If you’re approaching the “Golden Years” or just thinking ahead, you’re probably wondering about where you want to live during this stage of your life. Many over 60 are reinventing retirement by working longer, travelling, moving abroad and otherwise living life with a new level of vitality and purpose.

To meet this change, many senior villages have made “reinventing retirement” their mantra. Once synonymous with nursing homes, retirement homes now offer a much broader continuum of possibilities and options for people in retirement who want to live in a more communal setting.

Today’s retirement villages offer co-housing for seniors who want to save on expenses by living in smaller apartment homes with access to larger shared public spaces. They also offer top of the line amenities/services, dining experiences and life-enriching activities and events.

These villages boast of local shops, spas, hair salons and gyms – in fact, everything one might expect to find in any small residential area. To add to the experience, the communal spaces are defined to promote a social, active and relaxing lifestyle.

The Social Aspect

The social side of village life is extremely important, and there is a wide range of events and groups to cater for all. They often have active social calendars with concerts, wine tastings, cultural offerings and other fun things to do with fellow “older adults.”

At The Dunfield residents are given a wide selection of recreational and entertainment activities, including casino nights, luaus and political discussions, to list a few.

The newest addition to the Phoenix group, The Pearl at Jamestown which offers state-of-the-art amenities, luxurious furnishings and quaint outdoor areas, has beautifully-appointed gathering spaces for socializing. Family-style dining coupled with engaging conversation promotes social wellness and makes mealtime unforgettable.

Other types of social areas include billiard rooms and sitting rooms designed to bring residents together for an afternoon bridge game, garden club meeting or a sports event on TV. And cozy, light-filled, four-season porches that overlook gardens are conducive for small gatherings.

Get busy

Fitness centers are an emerging trend in senior living communities. They include exercise classes, weight training, therapy pools and cardiovascular equipment.

At the Village at Incarnate Word in Texas, there’s an array of indoor and outdoor activities to keep guests engaged and entertained. It hosts weekly ballroom and Latin dance classes, water exercises, and tai chi to keep residents active and moving. Its community promotes an aging in place philosophy where residents can enjoy an active, independent lifestyle.

The residents at Ingham County Medical Care Facility share the same luxury. They are able to enjoy a ½ mile handicap accessible wellness trail, lovely courtyards with café tables and coverage, delightful gardens and an exclusive indoor 20×30 warm water therapy pool.

Their activities also inspire residents to keep their mind and body busy. From social outings to bingo, word games and gardening in the greenhouse, its services focus on the continued health, safety and well-being of its guests.

Time to relax

Many retirement villages are custom designed and therefore much thought and attention is given to the grounds that surround it. Beautifully manicured lawns, wide smooth pathways and covered seating areas encourage residents to make the most of their environment.

Jewish Senior Life’s 75-acre campus promotes spending time outdoors. There are walking paths, a putting green, a large pond and grand gazebo. With the addition of strategically placed outdoor patios and raised garden areas, there are plenty of areas to curl up with a good book.

Much like the other villages, the Jewish Senior Life offers every level of care to help their residents live life to the fullest.

As you hit the “Golden Years”, health, happiness and relaxation become a priority and life in a retirement village may be the right solution. With the perfect combination of extra support, and privacy in an idyllic residence that encourages independence as well as the ability to enjoy social and leisure activities.

Looking to create a comfortable and relaxing space for socializing? ShadeFX can help.