Although younger generations may be all over walkable neighborhoods, there are tons of benefits that older adults may enjoy from residing in one as well. A walkable independent living community can be the ideal choice for your retirement years if you’re attracted to the thought of living somewhere where your own two feet can transport you wherever you’d like to go.
What Exactly Constitutes a Walkable Neighborhood?
In general, a walkable neighborhood is one that not only provides clear, secure pathways for people but also actively encourages traveling on foot. Ample public green space is a common feature of walkable areas, and the paths often provide quick, efficient journeys to attractive locations like dining, shopping, and entertainment facilities. They create a holistic lifestyle so that locals may easily stroll to the shops and services they require.
Many seniors strongly like walkable communities, though perhaps for slightly different reasons than their younger counterparts, who benefit from the smaller footprint while managing jobs, kids, and other obligations.
In some ways, deciding on a walkable neighborhood is a very personal lifestyle decision. However, more and more studies have highlighted the multiple benefits of walking in your everyday life. Here are a few.
Stronger Ties to the Community
Imagine yourself taking a leisurely stroll down the sidewalk, greeting other people as you go and waving a friendly hello to neighbors working in their yards. You might even stop to chat with a few friends along the way. This is the essence of a walking community, where interpersonal interaction is common and obstacles posed by enclosed motor vehicles are nonexistent. So, it makes sense that residents of walkable communities are more socially active and have closer relationships with their neighbors. The fact that it promotes socializing, which can have a positive impact on the wellness of seniors, who are particularly prone to the negative effects of social isolation, is another compelling benefit. Coupled with the activities and events provided at the retirement community, living in a walkable neighborhood can ensure any older adult gets plenty of opportunities for meaningful social interaction.
Encourages Physical Activity
As one of the most basic exercises, walking is a good senior fitness activity because it can be readily modified in terms of pace and length to suit your needs. You can see and do a lot while walking in a walkable neighborhood, which makes being outside and working out that much more appealing, as opposed to simply going to the gym,
Better Health
Exercise and better health go hand in hand. You may not be surprised to learn that living in a walkable neighborhood can lower your chances of obesity, but did you know it can also have an effect on your chance of developing significant health issues? According to research, those who live in walkable neighborhoods are also less likely to develop cardiovascular disease. Additional advantages of walking include improved mood and memory, as well as reductions in cholesterol and blood pressure.
From increased social interactions, to improved health, residing in a retirement community situated in a walkable neighborhood is the best way to live out your golden years in the most fulfilling and enjoyable way possible!
