At present, approximately 260,000 Australians over the age of 55 reside in some form of retirement or senior living community.
If you are considering joining their ranks, it is a good idea to find somewhere that has a strong commitment to health and well-being because you will want to stay in as good a mental and physical condition as you possibly can - for as long as you can.
However, the community you join should not solely focus on medical treatments and care activities, such as giving you medical drinks with Souvenaid ingredients to stave off the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease.
In an ideal world, it should also offer a suite of amenities that will stimulate your mind and body, help you connect with fellow residents, and generally enable you to live your best life.
With that in mind, if you are currently evaluating which community you want to move into, here are five health-focused features that would be great for you to have easy access to.
1. Social Club
Social isolation can be a big issue for seniors, particularly those who have no family or friends close to where you live. For many people, lack of regular human interaction can have a severely negative impact on their mood and mental health.
For this reason, it is good to have a place where residents can come together to connect, socialise and have fun. In most villages, this takes the form of a social club or community centre which often has a bar, restaurant, and dance floor.
Usually, it is the venue where many fun social activities like bingo, trivia nights, arts and crafts and other social activities take place, which should make you feel part of the community.
2. Pool
It is always good to have access to a swimming pool, particularly during the sweltering summer months or if the community is based in warmer climes like Queensland, Western Australia, or the Northern Territories.
As well as being able to cool off whenever you want there are several health benefits associated with swimming as an older adult. They include enhanced cardiovascular health, improved weight management and muscle tone, and better mental health.
Even if you are not much of a swimmer, it is always nice to sit by the pool and chat with your friends if it is located outside. If it is set indoors, then it will most likely be heated, which means you’ll have an amenity you can use all year round.
3. Minibus or other form of transportation
While you will be living in a community, it is always nice to have the freedom to venture out of it whenever you want. However, this can be difficult if you don’t have access to a vehicle of your own.
To help their residents who find themselves in this circumstance, many communities often run their own minibus or other transportation service that provides them with a means to go into the local town on a regular basis.
Having reliable transportation like this can be a god send to seniors, and often the community organises fun day trips to places like the beach or local attractions, which not only stimulate the minds and moods of seniors but improves their mental health too.
4. Gymnasium
Going to a private gym can prove a little daunting for seniors, especially if it is frequented by a younger, muscle-bound crowd that is high on testosterone.
Thankfully, gyms in retirement homes tend to be a lot more relaxed, welcoming, and accessible as the people who attend them are all of a similar age, which means you can keep fit without feeling as self-conscious.
The size and equipment in a gym will vary depending on how many people reside in the senior living community. However, most of the best ones should have a couple of treadmills, bikes, and rowing machines. Some will even be run by fully qualified instructors who can help you perform exercise sessions that will be of most benefit to your body.
5. Outdoor spaces
Walking in nature is a wonderful way to improve your mental and physical health, so try to find a retirement community that is set among beautiful grounds or features a river or lake.
Being based on a beautiful landscape will provide you with plenty of opportunities to walk, jog, smell fresh flowers, or breathe in fresh air. It will also give you a nice change of scene to the familiarity of your accommodation and expose you to the significant benefits of Vitamin D. (Although you should not stay out in it for too long otherwise, you will risk sunburn!).
Not all communities will have suitable outdoor spaces directly onsite for you to enjoy, particularly those based around the central business district of a city.
If the one you are interested in does not have any, then you should try to find one that is situated near a park or waterway that you can easily walk to.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for informational and promotional purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The medical drink discussed is intended to nutritionally support memory function and is not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease or any other medical condition. Results may vary, and the drink should be used as part of a comprehensive care plan under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Always consult with a licensed physician or qualified healthcare provider before starting any new dietary supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have an existing medical condition.