Your retirement is really a time to look forward to – the day you finally get to hang up your hat for good and break free of the 9-to-5 is cause for celebration. It represents the beginning of the rest of your life, spent doing what you want to do instead of what you have to in order to earn a living. In this new chapter, you might be interested in the benefits that independent Retirement Community Living can offer, as part of your health and wellbeing plan.
It’s important to keep an eye on your health if you want to stay active and enjoy your retirement for a long time. Our bodies change as we get older, and this often means it’s difficult to do things we were once able to do with ease. Creating a wellness plan to ensure your healthcare needs are met becomes a vital component of any retirement plan.
One thing that can really help you to stay well and healthy is moving to a Retirement Community (also known as a retirement village), which can offer a range of benefits that will help you to feel vital and active for a long time to come.
What to expect from Retirement Living
Retirement Living can greatly enhance your overall wellbeing in several ways. Communities like the ones we have at TriCare provide a supportive environment where you can enjoy an active, fulfilling lifestyle, with the support you need. Here are some things you can expect from living in a Retirement Community:
1. Maintenance-free living: In many Retirement Communities, you can say goodbye to the hassle of home maintenance. With services like landscaping, housekeeping, and maintenance staff available, depending on the level of support you choose, you can focus on enjoying your retirement rather than worrying about chores. Of course, if these are activities you enjoy, you’re always welcome to take care of them yourself, but the important thing is: the choice is yours. Some of the jobs that your on-site maintenance team can manage for you include:
- Lawn and garden maintenance
- Moving heavy furniture
- Outdoor maintenance, such as clearing gutters
- Basic household tasks such as changing light bulbs or fixing creaky fixtures
- Household repairs, including minor plumbing and electrical repairs.
2. Social opportunities: A good retirement community fosters a vibrant social atmosphere. You’ll have the chance to connect with like-minded people, participate in group activities and excursions, and build lasting friendships. Studies have shown that people who feel supported socially:
- Experience lower rates of depression and anxiety
- Experience a decreased risk of cognitive decline
- Experience higher quality of sleep
- Have better memory and focus
- Are more resilient to adverse or stressful events
- Have a greater sense of self-esteem and purpose
- Live longer.
3. Cognitive stimulation: Independent Retirement Living offers many opportunities to learn something new and join in with activities that keep your mind active and engaged. From book clubs and lectures to art classes and brain-training exercises, these opportunities help maintain cognitive function and contribute to a fulfilling retirement.
4. Emotional support: A Retirement Community fosters a sense of community and support. In times of joy or difficulty, having a network of friends and neighbours who understand and care can provide emotional support. These relationships can help reduce stress and give us a positive outlook on life.
5. Access to amenities: Retirement Living options can include a wide range of amenities and organised activities to support an active and healthy lifestyle. From swimming pools, putting greens and fitness classes to barbecues, art studios, games rooms, and libraries, there are almost endless opportunities for physical exercise, mental stimulation, and pursuing hobbies. “This is a lovely village with beautiful gardens and a river running by,” said Cypress Gardens Retirement Community resident William Adams. Mt Gravatt resident Barry Wiggins said. “There are many activities for residents with our own gym, two swimming pools, indoor bowls, billiards room, movie theatre, and several lounges.”
6. Security and peace of mind: Retirement Living offers an extra layer of security that can give you peace of mind – not just living in a secure village environment, but also the security of having staff on call 24 hours a day if you need them for anything. Security is one of the advantages of moving to a TriCare community, says Runaway Bay Retirement Community resident Lyn Geisel: “The safety and security I feel in living at TriCare Runaway Bay Retirement Community gives me such peace of mind which only adds to my well-being, health and happiness.”
What sort of health and wellness activities can I enjoy?
Retirement Living communities prioritise the health and wellbeing of their residents. At TriCare, we offer a variety of activities and programs designed to promote physical fitness, mental acuity, and emotional fulfilment. Some health and wellness activities you can enjoy include:
1. Fitness classes: Stay active and maintain your physical health by participating in fitness classes tailored to different fitness levels. From yoga and tai chi to aqua aerobics and strength training, these classes are led your trained staff who can help you stay fit and flexible, or even learn a new skill.
2. Outdoor activities: Take advantage of the beautiful outdoors by engaging in outdoor activities like walking or cycling – either on your own, with your neighbours, or in a local Keep Active group.
3. Wellness on-hand: A big advantage of independent Retirement Living is that health professionals are on hand to attend to your needs. From visiting GPs, nurses, and other health practitioners to swimming instructors, yoga instructors, hairdressers, and beauticians, health care comes to you. TriCare also offers the amenities where you can make the most of what these professionals offer, and are always open to new service requests from our residents.
4. Social events and clubs: Every TriCare Retirement Community has its own calendar of lifestyle activities. They are usually a mix of staff-organised activities and resident-driven ideas. Most Communities have their own resident social committee, which always welcome new members and ideas.
Retirement is a time to celebrate and embrace a new chapter in your life, and it’s a great opportunity to take the time to prioritise your health and wellbeing. Creating a wellness plan that encompasses physical, emotional, social, and cognitive aspects can help you to make the most of your time and the facilities that Retirement Living options can offer.
By embracing Retirement Living, you gain access to a range of amenities and activities that promote an active lifestyle, foster social connections, and provide emotional fulfilment. Engaging in wellness programs, fitness classes, and social events not only improves your physical health but also enhances your mental and emotional wellbeing.
Age is just a number, after all, and with a wellness plan and the support of a Retirement Community, you can enjoy a happy, active retirement. Embrace the opportunities available to you, nurture your wellbeing, and enjoy the fulfilling life you deserve.
Want to find out more about the activities at TriCare Retirement Communities? Book a tour or make an inquiry below.
