Retirement villages are a great way to lead the lifestyle you desire, in a community setting that will enhance your older years. You have the freedom to come and go, and travel as you please, while also having the peace of mind that your home and garden will be maintained for you.
However, as well as giving you wonderful freedom and an attractive lifestyle, retirement villages can also positively impact your health and wellbeing. There are many benefits to be found in retirement communities, and they are fantastic places to live out your precious retirement years. Here’s how retirement villages can enhance your health and wellbeing.
Decrease your risk of dementia
You’re actually less likely to develop dementia when you live in a retirement community, with studies finding that engaging in purposeful, meaningful activities (such as those you’ll have access to in a retirement village) can reduce the risk of dementia and stress-related diseases. Retirement villages offer plenty of opportunities to get involved in leisure and social activities, which you may not otherwise have access to so readily.
Fewer doctor’s visits and hospital stays
Because retirement villages often have support staff on site who can assist with minor health concerns, as well as safety features such as ramps, hand rails and emergency call systems, residents are less likely to need doctor’s visits and hospital stays. As well, residents may be able to access support services in their home that will reduce their need for medical care.
Increase longevity
It might surprise you to know that being socially active and participating in more leisure activities can add up to six years to your life expectancy! And retirement villages are the perfect place to do just that, with an in-built community network surrounding you and greater and easier access to sporting, social and leisure activities.
Reduce isolation and loneliness
Isolation and loneliness are a significant problem for older people worldwide, which can have a strong negative effect on both mental and physical health. Isolation increases your risk of depression – and alarmingly, depression and falls are the most common health conditions suffered by older people. Retirement communities can negate the effect of isolation, providing a deeper sense of community, and support and reducing the feelings of loneliness and isolation that are so common as we age.
Improve your mental wellbeing
Your mental wellbeing is enhanced by life in a retirement village, which helps combat loneliness, isolation and lack of purpose. Retirement village residents tend to feel more connected and supported – leading to greater feelings of peace, happiness and wellbeing.
Improve your physical wellbeing
As well, physical wellbeing is also improved by retirement village living. This is due to the many activities and sports that are likely to be be on offer, as you’re more likely to join in with active lifestyle pursuits if they are readily available. And even if you don’t want to participate in a sport, there’s always walks to join in, or activities to participate in that may require you to be active.
Increase your feelings of security
Poor health can be daunting, and can lead to uncertainty, insecurity and a lack of confidence. Life in a retirement village can give you a great deal of peace of mind, as there is usually help on hand that you can access if you need it. As well, you’ll have access to security call features that can get help to you fast in the event of an emergency.
So, there you have it, retirement villages are a great way to maintain your independence, while looking after your health and freeing up your time to spend it just as you wish. Have a look at a developing retirement community that provides you with all these benefits and more.