Maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for senior health and well-being, contributing to more successful management of chronic conditions, enhanced cognitive function, and a positive sense of self. For those considering a move to an independent living community like Friendship Village of Bloomington, it makes sense that one of the first questions they ask is: “What is there to do there?”
Let’s explore how some of Friendship Village of Bloomington’s current residents are staying active and engaged at this welcoming and active retirement community.
Clubs, Events, and Other Activities in a Retirement Community
At independent living communities, clubs and events play a pivotal role in fostering engagement and connection among residents. These activities offer not only a way to stay active but also a platform for social interaction and personal growth. Plus, they make staying young at heart easier than ever.
“My perception of aging has changed a hundred percent,” says Virginia Olson, a resident of Friendship Village of Bloomington. “I thought if I went into a senior community, I would become old fast right away. And just the opposite is true.”
Fun and Unique Clubs
At Friendship Village of Bloomington, residents enjoy a diverse array of clubs that cater to various interests and hobbies. Whether it’s a gardening club, a book club, or a technology enthusiasts’ group, the community encourages residents to participate in existing clubs or even establish new ones. The group setting allows for each resident to cultivate a personalized experience to explore their passions and connect with like-minded peers.
“The programming opportunities that they provide are excellent,” resident Donna Roe says. “They give us the physical activities that we need, the mental activities that we need, spiritual, too. They treat the whole body beautifully.”
Engaging Community Events
The community also hosts a range of events designed to bring residents together and enrich their lives. According to research from the National Institute on Aging, seniors who engage in regular social activities have a lower risk of cognitive decline compared to those who are less socially active. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Aging & Social Policy found that seniors who participate in community events report higher levels of satisfaction with their quality of life.
Creating Friendships With Other Active Seniors
Maintaining and developing new friendships throughout your life is an important part of supporting and bolstering your wellness on all fronts. Finding peers who enjoy similar activities can go a long way toward upkeep and enjoyment of an active lifestyle.
Daily Social Interactions
Even brief daily interactions with peers can have a profound impact on mood and overall well-being. At Friendship Village of Bloomington, residents encounter various opportunities for social engagement each day.
“This is a place where I can continue in my callings and purpose,” resident Jane Horn says. “There is a built-in community to serve in those callings and gifts, but this is a community of people who give back. I get to benefit from their callings, as well. So my life is enriched.”
Whether it’s a casual chat in one of our well-appointed dining centers, a friendly exchange during regularly scheduled exercise classes, or simply running into one another while exploring the serene green spaces throughout the community, these interactions can be beneficial to your daily routine. In fact, research shows that consistent social engagement can improve mental wellness and decrease feelings of loneliness, creating a more vibrant and fulfilling daily experience for residents.
Build Lasting Bonds
When you choose a senior living community, you’re choosing it for more than just the robust amenities and comfortable living spaces waiting for your personal touch. You’re also (and perhaps even more so) choosing it for the type of people who live there. Like attracts like, and Friendship Village of Bloomington is no exception.
“Who would think that at 71 you could move in and have 200 new friends?” resident Jane Baxter says. Our residents often bond over shared interests and lifestyles, enjoying a setting where lasting bonds can develop from the common grounds of shared interest in leisure activities, hobbies, and even similar life experiences.
For many, these relationships become a cornerstone of their community experience, providing emotional support and companionship well into their later years.
“I think the best thing here are the people. They have rich backgrounds,” resident Virginia Olson says. “Working for the residents — as I have done on resident council and now on the foundation committee — is really a joy because they’re my family, and this is my home.”
As residents often share, the connections made here are not just friendships—they are lasting bonds that significantly enrich their lives.
Health and Wellness in Active Senior Living Communities
Remaining physically active no matter your age provides a bevy of health and emotional benefits. As you explore your senior living community options, make sure there are resources for you to foster your physical health in whatever ways feel best to you.
Fitness Classes and Resources
Friendship Village of Bloomington offers a comprehensive array of fitness resources designed to support residents in maintaining their physical wellness. These resources include:
- Group Exercise Classes. From yoga and Pilates to aerobics and strength training, residents can choose from a variety of classes tailored to different fitness levels.
- Personal Training Services. Certified trainers provide personalized fitness plans and one-on-one sessions to help residents achieve their specific health goals.
- State-of-the-Art Fitness Center. Equipped with modern exercise equipment, the fitness center allows residents to work out independently or in guided classes.
- Swimming Pool. Ideal for low-impact exercises and aquatic fitness classes, promoting joint health and cardiovascular fitness.
- Walking Trails. Scenic paths around the community offer a safe and pleasant setting for daily walks and outdoor activities.
Tailored Wellness Programming
In addition to fitness resources, Friendship Village of Bloomington offers tailored wellness programming designed to address various aspects of senior health. Our comprehensive wellness programs include nutritional guidance, wellness workshops, and mental health support. We believe that supporting health across the full body, mind, and spirit spectrum is essential to maintaining and cultivating the vitality and vibrancy of your life.
Discover All of the Special Activities for Seniors at Friendship Village of Bloomington
Whatever aspect of life you’re looking to enrich, the residents and team members at Friendship Village of Bloomington are ready to help make your next years the best ones yet. Contact us to schedule a tour today and envision the active, fulfilling life you can lead here.
