USA offers healthy lifestyle retirement communities

The results of a recent survey indicate that the UK is 20 years behind other nations in terms of Retirement Communities.  The survey showed 60% were unconcerned about meeting people and making friends and that 55% believed loneliness would not be a problem.

Loneliness is a real problem in the UK and being lonely can be as bad for someones health as having a long-term illness such as diabetes.

Patients are visiting their GP because they need human interaction, adding a great strain to the NHS.

Another worrying statistic is that an estimated 1.1 million Britons are 50% more like to die prematurely, making loneliness a mortality risk.

There have also been many reports connecting loneliness with the onset of dementia with no stimulation to the senses.

Lets take a look at what a successful retirement community looks like in the USA. Millions of retired Americans, and indeed Europeans, are heading to Florida to set up in a one of many Retirement Communities for the sunshine, the properties but most importantly the lifestyle.

5 Successful Retirement Communities

The Villages – Florida

The Villages in Florida is one of the largest age restricted communities in the world. A community of residents over 55 years enjoy a town community with shops, restaurants, banks, post offices, healthcare centers, and a huge variety of activities to keep those minds and bodies active.

Photos from Ted Eytan Flickr Photo Stream

The popularity of this community draws retirees from all over the world for its reputation as being ‘the friendliest town in Florida’ with endless activities:

There are more amenities per capita in this active adult community than any city or age-restricted neighborhood in the country.

The developers of The Villages designed the community to have several places for people to meet up and socialise with friends and neighbours, so there are 3 town centres with shops, restaurants and outside spaces to gather and enjoy free nightly entertainment.

Free Golf for Life

Residents can enjoy free golf for life! Now that is a good health plan Prime Minister.

Find out More

Pennys Farm Retirement Community

Penney’s Farms were established by entrepreneur James C Penney in 1927. He wanted to create a farming community but today Penney’s Farms is now a Town in its own right.

From Allen Forrest Flickr photo stream

Penneys Farm is an active, caring community of Christians in a beautiful setting with real sustainable ethos of conservation, renewable energy and taking care of the land.

Their website shows they care about each other, the land and promote healthy living in a beautiful safe environment.

Find out More

Stone Creek

Stone Creek is a gated over 55’s community with a small town feel and plenty of activities to suit all interests.

This community has its own library, ballroom for entertainment, 2 indoor leisure activities, craft room, billiards room, meeting room and spa.

There is a fishing lake to catch and return fish and miles of scenic walks and bike riding tracks and an 18 hole championship golf course.

Image by Darryl Kenyons Flickr photo stream

Find out more

On Top of the World Folk Festival

This retirement community brings residents from across America due to the stunning homes, great lifestyle and world class activities.

Three golf courses, clubhouses, fitness centres, swimming pools, tennis courts, restaurants, social hubs for dancing and a theatre for performances.

Photo from Darrel Kenyon’s Flickr photo stream

Find out more

Retirement Communities in Australia

Australian Unity offers Australians Independent Living but focuses on Lifestyle, Community and Security for the over 55’s.

Find out more

Conclusion

The developers of these retirement communities have truly created social spaces, they bring people together and keep them fit, healthy and active. All the activities are optional, you can stay in your home and pick and choose what you want to do, but living a healthy lifestyle is at the heart of retirement communities.

It is not about property prices or inheritance, its about living in the here and now, enjoying life to the full by making and spending time with like minded people.

The the happy hormones such endorphins, dopamine and serotonin are in abundance here I’m sure.

Take me there now xx

Find out more and retirement communities