A dream retirement lifestyle is often defined differently depending on the individual. Some people will travel – either to see the world or the grandchildren that mean the world to them. Others might look forward to days spent reading, nurturing their artistic side or perfecting their golf game. Or the ultimate retirement might mean finally having time to spend the days exactly as desired, without a schedule.
There are opportunities that can influence the quality of retirement, however, and those activities tend to bring meaning or purpose to life. The advantages can also greatly impact your health and wellness.
The Benefits of Connection and Purpose in Retirement
Making the transition to retirement, whether it’s from a career, raising a family or taking care of other responsibilities, can be smoother when you consider your priorities ahead of time and how you’ll want to spend your time.
Finding or defining your purpose in life can lead to several benefits:
- Add meaning to life
- Help with the retirement transition by connecting with others
- Provide a reflection of what is important to you
- Generate positive moods and a sense of self-fulfillment
- Create excitement for a new lifestyle
- Provide structure to your new life
If you’re looking for ways to help connect and find purpose in your retirement life, there are several options. Many find that volunteering is a fulfilling choice. Studies have shown that volunteering can improve physical and mental health as well as lower rates of depression and anxiety.
Religion has also played a strong role for many retirees. Research has revealed the impact a belief system can have includes creating positive coping skills while providing a source of strength and comfort during challenging times.
Friendships have also been shown to provide a strong link to higher levels of happiness and satisfaction with life. One study found that participants ranked their encounters with friends as more pleasant than those with family members. Friendships during retirement can also help avoid social isolation whose risk has been found to be as damaging to health as obesity, inactivity and smoking.
Download our complimentary Successful Transitions guide to learn more!
Retirement in Waldorf, MD: Adding Meaning to Life
If your retirement location choice is the Waldorf, MD area, you’ll discover how easy it is to add meaningful activities into your daily life and connect with others. Having a purpose and people to share it with can make a big difference in the quality of your retirement life.
The following information provides links to a few local opportunities to help you embrace your new lifestyle, including volunteering, religious organizations and opportunities to meet and create new friendships.
Retirement in Waldorf, MD: Volunteer Opportunities
Consider the causes or programs you would like to support. Volunteering can provide an outlet for your time and talents while allowing you to remain flexible for travel or other retirement interests.
You can begin your search on Southern Maryland Online, volunteermatch.com or contact local non-profits like Habitat for Humanity, the Humane Society or food banks to inquire about opportunities.
Retirement in Waldorf, MD: Religious Organizations
You’ll discover retirement in Waldorf provides several places of worship that include: Agudas Achim Congregation Synagogue, Anointed Word Baptist Church, Calvary United methodist Church, Christ Church, Christian Unity Baptist Church, Congregation Etz Hayim Synagogue, Connect Church (Christian), Cross County Baptist Church, Fellowship Church (Christian), Goddess of Heaven Taoist Temple, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Grace Lutheran Church, Ingage Community Church (Christian), Journey of Faith United Methodist Church, Mount Sinai AME Church, Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, Peace Lutheran Church, Saint Joseph Pomfret Catholic Church, Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Saint Peter’s Catholic Church, Shri Hanuman Hindu Temple of North America, South Potomac Church (Christian), Temple of Cun Yum Buddhist Temple, The Church at Southern Maryland (Christian), The Waldorf Masjid Mosque, Waldorf Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Zion Wesley United Methodist Church.
Retirement in Waldorf, MD: Friendships and Social Interaction
Building new social networks during retirement helps seniors enjoy the mental and spiritual benefits that result from staying connected and engaged with others. While it can become more difficult to meet new people, finding ways to interact should be a priority as the risks of negatively impacting health increase if loneliness or social isolation occurs. Retirement in Waldorf, MD makes creating new friendships easier.
The Waldorf Senior and Recreational Center in Waldorf and the Richard R. Clark Senior Center in La Plata each offer a full range of activities, sports, exercise classes, and events to keep seniors active, engaged and enjoying life. Seniors can make new friends and participate in recreational, fitness, and educational programs at each one.
The Charleston Senior Living Community
Locally owned and operated, we offer personalized care by our dedicated team members. Setting a new standard in Assisted Living and Memory Care, we don’t define our residents by their limitations or illness but instead believe in focusing on the positive and the possibility.
The Charleston Senior Community includes private apartments for assisted living residents and for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Your loved ones will benefit from our attention to detail, routine health assessments, delicious dining and daily activity programs as we support everyone to live their best life.
Consider a few of our amenities:
- Chef-led dining program
- Community movie theater
- Salon
- Ballroom
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor patio
- Social lounges
- Housekeeping
If you or your family is thinking about Assisted living or Memory care, we hope you will consider The Charleston Senior Community. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions, contact us today.
We also invite you to download our complimentary Successful Transitions guide to learn more about making the move to senior living.
