Lives are marked by firsts. First steps. First day of school. First date. First job. First love. All these things and many other memorable experiences were the start of something new. As we age and enter the era of retirement living, there are still very special opportunities that present themselves for new firsts: first pickleball or bocce game, first time trying a new food, first vacation after retirement or first grandbaby joining the family.
The lesson:
It’s never too late to try something new or embrace change in the golden years season of life.
Whether it’s picking up a paint brush for the first time in a long time, taking a dance class or exploring new technology, retirement living provides nearly endless opportunities for seniors looking to get involved and explore passions and interests. Without even realizing it, seniors are embracing everything that retirement living has to offer, developing connections with new friends, strengthening their cognitive health, seeing improvements to overall health and wellbeing, growing in confidence and redefining their purpose.
“I have seen incredible transformations in residents who try new things-like joining our hikes,” described Melanie Long, Dynamic Living Director at Country Meadows of Frederick and leader of the resident hiking club: Trailblazers. Walking beside them as they discover new trails, form friendships, and do things they once thought impossible is truly inspiring. There’s a deeper appreciation for nature and those moments together-it’s clear they’re fully embracing life. It’s a beautiful thing to see.”
But what if:
While fun, new can also be scary. Regardless of age – trying something new does come with some natural emotions, like nervousness and doubt. Will I like it? Will I be good at this new thing? What if I can’t physically do it?
Don’t let these thoughts stop you and embrace all there is to explore, test and see as you figure out what retirement living life can be like. A new activity could just be the thing that changes your world.
Need ideas:
Here are some other firsts to try:
- Get crafty through painting or knitting
- Start journaling or documenting family or personal stories with a blog
- Try yoga
- Join or start a book club
- Dance like no one is watching – in your home or taking a class
- Enroll in a community program
- Cook or bake a new recipe
- Use apps like Duolingo to learn a new language
- Exercise your brain through trivia or puzzles
- Volunteer for a charity that inspires you
- Teach a class on a subject you enjoy or have experience in at a community center, local school or religious organization or a retirement community
How do I start:
Take one month to try the new thing of interest. According to a recent CNN article, it can take up to two months for habits to stick. If your new activity is proving to be harder than expected, stick with it and be patient, it may turn into a lifelong hobby, but if not, be proud you tried.
We are here to help you with another first: Researching retirement living communities
Whether you are researching retirement living communities for yourself or for a loved one, another milestone is moving. Making a move to a retirement community can bring about all of the same emotions as trying something new as well as other questions and concerns. Our team of advisors is here to help you every step of the journey and introduce you to residents who have embraced retirement living and everything that an active senior living lifestyle has to offer.
