When families search for senior living in Des Moines, Iowa or wellness-focused retirement communities, one question often rises to the top: What does daily health and wellness really look like?
At Grand Living at Tower Place, the answer is simple—wellness isn’t an event. It’s a culture.
While our Grand Living Semi-Annual Health Fair is a standout moment each time, it’s truly a reflection of something much bigger: a comprehensive, intentional approach to senior health, fitness, and preventative living led by our Director of Fitness, Jackson Bootsmiller.
What Does Health & Wellness Look Like Every Day at Grand Living?
At Grand Living at Tower Place, wellness begins long before the first class of the day.
Jackson’s mornings often start by preparing equipment, reviewing class plans, checking in with residents, and coordinating personalized training sessions. From there, the day unfolds into a dynamic schedule that may include strength training, chair yoga, water aerobics, balance classes, and one-on-one mobility work.
But these are not just exercise classes—they are purpose-driven sessions designed to mimic activities of daily living. Strength exercises support standing from a seated position. Balance work reduces fall risk. Core training improves posture and stability. Water aerobics enhances range of motion while protecting joints.
Each class is carefully structured to help residents maintain independence, confidence, and functional mobility.
Why Is Preventative Wellness So Important in Senior Living?
A proactive approach to aging can significantly improve quality of life. At Grand Living at Tower Place, we focus on:
- Fall prevention through balance and lower-body strength
- Cognitive support through coordinated movement
- Cardiovascular health through low-impact endurance training
- Flexibility and joint mobility to ease everyday movement
- Social engagement to combat isolation
Research consistently shows that regular physical activity supports both physical and cognitive health in older adults. That’s why our programming isn’t occasional—it’s consistent, measurable, and adaptable.
Jackson tracks participation, adjusts programming to meet resident needs, and collaborates with healthcare professionals to ensure offerings remain relevant and effective. Wellness here is personalized, not generic.
How Does the Semi-Annual Health Fair Support This Mission?
Our Grand Living Semi-Annual Health Fair brings this philosophy into one vibrant, community-wide experience.
Residents and guests participated in senior fitness testing to evaluate their strength, balance, and overall functional health. These assessments provide insight into current wellness levels and help guide future goals—reinforcing the idea that awareness is the first step toward improvement.
The event also featured fresh, healthy food and beverages, underscoring that nutrition plays an equally important role in aging well.
But perhaps the most impactful element of the Health Fair was the collaboration between wellness partners and expert speakers.
Wellness Partners & Expert Insights
Our trusted wellness partners—including A Touch of Health (on-site massage therapy), Metro Geriatrics (podiatry), Fresh Fit Meals, FOX Rehabilitation, and Abram Audiology—were available throughout the event to answer questions and provide education. Their presence reflects the integrated support system available to residents year-round at Tower Place.
Several experts expanded on key topics that directly impact senior health.
Award-winning author and Parkinson’s advocate Kris Meldrum spoke about the critical relationship between exercise and aging, emphasizing that movement supports not only muscles but also neurological health. She highlighted how strength training, coordination exercises, and consistent activity can enhance independence and potentially slow aspects of physical decline.
Representatives from Fresh Fit Meals discussed the role of balanced nutrition in maintaining energy, muscle mass, and cognitive function. They encouraged residents to focus on sustainable, healthy choices rather than drastic changes—small adjustments that can yield meaningful long-term benefits.
Experts in dementia prevention shared insights into the connection between physical activity, social engagement, and cognitive health. Meanwhile, Metro Geriatrics emphasized how proper foot and ankle care supports mobility and fall prevention, and Abram Audiology reinforced the link between hearing health and overall cognitive wellness.
Together, these conversations painted a clear picture: aging well requires a holistic approach.
How Is Grand Living at Tower Place Different?
Many communities offer activities. At Grand Living at Tower Place, we offer strategy.
Jackson’s programs are thoughtfully designed, data-informed, and responsive. Whether leading chair yoga focused on breathwork and posture, teaching strength classes that build muscular endurance, or guiding water aerobics that improve coordination, each session serves a purpose.
Residents in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and LUMINATIONS® Memory Care all benefit from adaptive programming tailored to their abilities. Even one-on-one sessions—like guided walking using parallel bars—are centered on maintaining independence and dignity.
We also incorporate SMARTfit® technology, an evidence-based brain and body training system that enhances cognitive processing, reaction time, balance, and coordination—helping residents stay sharper, steadier, and more confident in everyday life.
This consistency builds momentum. And momentum builds results.
Is Wellness Just Physical?
Not at all.
True senior wellness encompasses physical, cognitive, emotional, and social health. Group classes foster connection. Educational talks empower residents with knowledge. Personalized attention builds confidence. Celebratory events like the Health Fair create community-wide enthusiasm around healthy living.
It’s this comprehensive approach that families notice when they tour our community.
Experience Health & Wellness in Action
If you are exploring luxury senior living or a retirement community that prioritizes proactive health and wellness, we invite you to see it firsthand.
Visit Grand Living at Tower Place—or any of our Grand Living communities—to experience how health and wellness come alive and how our residents are benefiting from our unique, purposeful programs every single day.
At Grand Living, wellness isn’t an add-on.
It’s integrated.
It’s intentional.
And it’s designed to help residents live stronger, longer, and more confidently.
