The Best Health Benefits of Retirement Communities

Retirement communities offer seniors much more than a place to spend their golden years. These communities offer physical and mental health benefits that can change seniors’ lives for the better. Take a look at some of these health benefits:

Fewer Preventable Injuries

A problem that many seniors who don’t want to move out of their long-time homes have is that those homes were not built with aging in mind. Most houses don’t have ramps for wheelchairs or wide doorways for mobility devices. They have steep staircases and inaccessible bathrooms. These circumstances can be challenging for seniors to deal with as they age, and they often lead to accidents and injuries.

Just take a look at the statistics. Hospitals across the country list falls as the leading cause of senior hospitalization and long-term injury. And the worst part? The hospitals deemed the majority of these falls as preventable.

These types of injuries can be avoided when you live in a place that was built with accessibility and aging in mind. Check out the accessibility features available at these retirement communities that are bound to help residents feel comfortable and avoid unwanted trips to the hospital.

Encouraging Exercise

Regular exercise is essential for anyone’s good health, and seniors are no exception. Research shows that light exercise can improve senior health and even extend their expected lifespans. Something as simple as gardening or going for a walk can do wonders for their physical wellness.

Regular exercise also has a positive effect on mental health, relieving tension and stress. It can reduce your chances of developing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Retirement communities encourage their residents to get moving by offering a wide variety of exercise classes and group activities. So, residents who have trouble motivating themselves to get up off the couch can be encouraged to join their friends in an exciting Zumba class or yoga lesson.

Healthy Diet

Lots of seniors have a difficult time maintaining a wholesome, nutritious diet throughout their retirement. Sometimes this is because they find it tiring to run errands and cook on a regular basis. They turn to comfort foods for convenience.

The right retirement communities have dining services that can take the demands of grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning off of residents’ plates. And their meal planning always takes nutrition and dietary restrictions into account. So, residents’ diets can be better ever.

Chances to Socialize

Seniors often suffer from loneliness, especially when they live on their own. Loneliness is a serious mental health issue that can lead to anxiety, depression and higher chances of substance abuse. It can also have a strong impact on physical health. It’s connected to memory problems, cardiovascular disease and even a shorter lifespan.

One of the best health benefits of retirement communities is that they give residents lots of opportunities to socialize with like-minded peers. It’s hard to feel isolated and lonely when you’re in the middle of a supportive community.

These communities do so much more than offer comfortable apartments for seniors. They offer benefits that can make someone’s retirement easier, happier and healthier.