Most seniors want to retain as much independence as possible as they age. However, it’s no secret that as you get older, you’re more susceptible to certain illnesses and health conditions. While it can be nice to age in place and stay home if you have the support, that’s not feasible or safe for everyone.
That’s why retirement communities are not only important but necessary for our aging population.
Retirement communities are able to provide necessary general health and wellness care to their community members while still fostering independence. They can mitigate some of the common struggles seniors face with age, from mobility and health issues to loneliness and isolation.
Let’s take a closer look at the tools these resort-style retirement communities have available to them, and how they help community members maintain an active and healthy aging lifestyle.
Most retirement communities offer a variety of health and fitness classes. The best part? They’re designed to fit the needs of older individuals. You might not be up for a high-intensity cardio workout, but you could still benefit from a yoga class. Staying physically active is essential for seniors. It boosts balance, endurance, strength, and flexibility. Not only can regular exercise reduce your risk of certain diseases, but it can help to give you more energy and improve your mood.
You also won’t have to worry about having access to healthy meals at a retirement community. It can be difficult to cook for yourself if you live alone in a home or apartment. Maybe you wouldn’t have access to the best ingredients, or maybe you’ve never considered yourself much of a cook. For some, “cooking for one” simply isn’t fun or inspiring.
A healthy diet is incredibly important for fighting off inflammation and reducing the risk of many chronic illnesses. Retirement communities offer delicious, healthy options every day. As a bonus, you can enjoy meals with your friends, and sit around the table together to talk about what’s going on in your life. That’s the way food should be enjoyed!
Whether you have a chronic condition, mobility issues, vision or hearing problems, or you’re just dealing with the natural effects of aging, it’s typical for older individuals to need medical care more often. If you choose to live at home, you might need to completely renovate your living space to make it more accessible. Some of the most common pieces of equipment used for home accessibility are:
Retirement homes have all of the necessary equipment available to make each space completely accessible to everyone. They can even equip your living space with exactly what you need to live comfortably. It’s more cost-effective, and you can take comfort in knowing it’s being installed by professionals who know exactly what they’re doing.
The care doesn’t stop there. Retirement communities often have relationships with local healthcare facilities and physicians. Whether you have an eye doctor appointment to help protect your vision as you age or you need more immediate medical care, the staff is equipped to help you and take action immediately to get you the attention you need. Some communities even offer transportation services that can take you to and from your appointments.
Loneliness is a major problem for the senior community in our country. It’s estimated that nearly one-fourth of adults over the age of 65 are socially isolated. That kind of isolation can lead to serious physical and mental health issues, including:
Needless to say, it’s essential for seniors to have support systems in their lives. Having friends and family around is great, but they might not be able to be there all the time. A retirement community offers just that — a sense of community that makes it difficult to ever feel lonely or isolated.
Not only is there a built-in group of people to interact with, but most retirement communities offer everything from fitness classes to artistic activities. You can meet like-minded people with similar hobbies and interests, and might end up making life-long friends that will be with you for everything from lunch on a Wednesday afternoon to evening strolls around the community.
Retirement communities are wonderful places to maintain your aging health. Not only do they provide the care and support many older individuals need, but they have the necessary tools to help you age gracefully while supporting your wellness. If you’ve been considering whether a retirement community is right for you (or an aging family member), keep these benefits in mind.
Sam Bowman writes about people, aging, wellness, and how they merge. He enjoys getting to utilize the internet for community without actually having to leave his house. In his spare time he likes running, reading, and combining the two in a run to his local bookstore.
