How to Stay Active in Retirement
Many of us look forward to retirement – saying goodbye to a morning alarm, emails to answer and endless meetings. But for some, retirement can seem like too much free time. The key to enjoying retirement is to look at it as a new adventure and seek out ways to stay active, engaged and social.
At Copeland Oaks, a premier retirement community in Northeast Ohio, our philosophy is that seniors should make the most of their retirement years! And retirement communities are designed to help make that happen. From a busy calendar of events to convenient amenities and services to assist seniors at every stage of retirement, a senior community gives you many ways to stay active.
Three Things to Consider for an Active Retirement
While many people associate being active with physical activity – and that’s an important part of it – you should also consider staying mentally sharp and socially engaged.
Incorporate Physical Exercise
Find physical activities you enjoy. The goal isn’t to force yourself to exercise. Choose physical activities that bring you joy and stress relief. For some, this might be a competitive sport, like golf or pickleball. Others are more drawn to group exercise, such as yoga, water aerobics or Pilates. When incorporating exercise into your routine, keep this in mind:
- Low-impact exercise like water aerobics or walking can help you reduce stress and improve heart health without being hard on your joints
- Yoga and tai chi are great for improving balance and flexibility
- Strength training with weights and resistance bands is great for maintaining muscle mass and bone density
You’ll find lots of ways to stay physically active in retirement at Copeland Oaks. At our aquatics and fitness center, we offer a swimming pool, wellness classes and recreational programs including personal training and aerobics. Our Buckeye Aerobics Studio provides Zumba, chair exercises and line dancing. Our beautiful campus has nature trails, a bass fishing lake with fishing pier, pickleball court and putting green. And all Copeland Oaks residents have a lifetime membership at the nearby Berlin Lake Golf Club.
Keep a Busy Social Calendar
Studies show that seniors who are more engaged socially are happier and healthier. Making time to build and maintain social connections is associated with less depression and overall mental health. Look for ways to stay in touch with family and friends or find ways to connect with new friends.
- Plan regular get togethers at home or restaurants
- Make travel part of your social calendar by planning trips with others
- Volunteer at local organizations, schools, libraries, hospitals or charities
- Join clubs to meet people with shared interests
At Copeland Oaks, fun-filled travel opportunities and special events are regularly scheduled. At the nearby University of Mount Union, residents enjoy attending concerts, lectures, theater and sporting events. On-campus activities include ice cream socials, live entertainment, holiday celebrations and more.
Our retirement campus includes a library, woodworking shop, community garden and Creativity Center, home to classes for painting, drawing, handcrafts, needlework, photography, jewelry making and more.
Stay Mentally Sharp
Engaging your mind on a regular basis is the best way to maintain your cognitive edge. The good news is that using your brain helps keep it healthy and there are so many fun ways to do that: learn a new skill or take up a new hobby, read, work on puzzles, play a musical instrument or take classes (online or at a local college).
At Copeland Oaks, we believe in promoting opportunities for lifetime learning. Our residents can attend any class at the University of Mount Union for free. We offer games and activities designed to help residents stay sharp. In addition to Bible study groups, residents can attend worship and spiritual fellowship services in our chapel.
Is Copeland Oaks the Right Retirement Community for You?
If staying active in retirement and enjoying your golden years is your goal, why not visit Copeland Oaks and see all we have to offer? We strive to provide an inviting environment and a full spectrum of amenities and services that make retirement pleasurable, fulfilling and worry free.
Our picturesque 250-acre campus is located is Sebring, Ohio, a small town with friendly people, local shopping and events. We are within driving distance to major metropolitan areas such as Cleveland and Pittsburgh, as well as Canton, Akron and Youngstown.