Retirement Communities Like The Villages in Florida Promote Healthy Lifestyles
81Senior Retirement Communities Make Exercise Fun
Retirement communities such as The Villages in central Florida can provide a healthy lifestyle for seniors who want to remain active in a supportive environment. Research suggests that such places foster a strong sense of community that can counter the loneliness that may occur when seniors remain in regular neighborhoods.
Moving to a planned active retirement community can invigorate seniors and may not be as expensive as one would think. For example, some older, resale houses in The Villages sell for less than $100,000 while newer, larger, designer houses can cost more than $500,000. All residents, however, have access to the amenities throughout The Villages.
When my sister and her 73 year old husband moved to The Villages they were thrilled with their new lifestyle and regaled me with stories of their many pleasurable activities. It was (and still is) hard to catch them at home because they were dancing every night in one of the beautiful town squares and during the daytime they were playing golf or pickle ball, riding bikes, swimming or having picnics.
On their grandson's first visit, he excitedly announced that, "The Villages are like Disney World for adults!" Mike and Jeanne laughed because that was the exact response the community planner had been aiming for when he created the original plans for the retirement city.
Physical Activity is Essential to Healthy Aging
One of the most important things older adults can do for their health is to engage in physical activity which, when done on a regular basis, can prevent many of the health problems that seem to come with age. It also helps strengthen muscles so that seniors can remain independent longer.
No matter how old you are, not doing any physical activity can be bad for you and some physical activity is better than none. However, the more physical activities you engage in, the greater the health benefits will be.
How Much Physical Activity do Older Adults Need?
If you're 65 years of age or older, you should consult your physician before beginning an exercise regimen or before participating in sports.
Most seniors who are generally fit and have no limiting health conditions will be able to follow the guidelines listed below which are recommended by public health officials:
- Engage in moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as brisk walking, or swimming for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes every week.
- Engage in muscle-strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups including legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms on 2 or more days a week. Water aerobic classes are a great way for seniors to strengthen their muscles as it minimizes wear and tear on the joints and improves range of motion.
The Villages Lifestyle Video
Try A Lifestyle Vacation Before Moving
Buying into a retirement village is very different from purchasing a private house. Seniors will be living in a community that includes other residents, management and village staff. Prospective buyers should research their options and preferably spend some time in the community before making a purchase. Many places have rental units that can give a visitor a taste of what it's like to live there.
Although many seniors love living in a retirement community, it's not for everyone. While some seniors may feel a sense of security and belonging relatively quickly, others may feel a loss of privacy and may not adapt well to a move that will require them to make all new friends and have less contact with family.
Get Information on The Villages at This Link
The Villages, FL - Do you think living in a retirement community promotes a healthy lifestyle?
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Hi Katiem,
Sorry to hear about your family member and hope you're able to help him/her find the best community.
Thanks for the positive feedback on this article. Glad you found it useful.
Hi Happy, My husband and I were talking about this kind of active adult community just yesterday -- they do seem perfect for those who are looking for a safe, active and close knit community while maintaining an independent lifestyle. I believe I heard that The Villages has communities in other states as well? Your sister sounds like she's loving it!
Hi Stephanie, thanks for stopping by.
I've been to the Villages several times and it's as nice as in the videos with an awesome array of activities. I don't believe The Villages has communities in other states, but there are many different retirement communities throughout America. Some great, some mediocre and some bad. You really have to do your research before making a purchase.
The thing that I find unique about The Villages is that it's quite affordable and quite large, more of a city than a village (but new sections aren't built until infrastructure and amenities are in place for the new residents).
Sis and her hubby do love it and in addition to their recreational activities they do much volunteering through their church which adds meaning and purpose to their lives.
Sun City is another retirement village type of place in Florida, Arizona, Texas and perhaps other places as well. I think that if they remain affordable, it is a nice way to keep from becoming isolated as a person ages if the "fit" is right. Useful hub and rating it so.
Hi Peggy,
Thanks for adding useful information to my hub and for rating it up.
More than ever, affordability is a key issue for most seniors which is why diligent research is needed before purchasing retirement community real estate.
Cool Hub, Gail. I love the grandson's enthusiasm, LOL
Thanks for the wonderful info. Very useful.
This, not those bad nursing homes, are how everyone should be able to retire. Love this hub, touches my heart.
Hi Denise,
Thanks for the thumbs up! Their grandson's first impression was pretty much my own opinion once I experienced The Villages during a lifestyle vacation myself.
Hi BobbiRant,
You are so right and it's a whole lot cheaper! I personally believe the opportunity to lead an easily social life with lots of physical activity will positively impact the health and independence level of many residents who choose to live in a community like this.
Hi, this is a great idea, I recently saw this sort of American community on an English TV programme, it was about English teens going over there to compete against the residents to see who was the fittest! it was fascinating, in fact I believe the residents won! lol cheers nell
Hi Nell Rose,
The English teen/ American retirement community fitness competition that was broadcast over British TV sounds really cool. Thanks for stopping by and leaving such an interesting comment.
Great Information Thanks...for myself one day or my parents..this information will be handy.
Hi Sunnie Day,
I appreciate you taking time to read my hub and leave a comment. Well planned retirement communities that are also affordable can be a blessing for our parents and ourselves.
everyone should read this article one it is very useful
Thanks, Jake. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Glad you found it useful.
Hi,
Great article on The Villages and a healthy lifestyle. The Villages is a great place and there is so much to do it's hard to believe that someone couldnt stay active and fit. Whether is zooming around in a golf cart, walking or riding a bike...there is alot to do outside.
Thanks again.
Hi Gary,
Thanks for your feedback. Having visited the Villages several times I totally agree with your assessment of it. I appreciate your taking time to leave a comment.
Awesome! I love all the extra exercise information too :)
Thanks Mindyjgirl, I appreciate your feedback. I could tell by your profile page and hubs that you're squarely behind people of all ages staying active and healthy, especially through games, sports and social connection.
Since this article is about The Villages I thought readers would enjoy this information about the Villages.
101 Interesting Facts about The Villages!
Hey Happboomers I really enjoyed this Hub, Having just spent our winter (from Dec to March) in Boynton Beach, Fl. We rented a 2 bedroom 2 bath Condo on the Inter Costal Waterway. It was wonderful, as we saw old Friends and ATE OUT ALL THE TIME! We will go back next year and stay till May. I look forward to following your Hub Beat Hubs!
Welcome b. Malin. Glad you enjoyed this hub. Sounds like you're blessed to be a snow bird in lovely Florida!
Thanks for taking time to read my hub and leave a comment. Looking forward to reading more of your own hubs.
Thanks for sharing this information. The Villages is definately a place where people are active and leading a healthy lifestyle! I definately agree that people should spend time in the community before jumping in with a purchase. There are alot of rental oportunities
Hi Mandie,
Thanks for taking time to leave an insightful comment.
Hi Gail,
A very interesting and beneficial hub to many I am sure.
I vote up and up here.
Here's to many more hubs to share on here.
Take care
Eiddwen.
Hi Eiddwen,
Thanks so much for the vote up and lovely comment. It's greatly appreciated as is your ongoing support and friendship.
Hope you have a blessed day,
Gail
Thanks for sharing this information! Many prospective Villagers will rent before they purchase to sample the lifestyle. There are alot of by owner websites where people can rent a home for extended stays. Http://www.villageshomes4rent.com is just such a site. Rent a home and check out the Villages before committing, but I am sure after one visit you'll fall in love with The Villages!
Hi Gary,
Yes, many people do like to rent before making the commitment to buy. Thanks for The Villages rental information.
Physical activities like exercises, swimming, dancing, running promotes good health especially for the aged. A lovely piece. Informative as usual, well written. Be blessed
Welcome Ubanichijioke,
Thanks so much for your feedback and support. It's greatly appreciated.
Fun physical activities for people of all ages helps people achieve a sense of well-being and fitness.
Judging from your profile pic, you're a firm believer in staying physically fit.
up, useful, and interesting HBN. A well informed hub, AS ALWAYS:) You really are such a great writer and I love how you structure your hubs. We all could learn from you. As for the article, you make good points. When you are that age, you lose mobility and the body is wearing down. Exercise is very crucial to you at an older age, very important. Great job my friend. A good read and important info for families at this stage in their life.
Hi Lyricwriter,
So glad you liked it. Exercise, social activity and stimulation of the mind are important at any age but more so in our senior years. A well planned community like this can do a lot to help people remain active whether they're just entering their senior years or in their 80's and even 90's.
Thanks for your ongoing support. It's greatly appreciated.
Hi, thanks for the info. It is time for me to begin research at my leasure.
Welcome Maren Morgan M-T,
The Villages are a great place to start your research and you can find out much information from the above mentioned website "The Villages, Florida's Friendliest Home Towns." There are many other planned communities through out the country, but this one, is quite amazing and very well run.
Good luck in your search.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
This is a great hub in many ways! I agree with you entirely that active retirement in enjoyable communities is a key to living well and living long.
I appreciate your links to other articles. I found them interesting and am reading some of the hubs now.
I volunteer at a seniors complex in Canada and really enjoy it. The Villages sound wonderful and an excellent example of what retirement living should be about.
Many thanks, Maralexa
Voted up, useful, interesting and beautiful
Hi Maralexa,
I'm thrilled that you found this information and the links helpful.
How cool that you volunteer at a seniors complex.
What amazes me most when I visit my sister and her hubby at The Villages, is how energetic and healthy so many of the residents are, and the wonderful sense of community.
Thanks for leaving such a lovely comment and for the vote up. It's greatly appreciated.
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- Retirement Communities Like The Villages in Florida Promote Healthy Lifestyles
Retirement communities such as The Villages in central Florida can provide a healthy lifestyle for seniors who want to remain active in a supportive environment. Research suggests that such places foster a strong sense of community that can counter the loneliness that may occur when seniors remain in regular neighborhoods. - 18 months ago
katiem2 18 months ago
This is great information, we are looking for such an alternative for a family member who's lost their spouse and no longer takes care of themselves as they once did. Being lonely and detached from life as you once knew it can create a host of unhealthy circumstances. I feel a good retirement community is vital to promote a healthy lifestyle. Well Done! Blessings :)