This article was originally published as a sponsor story in The Tennessean under the name 4 tips for living your best retired life in the comfort of your own home by Michelle Martin. You can view the original article here.
Being independent, active and healthy beyond age 65 starts with finding a way to enjoy retirement without having to leave home –– and it comes with the best aspects of long-term care insurance, home care and community living.
Seniors are finding these benefits and more at LiveWell By Blakeford, Nashville’s only continuing care at home program. LiveWell By Blakeford offers important wellness and preventative services while you live at home and also provides access to fitness programs, social events and other engaging activities.
No matter where you are in your retirement years, you can enjoy a similar way of living. Here are some ways you can enjoy your retirement –– all in the comfort of your own home.
Be a lifelong learner
Your retirement years are the ideal time to discover a new hobby — you can dabble in the arts, master a foreign language or learn to cook.
There are many ways to learn how. Streaming services and apps, such as Duo Lingo, provide opportunities to enhance your skills, while your local library can provide plenty of books — including audiobooks that you can access on your smart device — to help you learn.
For those who choose to enroll in a continuing care at home program, LiveWell By Blakeford offers expert talks and events to expose seniors to new activities and viewpoints. There’s always something new to learn and do.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is the key to a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re working out in a gym or practicing yoga in your living room, keeping fit is critical for your cardiovascular and mental health.
Walking around your neighborhood is a great way to stay fit — and it’s even better when you find a walking partner who can challenge and motivate you. LiveWell By Blakeford offers plenty of opportunities to meet other seniors in the community who are interested in staying fit.
LiveWell By Blakeford provides dietary and fitness consultations to help you set goals and eat better to feel your best. It also provides access to fitness programs and amenities on the Blakeford campus.
Socialize
Socializing with others is even more important as we age. Studies have shown that staying social helps reduce our risk of heart disease, obesity and depression — and even reduce the possibility of cognitive decline.
Living at home gives you an opportunity to have family and friends over to enjoy dinner or celebrate a gathering. Whether you drive or rely on another mode of transportation, getting out of the house to meet others is equally important.
Understanding the need for seniors to stay social, LiveWell By Blakeford offers a wide variety of social engagement programs for seniors to interact with others.
Manage your health care
Living your best life in retirement means feeling your best, so regular health care visits are a must.
Be sure to schedule an annual wellness visit and other yearly screenings. If you live at home but cannot drive, ask a family member or friend for help, or consider a ride-booking service such as Uber or Lyft.
Seniors who are members of LiveWell By Blakeford have access to an annual wellness assessment and transportation to essential services. If additional care is needed, LiveWell By Blakeford offers personal care assistance, medication assistance, housekeeping services, meal preparation assistance and a licensed nurse consultation.
A membership to LiveWell By Blakeford also helps seniors avoid accidents before they happen, with services such as a home safety evaluation.