Creative Living Arrangements in Retirement

Everyone has a unique vision of their perfect retirement. You may want to spend your senior years traveling the world or mastering the art of cooking. Or perhaps you daydream about making new friends and volunteering. No matter your goals, active aging can help you achieve your dreams and make the most of your retirement. What is active aging? The World Health Organization defines this concept as the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age. Active aging goes beyond physical exercise. This framework promotes civic involvement, emotional health, independence, social engagement, and spiritual well-being. Active aging enables seniors to have happier and more purposeful lives. Older adults can stay connected to their communities by participating in meaningful activities like going to religious services and volunteering at a local food bank. Many seniors also invest time in their hobbies and attend social events. Additionally, staying active helps seniors stay fit, healthy, and mentally sharp as they age. Recreational and social activities exercise the body and the mind, promoting overall health and well-being. This blog explores the many benefits of staying active and the role of active aging communities.  Benefits of Active AgingActive aging has numerous benefits for older adults. This approach can improve every aspect of your life.Physical Benefits of Active AgingRegular exercise is an integral part of active aging. Seniors can participate in a broad range of physical activities, such as biking, hiking, and Tai Chi. Recreational activities like going to the museum and playing games with grandchildren also keep older adults moving. Because active aging prioritizes exercise and movement, it offers many physical benefits, such as: Better quality of sleep: Many seniors have difficulty falling and staying asleep. Staying physically active can reduce sleep disturbances and improve your overall sleep quality, so you feel more energized during the day. Decreased risk of mortality: Active aging can help you have a longer and healthier life. According to a 2022 study, older adults who engage in 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise or 1.25 to 2.5 hours of vigorous-intensity exercise weekly had a 31% lower risk of mortality than people who exercise less frequently. Reduced number of falls: Research shows that regular exercise reduces the rate of falls by 25%. Mental Benefits of Active AgingActive aging also provides many advantages for mental health, such as: Decreased risk of depression: Many seniors experience depression as they get older, but this isnt an inevitable part of aging. Active aging positively impacts mental health and reduces the risk of depression. Improved cognitive function: According to a 2021 study, seniors who engage in a variety of meaningful daily activities experience less cognitive decline as they age. Reduced anxiety: Research shows that seniors who live an active lifestyle have fewer anxiety symptoms. Social Benefits of Active AgingYou can improve your social health by embracing active aging. Social benefits include: Increased sense of belonging: Active living enables seniors to build strong relationships with others, making them feel like they belong to a community.Reduced social isolation: Engaging in a broad range of fulfilling activities helps older adults stay connected with their peers and develop support networks. Emotional Benefits of Active AgingActive aging promotes emotional well-being in many ways, such as: Greater resilience: Older adults who participate in meaningful activities cope better with challenging situations. Improved mood: Seniors with active lifestyles generally feel happier and more fulfilled. Examples of Active Aging ActivitiesTheres no one-size-fits-all approach to active aging. You can prioritize recreational and social activities that align with your goals and interests. Its also a good idea to get out of your comfort zone by regularly trying new classes, hobbies, and social events. You might be pleasantly surprised to discover a new passion or make a friend you wouldnt have otherwise met.  Some of the most common active aging activities include: Cooking demonstrationsCreative activities, such as art classes and creative writing groups  Dance classes Social dinners and gatheringsFitness classes, including aquarobics, Pilates, Tai Chi, and yoga Genealogy research Hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities Joining a book or gardening clubLifelong learning courses  Meditating independently or in a group Outings to the aquarium, art museum, orchestra, or zoo Religious services Special events like festivals, car shows, and music concerts Sports, such as golf and tennis Volunteering with local community organizations, such as animal shelters, schools, and libraries Wine tasting Community board game and movie nights Choosing diverse activities promotes overall well-being by engaging your body, mind, and soul in different ways. For example, you might break a sweat at your morning Pilates class, spend the afternoon painting, and catch the latest blockbuster film with friends. Active Aging CommunitiesActive aging communities are designed for older adults who want to spend their retirement engaged in energizing and enriching activities. These communities take a holistic approach to aging by helping seniors thrive creatively, emotionally, mentally, physically, and socially. They recognize that each resident has a unique background and interests, and they help seniors find personal fulfillment. These communities offer varying levels of care, depending on the needs of their residents. Independent living communities have individual residences for active seniors who want to enjoy access to amenities but dont need regular medical assistance. Assisted living communities offer all the perks of independent living but also provide additional support for seniors who need help with everyday tasks. All types of active living communities have a variety of amenities to support busy and fun-filled lifestyles. Popular features include: Leisure and social events: Theres always something going on in an active living community. In fact, many communities organize so many events that you can effortlessly fill your entire calendar. For example, you could sample ros at a weekly wine-tasting event, discuss classic literature at a book club, and show off your skills at a community golf tournament. Maintenance-free living: Active living communities eliminate the hassle of chores and home maintenance. Staff handle routine tasks like cooking, laundry, raking leaves, and washing windows. These services let you dedicate your energy and time to your hobbies and social life. On-site dining: Many communities have on-site restaurants led by executive chefs and nutrition experts. You can savor a constantly-evolving selection of delicious and healthy meals without the hassle of cooking and washing dishes. These restaurants are social hubs where you can casually interact with other residents. Workout facilities: Stay in shape by attending fitness classes or private training sessions led by expert instructors. You can also hit the gym or swimming pool for an independent workout. You can choose the perfect active living community by researching communities that offer the amenities and services you need. Communities that have received accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities have demonstrated that they provide high-quality services, amenities, and care.Getting Started with Active AgingAll older adults can improve their health and happiness by embracing active aging. Here are a few tips for staying active as you get older: Ask a friend to attend new activities with you Eat nutritious foods to stay energized and healthy Engage in a variety of physical exercises to avoid boredomFind a creative outletGet a pet, like a dog you can walkPrioritize sleep Reduce stressIf this all sounds a bit overwhelming, dont worry. You can get started by developing a simple active aging plan that includes these elements: Physical Activities: Consider which types of exercise make you feel the most motivated and look for ways to incorporate them into your daily life. For instance, you could join a biking club or sign up for tennis lessons. Your doctor may also offer personal recommendations based on your health. A person with osteoporosis could benefit from strength training exercises, while someone with Dementia might enjoy daily walks. Hobbies: Make time to indulge in your favorite hobbies and experiment with new activities. An art class could let you express yourself in new ways, while weekends at the golf course enable you to perfect your skills. Social Events: Socializing with peers lets you develop a support network and share your interests with like-minded people. Volunteering: Giving back to your community helps you make friends and may benefit your cardiovascular health.Of course, active aging isnt always smooth sailing. Some seniors develop health conditions that prevent them from participating in their favorite activities. For instance, a person with cataracts may need to switch from biking to safer activities like walking. Similarly, someone experiencing financial challenges could search for free or low-cost activities. With a bit of creativity and support from your community, you can overcome many obstacles and keep aging actively. The National Institute on Aging offers many resources to learn more about active aging. Flourish With Active Aging Active aging promotes holistic well-being and self-care. Stay happy, healthy, and engaged as you age by participating in meaningful recreational and social activities. SRG Senior Livings active living communities offer the amenities and freedom you need to nourish your body, mind, and soul. Find more advice in our Healthy Aging guide, and contact us to discover how we can help you embrace a vibrant and purposeful life.  

As we age, maintaining optimal nutrition becomes increasingly important to support overall health and well-being. For seniors, a well-balanced diet can significantly impact physical health, cognitive function, and quality of life.Aging brings changes to our bodies that can affect nutritional needs. Metabolism slows down, and the body may become less efficient at absorbing nutrients. Additionally, the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis increases with age. Proper nutrition can help manage these risks and support healthy aging. It is important to eat well, even in our later years, to try to stay healthy as long as possible, keeping you in your home or residence of choice. Some essential nutrients include protein, fiber, calcium, Vitamin D, healthy fats, and Vitamin B12. These promote muscle mass and strength, bone health, digestive health, nerve function, and cab even improve cognitive function! It's also critically important to stay hydrated and watch portion sizes. Including variety and eating a wide range of foods also ensures you get different nutrients in your diet. Incorporating healthy eating into your lifestyle can significantly impact your ability to stay home and maintain independence for longer. The cost of care for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and even in-home care have skyrocketed, and continue to increase.  A well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients supports overall health, strengthens the immune system, and helps manage chronic conditions, reducing the need for frequent medical interventions. By focusing on nutrition, you can enhance your physical strength, cognitive function, and energy levels, which contributes to a higher quality of life and greater longevity in your own home. Making smart dietary choices can delay or prevent the onset of health issues that might otherwise necessitate a move to assisted living or frequent hospital visits.

Change can be daunting at any age, but for seniors, adjusting to a new living environment can be particularly challenging. Whether moving into a retirement community, downsizing to a smaller home, or transitioning to an assisted living facility, the process can evoke a range of emotions and concerns. As caregivers, family members, or friends, it's important to recognize our responsibility to provide support and guidance during this transition period. Here are some valuable tips on how to help a senior adjust to a new living environment.Start with Open Communication: Before the move, engage in open and honest conversations with the senior about their feelings, fears, and expectations regarding the transition. Listen attentively to their concerns and validate their emotions. Reassure them that their feelings are normal and offer your support whenever possible.Familiarize Them with the New Environment: Visit the new living environment together before the move, if possible. Explore the surrounding neighborhood, and introduce them to staff members and fellow residents. Familiarizing them with their new surroundings can alleviate anxiety and make the transition feel less overwhelming.Personalize Their Space: Help personalize their new living space to make it feel more like home. Bring familiar items such as family photos, a favorite comforter, and cherished mementos to decorate their room or apartment. Creating a comfortable and familiar environment can provide a sense of security and belonging.Establish a Routine: Create a sense of normalcy by establishing a daily routine. Consistency and structure can help reduce feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. Set regular meal times, exercise sessions, and leisure activities to provide stability and promote a sense of control over their environment.Encourage Socialization: Gently urge participation in social activities and engagement with other residents or neighbors. Building connections and forming friendships within the community can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Attend group events, classes, or outings together to facilitate social interactions and foster a sense of belonging.Provide Emotional Support: Be patient and empathetic as your loved one navigates the challenges of adjusting to their new living environment. Offer emotional support and encouragement, and remind them that it's okay to feel unsettled or homesick initially. Validate their emotions; do not try to talk them out of their feelings.  Reassure them that they are not alone in this transition.Seek Professional Assistance: Professional assistance from a counselor, therapist, or support group specializing in senior transitions can be a helpful resource if coping with the transition becomes too much of a struggle. Professional guidance can often facilitate a smoother adjustment process in new surroundings.Senior Care Authoritys Peace of Mind Program: Our Peace of Mind program eases the stress of the move-in by providing extra support, verifying post-move-in needs and wants, and helps set realistic expectations between the resident, family, and staff. Our Peace of Mind program offers: Weekly visits to your loved one, an engaging activity, guided by family input, communication with care home, senior living community, medical providers, or others on your behalf,  Our experts can provide an extra set of eyes on your loved one. Simply put, we are able to be there when you cannot.Helping an older adult adjust to a new living environment requires compassion and understanding. Remember to be patient, stay involved, and practice self-care along the way. With support and guidance, you can help someone can embrace their new living environment and thrive in this next chapter of their journey. Senior Care Authority experts are here to help. You dont have to do this alone.