2 Ways an Active Senior Community Helps Keep Adults Healthy

If you're considering a senior or retirement village, an active senior community may offer far-reaching benefits.

2 Incredible Benefits of an Active Senior Community

An active senior community is a retirement solution that provides opportunities for social and physical activity. Here's why that's crucial for one's health and well-being. While these may seem like two little things, staying active and social can help with one’s physical and mental health.

Reduced Isolation and Loneliness

Isolation and loneliness can have serious negative effects on a person's physical and mental health.

Here are some of the dangers:

1. Increased risk of depression and anxiety: People who experience isolation and loneliness are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. This is because they often lack the emotional support and social interaction that can help buffer against stress and promote positive emotions.
2. Decline in cognitive function: Research has found that loneliness and social isolation can accelerate cognitive decline in older adults. This can lead to memory problems, difficulty with decision-making, and a decline in overall cognitive abilities.
3. Increased risk of chronic health problems: Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to a higher risk of chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. This is likely due to the negative impact that social isolation can have on a person's stress levels and immune system function.
4. Decreased life expectancy: Research has shown that social loneliness and social isolation are correlated with a higher risk of premature death. This may be associated with the negative impact of isolation on mental and physical health and a lack of social support to help cope with illness or injury.
5. Poor sleep quality: Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to poor sleep quality and difficulty falling asleep. This can lead to fatigue, mood changes, and decreased overall functioning.

Overall, it's important to recognize the dangers of isolation and loneliness and take steps to maintain social connections and relationships. This can include spending time with friends and family, joining social groups, volunteering, or seeking professional help.

At an active senior community like Ponté Palmero, social activities can include planned activities, events, excursions, or even impromptu gatherings with neighbors and friends. Our restaurant-style dining room encourages group gatherings, and our residents can coordinate their own off-site activities—complete with shuttle transportation—in addition to participating in planned activities within the community.

Increased Physical Activity

Staying physically active is important at every age, but it becomes especially crucial as adults age.

Here are some reasons why:

1. Maintaining physical function: Regular physical activity can help maintain strength, balance, and flexibility, which are important for daily activities such as walking, taking stairs, and getting in and out of chairs. By staying physically active, older adults can reduce their risk of falls and maintain their independence for longer.
2. Improving cardiovascular health: Physical activity can help improve cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. This is important because these conditions become more common as we age.
3. Reducing the risk of chronic diseases: Physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer. These conditions are more common in aging adults; physical activity has been shown to help prevent or manage them.
4. Improving mental health: Physical activity has been shown to positively impact mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and improving mood. This is especially important as older adults may face increased social isolation and other stressors.
5. Increasing longevity: Studies have shown that regular physical activity is associated with increased longevity, even among older adults.
6. Enhancing quality of life: Physical activity can improve the overall quality of life by increasing energy levels, reducing pain and discomfort, and improving sleep quality.

Physical activity is crucial for maintaining physical and mental health as we age. It's important for older adults to find activities that they enjoy and that are appropriate for their fitness level and to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines.

At an active senior community, there are many opportunities for aging adults to develop and maintain a regular physical activity routine. At our 55+ active senior community, our residents can swim in the community pool, walk our 24-acre campus, and enjoy scheduled group fitness classes designed especially with aging bodies and needs in mind.

Explore Ponté Palmero and Experience an Active Retirement Community

If the idea of an active retirement appeals to you, then you’re in the right place. Ponté Palmero’s gorgeous and spacious 24-acre campus is located near El Dorado Hills between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. You’re invited to schedule a tour of our community and explore all of the amenities available to our residents of independent living, assisted living, and memory care. 

Ready to experience the tranquility and excitement of an active retirement community? Schedule a tour of Ponté Palmero today.