1. Volunteer in your community
Helping others through volunteerism not only improves the community you live in, but it can also boost your physical and emotional health. A study by the Corporation for National and Community Service reported that Americans over 60 who volunteered showed lower disability and higher levels of well-being compared to those who did not. Additionally, the National Institute on Aging reports that taking part in meaningful and productive activities, such as volunteering, lowered the risk of dementia and other health problems that commonly occur into later adulthood.
2. Exercise your brain
Similar to the way your body needs exercise to stay healthy, your brain needs regular workouts as well. Luckily there are enjoyable ways to stimulate your mind. Whether you’re doing crosswords or other puzzles, playing a game of chess, or engaging in any other problem-solving activity, your brain can benefit greatly. One study found that brain exercises helped older adults maintain reasoning skills and speed of cognition for over 10 years after the research program ended.
Another way to put your brain to work is by reading. In one study, MRI scans showed increased brain connectivity while participants read, which continued for days afterward. At Glen Oaks Community, we offer books that residents can choose from in our library, as well as many brain boosting activities throughout the day.
3. Connect with friends and laugh it up
It’s no secret that social connections are vital to a person’s overall physical and mental health. This is especially true as we transition into different seasons of life. One of the best activities to do with loved ones is laugh. As the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. This is because laughing releases endorphins, reduces blood pressure, helps fight depression and can lower stress levels.
Living in a maintenance-free community with people who are in the same stage of life opens up many opportunities to make social connections and enjoy life. The residents of Glen Oaks Community get to appreciate the many benefits of this lifestyle.
4. Work with your hands
The start of a new year is a great time to begin a new hobby. We recommend trying something that puts both your hands and brain to work. As humans, we are designed to be active and have used our hands as part of our daily survival for thousands of years. This is why we get a primal pleasure from doing tasks that involve working with our hands. At Glen Oaks, we understand that putting your hands to work relieves stress and helps you problem solve, which is why we offer activities like woodworking, crafting, and gardening to our residents.
5. Try a variety of physical activities
Being physically active does wonders for both the body and mind. From increased energy and improved cognitive function to the prevention of many diseases, the advantages of exercise are countless. One study in Sweden found that physical activity is the No. 1 contributor to longevity. However, it shouldn’t just be about adding years to your life but adding life to your years. For this reason, it can be beneficial to work in different types of physical activity to your days. Whether you enjoy swimming, working out at the fitness center, playing a pickup game of basketball or pickleball, partaking in a game of disc golf or taking a simple walk-in nature, at Glen Oaks we offer a variety of amenities that ensure our residents never get bored with their exercise routine.
If you want to start savoring the best moments in life this coming year, consider moving to the Glen Oaks Community. With our apartments at TimberCrest Independent Living and our townhomes at the Terraces, residents can enjoy stress-free living by leaving behind the hassle of owning and maintaining a home. Retirement should be about having the freedom to relax and enjoying each day to the fullest. Located in beautiful Clear Lake, Iowa, our residents have everything they need to do just that.
We welcome you to check out our photo gallery or set up an in-person tour today to see all that we have to offer.