Six Dimensions of Wellness

The Six Dimensions of Wellness are crucial to our overall health because it encompasses all of the aspects of a balanced life. We cannot feel complete if we have not attended to all of these elements on a regular basis. These Six Dimensions are incorporated into the class structure as follows:

1. Occupational
   Although many of the class members are retired, they still have appointments and volunteer obligations with family and church and other associations, including hobbies. Keeping active helps them to see that balance in everything is important and taking care of their physical well being helps them to do their jobs more effectively.
    
2. Spiritual
   Although many think of this as "religious," it can also be thought of as being kind and compassionate to others. By keeping ourselves healthy in all aspects, we are able to see others through a warmer lens and understand that we are all in this world to help lighten our load -- many times by just giving a smile or a kind word.
    
3. Social
   Seeing others that are at our physical age and levels is helpful to see that we are not alone in our aging. We are accountable to others to be at class and when someone is missing, others want to know why. We laugh and have fun and play games while we exercise and it doesn't seem like work.
    
4. Physical
   This aspect is key to keeping our bones, muscles and joints moving along with some increase in our heart rate. This increases the endorphin levels and is known to have positive emotional and mental improvements.
    
5. Emotional
   Being active and in group settings keeps our minds active and allows our emotions to be in balance. We learn to de-stress while we move.
    
6. Intellectual
   Not only does the class teach different physical moves, it teaches why certain movements are important. Class members learn what they can do on their own to improve basic motor skills. They ask questions all the time, thereby stretching their minds.