Whitney Center Hosts Wellness Fair - with Unique Exhibitors

Wellness. What does it mean to you? At Whitney Center, a senior living community in Hamden, Connecticut, wellness means taking care of the whole person–physically, mentally and emotionally. That’s why Whitney Center’s Transition Coordinator Diana Miller, L.P.N., has grown the annual wellness fair to include 18 vendors (eight more than last year) in addition to highlighting the variety of wellness services Whitney Center offers its residents.

Why has the wellness fair expanded so much this year? At the end of last year’s wellness fair, residents filled out evaluations of the fair and gave their opinions of what should be included in future years. Diana took those suggestions and weaved them into a plan.

“This is their fair, not mine,” said Diana. “We take our residents’ desires very seriously; we listen, and take actions as a result. This [wellness fair] is a continuation of last year.”

The vendors at the wellness fair represent a range of senior services from quality footwear providers, hearing specialists, specialty blind and speech services, holistic product vendors, and cognitive brain fitness businesses. Perhaps the most unique addition to the fair, however, is the inclusion of pet-related health vendors. There will be mobile dog-grooming services, all-natural dog treats, and one vendor who will be discussing Reiki for dogs.

“Pet wellness is important to the residents,” Diana explained. “Eleven dogs reside here and they’re very important to their owners, so they’re very important to us.”

The idea of including pet health in a wellness fair for people may seem a bit odd, but research backs it up. In a 2011 article in the Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, researchers found that “pet owners had greater self-esteem, greater levels of exercise and physical fitness, and they tended to be less lonely than nonowners.”

Whitney Center offers a variety of in-house wellness opportunities, including access to a massage specialist and spa, as well as aquatics, balance and Tai Chi classes. Providers of these services will also be present at the fair.

“We guide our residents to live a full, independent life,” said Diana. “Aging is hard enough, but aging in a place with services and opportunities to stay healthy and maintain your wellness like Whitney Center makes it a little easier.”

Whitney Center is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community in Hamden, Conn. To learn more about Whitney Center, check out our website, and find us on Facebook.