3.7.18: Senior Communites: Booming with the Times
Regular exercise can help older adults stay independent and prevent many health problems that come with age.
The CDC 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends two types of physical activity each week to improve health—aerobic and muscle-strengthening.
Experts recommend that older adults engage in:
- Moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes five days a week.
- Muscle-strengthening activities for two or more days a week that work all major muscle groups.
Statistics show that less than one-third of Americans aged 65+ meet this recommendation. However, there are many proven programs that can help keep seniors active.
Follow the example of Del Webb, pioneer builder of Sun City, Arizona in 1970. One of the nation’s first dedicated, holistic senior citizen communities. In recent years, the builder has been tweaking its master plans and home designs to appeal to the nation’s 76 million Baby Boomers, aged between 51 and 70. Boomers, as Del Webb has learned through surveys and model-home testing, don’t want the same things their parents did.
1 – Closer to City Centers
Phoenix, AZ, Durham, NC, Albuquerque, NM – increasingly, builders are creating smaller, more navigable senior communities within 10 miles of city centers so that seniors can feel integrated, not isolated.
2 – Fitness + Nature
Less golf, more hiking. This is the trend that builders of senior communities are leveraging. Boomers are more and more interested in active sports and group activities. It’s also less land-intensive, and greener!
3 – Lots of Room
Senior communities are trending away from resort-style condo living, and towards free-standing homes with plenty of square footage for grandkids and other welcome visitors.
Interested in an integrated and intimate fitness community in your neck-of-the-woods?
Hit your 30 minutes of activity per day and stay connected with our fun-to-use Flashfit app that provides aerobic and strength-building exercises in one-minute bursts. No special equipment needed – just your phone and positive vibes. www.flash.fit
Sources: National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control, CityLab
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