Inspired by the international games in Rio, seniors at Dallas’ Presbyterian Village North (PVN), a nonprofit continuing care retirement community for active adults, participated in their very own 2016 Be Well Olympics. The Be Well Olympics entailed helpful advice, encouragement and support, as well as prizes and fun memories. Shannon Radford, wellness director of Presbyterian Village North, was excited to offer residents a timely program that helped them set healthy goals and reach them. A similar program was offered to PVN teammates as well.

“This fitness challenge was of Olympic proportions, and we were so excited to offer it in conjunction with the actual games in Rio,” said Radford. “Residents at PVN have always been festive and spirited. We definitely saw some light-hearted competitiveness come out, and it was fun to hear them discussing the Olympics in real-time with this program. Under the leadership of Deana Lisenby, our wellness coordinator, the department collaborated to create 30 challenges to complete before the games in Rio concluded. Prizes were awarded depending upon how many wellness tasks are accomplished.” 

Those who finished 10 wellness tasks achieved bronze status, those with 20 achieved silver status and those with 30 achieved gold status. Wellness tasks included activities such as going 24 hours without fast food or desserts, attending a fitness class, eating five to nine servings of fruit and veggies in a day, getting blood pressure checked or dropping in on an old friend. These behaviors help build and maintain habits that are physically, mentally and socially healthy. 

“We had a bonus challenge each week for those who wanted to go the extra mile, literally,” said Radford. “Week one consisted of three days of training and running or walking a mile. Week two entailed a high jump challenge, with three days of training. Week three focused on overcoming hurdles, with three days of training. Completing all three weeks of challenges made teammates eligible for a drawing for an iPad mini and several other prizes! We hope we inspired seniors across Dallas to stay active.”