How Active Senior Living Can Enhance Your Life

The word “active” means something different for everyone. Whether signing up for a new workout program, going for a walk every morning or tracking the number of steps we take throughout the day, most of us have probably challenged ourselves to embark on a more energetic journey at some point in our lives.

But as we age, a much easier solution can add so much more than physical activity or healthier lifestyle choices to our routines. Active senior living communities are redefining retirement living.

The Woodlands at Canterfield is proud to be a part of the active senior living movement, and our brand-new community has no shortage of opportunities to completely transform your lifestyle. When you transition into senior living in West Dundee, we know you’ll love where you live and the life you lead! 

Defining Active Senior Living

The word “active” doesn’t mean these communities only promote physical health and activity. Active senior living communities offer older adults the opportunity to amplify the five staples of wellness: 

• Physical
• Intellectual
• Social
• Emotional
• Spiritual

Over 13 million people over the age of 65 live alone, which can be a serious threat to a person’s mental and physical health. Studies have shown that staying social within a close community can lead to longevity and delay the effects of cognitive decline. Senior living communities offer a solution for loneliness by allowing residents to engage with those around them and foster meaningful friendships.  

Active senior living also focuses on providing the privacy and independence a person would have in their own home by offering apartment-style housing and a maintenance-free environment. This way, you can enjoy all of your passions without worrying about the mundane tasks of home-upkeep!

4 Lifestyle Benefits of Active Senior Living

Physical Activity

According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, adults over the age of 65 should partake in at least 150 minutes of exercise or activity every week or about two and a half hours.

But when we live alone or decide to age in place, it can be difficult to motivate ourselves to head to the gym or step outside for a walk. In fact, the CDC reported that after the age of 75, about 1 in 3 men and 1 in 2 women engage in no physical activity at all. 

Staying active as we age can stave off disease and improve our physical and cognitive function, so it’s crucial for aging adults to engage in as much activity as they can.

Our senior living community in West Dundee features an on-site fitness center, community workout classes and beautiful on-site walking paths to create plenty of opportunities to keep residents active and moving.

Sense of Community

By nature, people are social creatures. We have a fundamental need to relate to others and connect with those around us, and perceiving and interacting with others is at the core of what it means to be human. Studies have shown that as we age, keeping up with our friendships and relationships can provide a myriad of health benefits; lowering our risk of depression and anxiety, improving cognitive function and encouraging us to stay active.

A sense of community is the heart of our community at The Woodlands at Canterfield. Being surrounded by friends is what makes a personal space a true home.

Keeping Your Mind Sharp

Your brain is one of the most important muscles in your body, and just like any other muscle, you either use it or lose its function over time. Studies have shown that adults over the age of 50 that engaged in word puzzles on a continuous routine saw a vast enhancement in cognitive abilities, like memory, accuracy and grammatical reasoning. 

Active senior living isn’t limited to just staying fit; by engaging in your passions and hobbies or completing the weekly crossword puzzle in your favorite newspaper, you’re keeping your mind sharp and improving your health!

Peace of Mind 

Active senior living communities provide a wonderful environment to connect with yourself spiritually and mentally, so you can find a sense of purpose to carry with you through your retirement. 

In addition, available lifestyle and care options assure senior living residents and their families that additional support is available should health or assistance needs change.

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The Woodlands at Canterfield knows that you’ll feel at home as soon as you walk through our doors. Our inviting community is ready to welcome you with open arms and give you the support you need to live your life to the fullest. Our senior living team provides care, comfort and support like no other, and we know that you’ll love being able to celebrate life’s moments with us every day.

Contact us at 224-802-4388 or visit our website to learn more about our active senior living community in West Dundee, Illinois.