Exploring Spirituality and Wellness at Blakehurst Senior Living Community
For seniors, spiritual wellness is a vital dimension of overall well-being. A sense of purpose, inner peace, and connection to something greater than oneself helps us thrive and remain resilient in our later years.
Nurturing spiritual health — whether through religious practices, meditation, connection with nature, or acts of kindness — also increases emotional balance and mental clarity. Moreover, it promotes a sense of interconnectedness with others and the world, reducing feelings of isolation while enhancing community engagement — both of which are particularly important for seniors.
While Blakehurst is not affiliated with a particular religious denomination, the senior living community in Towson, Md., offers a variety of spiritual programs and opportunities that encourage connection, reflection, and enrichment.
“A strong spiritual sense can offer hope, strength, and peace,” explains Community Life Services Director Debra Bartgis. “Blakehurst residents can nurture their spiritual selves through worship services, meditation, religious studies, and more.”
These efforts create a vibrant, inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can explore their spirituality in whatever form best nourishes them.
Diverse Spiritual Practices: Fostering Inclusivity and Connection
Blakehurst embraces residents from multiple faiths, encouraging both personal and communal spiritual expression. Rabbi Ben Shalva, who visits the community regularly, provides Jewish programming, including services for holidays and festivals.
In October, he hosted a gathering for Sukkot, a Jewish fall harvest festival celebrating nature, community, and gratitude. Residents of all faiths were invited to gather in a Sukkah—a symbolic hut representing the temporary shelters of the ancient Israelites during the Exodus. Rabbi Ben’s program included an explanation of the festival, music and singing, and food, fostering a joyous and reflective atmosphere.
“Life as an empty nester and after retirement can be very difficult,” says Rabbi Ben. “Being an active parent or having a career provides many people with their sense of purpose and identity. When you’re a senior, you may feel a little lost as you are redefining who you are and why you are here. Physical ailments that change what you are able to do compound those feelings. My twin goals when visiting residents are to help them find meaning and joy in their lives. We all need that.”
He emphasizes that his programs are open to all residents, regardless of their religious background. Non-Jewish residents often join the events, curious about Jewish traditions and wisdom, or eager to support their Jewish friends
“I love coming to Blakehurst because the residents are welcoming, smart, and always interested in learning more about the world around them,” explains Rabbi Ben. “They ask thoughtful questions, and support and respect each other whether they are joining us to worship or simply out of friendly curiosity. Sharing traditions with others helps us appreciate the richness of each other’s beliefs and heritage and helps create a stronger, happier community overall.”
Ecumenical Worship: Strengthening Spiritual Health through Community
Bill Krulak, a retired Episcopal priest who lives at Blakehurst, co-chairs the Vespers Committee along with fellow retired priest Reverend Tom Culbertson. The group helps organize inclusive Sunday evening worship services. These services are ecumenical, welcoming clergy from various denominations to lead prayers, music, and reflections. The Vespers Committee is made up of people representing different faith backgrounds, including Christians and Jews.
The committee hosted a service in support of Ukraine following the invasion drew nearly 100 attendees. Father Bill is interested in organizing a joint event with Rabbi Ben during the Hanukkah and Christmas season, hoping to celebrate the shared values between Judaism and Christianity. “We may come from different traditions, but the act of coming together deepens our sense of friendship and community,” he explains.
Meditation Room: A Quiet Space for Reflection
Recognizing the need for intimate spaces where residents can reflect and recharge, Blakehurst is incorporating a meditation room as part of its current renovation projects.
This room, designed with simplicity and tranquility in mind, will be a welcoming peaceful space for contemplating life’s deeper questions, finding solace, or simply taking a break from daily activities.
The words “Peace, Reflect, Rest” will be written above the door.
Father Bill championed the need for the room. “After losing a close friend suddenly, I wanted a place where I could sit quietly and reflect,” he shares. “We have a large auditorium for larger services. When the Catholic Church comes in and does mass each week, they use a smaller room that seats 20 people, but there wasn’t a quiet, dedicated space for an individual or very small group to sit and think.”
He took the idea to the Vespers Committee and to also Blakehurst’s Executive Director, Lonny Blessing. “Everyone was on board and LCS (the company that owns Blakehurst) also recognized the need. They made it happen. Even though this community has no religious affiliation, leadership understands how critical fostering some form of spirituality is to the lives of the people here. We’re all spiritual beings. There are many people here who are deeply spiritual, but they’re not in any way connected with organized religion.”
Spiritual Wellness and Aging Well
Both Rabbi Ben and Father Bill emphasize the profound connection between spirituality and wellness, particularly for older adults. Engaging in spiritual practices provides emotional support, reduces feelings of isolation, and helps residents find meaning in life, especially during challenging moments. “Our goal is to help individuals find joy and purpose at any stage of life,” Rabbi Ben says. “Spirituality offers a deeper sense of meaning beyond titles, careers, or physical limitations.”
Father Bill echoes these sentiments, noting how residents often support each other in difficult times. “Blakehurst has become a family,” he says. “We visit each other, support each other, write notes, and show up for one another.”
A Holistic Approach to Well-Being
Blakehurst’s spiritual programming complements its other enrichment and wellness activities, which include exercise classes, parties, games, club meetings, volunteer opportunities, trips, performances, music group rehearsals, special events, and educational talks.
To learn more about wellness at Blakehurst, visit https://blakehurstlcs.com/lifestyle/wellness/.