When you’re retired, every day might feel a bit like summer vacation, but you’re not alone if you still look forward to the warmer months like a kid ready to splash away the school year.
Summer offers nearly endless options for passing your time — and extra daylight hours to pack in all the fun. Enjoying a vibrant, enriching and worry-free summer is even easier if you’re able to take advantage of the amenities, activities and peace of mind that come with living in a Life Plan Community.
This type of senior living community, which you might also hear called a continuing care retirement community, provides older adults with a rewarding lifestyle filled with an abundance of options so residents can do as they please all summer long — all year long, for that matter. That might mean taking a leisurely afternoon nap without worrying that the lawn is overgrown, or it may find you engaged in lighthearted banter over a casual lunch featuring fresh seasonal ingredients.
Summer is a time when a senior living community truly shines.
Summer-Friendly Features of Senior Living
Communities designed for older adults typically offer a wide range of amenities that allow residents to live their best lives. In a Midwestern community like Oklahoma City, summer brings many of those features to the forefront.
For example, gardening is a beloved pastime for many seniors, and at Epworth Villa, you’ll find a community garden with individual garden areas where residents can nurture and grow their own crops. Those who prefer to observe the summer foliage from afar appreciate the 40 acres of gardens and walking trails, including a scenic lake and gazebo.
All of the community’s independent living apartments feature private patios or balconies, ideal for container gardens and a cozy spot to sit with a cup of coffee in the cool of the morning while the birds sing their songs to welcome a new day.
Those who prefer the privacy of a cottage can take advantage of yard space for flowers, gardening and outdoor living (while leaving the heavy lawn care to the community’s dedicated maintenance team).
Many senior living communities also offer wellness programming and fitness centers; Epworth Villa is no exception. The fitness center is outfitted with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, and residents can join group classes in balance, stretch and flex, and line dancing, among others — all within the comfort of an air-conditioned facility.
The center also offers an indoor pool and whirlpool so you can perfect your stroke or enjoy a soak without fear of sunburn.
Wellness During the Summer Months
While indoor fitness accommodations play an important role in promoting physical well-being, communities also provide plenty of summer activities for seniors that support other dimensions of wellness.
Socialization is especially important for older adults because it has such a far-reaching impact. Seniors who have strong social ties tend to be more active because they’re motivated to spend time with friends and loved ones, but they also have stronger emotional and mental health. They’re less prone to loneliness and depression, and they have sharper cognitive skills.
That context underlies all of the summer-themed recreational, cultural, educational and spiritual programs that bring residents together. Resident-led groups also foster personal connections among residents who share similar interests.
Self-expression is another way senior living communities encourage emotional wellness among residents. This is evident in structured settings such as discussion groups and creative workshops, as well as venues like the community woodworking shop or arts and crafts studio.
Eating Smart for Summer
A nutritious, well-balanced diet is essential for aging with grace and protecting an older adult’s overall wellness. However, many seniors report changes in their diet as they grow older. Hunger cues often fade with age, as the body’s natural digestive system and metabolism slow.
In addition, it’s very common to feel less hungry during the summer months. Your body recognizes when you’re less active, and it slows your metabolism to compensate for the extra energy it needs to keep you cool. All of that can add up to poor eating habits, including erratic mealtimes and convenient (but not necessarily nutritious) snacking.
The dining program in a senior living community helps ensure residents make smart, nutritious choices, even when the weather affects their appetite. From fine dining to casual meals, residents have access to chef-prepared dishes made with fresh ingredients.
At Epworth Villa, The Café is a favorite spot; the atrium is filled with inviting natural light, perfect for enjoying a light lunch or breakfast with friends under bright blue summer skies. Daily and weekly specials ensure the menu has plenty of seasonal variety, along with classics like a quesadilla served with house-made salsa.
A Stress-Free Summer Lifestyle
Puttering around in a garden is one thing, but lawn maintenance in the heat of the summer can be a real burden. In a senior living community like Epworth Villa, residents enjoy maintenance-free retirement living so they don’t have to worry about dedicating the coolest hours of the day to yardwork. What’s more, housekeeping services every other week and weekly flat linen service mean residents have more time to spend on the things they enjoy.
Another reason residents can celebrate a carefree summer is the long-term peace of mind that comes from knowing they have a plan in place for the future. Residents have access to a continuum of care, meaning if their health needs change over time, they’ll get the support they need on campus, in the familiar surroundings they call home.
Residents also know help is just a call away, thanks to a 24-hour emergency call system and 24-hour emergency response.
Spend Your Summer (and Winter, Spring and Fall) with Us
Our residents will tell you, the water’s great — jump on in! But if you’d like to dip your toe in first, we’d love to give you a tour and let you see for yourself what makes Epworth Villa the best choice for senior living in Oklahoma City. Contact us to schedule a visit!
