At Miravida Living, we believe that wellness is more than the absence of illness—it’s the presence of purpose, connection, curiosity, and joy. That’s the heart of our Thrive Wellness Program.
Designed around six intentional pillars—Awaken, Connect, Contribute, Discover, Explore, and Strengthen—Thrive reflects our commitment to enriching the lives of older adults in meaningful ways. But this isn’t just a feel-good approach. It’s grounded in research that shows how holistic, socially engaged living can actually extend and improve quality of life.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society followed over 2,200 adults aged 60 and older from 2016 to 2020. It found that those with high levels of social engagement had a 42% lower risk of death over four years than their less socially active peers. That’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we prioritize staying connected and involved.
The researchers highlighted the impact of activities like charity work, time in fellowship, and participation in clubs and events—exactly the kinds of experiences built into our Thrive pillars. They also found that social engagement contributed to more physical activity and even slowed biological aging. On average, highly engaged individuals had a biological age nearly four years younger than their chronological age.
That’s why every Thrive experience is designed to do more than fill time. Whether it’s exploring new interests, contributing talents, building strength, or simply connecting over conversation, each opportunity opens a door to deeper engagement, improved health, and longer life.
For example, under the Discover pillar, Carmel residents recently enjoyed a Brain Fitness activity called Head Case. The game was simple yet stimulating—each participant wore a card on their forehead while teammates provided clever clues to help them guess the word. The room buzzed with laughter, quick thinking, and moments of triumph as residents worked together. Activities like this are more than entertaining; they engage cognitive skills like memory and problem-solving while strengthening social bonds. Backed by science and bursting with joy, Brain Fitness sessions like Head Case show how discovering new ways to challenge the mind can also spark meaningful connection.
Here’s the challenge: even in this research, overall social engagement was low—showing that programs like Thrive aren’t just helpful, they’re essential. We all have room to grow in how we invite and empower older adults to live with connection and purpose. Because beyond the data, joy is found in the simple things—sharing a laugh, lending a hand, learning something new. These moments create a life that feels vibrant and meaningful. That happiness is exactly what the Thrive approach is all about.
Thrive isn’t just an activity calendar. It’s a philosophy that says every stage of life deserves to be vibrant, intentional, and well-lived.
Let’s Thrive together.
