The Health Benefits of Joining Active Adult Communities

Debra Murray

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Many senior citizens are trading in their homes to go live in an active adult community where they can purchase a new home in a gated community that has a lot more benefits. The lawns and landscaping are all maintained for them and they have a fixed amount of expenses each month. There is also a lot of local entertainment options, so they never stay bored. In communities like this, many of the people continue to work at their jobs, which is why they are called “active” communities. They won't feel tied down like they would be in a nursing home. As an added benefit, the environment often helps them improve their health in the following ways: 

Better Quality of Life From Social Interactions 

Isolation has devastating effects on a person mentally and physically. Most senior citizens have children that have already moved out, and they are raising families of their own. So they don't have anyone to keep them company anymore. Active adult communities bring people together, which helps them to not have to be alone so much. This often prevents the depression and anxiety that accompany isolation.  

Encouragement to Stay Active 

Staying active is so much easier when you live in an environment that encourages physical activities. Sometimes, there are dance classes and places to make crafts. Or there could be a busy game of shuffleboard that everyone can play. There are also usually some type of exercise facilities for working out and a pool to go swimming in. 

Support From Others the Same Age 

Camaraderie is important for a person's emotional health because it makes them feel like they have a sense of belonging, and they find that when they are mixed in with others who understand what they are going through. All the people that live in active adult communities are roughly the same age. So they can support and encourage each other.  

Healthy Food Availability 

Senior citizens that have health problems that make cooking or getting to the grocery store difficult usually have to eat food that has a lower amount of nutritional quality to it. That is why active adult life communities offer restaurants or a cafeteria that they can go to for a meal instead. This ensures that they don't become vitamin deficient. 

Medical Staff 

Getting medical attention couldn't be simpler when you have an on-site medical staff that is available 24-hours a day. So if a senior citizen begins to feel ill in the middle of the night, they can get treatment fast. The staff can also assist with filling prescriptions, ordering products online from BLUESPRING, or health check-ups.  

If you or someone you know is interested in living in an active adult community, be sure to ask a lot of questions and take a tour to see what they have available. Each community is a little bit different, and they might not have all the same listed amenities. Some of them offer other extras like on-site laundry facilities and transportation to the doctor.