Discovering Joyspan: A New Conversation About Well-being at Lenbrook
What does well-being look like? That is a question more people are asking as lifespans continue to grow. Living longer is one thing, but living well is something else altogether. Merriam-Webster defines well-being as “the state of being happy, healthy, or prosperous.”
Lenbrook has undertaken an exploration of well-being that goes beyond physical health and other basic definitions to embrace the full picture of emotional, social, and spiritual fulfillment. Lindsey Farmer, Lenbrook’s Director, Enrichment, said, “We have been thinking about what well-being really means for our community and know it is imperative to include our residents in that conversation. When we came across a book called “Joyspan,” it gave Lenbrook’s book club the perfect opportunity to discuss and learn together.”
In the book, gerontologist Dr. Kerry Burnight introduces a new way to think about aging as moving beyond lifespan (how long) and health span (how well) to joyspan, the length and quality of thriving moments in life. To explore “Joyspan” together, a small group of both longtime residents of Lenbrook and newer arrivals gathered over four weeks to reflect and share. The result was a lively exchange of ideas informed by real-life experience.
Tonni Beth Hudson, who has lived at Lenbrook just over a year, found the book to be practical and inspiring. “It’s like a map to well-being,” she said. “What I appreciated most were the examples. They gave us concrete ideas to consider adapting to our lives here.”
The discussions allowed residents to interpret the ideas in ways that felt meaningful to them. “We talked about where we agreed or didn’t, and how we could apply those ideas at Lenbrook,” she added.
The theme of connection stood out clearly. Book club members talked about how Lenbrook can continue connecting as a community. They also discussed ways to make it easier for newcomers to feel welcomed, how to create more opportunities for people who may be more introverted, and how to help other residents find something as simple but important as a dinner companion.
For Helene Zusmann, a five-year resident, the book and conversations reinforced a simple but powerful truth that joy lives in the simple things.
“It’s about enjoying the day, doing something kind for someone, and staying connected,” she said. “The book gives you common-sense keys to a balanced life. The important thing is to actually use them.”
Opportunities for connection and engagement are everywhere at Lenbrook. Residents have access to a wide range of experiences that support a well-rounded lifestyle, from lifelong learning and physical fitness activities to volunteer programs or simply connecting with neighbors down the hall. As Lindsey put it, “Community is at your doorstep.”
Ms. Hudson described life at Lenbrook as a “smorgasbord” of options. “Well-being comes from opening yourself up to something new. There’s no penalty for exploring,” she said.
At Lenbrook, the possibilities for new adventures are endless. We will dive into the four key themes of “Joyspan” – grow, connect, adapt, and give – in a series of stories that highlights how these are available to Lenbrook Residents to explore every day.