It can be a challenge to get motivated to exercise and stay active when we’re in peak health, let alone as we get older. Health problems, new or persistent pain and worries about injury can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle in older adults. However, exercise is important for people of all ages.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all older adults benefit from regular physical activity. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) recommends older adults aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. 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.
Balance exercises are another way for adults to stay limber and avoid falls. Group exercises like yoga, pilates and tai chi offer an excellent way to stay active and also maintain your balance.
Benefits of Health & Wellness in Your Retirement Years
Physical activity is good for your mental and physical health. In older adults, the loss of strength and stamina attributed to aging is in part caused by reduced physical activity. Some of the 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
All these benefits help older adults maintain the ability to live independently. That is why we encourage our residents at Friendship Village of Bloomington to stay active year-round..
How Community Living Keeps You Active and Engaged
Living in a retirement community is like having the ultimate workout buddy. We provide residents with the means to achieve their fitness goals and remain active as they age.
Custom 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 offer personalized fitness plans. Working with an expert to identify opportunities 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 are the one always doing the 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
Most retirement communities also go above and beyond in the services and amenities they provide. Friendship Village of Bloomington has a billiards area, library, woodworking shop and art studio. These spaces allow residents to pursue their favorite hobbies or pick up new ones.
How Residents Live Active Lifestyles at Friendship Village
Most adults over the age of 65 can exercise safely, even those with chronic conditions and mobility challenges. At Friendship Village of Bloomington, our on-site medical team 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 encourage 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 the health and wellness amenities available at Friendship Village of Bloomington you can contact us using the form below or at 952-831-7500.
