Leading a healthy lifestyle involves more than just reaching your daily step goal. It means engaging in meaningful activities that benefit your mind, spirit, and body. And based on a growing amount of evidence, it's worth it!
Research indicates that older adults who maintain an active lifestyle are happier; live longer, healthier lives; and are more resilient. However, some may realize that finding multiple activities to fill your day can be challenging.
Lionel Buenaventura, a retired operations management executive who resides at Wind Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Highlands Ranch, Colo., always finds plenty of things to do--but that hasn't always been the case.
'Everything I need'
Before he moved to Wind Crest, Lionel lived in a townhouse near the Highline Canal Trail, where he enjoyed walking his dog Tycho. Although he had a furry companion, he sometimes felt isolated.
He often encountered Wind Crest residents along the trail, as it runs adjacent to the community. When he asked them how they liked living in a continuing care retirement community, everyone said the same thing: "It's like living on a cruise ship!"
Looking for more activities to participate in with peers, Lionel moved to Wind Crest in 2022. Since settling into his apartment home, those feelings of isolation have disappeared.
"Everything I need is right here!" he says. "Physically, I have the fitness center. I play with two different golf groups. For mental acuity, I play chess. I also belong to the car club and a Catholic Bible Study group, and I have served on the Resident Advisory Council's general services and finance committees."
He also volunteers as a resident ambassador, welcoming prospective residents and sharing his experiences living at Wind Crest. "I am so happy here that I wanted to be able to influence everyone to be happy here," he says.
Trying new activities
Lionel, who was already accustomed to an active lifestyle, knew how important it was to find a community that supported his overall health and well-being.
"I played basketball, practiced martial arts, and competed in sparring competitions in my younger days," he says.
He adds, "I no longer play basketball, so my cardio now comprises long walks with my dog and occasional hikes. As I was approaching 50, my late wife convinced me to switch to golf instead of martial arts. And I still lift weights, but at a moderate intensity--roughly 50% of what I lifted when I was younger."
With a fitness center just steps from his apartment home and golf courses nearby, Lionel has all the amenities he needs to maintain an active lifestyle--at a level he feels comfortable at.
Two knee replacements four months apart slowed him down a bit, but not for long. After completing a rehabilitation program at Wind Crest, he was back on his feet in no time.
"I worked hard at rehab with the physical therapists and the fitness instructors here at Wind Crest. They are the best!" he says. "I believe that one has to remain physically active, albeit at an intensity level commensurate with one's capabilities and age."
Outdoor amenities
To further support residents' health and well-being, Erickson Senior Living is investing $500 million to enhance wellness programs and amenities across its national network of communities. Residents will enjoy new restaurants, upgraded fitness and aquatics centers, and refreshed outdoor spaces.
"Based on residents' interests, we added new pickleball and bocce courts, dog parks, putting greens, and more," says Sarah Kokinos, vice president of community living for Erickson Senior Living.
Some communities created beautiful meditation gardens, offering a peaceful environment for relaxation and reflection. Others wanted new patios, firepits, and outdoor spaces to provide great gathering spots for socializing with friends under the stars.
A healthy environment
"Studies show that spending time outside supports physical fitness, mental health, and overall well-being," says Kokinos. "Our outdoor amenities are designed to inspire connections."
She continues, "For example, our dog parks offer space for canine companions to play while their owners sit and chat. And, whether it's just for fun or in friendly competition, residents come together to participate in morning putting challenges, afternoon bocce practices, and after-dinner pickleball games."
No matter what activities you enjoy, you'll have multiple opportunities to stay fit, healthy, and engaged at an Erickson Senior Living community!
Request a brochure to learn more about how a move to an Erickson Senior Living community can support your health and well-being.