Birches Celebrates Spirituality in Final Week of “Living It!”

Clarendon Hills, IL, February 28, 2016 --(PR.com)-- As part of the month-long successful aging initiative “Living It!,” residents and staff of The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills, Ill. got in touch with their spiritual side during the last week of February. The “Living It!” campaign encourages participants to try new activities related to the four elements of successful aging: intellectual engagement, social interaction, physical activity and spiritual connection.

Although people usually associate successful aging with physical activities like exercise and eating a healthy diet, spirituality plays an equally important role. Countless studies have demonstrated that people with regular spiritual practices live longer, recover from illness and injury quicker and cope with life’s challenges better.
At The Birches, residents voluntarily participate in twice-yearly Lifestyle Reviews that gauge their fulfillment in all areas of successful aging, including spirituality. Results from 2015 Lifestyle Reviews show that more than 75 percent of residents felt in touch with their sense of meaning and purpose. Additionally, more than 50 percent of residents felt completely or very confident that they had the ability to enhance their spiritual well-being, and more than 30 percent had already started plans to do so.

During Spiritual Week, Birches residents and staff participated in spirit-nourishing activities like a gospel hymns sing-along, a prayer circle, mindful meditation and a worship service. In addition, members of the Birches’ monthly faith discussion group “Faith and Friends” performed the song “Blue Skies” in sign language for their friends and neighbors, and residents had the opportunity to give back by making a special gift for Birches’ nurses and resident assistants.

“There are so many ways to express yourself spiritually,” said Birches’ Activities Director Katie Klitchman. “I think it’s important to take time for contemplation and spiritual reflection, but also to take action and do things that make the world a better place for other people.”

The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills offers professional services to support the physical, social, intellectual and spiritual growth of the older adults who make it their home. The Birches offers purposeful programming and activities designed to promote a healthy aging lifestyle and a strong sense of community. For more information about The Birches, call 630-789-1135 or visit: birches.net.