Maintaining an Active Lifestyle Through Exercise and Travel
HarborChase Of Sarasota
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Oct 07, 2021
Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties
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Staying active and adventurous is a great way to explore new places and create memories while staying energetic, sharp, and healthy. Whether its joining a fitness class, taking a short road trip, or going on an international vacationleading an active and fulfilling lifestyle can do wonders for your overall health and wellness. At HarborChase Senior Living, with retirement communities throughout the United States, we provide you with care when you need it and independence when you want it. We encourage all residents to get active and explore and know that they will always have a home to come back to.
We understand that there is still uncertainty and safety concerns surroundingCOVID-19. HarborChase is sharing this article in the hopes that it helps you understand the benefits of travel and activity, and maybe plan a trip once social distancing is no longer necessary!
Benefits of Living an Active Lifestyle
Being physically active is important for everyone, but the benefits of being active become more valuable with age. Exercising a few times a week can significantly improve your overall health, whether mentally, physically, or emotionally. Here are some specific benefits of physical activity.
Physical Benefits:
Helps improve stability and balance, which can help prevent falls
Can reduce the impact of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure
Maintains healthy bones, muscles, and joints
Improves stamina
Helps maintain a healthy weight
Improves sleep
Mental and Emotional Benefits:
Can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
Promotes healthy brain function
Aids in socialization
Can improve mood
Aside from the countless health benefits, getting out and doing something active is a great way for you to try something new! Whether its a yoga class, water aerobics, or a ballroom dance lesson, you can be active while having fun and learning something new.
Ways to Get Active at a Senior Living Community
Living in an independent living community brings you endless possibilities to get out and get active. Some examples of how you can get active in your community include:
Attend a guided fitness class
Stop by the fitness and health center
Walk around the grounds and enjoy some fresh air
Clean or decorate your living space
Grab a friend and go shopping or walking around town
Getting out and active in your community is a great way to meet new people and see new things all while gaining the benefits of physical activity!
Benefits of Travel
Another way to get out and maintain an active lifestyle is through travel. There is so much out there waiting to be explored, and adventure is only a short flight, drive, or even walk away. When you get out of the daily norm and see new sights, your perspective can change, and you may find yourself becoming more relaxed, creative, and open-minded.
There are also several health benefits of traveling! Simply getting out of your comfort zone and exploring new places can encourage health, happiness, and longevity.
Some known benefits of traveling include:
Relieves stress and enhances mood
Encourages creativity and confidence
Improves communication skills
Promotes physical activity (Anyone that has traveled knows there can be a lot of walking!)
Many people love the idea of traveling but feel like they never have the time or ability to. Fortunately, retirement is the perfect time to see the world, country, or state! Its an excellent opportunity to use your freedom and independence and check some places off your bucket list. If you cant decide what type of travel is right for you, here are some popular trip ideas for older adults.
Travel Ideas for Retirees
Cruises
A cruise is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of your independence and free time. Cruises are a fun, affordable option that can cater to both active adults and those who just want to relax!
Most cruise lines offer an all-inclusive package, so you do not have to worry about keeping cash and budgeting your trip which can relieve a lot of stress from your vacation. Other added benefits include excursions, scheduled itineraries, and specialty cuisines that make the cruise experience an enjoyable one.
Once again, we understand that there is still uncertainty and safety concerns surrounding COVID-19. HarborChase Senior Living is encouraging travel once it is safe to do so.
Golf Vacations
If you enjoy being active outdoors, a golfing vacation might be your ideal getaway. These outings are perfect for groups or couples looking for some friendly competition, some warm and sunny weather, or a bit of light exercise. Plus, most golf packages include stays at lodges, which might offer spa or fitness services. A few great golfing destinations include the beautiful Caribbean and sunny Florida.
Food Tours and Cultural Adventures
Food tours have quickly become one of the most popular experiences for travelers. They are a fun way to get to know a new city, experience a different culture, and eat some delicious food! You dont even have to go to Italy or France to seek out some amazing cuisines; some of the worlds best food cities are right here in the United States. Popular destinations for foodies include New Orleans, Chicago, and New York City. Just be sure to get some exercise after eating all that food!
Another great way to immerse yourself in a new culture is by visiting museums, historical sites, and more. Doing this is one of the best ways to learn about other cultures and customs, and can give you a new perspective and appreciation for life.
Wheels of Freedom
If flying overseas doesn't appeal to you, there are many ways to see our own country! A great way to see the United States coast-to-coast is by Recreational Vehicle (RV). RVs are perfect for retirees who want to see a lot, travel with ease, and still enjoy an active lifestyle on the open road.
An RV adventure can pose the perfect platform for travel with no need for repetitive bathroom stops or breaks to stretch your legs. It is essential to make your trip worthwhile with destination stops, such as the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico or Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.
Travel Tips for Older Adults
Traveling and seeing new places is an exciting experience, so its important that you are prepared so that your trip goes smoothly. If you or any of your travel partners need special arrangements, be sure to schedule ahead of time. Here are a few travel tips for those heading out on a new adventure:
Ensure you have enough medication and vitamins for your entire trip. It is also a good idea to pack extra in a separate location, in case some luggage becomes misplaced.
Always check the weather the day before your trip, and if you are going on vacation for longer than a few days, be sure to pack an array of clothing options.
Schedule any special accommodations ahead of time.
Be flexible with your schedules, and be willing to adjust if you feel tired or overexerted. After all, vacations are supposed to be relaxing!
Get Active at HarborChase Independent Living
At HarborChase retirement communities, we encourage an active lifestyle for all residents. Our communities provide a maintenance-free and attentive lifestyle that gives you more time to do the things you love.
With no home-upkeep or allotted two weeks of vacation, living in a HarborChase retirement community provides countless opportunities for you to get active, try new things, and explore new places with the added benefit of always having a home to return to.
In addition, when you're not out exploring, there are countless things you can do within our communities. Whether its a fitness class, social event, or day excursion, HarborChase Senior Living is always coming up with new and extensive ways to keep residents engaged and entertained.
HarborChase knows how vital it is to get physically active, and that's why our communities are committed to promoting a healthy, active, and fulfilling lifestyle. Each of our unique independent living communities across the country is tailored to provide residents with the proper tools they need to get moving and get active.
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As we age, we often naturally tend to slow down. Sometimes, seniors develop aches and pains that also lead to changes in their movement and ability. One way to try to keep up their movement and independence is to keep their body, and what propels it, flexible.Tips for Improving or Maintaining FlexibilityWith flexibility, the body can move freer, go farther and feel less pain. Flexibility can help with strength, balance and overall well-being. It also can help reduce pain and injuries. Maintaining flexibility is one of the keys to helping seniors live independent lives.Stretch ItOne key to keeping the body flexible is stretching. Many studies have shown that stretching the body helps improve flexibility. There are many ways to start a stretching routine. You can even begin by stretching in bed before you get up in the morning. Stretching cold muscles, however, can cause injury, so make sure to warm them up a little before beginning any routine. If youre looking for some guidance on your stretching journey, join a yoga class geared specifically toward beginners or senior citizens. For some extra fun while stretching, head down to the beach for your yoga, where many classes are offered weekly and often are free.If youd rather stretch at home, there are many things you can do right from the comfort of your living room or even on the lanai, including these basic stretches with descriptions and visuals from the Mayo Clinic.Just Get Up and GoWhile it might seem simple, simply moving is one of the best ways to maintain flexibility. Using those joints and muscles each day keeps them in tip-top shape. If people tend to sit too much or lie down, they can lose their flexibility and strength, which in turn can lead to a lack of independence and relying on others for more help. So get out there and do what you love or what you enjoy, as long as it involves some kind of movement. Even simply increasing the amount you walk each day can improve your flexibility. Add 100 steps each day to your routines. Park a little further out when heading to the beach. Walk to the pool instead of driving. Each of these steps can help increase the amount you walk and increase flexibility and overall strength. If biking is more your thing, hop on and go. You also can increase flexibility in the water. Swimming, or even just walking back and forth in the water, can be easier on the joints, while still providing needed exercise. Remember, Its Not Gone ForeverThere is some good news out there. Perhaps youve let things slide a bit or gotten lazy. You can feel that your flexibility isnt what it used to be. You might feel stiffness or pain when you move. Perhaps bending down to put your socks on is getting harder and harder. Many studies show that working on your flexibility now, even after the age of 65, can help you regain some of your flexibility.You can start as simple as you like. You can even march in place to begin. Or maybe you want to hang onto the stairway banister and do some leg lifts. Even standing on one foot and working your way up to 30 seconds per foot can help with flexibility. The more you do, the more flexible you will become. If youve never considered yourself super flexible but commit to a routine now, you may even be more nimble than you ever thought possible. Just keep increasing what you are doing each day, and in turn, you can increase your flexibility and overall health and well-being.We Can HelpWhether your senior loved ones want someone with them as they stretch every day and work on their health or they simply need a companion, Visiting Angels Sarasota has the right caregivers to help. Our referral network of caregivers can provide many services to help your senior with everything from getting ready in the morning to bathing before bed. The caregivers also can help you focus on what is important in life while helping to take care of everyday tasks for your senior and your family.Visiting Angels Sarasota helps local seniors in Sarasota, Siesta Key, St. Armands Key and the surrounding areas to age in place while having full, independent, safe and dignified lives. For information on using an in-home caregiver, call us at (941) 952-5800 or contact us online by.
NEW! AquaBody Strong Classes
NEW! AquaBody Strong Classes Balance-and-strength-based water workout that challenges you to maintain core stability and postural alignment while performing Pilates and boot camp exercises on a water fitness board. Contact WellnessEnrollments@nchmd.org to register! Briggs Aquatic Fitness and Swimming Pool 399 9th Street N Naples FL, 34102 239-624-2750 Press option #6 To register for a class, stop by the front desk OR email us! WellnessEnrollments@nchmd.org Swim Lessons Private swim lessons available by request New to swim lessons Work on floating, treading water and forward movement Experienced swim lessons Work on technique, breathing, endurance or a new stroke AquaBoard Classes Balance-and-strength based water workout that challenges you to maintain core stability and postural alignment while performing Pilates and bootcamp exercises on a water fitness board. AquaBody Pilates with Donna B. AquaBody Bootcamp with Melissa W. Member pricing: One session $15 | Four sessions $54 Guest pricing: One session $25 | Four sessions $90 Water Aerobics Classes First come, first serve Included with membership $15 single-day guest pass Aquatic Personal Training Work on range-of-motion, flexibility and strength conditioning. A unique twist to aging actively, programs can be customized for: General fitness Senior fitness Sports performance Special populations Pre/post surgery $85 per session Open / Lap Swimming Lap swimming, pool walking and individual exercises. The pool is 25 meters long, has four lanes and is heated to 84 degrees Pool closes temporarily when lightning within ten (10) miles No lap swimming during class times, please check the aquatic schedule Included with membership $15 single-day guest pass
The #1 Exercise to Do as You Get Older
Often the hardest part of doing something new is getting started, and that's especially true about exercise. This article from AARP makes it easy to get started with the most important exercise to help you age healthy: squats. Five or ten squats are easy to do while you wait for the coffee to brew or the microwave to finish heating.Even when we're healthy we sometimes need a little extra help with the house or errands. Visit our website at www.rosehillathome.com to learn more about how Rose Hill Stay-at-Home Services can help you or a loved one stay in independent and at home.
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HarborChase Of Sarasota
Assisted Living 5311 Proctor Rd., Sarasota, Florida, 34233We know you're facing a difficult decision. That's why we're here, and why we do what we do. We understand the challenges you face when caring for a loved that requires daily assistance or is challenged by memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer's. But now imagine a new home where lovely surroundings, tasty food, and a compassionate, competent staff make each day shine. This is HarborChase, where we pride ourselves on setting the gold standard every day in our assisted living, memory care communities.
HarborChase Of Sarasota
Memory Care 5311 Proctor Rd., Sarasota, Florida, 34233HarborChase of Sarasota! We know you're facing a difficult decision. That's why we're here, and why we do what we do. We understand the challenges you face when caring for a loved that requires daily assistance or is challenged by memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer's. But now imagine a new home where lovely surroundings, tasty food, and a compassionate, competent staff make each day shine. This is HarborChase, where we pride ourselves on setting the gold standard every day in our assisted living, memory care communities.