Blog

Now that warm weather has arrived, many people find that they have a renewed enthusiasm for participating in exercise. After all, it’s human nature to take it easy during the dark, cold New England months … when even indoor activities can take a back seat to listless, carefree reading under a cozy blanket in your favorite recliner!

Our advice is: Go for it! After all, staying active is important at any age.

(Of course, before beginning any exercise regimen, you should consult a medical professional to identify those activities most appropriate given your specific health conditions and circumstances.)

Whether you want to soak up the sun or stay indoors, the important thing is consistency: Trying every day to engage in some degree of physical activity.

And that’s precisely why Southgate offers such a wide diversity of enjoyable amenities.

This blog will touch on a few of them, but we encourage you to explore our website to learn more (or better yet: Stop by Southgate in person!)

Our campus. At Southgate, you’ll find our sprawling 30-acre campus quite conducive to walking or casual strolling. With very few hilly spots, our beautifully landscaped grounds include a park, gazebo and fountain, wooded areas, and lots of benches. (Exercise is supposed to keep you fit—not inordinately tire you. Always rest, pace yourself and stay hydrated!)

Indoor pool. Higher temperatures and swimming go together like cake and ice cream! Our refreshing pool allows you to swim at your own pace in any weather. (Even during those frequent—and sudden—spring showers!)

Health club and spa. We offer a variety of sports equipment so you don’t have to wait in line (remember: We’re trying to keep you moving!) … and so you can work out on your machine of choice.

Four-lane bowling alley. Like biking, you never forget how to bowl … even if gutter balls are your specialty!

Gym and wellness classes. Sometimes the best thing for your health is to achieve a sustained state of relaxation or meditation. Well-established activities like yoga are proven to improve your agility, muscle tone and overall mental health. (Let’s not forget: Staying fit involves both physical and mental components!)

Arts & crafts studio and woodworking shop. When you’re involved in creating something, you get a “lift” and a mental boost that can do wonders for your overall peace of mind. (See previous comment about the importance of mental health!)

Southgate Resident Joanne W. and her friend Melky

As pets, dogs and cats reign supreme. Their popularity and appeal are universal—crossing all age groups worldwide. Chances are, a pet has played a big role in your own life–whether it’s a family dog you grew up with or a neighborhood cat that never failed to pay you regular visits.

Of course, there’s little surprise in all this. After all, humankind’s attachment to pets goes back to time immemorial.

Here at Southgate, visitors will likely come across a pet or two under the loving care of a resident. That’s because we recognize the tremendous good they can do for those around them. This blog discusses some of the benefits inherent with pet ownership.

Positive effects on health. It has been proven time and again that pets can help keep us healthier. For example, interacting with animals can reduce blood pressure and anxiety—and even lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels when associated with walking or other related activities.

Companionship. Having a regular, reassuring presence in your life has a significant calming effect. Knowing that you’re never alone can truly work wonders, both in mental and physical respects. Pets may not be able to respond to you verbally (with the occasional exception of a parrot!), but the beneficial impact of their interactive behavior on you is immeasurable.

Unconditional affection. There’s always a lively debate raging about the “personalities” of dogs and cats; it’s the classic “I’m-a-dog-person” versus “I’m-a-cat-person” discussion (perhaps better characterized as “disagreement”). Regardless of your stance, pets are constant givers of love and affection—no matter what kind of a day they’ve had! The effects on a person’s mindset can be nothing short of miraculous.

The socialization aspect. It’s always healthy to stay involved with the world around you. The socialization and camaraderie that transpire and evolve through communal activities such as card-playing, woodworking and art classes keep you alert and motivated. Similarly, having a pet serves as a healthy attachment outside yourself.

The pleasure principle. Studies have demonstrated that playing with pets can elevate your levels of serotonin and dopamine—two nerve transmitters that are recognized as having pleasurable and calming properties. (That’s why service animals are frequent guests of hospital patients!) There’s even a study that documents how oxytocin—one of the body’s “feel good” chemicals that plays a role in social bonding—is boosted when a person stares into the eyes of their pet dog!

Comfort and support. (And even more comfort and support!). Face it: Cats and dogs work their “magic” in mysterious ways we don’t even understand. The simple truth is that, for most people, they bring an added element of joy to life. Perhaps that’s why an estimated 68% of U.S. households have a pet.

What sets a great retirement community apart–and how do you choose

You’ve worked hard to get to retirement, so you want to make sure you spend it in an environment conducive to your wants and needs. With the massive landscape of retirement communities to choose from, how do you begin to choose?

Most retirement community will have the same basics; access to food, healthcare and different levels of independent and assisted living, so in order to find the best one for you, make sure you select a community that has amenities, a location and a community that will enhance your quality of life.

Amenities

Every retirement community will have different sources of entertainment and convenience within the walls of their campus. Take stock of your hobbies and lifestyle; how do you want to spend your newfound free time? Whether it’s gardening, hiking, fitness or even playing your favorite games, make sure the community you choose has the amenities you need.

It’s not just about the amenities that currently exist, but the ability to continue to enhance and add to residents’ quality of life that sets the best retirement communities apart. That’s why at Southgate at Shrewsbury, we are constantly upgrading our facilities and communicating with our residents to ensure we have the programming they desire to make their retirement truly exceptional.

Location

It’s time to ask yourself what seems like a simple question: where would you like to spend your retirement? Do you value being close to family and friends, or are you looking to start an entirely new chapter in a brand-new place? Once you have determined the overall location you’d like to be, it’s time to consider some other important factors.

We mentioned above how most retirement communities will have access to onsite healthcare, but making sure that you are located near quality healthcare facilities and hospitals will help you maintain better physical health and a more enjoyable retirement. Also, consider recreational facilities and activities that are nearby. Will you have access to everything you want?

Thanks to our location in Central Massachusetts, the residents at Southgate at Shrewsbury have access to a wide array of entertainment and shopping nearby, along with some of the best healthcare facilities in the country. Ensuring you’re in a location that offers what you want and need will make your retirement that much better!

Community

Every retirement facility will have a unique community and vibe that should be something you strongly consider, which is why narrowing down your decision and checking out the communities is imperative.

Look for things like an engaging staff that is familiar with the residents, and community activities and areas where residents congregate. Observe not just what they are doing, but the overall sense of vigor. The best retirement communities will cultivate and take pride in the sense of community that is felt on their premises.

When selecting a retirement community, make sure you find a place that not only checks all the boxes, but provides you with new boxes you didn’t even think about! You’ve worked incredibly hard to get to this point; you deserve the best.