Natasha Green

Reclaiming Wellness in Later Life: What the Data Tells Us

Can older adults bounce back from poor health and well-being?
A new study published in PLOS ONE says yes—and the findings are both hopeful and actionable for those working in geriatric care.

Researchers analyzed data from over 8,000 older adults in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) who were not in optimal well-being at the start of the study. Three years later, nearly one in four had regained a state of optimal well-being. That’s a powerful reminder: aging doesn’t have to mean inevitable decline.

🔍 What Is “Optimal Well-Being”?

In this study, optimal well-being meant more than just the absence of disease. It included:

  • Adequate social support
  • Positive self-perception of aging
  • Good physical and mental health
  • Freedom from disabling pain, cognitive decline, or limitations in daily activities

🧠 Key Factors That Helped Older Adults Reclaim Wellness

The study found that individuals who were:

  • Younger (within the 60+ cohort)
  • Married
  • Physically active
  • Non-smokers
  • Not obese
  • Free from chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis
  • Financially stable
  • Without sleep problems

…were significantly more likely to regain optimal well-being. Importantly, those who had strengths in at least two of the four wellness domains—physical, psychological/emotional, social, and self-rated wellness—had better outcomes. [journals.plos.org]

💬 Why This Matters for Geriatric Care

This research challenges the narrative that aging is a one-way street toward decline. It shows that wellness is dynamic, and with the right supports, older adults can recover and thrive—even after setbacks.

For geriatric professionals, caregivers, and policy advocates, this means:

  • Investing in programs that promote physical activity and social connection
  • Screening for sleep issues and mental health concerns
  • Supporting lifestyle changes that reduce chronic disease risk
  • Creating environments that foster purpose and self-worth in aging

🌟 Dakota Geriatrics Takeaway

At Dakota Geriatrics, we believe in the resilience of older adults. This study reinforces our commitment to holistic, person-centered care that sees aging as a journey—not a destination.

Let’s continue to build systems that help older adults not just live longer—but live well.

Richardton Health Center Achieves IHI Level 1 Age-Friendly Health System Participant Status

We are proud to announce that Richardton Health Center, located in Richardton, North Dakota, has achieved Level 1 Age-Friendly Health System Participant status, as recognized by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). This milestone reflects the center’s commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centered care to older adults.

🌟What Is an Age-Friendly Health System?

The Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative is built around the evidence-based 4Ms Framework, which ensures that care for older adults is not only safe and effective but also aligned with what matters most to them:

  • What Matters: Understanding and honoring each older adult’s health goals and care preferences.
  • Mentation: Supporting cognitive health and addressing conditions like dementia, depression, and delirium.
  • Medications: Using age-appropriate medications that do not interfere with the other 4Ms.
  • Mobility: Encouraging safe movement to maintain function and independence.

With the support of Dakota Geriatrics, Richardton Health Center has successfully integrated these principles into its care model.

💬A Commitment to Older Adults

By focusing on what truly matters to each individual, supporting mental and cognitive health, managing medications wisely, and promoting mobility, Richardton Health Center is setting a high standard for age-friendly care in rural communities.

 🏆Leadership Recognition: Mandy Robinson Receives Eli Pick Award

We are also thrilled to share that Mandy Robinson, Administrator of Richardton Health Center, has been honored with the prestigious Eli Pick Facility Leadership Award. This award, presented by the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA), recognizes administrators whose leadership has contributed to superior facility performance.

👉 Learn more about the Eli Pick Award here.

🎉 Congratulations!

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire team at Richardton Health Center and to Mandy Robinson for their dedication and leadership in advancing the health and well-being of older adults in our community.

Home Therapy Solutions receives certification as Age Friendly Health Care System

Home Therapy Solutions Achieves IHI Level 2 Age-Friendly Health System Committed to Care Excellence Status!

The Grand Forks business has met requirements and standards, qualifying that its services for older adults ensure they are aging in the right place!

We are proud to announce that Home Therapy Solutions LLC in Grand Forks, North Dakota, has achieved Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), Level 2 Age-Friendly Health System Committed to Care Excellence status. This significant accomplishment recognized by IHI, highlights Home Therapy Solutions’ dedication to improving care for older adults.

The Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative is centered around the “4Ms” framework, which ensures that the care provided to older adults is comprehensive and tailored to their unique needs. The 4Ms are:

  1. What Matters: Prioritizing each older adult’s health goals and care preferences.
  2. Mentation: Focusing on maintaining and improving cognitive function and addressing mental health concerns.
  3. Medications: Ensuring that medications are age-appropriate and do not interfere with the other aspects of the 4Ms.
  4. Mobility: Promoting safe mobility to help older adults maintain their independence and function.

With the support of Dakota Geriatrics, Home Therapy Solutions has been successful in implementing these principles, ensuring that older adults receive respectful, individualized, and holistic care. By focusing on what truly matters to each person, supporting cognitive health, managing medications wisely, and encouraging mobility, Home Therapy Solutions is setting a new standard for age-friendly care.

We congratulate Home Therapy Solutions on this achievement and look forward to continuing our partnership to improve the lives of older adults in our community.

See their announcement in the Grand Forks Herald!