Although it can become increasingly difficult, we should still aim to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle as we age. The 2021 Senior Report from the United Health Foundation found that only 23.1% of adults aged 65 and above met the national physical activity guidelines for Americans. This is a matter of great concern as having an active lifestyle is one of the factors that can reduce our risk of developing chronic and acute medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even some types of cancer.
Your cognitive and mental health will also benefit from regular exercise. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (IDPHP) shares that daily physical activity can enhance your ability to think, make decisions, as well as improve your mood.
The focus on quality senior living means that there are now multiple avenues for you or your loved one to stay on top of your health as you age. If you are thinking about moving to a retirement community, here are four ways Independent Living in Lehigh Acres, FL, can encourage an active retirement life.
Independent Living Keeps You Active
As you enter into your golden years, connecting with others of similar age and interests is essential to helping you achieve a good quality of life. In an Independent Living community, there are many senior living amenities that you can enjoy. You can discuss the plot of a book with other residents in the library and media center, play a round of cards with them in the games room, do some arts and crafts in the crafts room and more! You will also have lots of opportunities to socialize and make new friends.
Independent Living Gives You Access to Healthy Meals
As you age, eating a healthy diet that meets your nutritional needs can become a challenge. Preparing your own meals can be too much of a hassle while eating out is unhealthy and increases your risk of heart disease, stroke and obesity.
Many retirement communities provide delicious chef-prepared meals that are made-from-scratch daily with fresh ingredients. Residents also get to enjoy a communal dining experience where they can socialize with others while having their meals. This takes the pressure off mealtimes and the need to clean up, giving you more hours in the day to pursue your interests.
Independent Living Activities Keeps You Mentally and Physically Fit
Being able to choose from a variety of activities that cater to our interests can help us to stay mentally and physically fit. That is why many senior Independent Living communities place emphasis on providing senior living programs that enable you to choose from a range of activities such as yoga, water aerobics, or spiritual gatherings to participate in.
Independent Living Provides You with a Support System
Keeping in shape is a lot more fun when you’re doing it with others in an Independent Living community. Not only are there opportunities for socialization but you can also deepen friendship bonds through mutual encouragement.
Another benefit of having a workout buddy is that you are more likely to reach your fitness goal. In fact, research has found that people have a greater chance of losing weight when they work out with a friend.
Pursue an Active Lifestyle in Our Retirement Community
Our retirement community believes in giving you ample opportunity to interact with others while pursuing your hobbies and interests. Our Celebrations Activities & Events program holds fun events and organizes activities such as fitness and dance classes, Wii bowling game sessions, and more.
Independent Living ultimately gives you a great deal of autonomy to decide how you would like to spend your time without having to worry about household chores, grocery shopping or meal preparation. In our retirement community, there’s something for everyone. Begin your journey as an active retiree today!
