CCRCs Can Help Seniors Stay Active and Healthy
According to the CDC, about one in three men and one in two women engage in zero physical activity by the age of 75. However, it is recommended that people 65 and older get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week in order to stay active and healthy.
Luckily, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs or life plan communities) can help keep their senior residents active.
What Makes Seniors Shy Away from Physical Activity?
Only 43% of people between the ages of 65 to 74 years old meet the CDC’s recommendations for physical activity. This is due to a number of factors:
- Low Awareness: Most seniors are unaware of how much physical activity they should engage in daily.
- Lack of Knowledge: Many seniors don’t know which types of exercises they should be doing, especially if they have existing health issues.
- Personal Preference: Not everyone likes working out – it’s essential for seniors to find activities that they both enjoy and help keep them active.
- Physical Ability: While certain seniors might be limited by their mobility or chronic health issues, it’s important to view these as reasons for them to actually be more active (to prevent further decline).
How CCRCs Can Keep Residents Moving
The good news is that senior living communities (especially CCRCs) can help seniors overcome most of these obstacles.
Most CCRCs offer a variety of health and wellness programs for their residents, including group exercise classes, pools, and even sports. Their campuses are also usually designed to be walkable, with plenty of sidewalks and walking paths to help keep residents moving.
The Perks of Staying Active and Healthy Over 65
The health benefits of staying active are undeniable. Regular physical activity helps seniors:
- Maintain the ability to live independently
- Lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes
- Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and fosters improvements in mood and feelings of well-being
- Maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints
Here at Buena Vida Estates, we offer plenty of activities and programs to help keep our residents healthy and active. There is bound to be something for everyone!
New blog posts:
What a CCRC Is Designed to Do and the Protections You Should Look For
Understanding how a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) works (and how it’s regulated) is key to making an informed decision. In Florida, Chapter 651 outlines financial reserve and disclosure requirements designed to promote transparency and oversight. In this blog, we explain what a CCRC does, what protections to look for, and how Buena Vida Estates fits within Florida’s highly regulated framework.
What Is a Life Plan Community and Why It Matters More Than Ever as You Age
Discover what a Life Plan Community (also known as a CCRC) really offers and why more older adults are choosing communities like Buena Vida Estates for long-term independence, stability, and peace of mind.
Palliative Care vs. Hospice: What’s the Difference and How Does It Work at Buena Vida?
Palliative and hospice care are important (but often misunderstood) parts of aging well. In this blog, we explain the difference between the two and how Buena Vida Estates provides compassionate support if and when that care is needed. Residents who enter independently have peace of mind knowing that hospice services are available on-site, without leaving the community.
