Location Matters: How a Walkable Retirement Community Can Improve Your Lifestyle & Health
June 14, 2024What’s the fun of living in a community without amenities? Not much! Active adults want places to gather, work out, play, learn and refresh, and co-op communities are one of the best ways to do all these things and more.
Artessa Living’s active adult cooperatives are specifically designed with the most desired amenities in mind.
Check out some of the most sought-after amenities in active adult communities and why co-ops go above and beyond the standard to elevate and simplify your lifestyle.
Fitness & Wellness Amenities Are in Demand
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), physical activity lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and several types of cancer. It also improves sleep, stress and anxiety. Aside from the health benefits, exercise amenities are some of the best ways to promote self-care and foster active senior living.
Top fitness and wellness perks in active adult communities include:
- Fitness centers: Artessa co-op fitness centers are second to none with state-of-the-art free weights, weight machines, cardio machines and wellness features like saunas to soothe sore muscles and relax after a good workout.
- Yoga and meditation studios: Yoga and meditation have numerous mind and body benefits, from positive impact on cellular aging, mobility, balance and mental health to preventing cognitive decline. Meditation provides many of the same health boosts, plus helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Designated spaces to find mind-body serenity are key.
- Pickleball courts: More than half of the pickleball players in the U.S., who play eight or more times a year, are 55 or older — and 32.7% are 65-plus. Pickleball not only provides a good workout, but it’s also the perfect outdoor sport to play with (or challenge) friends. Most Artessa communities have pickleball courts right on site, so you can join neighbors for a casual match or form a competitive league of your own.
Social & Gathering Spaces Are Central to Active Senior Living
There are stories to tell, games to play, books to discuss and beverages to share! It’s only appropriate that an active adult community has places and spaces to host activities. This includes both indoor and outdoor gathering places such as:
- Indoor entertainment areas: Artessa entertainment spaces welcome an ideal place to gather, equipped with a full kitchen and ample seating.
- Outdoor entertainment: Barbecue masters and marshmallow roasters unite in Artessa’s outdoor areas complete with firepits, grill stations and comfortable seating.
- Game room: Dedicated sports fans and game players need look no further than their front door for easy access to pool/billiards, arcade games and TVs to delight in friendly rivalries or same-side cheering.
- Garden beds: Designated areas for green thumbs and beginning gardeners alike invite an opportunity to grow and nurture a variety of plants and flowers for all to enjoy.
- Self-serve coffee stations: Artessa co-op communities have fully stocked, self-serve coffee bars, so you can grab a cup of joe before walking the dog or relaxing on the terrace with friends.
Spark Creative & Intellectual Engagement in Your Daily Environment
Studies demonstrate that creativity improves cognitive performance and promotes a meaningful sense of identity. Having environments that encourage creativity and intellectual participation not only promotes a sharper mind and sense of curiosity but also welcomes the spirit of conversation and comradery.
To help spark creativity and foster personal interests, Artessa active adult communities have curated several bespoke locations for creating, innovating and inventing, which include:
- Makerspace: Some call it a mancave; others a she-shed — it’s the place for woodworking, pottery, building, DIYing and more.
- Craft room: Artessa’s craft rooms are ideal for scrapbooking, decoupaging, wine and art nights and any other artistic gathering, with numerous ongoing activities.
- Lending library: There is a genre for every reader in the lending library, from mystery and autobiography to sci-fi, fantasy and more.
Active Adult Communities with Member-Formed Clubs & Committees
You and your neighbors are the true social club at Artessa. Our on-site cooperative living managers are simply here to provide an environment where hobbies and social opportunities can thrive.
Some member-run committees and clubs encompass essential core pillars for maintaining quality, operations and safety. Other clubs and groups form organically out of genuine interests, which is where the real co-op community magic happens. Have a talent? Here, you’re encouraged to share it! Popular clubs and committees include:
- Gardening
- Volunteering
- Writing
- Arts & Crafts
- Cards
- Golf
- Hiking
- Education
- Fitness
- Security
- Finance
Everyday Conveniences That Make Life Easier
Active senior living amenities often take the form of everyday conveniences. At Artessa, residents have the added daily use of:
- Bike storage: Special areas of the garage are available for bike storage.
- Car and pet washing stalls: Whether you have a four-legged friend, four-tired favorite or a muddy bike in need of a rinse, Artessa offers convenient washing stations.
- Electric vehicle (EV) and bicycle charging: Designated spots in the garage are available to recharge EVs and electric bikes.
- Assigned parking space within the heated, secured garage: Each member household is assigned one parking space within the garage, with additional parking spaces available for month-to-month rent (based on availability).
- Additional storage: Beyond the spacious closets within each co-op unit, additional storage areas are available throughout the co-op communities.
Taking Amenities to the Next Level
Amenities should be an integral part of active senior living. Knowing this, Artessa’s active retirement communities are specifically designed with a blend of spaces to promote wellness, creativity, social engagement, self-care and more.
Find out how Artessa has perfected the art of cooperative living, and contact us to reserve your home-to-own in our Minnesota, Arizona and Iowa 62+ co-op communities.