Healthy aging is important—it helps ensure that you or your loved one can live as independently as possible and maintain your quality of life as you age. Many factors affect aging well—some of which, like genetics, we can’t control. However, you can control the other factors, like exercise, a healthy diet, and regular doctor visits. At Grand Oaks, we strive to help you or your loved one age well.

What is Aging Well?  

Aging well is a continuous process that prioritizes every aspect of your health—physically, mentally, socially, and so on. Essentially, it’s doing everything in your power to prolong your life. Some of the key elements of healthy aging are as follows:

A Healthy Diet

As you age, your dietary needs may change. You may need fewer calories or more of certain nutrients, like fiber. During any stage of life, it’s critical to eat a well-balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables.

How we help: Grand Oaks offers restaurant-style dining, available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our executive chef, Andrew Conlin, prepares meals that meet your special dietary requirements. Your health and well-being are always in mind, as we use only the freshest ingredients.

Regular Physical Activity

Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can help improve and prolong your life. Studies show that regular physical activity reduces hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, and cancer—some of the leading causes of death for U.S. adults.

How we help: Grand Oaks offers a large range of physical activities and exercise classes that fit your ability and interests. Try out Tai Chi, aquatic exercise, ballroom dancing, or range-of-motion classes.

Staying Social

Seniors are more likely to feel socially isolated or lonely. Studies from the National Institute on Aging have linked loneliness to higher risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. Staying socially active is a vital part of aging well, as it helps boost your mood and improve your psychological well-being.

How we help: At Grand Oaks, we set the stage for lifelong friendships with a busy social calendar to suit all personalities. You or your loved one will enjoy discussion groups, bridge clubs, cooking groups, resident socials, birthday and holiday celebrations, and more.

Regular Visits to Your Doctor

Normal health screenings and check-ups can help catch chronic diseases or conditions early when they’re easier to treat. Regular visits to your doctor can also help you manage, monitor, and treat any existing health conditions you have, so they don’t worsen.

How we help: Your doctors are never too far away at Grand Oaks. Owned by Johns Hopkins Medicine and located on the campus of Sibley Memorial Hospital, Grand Oaks gives residents direct access to award-winning, renowned medical care and emergency, aquatic, and restorative care services. Our staff is also available for 24-hour nursing support whenever you may need it.

At Grand Oaks, our care and services support the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. The Hopkins’ “aging well” model of care targets residents’ physical, mental, and overall well-being. Collaboratively, we focus on each resident’s wellness, prevention, assessment, and treatment through three key components: clinical care, staff education, and wellness and prevention programs.