When thinking of retirement, some people conjure up images of “nursing homes” with sparse walls and peeling furniture, populated by seniors who while away their time by watching television or playing checkers. What they don’t realize is that those days are long gone. As the aging population continues to increase, and higher standards of living are set, retirement communities are adapting their design plans and programming.
A significant change in retirement communities is the new focus on outdoor amenities. Rather than having seniors being stuck indoors all day, retirement communities are finding ways to engage seniors meaningfully through outdoor amenities that can increase the quality of life and allow for spaces where seniors can interact.
If you and your loved ones are curious about the kinds of outdoor amenities that retirement communities now have, read on to learn about the top 5 major trends within the senior living design scene.
Swimming Pools and Spas
Swimming is one of the most beneficial and sustainable activities for you and your loved ones. It is a combination of both resistance training and aerobic exercise and is still easy on the joints.
Spas are commonly built alongside swimming pools to provide stress reduction and soothe the mind. They can soothe sore joints and muscles and lower blood pressure to improve your cardiovascular health. As such, swimming pools and spas are an excellent combination in any retirement community to improve mind and body wellness.
Walking Paths
Walking is another activity that is light on the joints, and is one of the best ways that seniors can keep fit. Incorporating walking paths into a retirement community allows residents to not only stay healthy but also to calm their minds and enjoy a beautiful view.
Gardens
Gardens are a common choice in retirement communities as a space for socialization and exercise. Taking care of plants gives you and your loved ones a sense of belonging in the community. Doing so alongside other residents also allows you to have more opportunities to bond with them over similar interests. The simple exercise of walking around these gardens and taking care of plants also ensures that you can keep fit.
Fitness Centers
An outdoor fitness center ensures that you and your loved ones have ample opportunity to cultivate exercise habits. With specialized equipment and even exercise programs, fitness centers in retirement communities are a good way for residents to ensure that they stay physically healthy.
Grills and Fireplaces
An outdoor cooking space allows for more community engagement and creates a shared space for residents to connect and bond. Be it cooking or eating together, residents can enjoy their time spent with one another.
At our Personal Care Community, we offer a variety of senior amenities for comfort, fun, and connecting with others. You can relax after a long day in our heated spa and swimming pool, or enjoy the calmness in our landscaped gardens with walking paths. With our full calendar of social and recreational activities, you and your loved ones can rest assured that you’ll be in good hands. Contact us now to learn more!
