Incorporating Holistic Wellness: A Better Path to Aging
October 15, 2025 | Wellness
By CC Young Staff
Across the country, more and more senior living communities are embracing and practicing holistic wellness—a philosophy and practice that focuses on treating the whole person – physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, vocationally, and spiritually. At CC Young, this isn’t new. We’ve been living and breathing this active aging approach for decades, weaving wellness into the everyday rhythm of life.
In fact, in 1997 the concept and vision for the Learning and Cultural Arts Center began with the implementation of programs designed for our residents and surrounding Dallas community. Today, now called The Point & Pavilion is the hub for whole-person wellness right here on our campus. It is the “hub” of activity – our “Student Union” on the CC Young campus where residents stretch, sing, learn, laugh, and create—proving that wellness can bring a new lifestyle perspective to active aging.
“Wellness is everything, and it is woven throughout the CC Young campus,” says Director, The Point & Pavilion Brian Parman. “You see it in the energy of our residents who value community, purpose, and engagement.”
Guided by our dynamic wellness team, Director of Wellness Kori Ware, MS in Kinesiology, and Wellness Program Manager Tammy Slauson, in collaboration with Parman, we’ve built a resident-centered approach designed to help older adults thrive. Kori brings a strong foundation in fitness and corporate wellness, while Tammy specializes in engaging programming for Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing. Together, they lead initiatives that inspire holistic approach to living well, integrating physical activity, mental engagement, and social connection to support a vibrant outlook on aging.
“Wellness is more than physical health, it’s also a sense of wellbeing and comfort within your environment,” says Slauson. “When these needs are met, a person you not only are you kinder others, but you also show greater kindness to yourself.”
At CC Young, wellness is more than a fitness class or a healthy meal. It’s about choices, balance, and discovering new possibilities at every stage of life. Through our seven pillars of wellness—physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, environmental, and vocational—we help residents feel and live their best in body, mind, and spirit.
- Physical Wellness
Movement is essential to healthy aging. CC Young’s innovative Exercise Rainbow program helps residents build balanced routines through a combination of cardio, strength, flexibility, mobility, and balance exercises. Group classes like Rock Steady Boxing, Tai Chi, Drumba, Balloon Badminton, and chair volleyball make fitness both practical and fun. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that group exercise programs significantly improve mobility and balance, outcomes we see daily across campus.
2. Emotional Wellness
Connection, joy, and stress management are central to emotional health. Residents gather for games in the Game Zone, participate in theater productions, or enjoy creative expression in art and writing groups. Together, these experiences create laughter, foster a sense of purpose, and strengthen a sense of belonging.
3. Spiritual Wellness
CC Young offers space for residents of all faiths to nurture their spirit. With two chapels on campus, residents can attend services, meditation, or personal reflection. These opportunities provide comfort, grounding, and a deep sense of peace.
4. Intellectual Wellness
Learning never stops at CC Young. Through programs like the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) classes taught by professors from the University of North Texas and Gizmo Guidance, drop-in tech support sessions led by an instructor. Thes programs along with workshops, writing groups, and lectures, residents challenge their minds, build new skills, and stay mentally sharp.
5. Social Wellness
Vibrant social connections are a hallmark of life here. Special interest groups are hosted at The Point and open to both residents and Point members, with more than 200 activities each month, ranging from “Uke Can Do it!” — a learn to play ukelele group open to all skill levels — and Rummikub club to Knotty Knitters and Crafty Crocheters. These gatherings create opportunities to form friendships, share experiences, and stay engaged with the broader Dallas community.
6. Environmental Wellness
Nature plays a vital role in wellbeing, which is why CC Young created a greenhouse and raised gardens for residents and Point members to enjoy. Developed in partnership with local horticultural experts, these spaces are part of our horticultural therapy program, designed to reduce stress, boost mood, and encourage gentle movement. The resident-driven Garden Club cultivates these spaces, giving members a sense of purpose, pride, and connection. Research shows that seniors who garden experience greater physical activity and stronger social bonds, benefits that continue to enrich the lives of residents who participate.
7. Vocational Wellness
Purpose fuels vitality. Many residents volunteer on campus or in the broader Dallas community, lending their time and talents in ways that enrich both themselves and those they serve. Through volunteerism and resident-led initiatives, older adults discover new ways to stay engaged and make a meaningful impact.
At CC Young, holistic wellness isn’t a program—it’s a way of life. Through all seven pillars, we empower older adults to embrace balance, joy, and connection every single day. Because here, wellness isn’t just about living longer, it’s about living better.
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