Written by Morgan Lanser, corporate storyteller
Garden Spot Village is committed to providing abundant opportunities to live with purpose in community. Some of those opportunities include group outings, multiple dining options, and a fitness center. But GSV is doing more to support purposeful living – it is helping residents pursue longevity.
“Healthspan” is a newer term in the world of senior living and in medical field. In essence, it refers to the length of time in one’s life when they are in good health – when quality of life is at its peak. The difference between this and lifespan is that lifespan refers to the entirety of one’s life, no matter the status of health. While the exact definition of Healthspan is still evolving, this concept has sparked conversation, research, and a shift in thinking regarding longevity.
A recent study conducted by B.C Ziegler and Company looked at Healthspan initiatives across 100+ senior living communities in the United States. The statistics show there is a shift in thinking among senior living – moving towards a more thoughtful and strategic approach focusing on longevity. The study asked an important question: How do you define Healthspan? While many answers were expected — healthy aging, independence, and mobility — there was an interestingly high response rate of answers like brain health, sleep, education, connection/socialization, nutrition, and vitality.
Ziegler framed Healthspan into five categories: Physical/ Functional Longevity, Cognitive/Emotional Resilience, Preventative/Personalized Health, Longevity Science/Innovation, and Lifestyle Design. While many communities in the study show interest in implementing these initiatives, Garden Spot Village is already embracing this concept.
A state-of-the-art fitness center, a swimming pool, and fitness classes are straight forward ways to promotive physical longevity. The way GSV is embracing the other four categories of Healthspan is promoting complete longevity.
June of 2026 brought the introduction of BrainGym AI to GSV, which features “Exergames.” Games are designed to address focus, reaction time, thought sharpness, coordination, orientation, and balance. They are designed for all ages & mobility levels, supporting wheelchairs and scooters. Each player plays at their own pace – allowing for personalized advancement throughout each game. The combination of physical balance and mobility with cognitive engagement supports multiple aspects of longevity.
Education and connection are two areas of opportunity for growth when it comes to Healthspan and longevity. The Ziegler study revealed that learning and social initiatives are of utmost importance to residents of senior living communities. GSV agrees – and has made it a priority to offer educational and connection opportunities for residents. From teaching ESL to team members, to a pen-pal partnership with the local elementary school, GSV is providing abundant opportunity. The Wisdom Course, led by Scott Miller, began in 2022. This series of monthly sessions challenges participants to reflect on life experiences and how they shaped the person they are today. The course also connects with a local University, providing the opportunity for intergenerational learning and conversations.
Travel with Purpose, GSV’s Missions Team, provides residents with domestic and international opportunities. From supporting CURE hospitals in Kenya and Dominican Republic, to dorm restorations at a ministry in New York, residents find purposeful social connection, innovation, and educational partnerships.
As a CCRC, Garden Spot Village offers a continuum of care. When independent living no longer meets needs, there are healthcare options available. Traditionally, independent living residents must seek healthcare outside of the organization. GSV has brought some healthcare services onsite for residents. Health coaching and care optimization are major cornerstones of longevity. The Home and Community Based Services Nursing Clinic at GSV is meeting that need. With the leadership of Amelia Hamm, RN CDP, the clinic can provide wound care, general sick assessments, medication organization, case management, and more. Education sessions are offered to teach diabetes management and insulin administration, operation of oxygen tanks, taking blood pressure, and more. The Therapy Gym offers physical and occupational rehab on campus. Having these tools accessible for residents is invaluable.
The ability to maintain and seek connection is further supported by countless choices for residents to volunteer. Whether in one of three on-campus shops, tending to the produce in the on-campus greenhouse, driving the Kim-Cab through the halls, serving the local community meals, or providing support during tax season, there are volunteering choices for all. .
The Dining Ambassadors group meets monthly with the Dining Services team to advocate for all residents. They discuss events, voice concerns, collaborate on ideas, and work together to make meaningful decisions. Dozens of micro-communities across campus provide opportunity to engage with others with a common interest; woodshop, metal shop, quilting, art, and more are welcoming to all
This collection of thoughts and options available to residents of Garden Spot Village is just a snapshot into the commitment towards resident Healthspan. With a department specifically designed for healthcare resident experiences, personal care, skilled nursing, and memory support have access to these resources. Keeping residents engaged at all levels is paramount in promoting longevity.
Healthspan is not just living a long time. It is living with purpose, meaning, value, AND being in good health. This study relieved that the next generation of senior living residents is going to find Healthspan and longevity are top priorities for their lives. While these ideas are still a new concept in senior living, GSV is providing purposeful services to support longevity and Healthspan for residents.
Morgan Lanser, corporate storyteller & project manager for Garden Spot Communities has built her career at GSC — starting in dining services as a student. She brings cross-departmental knowledge and experience, focusing on communication across all communities.