PHOTOS BY JEJ PHOTOS
A large portion of the 55 and over population are selling their homes at an incredible pace and transitioning to active adult or independent living retirement communities. A desire to live their best retirement, spurred by 2020 and 2021 circumstances, had many re-evaluating their futures, in addition to feverish real estate conditions, which created the urgency many needed as motivation. For seniors living by themselves and even many with partners, the lockdown reinforced the need to connect with others. Time with family and friends, simpler home maintenance schedules, healthy eating, and an active physical lifestyle became important parts of retirement.
Today’s senior living options offer a better way to live and thrive in retirement. While traditional senior living neighborhoods with the occasional happy hour event exist, contemporary retirement communities go above and beyond to provide all the bells and whistles that a traditional neighborhood cannot. This includes maintenance-free homes serviced by an in-house facilities team, upscale meal services, dining events, resort-style amenities, full-time social and wellness teams, and on-site care services for future needs. One such community is Homestead Hills, a retirement community in Winston-Salem, with a warm and inviting spirit derived from friendly neighbors and team members. Through a focused ensemble of life-enriching components, Homestead Hills is elevating the way seniors are experiencing retirement in the Triad.
Be Active
Being active doesn’t just mean physically working out in a gym or performing a series of strenuous exercises under the supervision of a personal trainer. Being active can include taking part in social clubs and organizations, as well as other non-traditional physical activities focused on individual needs.
Participating in physical and social activities can prevent or delay many health problems, especially those that coincide with aging. The main benefits of staying active include the decreased risk of heart disease, improved mental health, decreased risk of falls, increased social engagement opportunities, and improved cognitive health. Most importantly, it ensures that seniors can continue to engage in day-to-day activities and remain independent for as long as possible.
Be Connected/Be Social
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated that 11 million or 28% of people aged 65 and older live alone. For seniors, the feeling of loneliness, fear, and isolation rise exponentially. The need for connection and socialization is vital for the aging population. With the benefit of being surrounded by familiar faces, and trusted team members, healthy connections can easily be made in a retirement community.
At Homestead Hills, the community’s full-time Social Director works in conjunction with Wellness and Culinary Directors to plan daily, weekly, and monthly social events, clubs, and trips. Bringing residents together to participate in activities helps to shape the vibrant network of neighbors and friends within the community. The social team plans daily events with the residents’ interest in mind. Residents participate in clubs and organizations, creating connections with one another as they delve into their favorite hobbies and interests. Clubs and organizations include the Resident Advisory Council (RAC), Helping Hands Volunteers, Mission Group, Bridge, Bible Study, Writers Workshop, Travel Club, Billiards, Read Between the Wines Book Club, and more!
Be Well
According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 85% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition and 60% have at least two chronic conditions. The impact of these conditions can result in loss of physical function, independence, or general well-being. Through the Homestead Hills national award-winning program, Purpose Based Wellness, their on-site wellness team is focused on educating residents and ensuring that they are active to help them combat chronic diseases/ailments. These include Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular disease, sarcopenia (age related muscle loss), Alzheimer’s disease, mitigating fall risks, and more.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, recommend that seniors participate in at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise like brisk walking or fast dancing. Physical activity is key to prevention and management of chronic disease. Benefits include a decreased risk of heart disease, lower risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, reduced symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression, as well as a better-perceived quality of life.
At Homestead Hills, the community’s wellness center is the heart of the community. Just a short walk from the resident’s homes, the opportunity to participate in physical activity is easy and convenient. The wellness center houses a fitness studio, heated indoor pool, and full gym managed by the community’s Wellness Director. Each day presents a variety of classes and events that assist residents with their physical fitness including Full Body Gentle Yoga Stretch, Advanced Sole Strength Line Dancing, Early Morning Strength (targeting sarcopenia), and P.O.W.E.R (a Parkinson’s focused class).
Living The Weller Life
Coined by Homestead Hills’ parent company, Senior Living Communities, “The Weller Life” is a philosophical belief that participating in a well-rounded retirement lifestyle with excellent wellness programs, social activities, dining experiences, and compassionate care services will help seniors live longer, healthier, happier lives. The active lifestyle, care services, friendships, and amenities make it easy to see why seniors are moving to retirement communities in 2022 and beyond.
Retirement living at Homestead Hills touches every part of its members’ lives, enhancing their overall experience through focused programming that is intended to keep them living long and living well.
To live your best retirement, learn more about life at Homestead Hills by calling (336) 770-2024 or visiting Homestead-Hills.com
