Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Senior Communities Offer Peace of Mind Now & Into the Future
By Greg Pascucci
Twenty percent of older adults in a recent study stated they experience a lot of stress in their daily lives. From caring for a loved one to worrying about the upkeep of a home, there is no shortage of reasons for anxiety and worry. For older adults desiring a more carefree, maintenance-free lifestyle, a senior living community can provide peace of mind now and into the future.
Gerald Martin moved to The Carlisle Naples three years ago and credits the active retirement community with his newfound freedom to spend each day as he wishes.
“I lived in Naples for 35 years and owned a condo,” he explained. “I was tired of all the cooking and cleaning, and now that I’m here at The Carlisle, I’m glad someone else is doing that for me!”
Without the day-to-day responsibility of household chores, Martin said a typical day includes enjoying breakfast in the onsite dining room, The Carlisle Room, exercising and catching up with neighbors over a few rounds of card games. He also looks forward to getting together with his longtime friends at Quail Run Golf Course, located a few miles from The Carlisle.
“It’s nice to maintain those friendships plus meet new friends here,” he said. “The live entertainment at The Carlisle on Wednesdays and Thursdays is great for catching up over live music and drinks.”
He encourages older adults to move to a senior living community while they are healthy enough to take advantage of the wealth of programs offered. Each month, for example, The Carlisle’s Zest Department – charged with appealing to residents’ mind, body, and spirit – plan a variety of fitness classes, arts and crafts, educational programs, outings, concerts, and more. There is an activity designed to pique every interest!
Residents at senior living communities can spend each day as they wish, and for many, that may involve discovering (or rediscovering) a new hobby.
Older adults at retirement communities have become authors, artists, musicians, mentors, and actors. They have even discovered new careers post-retirement, giving them a new sense of purpose, one of the keys to successful aging.
A senior living community can also help alleviate the stress for older adults providing care for a spouse. Though caregiving can be an extremely rewarding experience, it may be stressful and lead to caregiver burnout. Recent studies have found feeling overwhelmed for extended periods can lead to depression, which is associated with heart disease and more debilitating outcomes.
“At The Carlisle Naples, our team understands the stress and emotional toll caregiving can create. Our independent and assisted living campus offers a wealth of supportive services and amenities to help older adults flourish while easing day-to-day caregiver responsibilities,” said Executor Director Bill Diamond. “The assisted living program provides options for residents who may need additional services and still prefer to remain in a familiar, residential setting. Our extended congregate care (ECC) license also allows The Carlisle to provide additional supportive and nursing services to residents who would otherwise need to transition to a skilled nursing facility. They, along with their families, have peace of mind knowing supportive care services are available should their needs change.”
With much of the day-to-day stressors removed from residents’ lives, they can spend each day focused on more meaningful activities, leading to a higher quality of life.
Here are a few additional tips for reducing stress:
1. Practice mindfulness: Slow down and live in the moment;
2. Exercise: Physical activity reduces stress hormones and stimulates the production of endorphins which boosts one’s spirit;
3. Connect with others: Positive human connections have been linked to lower levels of stress hormones;
4. Get adequate sleep: Sleep calms and restores the body and regulates mood;
5. Experience nature: Being in nature can reduce blood pressure and stress. Even viewing scenes of nature can elicit a feeling of calm.
Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers independent and assisted living lifestyles featuring spacious one-and two-bedroom residences, weekly housekeeping and flat linen services, basic cable TV, all utilities except telephone, and delicious dining with daily, chef-prepared specials. The community is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an important distinction that provides residents with the assurance that the highest standards of quality care, services and safeguards are maintained. For more information about the community, please call 239-221-0017 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.
Luxury Rental Retirement Living
6945 Carlisle Court, Naples, FL 34109
239-221-0017 . www.TheCarlisleNaples.com
