Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Greg Pascucci
August has been declared Happiness Happens Month. Established by the Secret Society of Happy People, the observance serves as a reminder for everyone to notice when happiness happens. An eye-opening study found that older adults are among the happiest in the nation.
From self-care to volunteering, there are numerous ways to tap into your happiness this August and beyond:
Exercise
Research found that people who work out even once a week or for as little as 10 minutes a day tend to be more cheerful than those who never exercise. In fact, there is scientific proof to back up the findings. During workouts, dopamine is released. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is associated with feelings of pleasure and happiness.
At The Carlisle Naples, a luxury retirement community, there are opportunities abound for fitness and exercise. Meandering walking paths, a state-of-the-art fitness center and instructor-led classes are just a few of the amenities available to residents.
Eat Well
Do you know certain foods can affect your mood? Authors of “The Happiness Diet: A Nutritional Prescription for a Sharp Brain, Balanced Mood, and Lean, Energized Body” suggest complex carbohydrates like whole grains, nutrient-rich leafy greens, fish, yogurt and fat from high quality, farm-raised, pesticide-free sources. Tyrosine is the building block of dopamine and can be found in foods such as avocados, watermelon, chocolate, bananas and green tea.
The Carlisle recently introduced Fresh Zest, as part of its new Zest initiative. Zest is Senior Resource Group’s (SRG) new wellness program that offers daily activities and events focusing on the mind, body and soul. It will provide residents with opportunities to help raise their energy levels and improve their overall quality of life. As a Zest component, Fresh Zest, a new plant-based option has been added to The Carlisle Room’s existing menu.
Stay Connected
The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkley reported that “the quantity and quality of a person’s social connections—friendships, relationships with family members, closeness to neighbors, etc.—is so closely related to well-being and personal happiness the two can practically be equated. People with many friendships are less likely to experience sadness, loneliness, low self-esteem, and problems with eating and sleeping”.
At The Carlisle, residents are thrilled to discover they are forming friendships and creating new memories with their neighbors. Whether bonding over a love of Mah Jongg or sharing the same home state, friendships blossom at the active retirement community.
Support a Charitable Cause
Scientists have linked charitable acts and behaviors with the release of endorphins in the brain. This release produces a positive feeling known as the “helper’s high”. Additionally, a study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Tennessee found that “people who provided social support to others had lower blood pressure than participants who didn’t, suggesting a direct physiological benefit to those who give of themselves”.
Thanks to The Carlisle’s maintenance-free lifestyle, residents have the option of being as active or relaxed as they please. Many use their newfound free time to
be involved within the community as well as throughout the Naples area. Some have opted to volunteer in The Carlisle’s onsite assisted living community, for example, while others serve as “foster grandparents” as part of an ongoing partnership with Sabal Palm Elementary School.
“It’s no surprise to The Carlisle team that researchers have uncovered older adults are among the happiest in the country,” said The Carlisle’s Executive Director Bill Diamond. “Here, there is such a spirit of camaraderie and togetherness. I find such joy in watching as residents, upon moving to our community, rediscover a hobby or find a new passion.”
Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers spacious one-and two-bedroom residences, 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 Greg Pascucci at 239-221-0017.
Luxury Rental Retirement Living
6945 Carlisle Court, Naples, FL 34109
239-221-0017 . www.srgseniorliving.com
