Benefits of Living in 55+ Community

The Benefits of Living in a 55+ Community 

With children grown, family members moved away, and careers come to a close, many active  adults admit to feeling lonely sometimes. For some, loneliness is a constant visitor: nearly half of  older adults regularly experience feelings of loneliness, according to a University of California, San  Francisco (UCSF) study. This feeling of separation and disconnectedness from others may lead to  serious health issues or even death. 

UCSF research reveals that loneliness increases the likelihood of mortality by 26 percent and those  lonesome individuals have a 64 percent increased chance of developing dementia. Lonely people  are at a greater risk of depression and frequently report elevated systolic blood pressure. Even the  common cold feels worse for isolated individuals. Those who are lonely report 5 percent more severe  symptoms than those who are more social. 

Loneliness and social isolation take an emotional and physical toll on retirees. There’s a powerful way  to combat loneliness, however, and it starts at home. Active adults can significantly reduce feelings  of loneliness when they live in a community with other active adults. Those who choose to live in  a community put themselves in a better position to remain emotionally, physically, and mentally  connected compared to adults who choose to stay in their family home. 

The rewards stack up fast for active adults who move to a 55+ community. They can downsize from a  large family home, enjoy a rich and varied lifestyle, establish meaningful and lasting friendships, and  stay as socially and physically active as they like. 

Residents of active lifestyle communities also experience several health benefits that can end up  enriching and potentially adding years to their lives. Here’s a look at some of the biggest health  benefits of living in a community. 

Lifelong Learning 

Many active lifestyle communities provide  continuing education centers or offer residents an  array of classes and workshops to teach them new  skills or help them refine what they already know.  A person’s brain health matters just as much as  his or her physical health. By taking advantage of  the many opportunities to learn and grow within  a community, active adults can stay sharp and  keep their minds stimulated. 

Access to Excellent Nutrition  

Many retirees don’t enjoy jotting down grocery  lists and schlepping a cart through the market.  Planning menus are often burdensome. That’s  why many active adults choose to live in a 55+  

community with on-site restaurants or in-house  chefs who prepare wholesome, nutritious meals  every day. Retirees benefit from a nutrition boost  by living in a community setting, and they also  benefit from the social aspect of dining with  friends or neighbors.  

Being Near Others 

Active adults benefit greatly simply through the  companionship of other like-minded adults.  Sharing life with others impacts an individual’s  mental and emotional well-being. Even just  catching up with a friend on a morning stroll or  meeting a neighbor for coffee at the clubhouse  can make someone feel less alone. 

A Safer Home Environment 

Many active adults who move to an age-restricted  community are downsizing from a family  home, which might be an older home and not  adequately designed for the needs of retirees. In  a 55+ community, residents can take heart that  their home was made with accessibility and safety  in mind. This often means low-maintenance  homes with single-story designs and other  features to fit a retiree’s lifestyle. 

Greater Security 

Residing in an age-restricted community provides  peace of mind when it comes to overall security.  Many communities are gated and employ security  personnel around the clock. When retirees want  to take an evening walk or go for a jog before  the sun comes up, they can do so knowing their  community is well guarded and protected. Active  adults who prefer a lock-and-leave lifestyle  can feel confident traveling when they know  their community is gated or provides security  surveillance. 

Decreased Stress Levels 

Active adults who haven’t downsized from their  family home still must maintain the yard and  keep up with domestic duties. Depending on the  size of the house, this can add up to quite a bit of  work—and stress. By living in a 55+ community,  active adults can bid farewell to a good portion  of home maintenance tasks. With homeowners’  associations to take care of yard maintenance and  exterior upkeep, retirees can lower their stress  and enjoy a more relaxed pace of life. 

A Happier, More Fulfilling Life 

Life is best when shared with others. Living  in a community with other active adults gives  individuals a chance to connect with others,  pursue their passions, and improve their overall  health and wellness while savoring all that life  has to offer.