Purposeful living is an essential aspect of living well, especially for those who have retired. Chances are you found significant meaning and purpose in whatever your chosen field of work was, whether that was outside or inside the home.
For some people, while retirement is exciting and a goal they work for, they can begin to feel a bit of loss regarding their purpose in life. However, that certainly doesn’t need to be the case. There are so many unique ways to live purposefully even after retirement.
Many seniors have found that moving to a retirement community can help them to live purposefully to an even greater extent. They have more time to focus on their passions and are surrounded by others who have the same drive to live well and make a difference. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s look at the many ways moving to a retirement community can help you live purposefully.
5 Ways Retirement Communities Foster Purposeful Living
1. Support Your Health
In a retirement community, you’ll likely have access to healthcare services. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy wellness groups and activities that support your health before you need care. Things like Zumba clubs, walking groups, and yoga classes, as well as hiking, biking, or swimming outings, are all great exercise options that can help give you the energy you need to do the things you want to do.
2. Low-Maintenance Life
Let’s face it: owning your own home is a lot of work. While it’s undoubtedly an excellent idea for your working years, you might reach a point where you realize your home’s upkeep is taking up more of your time than you’d like. From home repair projects to landscaping upkeep, there’s no shortage of things to do at home. In a retirement community, you won’t have to worry about any of that and instead focus on living your passions and filling your days with things you want to do.
3. Safety & Security
As we age, we all need to be cautious about slip and fall injuries — especially if you live alone. According to the CDC, more than one out of four older people falls each year. Further, one out of five falls causes a severe injury such as broken bones or a head injury.
This can be a frightening thought for both you and your loved ones. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stay safe.
By moving to a retirement community, for example, you and your family can rest assured that if you ever need something, someone will always be available to assist you. Independent living communities like Cincinnati’s Deupree House offer 24-hour emergency response systems and are also outfitted with handrails, non-slip flooring, and other fall-proof amenities.
4. Socialization Options
It can be too easy to get into the habit of staying at home and creating a routine on your own. While this isn’t always a bad thing, there are also many benefits to engaging with others. When you find a retirement community, you’re also forming bonds with neighbors and finding a way to fill your social calendar, from fitness groups and prayer groups to volunteer groups and more. No matter your passion and idea of purposeful living, there’s sure to be someone else who shares your thoughts.
5. Move on Your Terms
When you select a retirement community you love, you’re able to do so in your own way. You can weigh what’s important to you and choose the independent living option that works best for you. Continuing care retirement communities, in particular, offer various levels of care to serve residents better as their needs change.
While you might not need assistance now, you might one day. By choosing your retirement community now, you’re setting yourself up for success down the line should you need more care. This alleviates stress from you and your loved ones.
Living with purpose means doing something each day that brings you joy and helps you feel fulfilled. It also means making the best choices possible for your life so you can live it the way you want. For many seniors, moving to an independent living retirement community is an integral part of living well. You’ll be able to make your own decisions, engage with those around you, and have the time to pursue your passions.
