ARTICLE
As one of the only senior living community in the nation to be WELL registered, The Views of Marion raises the bar in building design for senior living by building a one-of-a-kind healthy building. Learn how the evolution from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) to the WELL Building Standard is putting Iowa and Marion on the map, being on the cutting edge of health and design standards for senior residents, employees, the community and our future. The next wave of living healthy is demonstrated by The Views of Marion’s new community. On August 15, The Views of Marion will bring speakers sharing WELL concepts and how this impacts healthy living. WELL is the premier building standard to focus on enhancing people’s health and wellness through the buildings where we live, work and play. Delivered by the International WELL Building Institute, WELL sets performance requirements across seven categories relevant to tenant and employee health (air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind). Renowned speaker Whitney Austin Gray, PhD, WELL AP, LEED AP is the Senior Vice President, Delos. She speaks across the globe on Creating Environments to Enable Healthy Aging. Whitney will share her education and insights on Thursday, August 15 from 1:00-2:00 PM at The Views of Marion, 720 Oakbrook Drive, Marion. WELL at The Views The Views community will use 50% of the energy required by another building its size and will be 100% covered by a generator. This design reduces risks of health concerns associated with molds and hazardous chemicals. The Views air quality component incorporates a hospital grade ventilation system. Illness such as COPD, asthma, allergies and more can be greatly affected by the quality of the air. Having enhanced filtration and plenty of plants creates cleaner air for living and working environments, helping reduce symptoms for those living with respiratory issues. The water used in the building is Marion water + additional filtration system + third party testing quarterly. Reducing metals in drinking water has been known to aide in the reduction of high blood pressure and kidney disease. Plenty of healthy water is not only important as we age, it is known to be especially beneficial for those living with dementia. The Views In-house culinary chef and certified dietician follows strict WELL standards for nutrition. Menus are labeled with nutritional facts and nutrition education is available. Lighting systems throughout the community are designed to increase alertness, enhance the living experience and promote good sleep. The building is also designed with many windows increasing exposure to natural light! Activity and programs are designed to promote and enhance fitness, comfort, and mind wellness.