Friendship Village of Bloomington, one of 14 Continuing Care Retirement Communities of Lifespace Communities, has won the 2021 ICAA NuStep Pinnacle Award, which recognizes the Top 5 “Best in Wellness” senior living communities in North America. The annual award honors best-in-class, wellness-centered environments that benefit all who live and work in the community.
“Friendship Village of Bloomington offers everything you need to stay happy, healthy and independent. Every aspect of our community, from our buildings to our residents and team members to our philosophy, all support the ongoing commitment to maintain and improve lifestyle opportunities for residents and team members,” said David Miller, the community’s executive director.
The community invested more than $11 million in building a complete fitness center. It includes a studio, pool, spa and gym, as well as a massage suite, golf simulator, outdoor space, meeting space and café. There’s even an “insight corner’ to read up on successful aging articles and journals. This space elicits an energizing and inviting atmosphere, adds Miller.
“The global pandemic has further reinforced the vital importance of wellness as a lifestyle,” said Colin Milner, CEO and founder of ICAA. “Congratulations to Friendship Village of Bloomington for embodying wellness and serving as an example of how to successfully empower their residents to pursue a rich, active life.”
Milner adds that seven key dimensions comprise wellness: emotional, physical, intellectual, social, spiritual, vocational, and environmental. Equally nurturing and prioritizing each dimension not only can enhance overall wellbeing but also can lead to greater engagement, higher expectations, and better outcomes.
“Our residents and team members are committed to keeping the culture of successful aging alive. We are all learning together how ageism is embedded into our understanding of the aging process “and we challenge those biases together,” said Karen Lloyd, Friendship Village of Bloomington’s director of lifestyle. “Our community exudes a collective “Yes, we can” and we will for as long as we can!’ attitude about thriving through the hurdles that may come our way.”
“Choosing to live in a senior living community can significantly benefit residents’ health, longevity, and quality of life through a strong wellness culture,” said Jesse Jantzen, Lifespace CEO. “More than just classes or programs, wellness must permeate the environment as a mindset and daily pursuit for residents and team members. Pinnacle Award winner Friendship Village of Bloomington is helping to lead the way.”
The award is sponsored by the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), which leads, connects, and defines the active-aging industry, and NuStep, LLC, a major manufacturer of recumbent cross-trainers used in healthcare, senior living, and fitness centers.
