An active lifestyle is a cornerstone of a vibrant and fulfilling life, especially as we age. Regular exercise not only enhances our physical well-being but also nourishes our minds and spirits, empowering us to live each day to the fullest.
Despite the many benefits of exercise for seniors, life’s unpredictability—including health problems, new or persistent pain, or even a lack of access to the right resources—can create barriers to regular physical activity. Choosing a senior living community that offers support for your wellness journey can help minimize these barriers.
From personalized fitness programs and on-site amenities to group classes and essential health services like rehabilitation, here are just a few of the ways the right senior living community can enhance and support active senior living.
The Benefits of Senior Fitness – Why Staying Active As You Age Matters
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) recommends that older adults aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week. This type of activity includes walking, dancing, and swimming. In addition, the ODHP recommends older adults do muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week.
Following a consistent physical regime can promote physical and mental wellness in seniors. Some of the additional benefits of daily physical activity for older adults, as outlined by the CDC, include:
- Reduces the risk of falling and fracturing bones
- Helps reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension
- Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Helps maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints
- Helps control joint swelling and pain associated with arthritis
Focusing on staying active fosters a sense of autonomy and promotes a vibrant lifestyle that allows seniors to lead fulfilling and self-reliant lives. Below, you’ll find a few ways a senior living community can help.
How Community Living Keeps You Active and Engaged
Living in a retirement community is like having the ultimate workout buddy, providing residents with the means to achieve their fitness goals and remain active as they age.
Custom Senior Fitness Plans Help You Stay Active
While most retirement communities offer fitness programs for residents, some of the more active senior living communities go beyond the basics to provide personalized fitness plans. Working with an expert to identify activities you enjoy can make sticking to your fitness plan easier.
It’s Easier to Eat Healthier, Well-Balanced Meals
Just like a personal trainer can make reaching your fitness goals easier, having access to chef-prepared meals goes a long way toward better nutrition. When you’re the one always cooking, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. The best retirement communities offer nutritious, chef-prepared meals and healthy snacks.
Support From Other Residents Provides Motivation
Community life provides more opportunities for socialization, which brings many health benefits. Additionally, these same connections that you forge with others can make exercise easier. There is a reason having a workout buddy is popular—they keep you accountable.
On-Site Activities Stimulate the Body & Mind
Exercise for seniors is just one aspect of physical wellness. Staying engaged mentally and partaking in active hobbies can be important in supporting your active lifestyle. Most retirement communities also go above and beyond in their services and amenities to create the right setting for exploring new interests.
How Friendship Village of Bloomington Supports Active Aging for Residents
At Friendship Village of Bloomington, our wellness and fitness experts can help determine the right options for your health and activity level. We take a holistic approach to resident wellness that encourages physical, social, and spiritual well-being.
All residents can take part in a wellness review to explore their personal goals. Friendship Village residents also have access to a 17,000-square-foot fitness center and indoor pool. A nine-hole outdoor putting green and golf simulator encourages activity indoors and out, and personal garden areas offer a fun way to get active outside during the warmer months of the year.
All our residents also have access to chef-prepared meals and healthy snacks. Proper nutrition combined with a custom fitness plan goes a long way toward helping you maintain your health.
If you want to learn more about how the health and wellness amenities available at Friendship Village of Bloomington can support an active senior lifestyle, contact us using the form below or at 952-831-7500.
