Older Americans Month: Honoring and Empowering Seniors in Jacksonville
Jacksonville recently ranked number 7 in the country as a top retirement destination. If you have visited this sunny part of the world, it's easy to see why. With community, connection, and beautiful Florida weather, it feels more like a laid-back resort than a bustling city.
May marks Older Americans Month, and it's the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything that is good and great about reaching your senior years. Read on as we explore more about how to live your best life in retirement.
What Is Older Americans Month?
Older Americans Month is a tribute to aging with spirit and grace, reminding us of the vital role of seniors within families and the nation. It's a time to pay respects to the wisdom of age.
Older Americans Month was first founded in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy and has been observed every year since. It has been led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL).
If you or a loved one is heading into your senior years, this May is the perfect opportunity to consider some of the ways you can embrace an active and healthy retirement, built on connections with others, a focus on wellness, and taking the time to relax and unwind.
Celebrating Older Adults: Aging With Grace and Purpose
Aging with grace and purpose can mean different things to different people, but there are some common threads.
It's about living every day with intention, positivity, and connection with others. And it's about embracing all the exciting aspects of retirement, like the freedom from responsibility and the chance to have fun, meet with friends, and try new hobbies.
At Discovery Village At Deerwood, this philosophy sits at the heart of the friendly and vibrant community we have created here. We have enriching activities, social events, a relaxing environment, and a welcoming atmosphere. It's the perfect setting for any retirement.
Senior Wellness and Active Aging
Health in old age isn't just about avoiding viruses and broken bones. It's about having energy, strength, and mobility for as long as possible.
Seniors at Discovery Village At Deerwood feel empowered to achieve this thanks to our wide variety of on-site activities, such as:
- Strength and fitness classes
- Stretching classes such as yoga
- Guided walks
- Spaces for rest and relaxation
- Mindfulness and meditation classes
We have a holistic approach to wellness, focused on the mind, body, and soul.
That's what it truly means to embrace health in your later years, feeling energized each morning to make the most of the day ahead and looking after your body to stay mobile and independent for as long as possible.
Building Strong Connections in Later Life
Social connections are essential at any stage of life.
In our later years, when a family has grown up and left home, there is an increased risk of isolation, so social connections are even more crucial. This is one of the main drivers for seniors moving to a retirement community, as it's the perfect opportunity to meet new people, form friendships, and participate in fun group activities and senior living celebrations.
Maintaining a strong social life boosts mental and cognitive health and enriches daily life.
At Discovery Village At Deerwood, we've nurtured this warm and friendly environment by organizing a range of retirement community events for our residents to take part in, whether that's a lively quiz night, a quiet book group, or a morning group walk.
Lifelong Learning: Keeping Your Brain Busy
Cognitive decline and forgetfulness in old age are worries for most of us, but did you know that you can help strengthen your brain the same way you can with your body? Sharpening your cognitive skills can keep your mental faculties in good shape, and there are many ways you can do that:
- Having conversations with friends
- Trying puzzles or games
- Exploring a new hobby
- Reading a favorite novel
This is why Discovery Village At Deerwood offers a range of activities that help strengthen cognitive skills. You could join a chess competition or a lecture on technology, or foreign languages.
The advantage of being in a senior living community is that you have a team to help take care of everyday chores like cooking and cleaning, which allows you the time and freedom to focus on activities you enjoy and are great for your mental and physical health.
Nutritious Food for Optimal Health
Of course, looking after the body and mind only comes together once you include nutritious food in that equation. That's how you can live a senior life with energy and optimal health.
A balanced diet is crucial, and we go to great lengths at Discovery Village At Deerwood to ensure residents have tasty, varied, fresh, nutritious food. We also cater to all dietary needs.
Older Americans Month is a good time to think about the role nutrition plays in old age and the importance of nourishing the body. It's not only about longevity but about having the right fuel to live an active and fulfilling retirement life.
Enjoying Jacksonville: Beyond the Senior Living Community
Jacksonville has much to offer the senior community, and there is no better time to enjoy the sights than when celebrating Older Americans Month this May. Near Deerwood, you can enjoy:
- A round of golf at Pablo Creek Club
- A stroll around Losco Regional Park
- Jacksonville's many museums and galleries
Why not combine a visit with a tour of our senior living community at Discovery Village At Deerwood? After your visit, try one of the fantastic local restaurants or browse nearby boutique shops.
Visit Discovery Village At Deerwood Today
Older Americans Month is a chance to celebrate the many exciting opportunities around the corner as you retire and embrace the positives of discarding tedious chores and day jobs in favor of fun hobbies and friendships.
You have the perfect opportunity in Jacksonville to do that, so come and visit us at Discovery Village At Deerwood.
Our community campus is at the heart of the most upmarket area in Jacksonville, giving you the best of both worlds: a relaxing, friendly environment while staying close to an urban hub much loved by retirees in Florida. Book a tour with us today to explore our many wonderful amenities on offer.