Picture it: a misty morning walk with friends on the way to yoga class, or an afternoon spent nurturing your creativity with others in the art studio. This is just a small glimpse into what life is like at an active retirement community like Friendship Village of South Hills.
When seniors consider moving to a senior living community, one of the first questions they have is “What will I do there? How will I keep myself busy?” This is only natural, as we all want to embrace a life where we stay as active and connected as our abilities allow, learning new skills, and pursuing what we love.
If you’re considering a move to an active retirement community, here are some activities and opportunities that residents take part in from the first day they move in.
What Does an Active Lifestyle Mean to You?
What is active living? Our definition will depend on our interests, abilities, and individual preferences. However, for many seniors, living an active lifestyle is about filling each moment with memories and experiences that matter. It’s about pursuing our passions and our pastimes among friends and family who share our commitment to joy. This means enjoying physical activities, certainly, but also creating fresh social connections, exploring new skills, and pursuing passions new and old.
Activities for Seniors that Get You Moving
Your journey to holistic wellness is distinct and personal. At Friendship Village of South Hills, residents receive tailored wellness programs suited to their individual journeys. This may mean taking classes in the aerobics studio, nurturing seedlings in the community garden, or simply strolling the exceptionally manicured grounds of the community.
Residents also get access to Frosty Valley Golf Links, an exceptional and welcoming golf club for golfers of every skill level. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day, or to enjoy with adult children or grandchildren on the weekends. In addition, residents have guest memberships to the Upper St. Clair Recreation Center where they can take part in a range of additional activities with members of the wider community.
Opportunities to Create New Social Connections
What resident Mary Ann Hunt says she loves most about life at Friendship Village of South Hills is “the people that I’ve met and the friendships that I’ve made. And I really think that contributes to your quality of life.” In fact, she’s right. Creating and maintaining strong social connections is key to overall wellness and longevity.
Community life here is designed to encourage natural opportunities to meet new people. Neighbors are warm and welcoming, so there’s always someone to spend time with. Resident Mary Lou Burger says, “Certainly, go do your due diligence. Look at other places. But I’ve met so many people who come here after they’ve done that because this is the place, this is the place to be in Pittsburgh because of the warmness.”
Community events are also on the activities calendar each month. There are plenty of ways to get involved. “We’ve met so many wonderful people,” says Hunt. “(My husband) Chuck is now in charge of the woodshop. I’m managing a small store, so we have things that keep us busy, but not constantly like a job would. And we’re just very, very happy all the time.”
Learning and Mastering New Skills
Active senior living communities are also all about learning and growing. Lectures, cultural programming, arts classes, and much more make it easy to engage your mind and flex your social muscles. This could mean taking a painting class with a guest artist in the art studio, learning to play bocce on the court, or attending a lecture in the auditorium.
Whatever you’re looking for, there’s sure to be a program or activity you like, and people to experience it with. This was true for resident Ginny Douds, who says, “I enjoy meeting new people, having people to eat dinner with, not by myself. I enjoy the programs they bring in. They bring in some wonderful programs for us, and they’re all a free part of just living here!
Exploring Hobbies and Passions
Finally, active senior living communities help residents explore their passions and discover new ones. Every day at Friendship Village of South Hills, active seniors delve deeply into the interests they love and embrace new pursuits.
Residents can tend their own plot in the community garden, play a friendly game of eight-ball in the billiards room, and share their love of cinema with others in the theater. At day’s end, music aficionados often relax with live music in the piano lounge or take a meditative evening to build something new in the fully stocked workshop.
Resident Theresa Pierce says, “The minute I walked into Friendship Village, it just felt so comfortable. And my daughter and I looked at each other. We said, ‘this is the place!’ (It) lives up to its name!”
Discover More About Activities in a retirement Community Like Friendship Village of South Hills
At Friendship Village of South Hills, an active senior living community in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, we delight in offering active seniors social and activities calendars packed with ways to spend each day. Our resort-like campus is tucked into 73 beautifully landscaped acres, providing a setting where residents can rejuvenate, recharge, and explore. Meanwhile, downtown Pittsburgh is only a short drive away for those who want to explore all the attractions and entertainment in the city.
The best way to experience all that Friendship Village of South Hills has to offer is to schedule a tour and see it for yourself. Contact us to discover more.
