Improving Quality of Life in Retirement

Retirement is many things, but chief among them a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. After long years of working non-stop, raising a family, or whatever else you occupied your time with for decades, it’s only fair that you get some time to yourself to enjoy in the ways you were never able to when younger. That’s why retirement is so often referred to as your “golden years” after all!

However, retirement can also be a time of loneliness and isolation. After decades of defining yourself through what you did for a living, it can be difficult to adjust to a completely new way of life that’s not set by your employment schedule and filled with the built-in social interactions of work. If you’re worried your lifestyle might suffer because of this or something similar, don’t – there are plenty of ways to improve your retirement quality of life. Here are some of the most helpful.

How Retirement Communities Offer a Great Quality of Life

Older adults often have a choice of what they want to do when they retire, especially when it comes to living arrangements. Many choose to live in their existing home, a process called aging in place. Yet there’s another highly popular option: moving to a retirement community. In fact, it might just be your best bet for a most fulfilling retirement life, due to the variety of benefits retirement community living offers. These include:

1. Socialization

Retirement communities are full of people your age who share your interests. This is a great way to make new friends and stay connected.

2. Amenities

Retirement communities often have a variety of amenities, such as fitness centers, art studios, walking trails, gardening and picnic areas, and on-campus dining. These amenities can help you stay active and healthy in retirement. 

3. Support

Retirement communities offer a variety of support services, such as transportation, meal planning, and in many cases health care. This can take a lot of the stress out of retirement, knowing you’ll always have access to whatever services you need. 

4. Reduced Stress

Retirement can be stressful, especially if you’re not sure what you’re going to do with your time. Living in a retirement community can help reduce stress by providing you with a sense of community, activities to keep you busy, and support services when you need them. 

5. Health and Wellness Programs

Senior wellness programs offered at retirement communities can include world-class healthcare, fitness classes, nutrition counseling, and more. Plus, the socialization opportunities also help with mental and physical well-being.

6. Safety

Retirement communities are also often designed with safety in mind. They may be gated with security staff, and/or include features such as security cameras, emergency call buttons, and accessible walkways. Knowing that you’re surrounded by people who care about you and are there to help you can give you peace of mind. This can be especially valuable if you have health concerns or if you’re worried about loneliness.

One Type of Retirement Communities to Consider: Continuing Care Retirement Communities

If you’re considering moving to a retirement community to achieve a higher quality of life in retirement, you won’t be alone. Modern retirement communities are incredibly fulfilling and entertaining places to live, and as such are becoming increasingly more popular destinations for older adults.

Of course, no two retirement communities are created equal. This means it’s important to do your research. If you’re considering moving to a retirement community, it’s important to visit several campuses before making a decision. This will help you find a community that’s a good fit for your needs and preferences. There are many different types of retirement communities available, so it’s important to find one that’s right for you.

One type of retirement community that’s becoming increasingly popular is the continuing care retirement community (CCRC). CCRCs offer a continuum of care, from independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing care. This means you can move into a CCRC as a vibrant and thriving independent living resident, with your own apartment home, cottage or villa and a spot on the campus bowling team. Then, if your needs ever change, such as needing the support of assisted living, you can receive it right on campus, surrounded by your same friends, for no change to your existing monthly fee (depending on the type of Life Care contract).

This sense of security offers a higher retirement quality of life, because you can rest easy knowing you are insulated from the rising costs of various health services. That means you can simply enjoy all the amenities and opportunities.

Amenities of CCRCs

Another great reason to consider CCRCs is that they often have resort-like campuses with plenty of amenities. This can make the quality of life in retirement a lot higher. Some of the amenities that CCRCs may offer include:

Fitness centers

CCRCs often have modern fitness centers with a variety of equipment. They also often feature fitness instructors and classes! This is a great way to stay active and healthy in retirement.

Art studios

CCRCs often have art studios where residents can paint, draw, and sculpt. This is a great way to stay creative and express yourself. Many also include crafting spaces for hobbies and activities like woodworking, as well.

Walking trails

With their beautiful and special campuses, CCRCs often have walking trails that are perfect for getting some exercise and enjoying the outdoors, especially with some friends.

Gardening and picnic areas

CCRCs often have gardening and picnic areas where residents can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Some might even have small golf courses, putting greens, and outdoor pools.

On-campus dining

CCRCs also have on-campus dining where residents can enjoy delicious meals prepared by professional chefs. Often this includes a formal dining restaurant, as well as more casual bistro and café settings.

Learn More About Improving Quality of Life During Retirement

If you’re looking for a way to improve your quality of life in retirement, consider moving to a CCRC. These types of communities offer a variety of benefits, including socialization, amenities, and support. With so many options available, you’re sure to find a CCRC that’s right for you.

You can start your search right here, with any of the 28 gorgeous CCRCs overseen by Acts Retirement-Life Communities. Choose your preferred location now. It’s a sure-fire way to ensure you enjoy the highest quality of life during retirement.