We recently had the pleasure of hosting an informative interview with our Wellbeing Director, Dr. Wyrko, drawing from her extensive medical expertise. Read on to get valuable tips on healthy eating, longevity and how science and wellbeing come together.
The wellbeing journey that we are on at Riverstone has been nothing short of transformative. From a personal and professional point of view being able to support people to stay well, instead of just putting the pieces together when things have started to go wrong is incredibly satisfying.
Our in-house professionals work with carefully chosen expert partners, healthcare providers who see the world in the same way we do, to deliver a responsive and unique wellbeing experience for Riverstone residents.
The advice we give and the recommendations we make are all anchored in the best scientific evidence. We’re all about empowering our residents to make informed choices about their lives, and a key area is how we fuel our bodies.
It’s a myth that bad eating habits (and even eating disorders) only concern younger people. People may have endured a lifetime of diets which can have an impact on bone (and muscle and joint) health and overall wellbeing. Changes within our tastebuds, exacerbated by prescription medications and coupled with reduced physical activity, can create a perfect storm of diminished appetite. A vicious cycle that can be hard to break.
Eating is about so much more than the physical act of fuelling our bodies. Being able to share a meal with other people is a deeply ingrained part of social connection, and one of the lasting impacts of losing a partner is just having no one to eat with anymore. Mealtimes can be when loneliness really does hit home, so being at Riverstone with our bustling restaurants and friendly team can mean the difference between skipping another meal or having a nutritious and tasty lunch.
Enter the realm of lifestyle changes, not restrictive diets. A healthy, balanced life is our mantra. While individual needs vary, our inspiration comes from the famed Blue Zones, where people routinely live beyond a century. The Mediterranean diet, embraced in these longevity hotspots, emphasises plant-based eating, minimal meat, and mindful consumption of dairy, sugar, and eggs.
At Riverstone, we talk about food as the fuel that our bodies need to sustain active and vibrant lives. What are the building blocks that our bodies need to be strong, to heal, to stay well, to have a strong immune system? And how do we make sure that we have enough of them? This move away from the jargon that’s often associated with nutrition helps people to really understand the importance of eating well. We can even start to counteract a lifetime of counting calories, replacing fear with knowledge and understanding, and embracing a holistic approach.
Socialising and dining go hand in hand. Our community thrives on shared meals, recognising the profound connection between food and social experiences. From communal lunches and cooking classes to specially curated events, we’re weaving a tapestry of shared moments around the table.
While we appreciate the role of alcohol in social settings, we also acknowledge its impact. Alcohol, much like refined sugar, brings empty calories to the table. A bottle of wine carries not just the joy of a toast but also around 615 calories, not to mention the impact that alcohol has on our brains and bodies generally. We encourage mindful choices, understanding that balance is key. And for those seeking an alcohol-free journey, we offer a range of options to savour without compromise.
Fuelling wellbeing is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour; it’s a symphony of choices that resonate with each resident’s unique needs. At Riverstone, we’re not just nurturing bodies; we’re fostering vibrant lifestyles, one thoughtful bite at a time.
