According to research, approximately 28.6 million baby boomers retired by the second half of 2020. We are getting to that point where baby boomers are beginning to retire and focus on the next phase of their lives, which also means they are also looking for the right retirement communities to live in.
Retirement is fun, you have more time on your hands to do your favorite activities and hobbies such as traveling, gardening, spending time with your family, playing games, and connecting with great friends.
Retirement communities offer all of these perks, plus a fun and safe environment for you to comfortable relaxing without worrying about your safety.
The only question left is, what are the other benefits of living in retirement communities, including both the pros and cons of retirement communities?
We decided to compile all of those answers into this informational guide, so keep on reading to learn more about the benefits of retirement communities you may not have known!
1. Supports a Healthy Lifestyle
As we age, our bodies can begin to decline if we are not taking proper care of our health. Our bone density begins to weaken, at the time that the risk for falls increases, which leads to safety risks including broken bones, bruises, and even worse, being confined to a wheelchair.
Just like the saying goes; “if you don’t use it, you lose it”, meaning you must continue a regular exercise plan, with adequate nutrition and challenge your mental health daily so that you can continue living your best life.
Thankfully, retirement communities support the health of their residents by offering multiple classes for all interests and abilities of the attendees. You can take classes such as Zumba, chair or regular yoga, dancing, aquarobics, and other low-impact fitness classes to challenge your body.
They also all offer restaurants on-location with service that can also bring the meals to your room, serving a high-quality and nutritious meal three times per day. The benefits of meals in retirement communities is that you can choose from a wide selection of meals, instead of in a residential care facility where they choose your meals for you.
2. Offers a Sense of Community and Connection
Unfortunately, as we age, our social life begins to decline as our friends pass away, which leads to the experience of loneliness, sadness, and grief. According to a study by the Center for Disease Control, over 39 million Americans ages 65 and older experience depression for these reasons.
Being social creatures, we need to have a sense of community and connection for our mental health, which is exactly what you get when living in retirement communities. Connecting with other people keeps our minds sharp, reduces anxiety and stress, and boosts our oxytocin levels.
It is especially beneficial when you can connect with others who are living a similar lifestyle as you so can share the pains and joys of retiring and aging. Retirement communities offer daily social events such as happy hours, games nights, connection circles, outings, and much more.
3. Easier Maintenance
Living in your own home has its perks, yet it also comes with many inconveniences such as repairs, gardening, cooking, laundry, cleaning, and more. As you retire, you don’t want to have to deal with these hassles anymore, as retirement life should be simple, easy, and convenient!
Living in retirement communities allows you to live a stress-free and convenient lifestyle as they take care of all those annoying hassles for you. This means that you can focus more on what you enjoy such as relaxing, drinking coffee while reading a good book, going to the cinema, enjoying the spa, socializing, or taking an exercise class.
4. Fun and Accessible Activities
After you retire, you may have multiple interests that you want to pursue now that you have more time on your hands. This can feel nearly overwhelming if you need to travel across town to partake in a tennis lesson, then go to the other side of the city to play chess with your friend.
Retirement communities have multiple activities that appeal to people of all interests and abilities, and the best part is that they are all located on the property so you do not have to get in your car and drive.
Some of these activities include:
- Tennis
- Badminton
- Chess and other board games
- Billiards and darts
- Kitchens to cook, with beautiful fireside patios
- Happy hours to connect and engage with others
- Putting greens and golf courses
- Hiking and walking paths
- Spas, jacuzzi, swimming pools
- Gardens and gardening gatherings
- Cinema rooms
- Business centers and libraries
There are multiple options to choose from, which means that you can try something you never considered before. One of the best retirement community tips we have is to try something new, as this will challenge your mind, keeping it sharp while you are learning a new skill!
5. Offers Safety and Security
Even if you are completely independent, your risks for danger increases the more you age in your retirement years. The chances of slips and falls increase, and if you are at risk of memory loss you may also forget to take medications or accidentally leave the stove on.
These risks get even worse if you live alone at home, as it may take a long time until you get the help you need. Thankfully, retirement communities come equipped with built-in safety measures such as call buttons and alert systems in each room. There are also other safety measures such as care attendants and nurses that will check if you had your medication, bandage wounds, and so on.
Learn More About the Benefits of Retirement Communities
Now that you know the perks of living in retirement communities, it is time to start looking for the community that best serves your interests and needs.
Connect55 offers retirement communities in various locations all across America, each equipped with the latest modern technology and comfortable living spaces. If you would like to schedule a tour, feel free to contact us with any questions and inquiries.
