Given a choice, most of us would like to live in places that are beautiful to look at, with fun neighbors and friends nearby. This might seem like an obvious “water is wet” observation, but science is uncovering evidence that there is more here than you might expect.
Living in such places might not just make you happier — they may in fact bolster your health as well.
The Link Between Happiness And Health
“People are doing a lot of things to stay healthy; they’re jogging, riding their bikes, eating fruits and vegetables,” University of Utah Professor Ed Diener tells Time. “We want to remind people that there’s one more thing you need to work on that can also have a big effect on your physical and emotional wellbeing.”
Diener is the lead author of a study that looks at the growing body of evidence linking health and happiness.
“Scores of studies show that our levels of happiness versus stress and depression can influence our cardiovascular health, our immune system strength to fight off diseases and our ability to heal from injuries,” Diener explains in his university’s Unews publication.
Katy Kurili, executive director of Moorings Park Grande Lake, Naples’ premier retirement destination, takes a slightly different view.
“I think it’s great that science is finding all these connections between health and happiness,” she smiles. “I just think that if being happy feels like work, you might be doing it wrong.”
A Cheerful Way To Flourish
Kurili knows of what she speaks: Moorings Park Grande Lake recently won the International Council on Active Aging’s (ICAA) NuStep Beacon Award for being one of the Top 25 Best in Wellness communities in North America.
“I don’t think you need a scientific study to understand why the ICAA regards us so highly,” Kurili says. “Our residents enjoy the finest retirement living you can find.
“You can enjoy a personally-designed workout session in our fully-equipped fitness center, or spend the morning golfing next door at the Grande Lake Golf Course, designed by the award-winning Rees Jones,” she continues. “Then you can relax with a full-body massage in our spa, and enjoy a refreshing beverage at our resort-style pool and cabana. After enjoying an exquisite dinner at one of our three superb restaurants, you can indulge your intellectual curiosity by taking in a movie or listening to a guest speaker in our wonderful theatre.”
Enjoyable Ways To Stay Connected
“There’s a very good blend of activities here,” says ‘Chuckie’ McPherson, who moved to Moorings Park Grande Lake with her husband, Larry. “The restaurants are sensational. What Larry and I have tried to do is to arrange dining with recent move-ins to get to know people.”
Staying socially connected can have a large effect on our physical health, studies have shown. People who feel socially connected are significantly more likely to maintain their cognitive fitness, enjoy positive feelings about life, and have healthier hearts, according to the National Institute on Aging. The studies note that social connection is determined more by the quality of our relationships than their quantity.
Dr. Roger Landry, a preventive medicine physician and author of several award-winning books on aging, recently told Florida Weekly that the “basic human needs of movement, diet and this feeling of being part of a community that nurtures our growth is critically important to our health.”
Kurili adds, “Our community makes it easy to be as socially engaged as you want to be. You certainly don’t need to be a social butterfly to enjoy life and thrive at Moorings Park Grande Lake.”
Gorgeous Sunset Views From Every Residence
One study indicated that even something as simple as a beautiful view can have an effect on our physical health. A Pennsylvania hospital looked at pairs of residents recovering from similar ailments and found those recuperating in rooms with a naturally pleasant window view did better than those who had an obstructed and unappealing one. The ‘nice view’ patients needed less painkillers and reported fewer physical issues during their recovery.
“I don’t know exactly how a view affects us physically,” Kurili points out, “but it’s easy to see how it affects our mood. Our residents can kick back on their expansive lanais overlooking the shimmering lake and beautifully laid out golf course next door, as well as taking in the sensational Gulf sunsets at the end of the day.”
A Fully-Encompassing View Of Health
“Moorings Park Grande Lake and its sister communities Moorings Park and Moorings Park at Grey Oaks share a simple mission: to deliver a healthy, balanced life for our members,” says Tom Mann, Vice President and Senior Living Specialist for Moorings Park Communities. “Our residents enjoy their active lives, knowing that a complete spectrum of health care services supports them. The Center for Healthy Living offers top-of-the-line concierge physician services, fitness classes, and personal training. The highly personalized Care 360 healthcare program is included in the monthly service package.
“In addition, the very best assisted living and memory care is available at no additional cost, should they ever be needed,” he adds.
“After our residents enjoy a vibrant day of their favorite activities, they can retire to their gorgeous apartment homes,” he continues. “Starting at $1.8 million, these extraordinary luxury residences have been designed by our partner, London Bay Homes, and customized by the residents themselves in tandem with London Bay Design. Each maintenance-free home has its own private elevator and expansive lanais, and ranges in size from 2,776 square feet to 7,863 square feet.
“This is a lifestyle that really needs to be seen to be appreciated, and I hope anyone who is interested will take advantage of an upcoming opportunity to do just that!” he adds.
Experience A Taste of Luxury At Our Luncheon
Ready to do a little window shopping? Moorings Park Grande Lake will host a delicious Informational Luncheon on Friday, November 4th at 11:30 a.m. Tom Mann himself will host the event, which takes place inside the community’s lively social hub, the splendid Clubhouse. Guests will be treated to a delicious surf and turf lunch prepared by Grande Lake’s talented culinary team, while getting a detailed explanation of services and pricing.
To register for this tasty event hosted by Moorings Park Grande Lake, please visit MooringsPark.org/Events, call 239-232-3903.
