When was the last time you felt happy? If you can recall a time today when you felt joyful and happy, then you are well on your way to better health outcomes as you age. The phenomenon of happy aging has been researched for the past decade or so, with results all pointing to one thing: that a positive outlook on life can make you healthier as you age.
Though everyone finds joy in different ways, retiring to a senior living community is proving to be an excellent environment for fostering happiness. Here are just a few ways senior living can lead to happy aging.
More Friendships
Senior living communities are designed to encourage and improve socialization for residents. Though living at home alone can lead to isolation and feelings of loneliness, senior living communities offer plenty of places to grab a cup of coffee with a neighbor or visit and catch up over a meal in the dining room.
Perceived loneliness has been linked to a variety of poor health outcomes in older adults, including increased depression and anxiety, increased cognitive decline, and even a decreased immune system. But because of the social atmosphere of senior living, community residents can find their friendships and peer support systems right down the hall from their apartment.
More Opportunities to Get Moving
Movement is an important factor when it comes to happy aging. After all, there is nothing quite like the endorphin rush that comes with exercise. Fortunately, seniors don’t have to run a marathon to get its health and happiness benefits. Instead, they can take a daily stroll while listening to their favorite podcast, take a group exercise class with friends, or swim a few laps in the pool.
Senior living communities offer residents easy access to wellness resources, including opportunities and places to move their bodies. It’s common to find senior living communities that offer on-site yoga classes or group exercise programs. Exceptional communities offer even more on-site amenities, including fitness centers, swimming pools, and even rehabilitation therapy services.
Delicious and Nutritious Meals
Good food does more than just fuel your body. Favorite dishes can feel comforting and remind you of favorite memories or moments. Unfortunately, many older adults living at home alone struggle to plan and prepare healthy meals three times per day. This can mean they are not getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy and happy.
Senior living communities remove the stress that can come with daily meal preparation and instead turn dining into the social and sensory experience it is meant to be. Exceptional communities offer chef-prepared meals daily in beautiful dining rooms, where neighbors share meaningful conversations over a delicious meal.
More Wellness Resources
Feeling empowered about your health can lead to happy aging. Though getting older does come with an increased risk of chronic or complex medical conditions, active seniors know the benefits of feeling in control of their health. Older adults who live at home alone can end up skipping medical appointments due to transportation issues and may not have quick access to nurses, caregivers, or other medical professionals who can answer quick questions and guide them through health concerns.
Exceptional senior living communities are created to make health and wellness a bit easier. Caregivers are available to offer assistance with daily tasks and in case of emergencies. Nurses are available to answer questions, take your blood pressure, manage your medications, and communicate with your physician. Care coordination is much easier when you have a team of medical professionals who advocate on your behalf and are focused on catching potential illnesses before you need an emergency room visit.
Finding a Happy Senior Living Community
Finding a senior living community can be overwhelming. However, if you know what to look for and which questions to ask, you can feel confident about making your best decision. Learn more about how to make a good choice by downloading our free resource, “Finding a Safe and Comfortable Senior Living Community.”
At Arbor communities across the country, we are focused on giving our residents a retirement lifestyle that encourages health and happiness. Here, you’ll find amenities and services that decrease stress and add extra joy to your life.
