Life plan communities (also known as continuing care retirement communities or CCRCs) have changed the way people view retirement communities. They provide an atmosphere that is full of energy and enthusiasm, and they offer their residents new and engaging ways to enjoy their retirement years.
Although some may feel that staying home is a better option for financial reasons or convenience, there are many benefits that a life plan community provides—benefits that would be tough to beat at home.
Here are the top four health benefits of moving to a life plan community.
1. Exercise and Physical Activity
As we all know, there are many benefits of physical activity and regular exercise. Studies have found regular exercise can help prevent chronic disease, manage weight, slow down memory loss and improve your emotional health.
Many life plan communities offer a wellness center and a variety of classes to keep you motivated and physically healthy. These wellness centers normally include a swimming pool (water aerobics, anyone?), fitness equipment such as treadmills, upper and lower body machines, and may even offer fitness experts who can help you decide which exercises are best for you.
Additionally, they’re designed for optimal health at all ages. Life plan communities offer all levels of care all on one campus so you don’t have to move from place to place if you should ever need higher levels of care.
2. Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical health. The CDC estimates that 20% of people age 55 years or older experience some type of mental health concern. Depression is the most prevalent mental health concern among older adults and is, unfortunately, the most under-recognized disorder. Fortunately, 80% of the cases are treatable.
Life plan communities excel at providing mentally stimulating activities to their residents. Some life plan communities offer lifelong learning opportunities where residents can attend lectures and learn something new. Other activities could include trips to local museums, theater productions and other local attractions.
3. Healthy Eating
Wouldn’t it be great to have three delicious and healthy meals prepared for you every day? Many life plan communities have stepped away from the normal, institutional-style food and jumped into serving meals overseen by registered dietitians and prepared by gourmet chefs.
Residents are given more options for delicious and healthy food that is conveniently prepared for them and lessens the chance of making poor food choices. Some communities may offer food choices that are locally sourced, organic, gluten-free and vegetarian.
The dining atmosphere at a life plan community also offers opportunities to socialize. Some communities have adopted more formal, fine dining options along with bistro style atmospheres.
4. Social Interaction
Since retiring, you may find that you don’t have as many chances to get out and interact with others as much as you used to. It’s important to stay socially active and to find ways to maintain interpersonal relationships.
Benefits of social interaction include reduced risk for cancer, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Having consistent social interactions also helps reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other mental health issues such as depression, which we touched on above.
Some life plan communities provide a resident-driven lifestyle. At a resident-driven community, activities are planned by the residents themselves around the interests that matter to them most. They plan social activities such as trips, book clubs, and more. This gives residents the chance to interact with people who share similar interests and develop new social relationships.
Live a Vibrant Lifestyle at Kendal on Hudson
Kendal on Hudson promotes an environment in which each resident can live their ideal lifestyle and enjoy optimal health.
Our wellness center includes state-of-the-art equipment, a swimming pool and classes to help you maintain a regular exercise schedule. We feature a Bistro and Formal Dining Room with food prepared by our executive chef. The lifestyle of the community is directed by residents, and we feature 30 resident committees that focus on a variety of interests.
We believe that growing older can only bring new opportunities and allows you to spend your retirement years happy and healthy. If you would like to learn more about Kendal on Hudson, feel free to contact us online or call 866-358-5802.
