Retirement is an exciting milestone. Years of hard work have paid off, and now you’re free to spend your days doing the things that are most meaningful. As you transition to this new lifestyle, one of the biggest decisions revolves around where you’ll call home, and you’ll want to live somewhere you can remain active and engaged.
If you or a loved one are weighing the choice between staying at home or living in a community, consider the ways community life leads to a more active lifestyle in retirement.
Why Health and Wellness are Key Factors to Consider in Your Retirement Years
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to spend your retirement years lounging poolside. However, being active is essential to maintaining both mental and physical health. According to the National Council on Aging, benefits of regular exercise for older adults include:
- Preventing bone loss and restoring bone density.
- Relieving arthritis pain and reducing inflammation.
- Preventing chronic disease including cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, diabetes, obesity and hypertension.
- Boosting the immune system.
- Improving mood, easing anxiety/depression symptoms and increasing relaxation.
No matter your age, getting into an exercise routine can be challenging. If you’re not sure where to start, the ideal routine for older adults incorporates a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training and stretching exercises. Popular activities that achieve these health and wellness goals include yoga, pilates, walking, swimming, stair climbing and squats.
Even older adults with chronic conditions or mobility challenges can utilize many of these options to engage the mind and body. Should you have any questions or concerns, always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.
How Community Living Keeps You Active and Engaged
Sometimes all it takes to reignite your active lifestyle is a little extra support. By living in a community setting, you’re surrounded by convenient opportunities and a network of individuals with similar goals. As you consider where to spend your retirement years, here are five ways community living keeps you active and engaged.
Social Connections
Isolation and loneliness are serious issues for many older adults who live alone. Friends and family may no longer live close by, and it becomes difficult to find ways to connect with new people. In a community setting you’re surrounded by others of similar age and interests. Instead of forcing friendships, you’re able to connect with individuals who share your same passions.
Balanced Nutrition
Exercise and nutrition go hand in hand when it comes to living a healthy, active lifestyle. When meal preparation and grocery shopping become a tedious chore, it’s easier to reach for fast food and other less-than-nutritious options. Community living removes this barrier with dining venues that provide balanced, chef-prepared meals full of fresh ingredients.
Continued Learning
Keeping the mind engaged is just as important as the body. Community living provides ample opportunity to learn and develop new hobbies. At communities like Querencia, residents can enjoy everything from cultivating the shared gardens to honing their skills in the woodworking shop. Each day brings new possibilities, and the only limit is your imagination.
Ease of Access
Community life is designed around making everyday life easier. Instead of having to find the time to drive to the gym or prepare a meal, everything is available right outside your door. With greater ease of access, you don’t get bogged down in the daily grind. You get to pick and choose which specific activities you want to participate in, and have the support of others around you as added encouragement.
Reduced Stress
Regular exercise and activity are important, but you have to leave some time for relaxation, too. Whether that’s soaking up some sun in the pool or getting spa and salon treatment, communities help provide a balanced lifestyle. On top of that, things like maintenance, housekeeping and transportation are never a concern because they’re covered by a team of professionals.
How Residents Live Active Lifestyles at Querencia
Querencia is the premier senior living community in Austin, Texas. We take a comprehensive approach to health and wellness, offering residents opportunities that engage body, mind and spirit. This includes everything from organized yoga classes to guest lectures from renowned local experts. We know that each individual has unique interests and passions. This is why we work with every resident to craft a plan that allows them to live their best life.
One of the things that sets Querencia apart is our idyllic location in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Residents can pursue their favorite activities in nature with an abundance of hiking trails, community gardens and manicured courtyards. In addition to outdoor activities, the nearby city of Austin provides a world-class selection of music, theater, cuisine and more.
If this sounds like a good fit for the lifestyle you want to live, let our dedicated team show you what makes the community at Querencia so special. Please don’t hesitate to contact us and get the conversation started today.
