What is a Vital Life Community?

A Vital Life Community is a community of individuals committed to living healthy, vital lives within a community setting. Although we have seen Senior Living Communities thrive and prosper when embracing the Vital Life principles, Vital Life is not specific to Senior Living. Any group or corporation dedicated to wellness and group participation towards reaching wellness goals may be a candidate for Vital Life. In order to obtain the Vital Life logo a community must be willing to measure and share the results of the resident or staff wellness practices with others, so that the constituent health statistics are public. Although communities can be designed for social confluence and for Vital Life wellness infiltration, the simplest of communities with virtually no financial means may still benefit from the Vital Life philosophy, if it is a community that is committed to wellness. The methodology is to provide sustainable programs, and also targeted resources to support the programs.

Why is the need for Vital Life critical?

Approximately 80% of those now living in the United States will not have the appropriate funds to retire. Studies show that a large percentage of people may run out of money eight years before they run out of life! If social security survives, this could be the sole source of income for many. The cost of healthcare will continue to sky rocket, no doubt. For Americans in Skilled Nursing Care, the latter part of life, when they need care the most, is often the most expensive time in their lives. If we know that people are living longer, corporate pensions are not a guarantee, and money might be tight down the road, doesn´t it make sense to take preventative measures now to ensure better health later?

Why would a community benefit from Vital Life?

For whatever market you are in, you most likely have tough competitors chomping at the bit to be known as the best. What will make your facility stand out? Baby Boomers expect lifestyle amenities and to maintain the standard of living they have earned. Currently, even the most respected, landmark facilities may be antiquated, and feel institutional. What are you willing to do to ensure that your community is sustainable through the uncertain years ahead? If you are a CEO, the choice to maintain a healthy staff and resident base is a financially solvent decision; everyone benefits from good heath in a fun environment.

What is the goal of Vital Life?

The goal is to significantly lessen the increased morbidity chances within a community. By opting to live in a Vital Life community, one is opting to decrease the amount of time needed in a nursing home in the future. Also, by increasing health and learning programs, and by adding opportunities for resident and staff socialization, one´s community can proclaim that not only does it house the healthiest people in America, but also the happiest!

Why is measuring outcome important?

Only with measurement do we have currency for exchanging outcomes. With the measurement of wellness, outcomes are the keys for us to garner the support that we need to enhance our program initiatives. We want to learn from communities. What works? What does not work? Only by measuring and sharing outcomes, can the Vital Nation website host the most current and actual information.