A successful aging culture based on research, experts, and a Mayo Clinic partnership

How is successful aging at University Village different than other communities? The Masterpiece Living initiative and the unique partnership with the Mayo Clinic provide our residents with assessment tools to live a vibrant lifestyle that encourages growth, learning, and staying at one’s very best.

The Mayo Clinic Health Risk Assessment asks questions related to medical risk factors as well as lifestyle risk factors such as food choices, fat intake, physical activity, seatbelt use, and stress. The Mayo Clinic prepares a personalized feedback report providing each resident with detailed information, suggestions, and recommendations to minimize any potential risks and enhance health improvements.

Shana Sons, Masterpiece Living Coordinator, is available for one-on-one feedback sessions to help each resident understand the full meaning of the review results and to further guide each resident on his/her journey to becoming well in all areas of life. Whether it is physical, intellectual, social, or spiritual, residents choose and commit to their own growth. 

Shana is a coach and cheerleader as well as a leader, teacher and facilitator in health, exercise, and nutrition. She has formed alliances with area hospitals and health organizations to bring outside expertise to further enhance wellness offerings at University Village. Tampa General Hospital and Dr. Patel, University Village’s in-house physician, both offer once a month education and information sessions.

The popular six-week Health Self-Management class is a collaborative effort sponsored by the West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging. “I love teaching this class and find it very rewarding. Our residents reap the benefit of the co-facilitator’s expertise, plus each person receives their booklet entitled, Living Healthy. Our residents are taught how to take charge of their own health,” Shana explained enthusiastically.

University Village has fostered a culture that supports successful aging and offers support strategies that maximize the human potential. Residents have the support from Shana, the entire staff and management as well as from other residents who offer encouragement and believe in your ability to stretch and grow.

University Village has made achieving a rich, well-rounded, engaging lifestyle into a reality for any resident. “We love getting our residents involved. University Village goes all out for the residents. Everything is here to succeed and grow,” Kay Bates, Lifestyle Committee Chairman, boasted.