Productive engagement is the key to longevity, according to researchers at the Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging at Washington University. That means older adults who stay connected, healthy, and secure can add many happy years to their lives.

A senior living community encompasses many types of senior care and housing options designed for older adults, including independent living, assisted living and memory care. They offer older adults much more than a place to live. Rather, senior living communities provide access to activities and opportunities to socialize and explore new interests, hobbies and passions while freeing one from the burden of home maintenance and chores. Ultimately, this leads to better health and longevity.

Here’s five important ways senior living communities support seniors in living better longer.

1. Stay Connected

There’s a scientific link between socialization and health. Social isolation isn’t good for anyone, but as we age, we’re more at risk. According to researchers at the University of Chicago’s Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience, social isolation is associated with:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• High blood pressure

Isolation can also lead to obesity and increase the chances of developing chronic conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

A senior living community gives seniors instant access to a network of like-minded peers with common interests. Many seniors haven’t enjoyed this level of camaraderie since they were in the workforce or at school.

For example, Sonata East at Viera Independent Living near Kissimmee, Florida, offers a robust array of events, activities, and special interest groups that make it easy for residents to build relationships with their neighbors.

2. Slash Everyday Stress

Studies have shown that chronic stress weakens the immune system, increases the risk of infection, triggers inflammation, and speeds up the aging process. Many everyday activities like shopping, cleaning, doing laundry, preparing meals, and even driving across town become more stressful as we get older. Wouldn’t it be a relief to have a personal assistant?

The “concierge” aspect of a senior living facility is an important one. Everything is arranged for the residents—from meals to housekeeping to entertainment—so they can relax and enjoy the retirement they’ve earned.

A service-enriched independent living community like Sonata East at Viera features multiple dining venues, a bar and bistro, a theater, and a full-service salon and spa on campus, among other amenities. It’s the ultimate in relaxing, resort-style senior living in Florida.

3. Take an Interest

According to the National Institutes on Health, people who lead an active lifestyle doing things they enjoy are less likely to develop chronic disease and more likely to live longer.

A senior living community gives older adults many more opportunities to pursue activities and participate in events than would normally be available to them. From painting and dancing to piano lessons and bocce ball, many seniors thrive on picking up new hobbies later in life or returning to old passions.

Socially distanced activities in senior living keep older adults active and engaged to help combat cabin fever during coronavirus. Brain boosting activities and virtual events are also popular trends in senior living. They can take the form of mobile phone apps, puzzles, word search games, map drawing, or even exploring new places from the comfort of home.

Sonata communities offer an outlet to every senior for lifelong learning, hobbies, and activities such as:

• Arts and crafts studio
• Bocce ball court
• Dog park
• Walking path
• Fitness classes
• Heated pool
• Educational seminars
• Fully stocked fishing pond

We also arrange transportation and excursions to all the top senior-friendly activities in Central Florida, including theme parks, nature parks, boat tours, festivals, antiquing destinations and golf courses.

4. Eat Right—and Well

What if you could dine out every meal—and know in advance it would always be delicious, nutritious, and farm-to-table fresh? That’s what the dining experience is like at Sonata Senior Living independent and assisted living communities.

One of the biggest benefits of independent living in Florida is the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, which have been shown to fuel a heart-healthy diet and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, dementia, and cancer.

Sonata Senior Living offers residents nutritional counseling so they can participate fully in their own well-being and make choices that support good health and longevity.

Sonata’s personalized dementia-friendly diet plans are popular with those with progressive memory loss. It’s based around small, tasty, nutrient-packed bites served as finger-foods on a regular schedule.

5. Stop Worrying about What’s Next

Active independent living communities that offer assisted living and memory care give seniors the sense of security that a higher level of care is already taken care of if it is needed. Older adults can focus on living their best every day without being concerned about a health event turning their world upside down.

At Sonata East at Viera, we offer continuing care for a seamless transition from independent living apartments to assisted living and memory care if needs change.