Retirement has a different meaning now than 20 or even 10 years ago. The idea of “resting” after work has been replaced with concepts of purpose and passion.

For many, raising children and building a fulfilling career gave life meaning in the years leading up to retirement. As you age, replacing that sense of purpose is vital to both your physical and emotional well-being.

Retirement as a Second Act

As you think about retirement in Florida, you may have several goals in mind. Whether they are financial or fitness-related goals, most of us have a shared desire to stay happy and healthy.

It’s important to remember, retirement is not just about retiring from work; it is about enhancing your life in ways that improve your physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Independent senior living in Florida is a great way to transition from a long list of responsibilities to a carefree lifestyle with new meaning and purpose.

Think of retirement as the second act where you can create a journey completely unique to you and expand as your interests evolve. This mindset is the key to healthy aging and longevity.

Another significant advantage to independent living is social connection. According to the World Health Organization, loneliness and social isolation are risk factors for increased mortality, cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia, depression, and anxiety.

Independent living is the perfect opportunity to combat loneliness and other risk factors while opening the door to explore new interests, passions, and pursuits.

Why Independent Living in Florida?

Independent senior living in Florida is all about choice, healthy aging, and stress-free living.

Most people choose independent living because they aren’t ready for personal care and assistance but want to stay active and socially connected. Not to mention the freedom that comes from not having the responsibility of maintaining a home!

Independent living in Florida typically offers:

• Diverse activities for a wide range of interests, including golf, swimming, movies, classes, and more
• Social clubs and daily opportunities to meet new people and form new friendships
• A variety of nutritional meal choices and dining venues
• Amenities such as internet, cable, 24-hour security, and concierge services that make life easier

Music, art, culture, fitness classes, educational lectures, entertainment and social events are also common activities in independent living. For example, Sonata Senior Living offers signature programming that integrates the latest research in healthy aging to nurture emotional, intellectual, physical, and social wellness – all with the personal interests and preferences of residents in mind.

Some senior living communities provide priority access to on-site health care, including assisted living and memory care support so you’ll never have to move again.

While not all independent living communities offer continuing care, many in Central and South Florida do, including Sonata Lake Mary,and Sonata East at Viera independent living communities.

Setting Retirement Goals Guides Your Journey

People who have activities in mind to pursue before they retire are more likely to do them. Hobbies, self-care, learning new technology and skills contribute to a healthy body and mind.

Research has proven that staying active and engaged keeps older adults both happy and healthy.

According to The National Institute on Aging, participating in a social and leisure lifestyle helps you:

• Lower your risk for health problems
• Improve your happiness and prevent depression
• Enhance your thinking ability
• Cope more effectively with loss and grief
• Live longer and in better physical and mental shape

How Independent Living Helps You Reach Your Retirement Goals

Most everyone wants to remain healthy and vibrant as they age. With a retirement plan in place, it is possible to avoid some of the typical problems associated with aging. Here’s how:

• Exercise and Fitness
• Social Engagement
• Cognitive Stimulation
• Amenities

Retirement Goal #1: Exercise and Fitness

According to the National Council on Aging, exercise has far-reaching and long-lasting benefits:

• Exercise helps prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure
• Exercise improves mood and can prevent depression and anxiety
• Exercise prevents bone loss and bone loss or osteoporosis is a risk factor for fractures
• Exercise improves the immune system

Some seniors won’t have the stamina for an aerobics class, but they will benefit from yoga, Tai chi, or weight-bearing exercises. Independent living offers a variety of fitness programs to fit most anyone’s ability level.

Retirement Goal #2: Social Engagement

In addition to all the senior-friendly activities in Florida, independent living activities offer another way to engage with like-minded people and make new friends both on and off-campus.

Social engagement is vital to cognitive and physical health and independent senior living in Florida provides ample opportunities to meet new people. From friendly card games and museum outings to history lectures and pool parties, the social events are as varied and diverse and they are meaningful and fund.

Retirement Goal #3: Cognitive Stimulation

Cognitive decline is complex in its causes, and research is looking at ways people can prevent memory loss, including music.

We know that the more you engage in activities that challenge your brain to think in new ways, the less likely it is that you will experience cognitive decline. In an independent living community, there will never be a shortage of ways to learn new things, whether you are renewing old hobbies or pursuing new passions.

Retirement Goal #4: Amenities

If you enjoy an active retirement lifestyle, independent living in Florida is a gateway to developing and achieving your retirement goals. In fact, there are at least five ways senior living communities can lead to a longer, healthier life.

But not everything can be about health and wellness. New construction in senior living features a level of luxury that has never been seen before by previous generations, creating more ways for older adults to enjoy their retirement years. Along with innovative safety technology, amenities at Sonata’s newest independent living communities take resort-style retirement living to another level. These include:

• Poolside bar and grill
• Bistro and wine bar
• Rooftop terraces
• Gas fire pits
• Zero-entry heated pool and lounge areas
• Off-leash dog park and pet spa
• Golf cart parking and charging stations
• Putting greens

Whether your retirement goals include better health and nutrition or simply more ways to write the script to your second act in life, resort-style living at Sonata means freedom to enjoy a worry-free lifestyle and social opportunities that make each day a richer experience.

Create your path to a healthier and happier retirement at Sonata Senior Living.