By Amy Hilliard
Each May older adults across the country are honored for their contributions to our nation during “Older Americans Month”. This year’s theme is “Blaze a Trail”, emphasizing the ways older adults are reinventing themselves through new passions, engaging their communities, and blazing a trail of positive impact on the lives of people of all ages.
You’re never too old to be a trailblazer and help enrich others’ lives. Here are a few simple ways you can celebrate Older Americans Month:
Volunteer
A report—“The Health Benefits of Volunteering”— by the federal agency, Corporation for National and Community Service, found that adults who volunteer had a more active lifestyle—both physical and mentally—which reduced the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and depression.
At The Carlisle Naples, residents are offered a wealth of volunteer opportunities both within the active retirement community as well as Collier County at-large.
From serving in the onsite sundry store to being a member of the welcoming committee, residents graciously give of their time and talents and truly help define the spirit of the community.
The Carlisle Naples also has an ongoing partnership with Sabal Palm Elementary School, enabling residents to interact with the youngsters and share their wisdom. Additionally, at the end of each school year, Carlisle residents volunteer to be chaperones during a fun outing to Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples or the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens.
Share Your Talents
Were you a former chairman or an accountant? Why not share your breadth of knowledge with entrepreneurs as they try to avoid the pitfalls of small business ownership? Organizations such as SCORE provide confidential business mentoring services and host workshops to help small business owners achieve success. Retired executives and CEOs are always welcomed.
Additionally, if you have special hobby or skill, consider sharing your interests with others. Volunteer to teach a class at the local library or a senior center. At The Carlisle, there are skilled bridge players who teach their neighbors how to elevate their game. There are also residents who share their love of health and wellness by leading fitness classes.
Try a New Activity
In honor of Older Americans Month, consider attending an activity that you don’t normally attend. Try a new fitness class. You may be surprised to discover you actually enjoy it!
A quick scan of the newspapers community calendar offers endless options of activities taking place in around Naples. Author book signings, art gallery exhibits, outdoor group fitness classes and music/food festivals offer opportunities to take a step outside your comfort zone.
The Carlisle Naples’ fulltime Program Director ensures their monthly calendar is chock full of exciting classes, interesting programs and fun outings. From the new line dancing class to the upcoming annual Summer Olympic Challenge, there is no shortage of the activities to pique residents’ interests.
Older adults continue to blaze trails and impart their life experiences on the younger generation. This May and beyond, we encourage them to continue shattering stereotypes and redefining what it means to be an older adult.
Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers spacious one-and two-bedroom residences include lifetime care and maintenance, weekly housekeeping and flat linen services, basic cable TV, all utilities except telephone, and a complimentary full breakfast plus choice of lunch or dinner in the community’s gourmet-style restaurant.
For more information about the community, please call 239-221-0017 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.
The Carlisle, a luxury, resort-style senior living community in North Naples, offers both Independent and Assisted Living lifestyles. Available on a monthly fee basis, the ECC-licensed and CARF-accredited community boasts a full range of services and amenities including 12-hour restaurant dining, housekeeping, transportation and activities. Located on Airport-Pulling Road, between Pine Ridge and Immokalee Roads, the award-winning community’s lush tropical environment is highlighted with meandering walking paths around three lakes and tranquility gardens. For more information or to schedule a tour, please call Director of Marketing Amy Hilliard at 239-221-0017.
Luxury Rental Retirement Living
6945 Carlisle Court, Naples, FL 34109
239-221-0017 . www.srgseniorliving.com