“Retirement? I’m too young to retire!” Sepia pictures of older adults sitting around a television flash in your head. It’s time to replace those outdated images with vibrant color montages of retirement as it could be. Remaining active as an older adult benefits our physical, mental and social well-being. Today’s independent living communities offer an unparalleled lifestyle. If you think retirement is the end, think again. It is only the beginning!
Why is active retirement so important? And what can you do to stay vibrant into retirement and beyond? Let’s explore how you can make the most of your golden years to live a happy, healthy life.
Active retirement means keeping your body, mind and social life active as you age. It’s a way of thinking that sees retirement as an opportunity instead of an ending. There are many benefits to an active lifestyle, such as:
Our bodies change as we age, but physical activity keeps us healthier for longer. Here are some advantages of active living:
Activity keeps our minds sharp. Over time, our brains experience structural changes that can affect memory and motor functions. Exercise increases blood flow and oxygenation, vital for a healthy brain. Engaging in hobbies or social activities can help ward off cognitive decline and depression.
Our goal is to stay independent as long as possible. Living an active lifestyle helps us do this. The associated physical and mental health benefits allow us to live how we want. Autonomy contributes to a greater sense of self and a feeling of control. Independent living communities empower residents to remain independent by providing support within the community.
Spending time with friends or participating in group activities combats loneliness and isolation. Fostering human connection improves our emotional health. Retirement villages often offer activities that encourage a sense of community and belonging. Studies show social interaction in later life may reduce dementia risk by 30 to 50 percent.
The great news is that today’s older adults are healthier and living longer! Maintaining an active lifestyle increases longevity. It’s not only about living longer — it’s about leading a fulfilling life.
A life with purpose is a life well-lived. Having a focus to drive us can bring meaning to our lives. Your purpose may be volunteering, investing in your community or indulging in a hobby. Those who have a purpose are happier, healthier and more engaged.
You’re convinced and want to start embracing an active lifestyle in retirement. Where do you start? How can you live a more active life? Let’s explore four ways you can make your retirement meaningful:
Getting older doesn’t mean we stop moving — we find ways to move to suit our needs! There are ways to make staying active easier:
Retirement communities offer health and wellness programs designed for older adults. From group exercise classes to state-of-the-art gyms, there’s an activity that fits your needs.
Socializing may be more challenging as an older adult than in your youth. Some of the ways to maintain social engagement include:
Living in a retirement village provides many opportunities for social interaction. Neighbors of similar ages surround you, making it easy to foster relationships. Micro-communities bring people together who share interests or want to learn new skills.
The human brain is remarkable. It continues to learn and grow even into later life. Exercising our brains helps with memory and cognitive impairment faced by older adults. Lifelong learning means continuing our education and personal development throughout retirement. There are many ways to do this, like:
What inspires you to get out of bed in the morning? What gets you excited to face each day? Living with purpose means seeing every moment as an opportunity. It’s about making an impact on your own life or the lives of others. The greatest gift you can give yourself in retirement is finding your purpose. If you love to help others, volunteering or mission work leads to fulfillment. Get involved in community service or lend a hand at your local soup kitchen. Your skills and interests could benefit others.
Retirement is an exciting chapter in your life! Make it the best chapter yet by taking advantage of all retirement offers. Living an active lifestyle benefits the mind, body and spirit. Garden Spot Village invests in your physical and mental health. Our community centers around purpose-based living. We offer a host of initiatives that allow our residents to make an impact on the world around them.
At Garden Spot Village, you’re part of a community that inspires and motivates each other. Our micro-communities include everything from beekeeping to metal crafting and everything in between. We believe you’ll find a group of like-minded friends or a new hobby to challenge you.
Are you ready to embrace the active retirement lifestyle of your dreams? Our vibrant community near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, could be perfect for you. Contact our team to learn about active living with Garden Spot Village.
