Intellectual wellness is one of six dimensions of wellness we consider to be key in order for our residents to live their lives to the fullest. Our community is constantly implementing and developing programs to complement each dimension of wellness. In this blog post, however, we are going to focus on intellectual wellness.

For us, intellectual wellness recognizes stimulating mental practice and interaction with others and the world. Continued learning, processing, and critical thinking are all vital to expanding knowledge as well as connecting with others through thoughtful conversation.

Practicing intellectual wellness includes:

• Growing intellectually, maintaining curiosity about all there is to learn, valuing lifelong learning, and responding positively to intellectual challenges.
• Expanding knowledge and skills while discovering the potential for sharing your gifts with others.

Benefits of Intellectual Wellness

There are many benefits that come with practicing intellectual wellness. Some of these benefits include: Tolerance and respect for others, a sense of dignity and belonging, enhancing memory power, improving how one expresses their thoughts and a sense of purpose and self-confidence.

With older adults, practicing intellectual wellness can even combat the likelihood of succumbing to diseases like Alzheimer’s or Dementia. The Rush Memory and Aging Project conducted a study in Chicago that showed cognitively active seniors, whose average age was 80, were 2.6 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia than seniors with less cognitive activity.

Ways to Practice Intellectual Wellness

There are endless activities one can participate in to practice intellectual wellness. Some of those activities can include:

• Reading a new book
• Learning how to play an instrument or learning a new language
• Taking a class on a subject that interests you
• Getting creative by drawing or painting
• Doing a crossword puzzle or sudoku
• Playing golf or chess
• Having an invigorating discussion with friends or family members

At Meth-Wick Community, residents can participate in intellectual programs right on campus. These programs are centered around lectures, studies, music, and technology classes. Meth-Wick’s Town Center includes a library and a community room to help promote intellectual wellness on campus as well.

Meth-Wick Community prides itself on providing opportunities for its residents to remain active and healthy, which is why we focus so heavily on applying the six dimensions of wellness to every aspect of our community. We fully embrace these dimensions of wellness and empower everyone on campus to take an active role in enhancing wellness across campus.