders.
people can try to reduce some sharing some responsibilities or asking for help. If a person
Engage in pleasurable activities
erbate the ability to deal with even minor stressors, leaving
seven and nine hours of sleep
It’s easy to drop fun things from the schedule when stress is high. But the Cleveland Clinic advises making time for pleasurable things as a means to combatting stress. Laughter and humor can go a long way towards reducing stressful feelings, so a night out at a comedy show or watching a funny movie can help.
Improve your diet
ment improves sleep and can titled “Relationships between
Well-nourished bodies can handle stressors, illnesses and life in general much easier. Aim for a well-balanced diet that is low in processed foods and sugar. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, as each can worsen stress in the long run, according to Sutter Health.
Stress is a natural part of life. When stress becomes too much to take, individuals can cope in various healthy ways. Did you know?
Pets generally may seem like carefree animals with nary a worry, but the truth is that companion animals may suffer from many of the same mental health issues that affect humans. ASPCA Pet Insurance says that pets experience certain mental health issues, including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and fears or phobias. Some pets also experience depression, with similar symptoms of social withdrawal, lethargy, loss of interest in food or activities, and more. Some animals are predisposed to mental health conditions. For example, small dog breeds generally are more inclined to exhibit signs of anxiety. Other pets develop mental health issues over time. Compulsive behaviors may start out as a way for an animal to self-soothe during a fearful event or trauma, such as licking a toy or at paws. But these behaviors can become harmful, repetitive actions that may cause physical health problems. If a pet is acting out of character or is displaying behaviors that are concerning, pet owners should seek the advice of the animal’s veterinarian.
Foster positive attitudes in kids
Great parents provide children with tools to help them grow and develop into successful adults.
Symptoms of common anxiety disorders
Mental wellness is a vital component of overall health.
Recognition of that significance has increased in recent years, but a number of people across the globe are still confronting an array of mental health issues, including anxiety.
Unreported cases can make it hard to quantify the prevalence of anxiety around the world, but a recent study from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimated that 4 percent of the global population was experiencing an anxiety disorder at the time of the study. That estimate, offered prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, may understate the current threat of anxiety, as the World Health Organization notes that the first year of the pandemic triggered a 25 percent increase in the global prevalence of anxiety and depression.
When discussing anxiety disorders, it’s important to recognize that anxiety is a normal part of life, as the National Institute of Mental Health notes people typically experience temporary feelings of anxiety related to health, money or issues or problems affecting their families. When such feelings
are more than temporary, a person might have an anxiety disorder. There are many types of anxiety disorders, and the NIMH notes symptoms can vary depending on which type a person has.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD can interfere with a person’s daily life because it is characterized by persistent feelings of anxiety or dread. This anxiety can last months or years, according to the NIMH. Symptoms of GAD may include:
● Feeling restless, wound-up or on-edge
● Being easily fatigued
● Experiencing difficulty concentrating
● Irritability
● Experiencing headaches, muscle aches, stomach aches, or unexplained pains
● Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
● Sleeping problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep
Panic Disorder
Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that panic disorder causes bouts of overwhelming fear when there is no specific reason to be fearful. This fear is intense and uncomfortable and can make people feel as though they’re losing control even if there is no evident threat. Panic attacks and panic disorder are not one and the same, and the NIMH notes some people experience panic attacks without developing
panic disorder. People with panic disorder live in frequent fear of the next attack, and will often go to great lengths to avoid places, situations or behaviors they associate with past panic attacks.
Social Anxiety Disorder
The NIMH notes social anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. Individuals with social anxiety disorder may experience an intense fear of social situations, which might compel them to miss work, school or other daily activities. Social anxiety disorder may be marked by fear of social settings, but the condition also can produce some notable physical symptoms, including:
● Blushing, sweating or trembling
● Pounding or racing heart
● Stomach aches
● Rigid body posture or speaking with an overly soft voice
● Difficulty making eye contact
The NIMH notes people with social anxiety disorder also may have trouble conversing with strangers and harbor a fear that people will judge them negatively.
Anxiety affects a sizable percentage of the global population. More information about anxiety disorders is available at nimh.nih.gov.
These tools often include healthy meals on the table, opportunities to hang out and socialize with friends, a good education, a feeling of safety and security, and much more. Yet some parents may overlook another key resource that could lead to a happier and more successful life: positivity.
According to Informed Families/The Florida Family Partnership, a positive attitude is an important attribute for children to develop and maintain. A positive mindset can help kids feel more confident and capable. A positive attitude also may assist kids when they’re faced with adversity and stressful situations. Some people are naturally glass-half-full types, while others may need a little reassurance to embrace a positive attitude. A positive attitude is marked by optimism, enthusiasm and a sense of possibility.
A child does not need to brim with positivity all of the time. Sadness, shame and guilt can help individuals process difficult times and show they are human. A
pressure to think positively all of the time and be constantly cheerful can turn happiness into a burden, according to Danish psychologist and researcher Svend Brinkmann. Rather, parents can teach kids to accept all emotions and process them in healthy ways while encouraging positive thinking. Here are some ideas to get started.
Help others
Helping others through volunteerism can help children learn to associate doing positive things with feeling good about oneself. It is hard for children to be in a bad mood when they see the smiles on the faces of people on the receiving end of their compassion and support.
Be a good role model
Children learn many behaviors from watching and listening to their parents. Children who see Mom and Dad bouncing back from setbacks and exhibiting a willingness to give things another try are more likely to do the same.
Brainstorm other options
Children tend to see things in black and white. The adults in their lives can help them see ways around obstacles rather
than just throwing in the towel. One option is to set small goals that are achieveable so they can celebrate small successess rather than aiming entirely for the end goal.
Surround oneself with positive messaging
Listening to music, reading books or watching movies with positive messages can reinforce positive affirmations and thoughts. It’s easier to maintain a positive attitude when that’s all you know.
Practice affirmations as a family Life throws challenges at everyone, but some supportive words along the way can make all the difference. Big Life Journal, which offers tools for parents, teachers and counselors to help kids grow up confident, says affirmations like “I am enough” or “I am kind” can change attitudes. And everyone should remember failing is not always a negative. Failure can be the first step toward learning an important lesson.
Fostering a positive mindset in children may take a little time, but it can be achieved and ultimately pay numerous dividends.
What parents should know about Mental Health Issues and Children
MStrategies to Promote Wellness
The tenets of wellness can be traced to ancient civilizations.
Wellness encompasses strategies that lead to a state of holistic health. Those strategies include physical, mental and even spiritual components. The root of wellness incorporates various natural approaches and preventive care.
Community involvement
Individuals who have access to healthy food, safe housing, education, and medical care are more likely to make wellness a priority. Community leaders can ramp up their efforts to provide healthbased offerings to people in surrounding neighborhoods.
Workplace initiatives
and other efforts can improve health. The World Health Organization states that health is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. It also includes physical, mental and social well-being, which can be fostered through a spiritual component of wellness.
Mental health support
Physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being is achieved through different avenues. Programs in communities and places of employment can promote and emphasize wellness, which can benefit people in myriad ways.
Feeling empowered
ental health issues were once stigmatized to such an extent that many people dealing with problems like anxiety and depression felt uncomfortable speaking about them or even seeking help. Though some may still find it difficult to acknowledge their mental health issues, society has made great strides in regard to destigmatizing mental health conditions and recognizing how common such problems are.
Parents may be surprised to learn that many mental health issues begin in childhood. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders, depression and other mood disorders can start to develop long before children leave for college. Recognition of that reality may compel parents to learn more about children and mental health, including signs of potential issues and how to determine if certain behaviors are indicative of a burgeoning issue or a part of normal development.
Identifying mental health issues in children
The NIMH notes the difficulty in distinguishing between behaviors that are a normal part
of a child’s development and those that suggest a potential mental health problem. Parents know that children’s behaviors and emotions can be challenging to deal with, but that’s often a normal part of a child’s development that youngsters outgrow with age. The NIMH notes that time is a potential indicator of a mental health problem, and encourages parents to seek help if a child’s challenging behavior or emotions persist for weeks or longer. Kids will not outgrow negative behaviors overnight, but persistent problems that extend for weeks or months could be indicative of something beyond normal developmental hurdles.
Behaviors and emotions that cause distress for a child or the child’s family are another potential indicator of a mental health issue. In addition, behaviors or emotions that interfere with a child’s ability to function, be it at school or at home or among friends, may indicate the presence of a mental health issue.
What if signs suggestive of mental health issues are present?
The NIMH advises parents to be proactive if they notice signs of mental health is-
sues in their children. Parents can begin by contacting their child’s teacher and asking how the child behaves in school, both in the classroom and on the playground. A child’s pediatrician also can be a valuable resource. Share the particular behavior(s) or emotion(s) that are causing concern with the child’s pediatrician. The pediatrician may note if the behavior is part of normal development or may recommend a mental health professional to further address the issue.
Is an evaluation really necessary?
The aforementioned stigma associated with mental health issues may make even the most well-intentioned parents hesitant to seek an evaluation. But evaluations can set children on a path to improved mental health, and it’s worth reminding parents that issues like anxiety and depression are quite common and nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, a large-scale 2023 study published in the journal The Lancet Psychiatry found that one out of every two people in the world will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime. Evaluation is one of the initial steps toward overcoming mental health issues, and children may exhibit different signs that an evaluation is necessary based on their age. For example, the NIMH notes that young children who often seem fearful or worried and those who have frequent tantrums or are irritable much of the time may benefit from a mental health evaluation. Older children who engage in self-harm behaviors or those who diet or exercise excessively can benefit from an evaluation. Additional age-based indicators that an evaluation may be necessary can be found at nimh.nih.gov. Many mental health issues begin in childhood. Parents can keep an eye out for indicators of mental health issues and work with their children’s health care providers to determine the best course of action.
Wellness begins with individuals, who can feel empowered when they make healthy choices and utilize the tools and support systems at their disposal. This can include information provided by health care professionals as well as research people uncover on their own.
People spend eight or more hours each day at work, and health should and can be prioritized at places of business.
Employers can incorporate healthy eating options in cafeterias or break rooms, offer stress management services, engage in fitness challenges, and even provide workout equipment or quiet spaces so employees can incorporate wellness into their work days.
Spiritual connection
While spiritual wellness can include faith in a specific religion or belief, it also encompasses values, ethics, service to others, and finding meaning and purpose in one’s life. Embracing spiritual wellness through outreach
The National Institute of Mental Health says approximately 59.3 million adults in the United States experienced a mental illness in the past year. Such illnesses include anxiety and depression. The World Health Organization estimates 970 million people globally live with a mental health disorder. Mental wellness comes from seeking help from doctors, therapists and support groups when needed. It also can involve finding root causes of mental distress and taking steps to remove triggers.
Wellness is a broad term that incorporates many different components, each of which can contribute to improved health and a greater sense of well-being.
Let’s thrive together.
At Health New England, we understand that well-being includes your mental and emotional health. That’s why our plans include support to help you navigate life’s challenges—big or small.
Find the plan that’s right for you at healthnewengland.com/thrive