Not so long ago, retirement meant sitting on the porch, watching the grandkids play, and enjoying an occasional round of golf. Not anymore. If you’re like most retirees today, you’re looking for ways to live fully, with purpose, and in the company of other vibrant seniors. And you don’t just want to watch your grandkids play … you want to join the fun!
To achieve these goals, you need to focus on wellness. Some folks think wellness means physical fitness, but that’s just part of the picture. Wellness has many pillars that contribute to enhanced vitality and a higher quality of life. The good news is that Life Plan Communities like Carlyle Place in Macon make cultivating every pillar of wellness easier.
Physical Wellness
When people hear the word “wellness,” physical wellness is often the first thing that comes to mind. And no wonder. Physical wellness is all about developing healthy habits that will enable you to live a longer, happier life—and that’s especially true during your senior years.
Most of the keys to physical wellness probably sound familiar. Make sure you’re eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, avoid sugary drinks, and engage in 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity at least five times per week.
Keep in mind, too, that cultivating physical wellness is easier when you’re surrounded by other energetic people. At Carlyle Place, for example, our fitness center is a hive of activity, offering fitness and nutritional education programs to suit all types of people. “You can be as active as you want to be,” Daniel S. says. “There’s a pool, walking trails, physical training classes, and many other activities. It’s so convenient.”
Intellectual Wellness
Learning doesn’t stop when you leave the workaday world. It’s a lifelong process that’s all about staying curious, seeking new experiences, and challenging yourself to grow. What’s more, engaging in mentally stimulating activities may lower your risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Here at Carlyle Place, you’ll find plenty of artistic, cultural, and educational programs that let you—quite literally—learn something new every day. These range from formal lectures to lunch & learn programs to coffee chats. We’ve also partnered with Wesleyan Academy of Lifelong Learning to offer a wide variety of courses, from history and politics to science and art.
Sometimes intellectual pursuits can even get a bit competitive. Retired Reverend Don K. and his wife Mary play Wordle every day in online matches scored like golf tournaments. “If you get the word in two tries, that’s an eagle. Three, that’s a birdie, and so on,” Don explains. “It’s pretty cutthroat,” he laughs.
Social Wellness
Humans are social beings, so it’s not surprising that maintaining connections is important for your physical and mental health. Social wellness is all about how you interact with your community and those around you. It also means building a support system of family, friends, peers, and professionals.
One of the simplest ways to cultivate social wellness is to be open-minded about new experiences and people. And you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do just that at a Life Plan Community like Carlyle Place in Macon. From parties and dances to happy hours and group outings, there’s always a chance to see and be seen.
Mary Dale K. is one of our community’s most active social butterflies. “My husband Don and I love meeting new people, so we avail ourselves of social activities as much as possible,” she says. “But if you enjoy reading in your apartment, that’s fine, too. There’s no pressure.”
Emotional Wellness
Contrary to popular belief, cultivating emotional wellness doesn’t mean you have to be in a cheerful mood all the time. It does mean seeking support, setting goals, and enjoying your successes. In other words, being kind to yourself.
Mental wellness encompasses all aspects of cognitive and emotional health, including how you cope with life’s ups and downs. In a supportive retirement community like Carlyle Place, you’ll find countless ways to minimize stress and cultivate joy, including music therapy, support groups, massage therapy, and a full-service beauty salon. You’ll also find plenty of art, cultural, and educational programs to keep your mind sharp and brighten your outlook on life.
Connecting with other people can boost your emotional well-being, too, as resident Marianna G. observes. “To me, the biggest draw to Carlyle Place is that everyone—from neighbors to staff members—looks out for one another,” she explains. “We take care of our own through good times and bad.”
Spiritual Wellness
Studies suggest that spiritual or religious observance can lower your risk of stroke, hypertension, and other health concerns. Yet, when it comes to spiritual wellness, one size does not fit all. Some folks practice acts of kindness, while others find meaning in faith traditions. Either way, spirituality is key to living a full life, especially as you get older.
A Life Plan Community can help you find inner peace through religious pursuits, meditation, or relaxation. At Carlyle Place, we’re especially proud of our multidenominational approach to our Sunday School, Bible studies, communion services, and relaxation classes. All support inclusivity and tolerance for different beliefs.
Many folks also find that volunteering is great for the spirit as well. “We do a neat thing here called Backpack Ministries,” Ronnie K., one of our resident volunteers, explains. “It involves filling backpacks of food for deserving children. More than 2,200 kids in three counties benefit from this fantastic program.”
Occupational Wellness
Sharing your knowledge and abilities with others doesn’t have to stop just because you’ve retired. Vocational wellness is all about finding enrichment and satisfaction through meaningful contributions to your community.
Folks who call Carlyle Place home come from many diverse backgrounds and bring a wide variety of skills and know-how to our community—from music and drama to gardening and library science. And because our residents are some of the friendliest people you ever want to meet, they’re all eager to pass along their expertise, often to the benefit of our entire community.
One self-described “weather nerd,” Jim K., set up his own weather station that measures precipitation, temperature, and wind direction. There’s even a weather app for everyone in our community to use. “Anyone can just open the Carlyle Place weather station app on their phones and all the details are at their fingertips. Folks just love how it helps them plan their day.”
Embrace a Healthy Mind, Body, and Spirit at Our Macon Life Plan Community
Our holistic approach to integrating the pillars of wellness into your day-to-day life is just one more way that Carlyle Place helps you Craft Your Happy. “To put it into perspective, wellness incorporates everything that’s important to your life,” Don K. says. “And a supportive retirement community with a fantastic staff make it simple.”
Call us today at 478-405-4544 to schedule your visit.
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