Adviser Winter 2019-20 LeadingAge New York Adviser LeadingAge NewYork Winter 2019-20 | Page 49

Fox Run ...
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Another incentive for consistently attending the series
was the MIND diet healthy snack, prepared by the Fox
Run culinary team each week. The series also included
a bonus interactive cooking demonstration with Chef
Lisa Sanders in the Fox Run Teaching Kitchen. This
hands-on experience featured a delicious recipe that
was prepared in accordance with the MIND diet
guidelines covered throughout the class series.
Co-presenter Allison Weltjen, registered dietetic
technician at Fox Run, greatly enjoyed customizing
the program. “We were able to align the material
with the interests and preferences of the current Fox
Run Community Members,” explains Weltjen. “Our team’s extensive knowledge of their
personal health status and diet-related needs was helpful in the planning process as well.”
Participants were asked to disclose information about their daily habits relating to the
program material such
as rest, stress reduction
The program stood out as a great refresher on living in a
and physical activity both healthy and balanced way, and many expressed their desire
before and after they to repeat it in the future.
completed the series. This
important tool allowed for any progress to be clear and measurable. Fox Run Community
Members were also asked to rate their personal satisfaction with the series and offer
other thoughts about their experience.
One Fox Run Community Member explained, “Because of this program, I have tried to
eat healthier. I eat more vegetables, more fish and much less red meat. I have tried to cut
back on snacks (replacing chips with pretzels). I try to practice deep breathing and other
rhythms. In the evening, I keep my lights dim, and it seems to make me fall asleep faster.
I remember to laugh a lot. The Move Your Mind series made me aware of all these brain
health techniques and helped me put them into practice.”
Another wrote, “You have done a great service bringing to mind the things that
sometimes we forget to do. Also, the healthy treats at our weekly class were always
enjoyed by everyone!”
All of the Fox Run Community Members who participated experienced noticeable
improvements in their daily lives. The program stood out as a great refresher on living in
a healthy and balanced way, and many expressed their desire to repeat it in the future.
Fox Run, along with the seven other pilot communities, has submitted its findings to
Morrison Community Living to be fine-tuned and then rolled out nationally. With such
optimistic initial results, the program has huge potential to make a positive impact on the
cognitive wellness and quality of life of the senior-aged population.
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