Cultures around the world have spent centuries developing their own approaches to living well. Some involve movement, some involve rest, and some are simply a way of seeing daily life. What they share is a recognition that wellness is not a single habit but an entire orientation. At The Pines at Davidson, many of these principles are already part of how residents live every day.

Tai Chi (China)

Originating in ancient China as a martial art, tai chi has evolved into one of the most widely practiced wellness disciplines in the world. Its slow, deliberate movements build balance, flexibility, and body awareness without placing stress on the joints. Research consistently supports its effectiveness in reducing fall risk among older adults, making it one of the most practically beneficial practices for healthy aging. Residents at The Pines can take tai chi classes in the Workman Wellness Center’s Multi-Purpose Room as part of the community’s fitness and wellness programming.

Shinrin-Yoku (Japan)

Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is the Japanese practice of spending quiet, unhurried time in nature. It is not hiking or exercise. It is simply being present among trees. Studies have found that regular forest bathing lowers cortisol levels, reduces blood pressure, and supports immune function. At The Pines, the 150-acre campus and its Level 1 Arboretum-accredited gardens and woodlands make this practice available every morning, just outside the front door.

Lagom (Sweden)

The Swedish word lagom has no direct English translation, but it describes a philosophy of balance: not too much, not too little, just enough. Applied to daily life, it means finding a sustainable rhythm across activity, rest, food, and social engagement rather than pushing toward extremes. Research on lifestyle and longevity supports this instinct for moderation. The approach to wellness at The Pines reflects a similar philosophy, with a wide range of options across fitness, learning, dining, and rest so that residents can build a routine that fits their own pace.

Hygge (Denmark)

Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a Danish concept centered on warmth, ease, and intentional togetherness. It is the comfort of a shared meal, a relaxed evening with neighbors, or a conversation that goes unhurried. Research on social connection consistently shows that meaningful relationships are among the strongest predictors of health and longevity in older adults. The activities and social opportunities at The Pines, from resident-organized gatherings to shared dining and group programming, reflect the spirit of hygge in practice.

Niksen (Netherlands)

Niksen is the Dutch practice of doing nothing with purpose. Not meditating, not planning, just resting without an agenda. In a culture that prizes productivity, niksen is a deliberate counterweight, and researchers studying burnout and chronic stress have found that unstructured rest plays an important role in mental recovery. For residents at The Pines, maintenance-free living removes the endless household to-do list that fills so much time at home, creating natural space for the kind of rest that actually restores.

Ikigai (Japan/Okinawa)

Ikigai is a Japanese concept meaning, roughly, a reason to get up in the morning. It refers to the sense of purpose that comes from doing work that matters, whether paid or not, creative or practical, solitary or communal. Blue Zone research from Okinawa identifies ikigai as one of the key factors behind the region’s exceptional longevity. At The Pines, residents have ongoing opportunities to pursue meaning through lifelong learning programs connected to Davidson College, a full calendar of activities, and a community that encourages engagement at every stage.

Wellness Is a Way of Life

The most enduring wellness traditions from around the world share a common insight: health is shaped by how you live, not just what you do at the gym. Movement, rest, nature, connection, purpose, and balance all play a role. The Pines at Davidson is a nonprofit Continuing Care Retirement Community in Davidson, North Carolina, built with that understanding at its foundation. Situated on a Level 1 Arboretum-accredited campus, with a full continuum of care, a vibrant activities program, and close ties to Davidson College, it is a place where older adults can pursue the kind of whole-life wellness that the world’s longest-living cultures have always understood. To learn more, contact us to schedule a visit.