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February morning light streams through your apartment windows, illuminating the urban landscape beyond. The city is already awake, pulsing with energy – not unlike the vital organ beating steadily within your chest.

That heart of yours. The one that’s been with you through every triumph, heartbreak, celebration, and challenge. The one that, statistically speaking, becomes more vulnerable with each passing decade.

Heart health matters at every age, but for seniors? It’s absolutely crucial. The good news – and yes, there’s plenty of it – is that urban living offers unique advantages for maintaining cardiovascular wellness that many suburban or rural environments simply cannot match.

Let’s explore how city dwellers can leverage their surroundings to keep their hearts beating strong for years to come. Because contrary to what many believe, getting older doesn’t have to mean slowing down.

The Urban Advantage: Heart Health on Your Doorstep

Think about this: The average American spends 6-10 hours sitting each day. Sedentary lifestyles have become so common that medical professionals have coined a rather grim expression – “sitting is the new smoking.” Dramatic? Perhaps. But not entirely off base.

Here’s where urban living offers a distinct cardiovascular advantage. Cities, by their very nature, encourage what health experts call “incidental exercise” – physical activity that happens naturally throughout your day without formal exercise sessions.

Walking to the corner market. Climbing stairs to reach your favorite restaurant. Strolling through the nearby park. Taking public transportation (which inevitably involves more walking than driving). All these small movements add up in substantial ways.

A 2023 study published in the Journal of Urban Health found that seniors living in walkable urban environments accumulated, on average, 63 more minutes of physical activity per week than their suburban counterparts – without any conscious effort to “exercise” more. That’s over an hour of heart-healthy movement happening naturally, simply because of where they live.

The science is clear on this one – these consistent, moderate movements throughout the day may actually benefit cardiovascular health more than the occasional intense workout followed by hours of sitting. It’s about movement patterns, not just dedicated exercise time.

And speaking of movement patterns…

Walk This Way: The Perfect Urban Exercise

Let’s be honest about something: high-impact activities become less appealing with age. Knees protest. Backs complain. Recovery takes longer.

But walking? Walking is the unsung hero of cardiovascular exercise. No equipment needed. No special skills required. Gentle on the joints. Adaptable to any fitness level. And in cities, there’s always somewhere interesting to walk to.

The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly – that’s just 30 minutes of walking five days a week. Sounds manageable, right? Especially when your environment makes it natural and convenient.

Urban environments offer endless walking opportunities with built-in variety. One day, it’s a cultural stroll past museums and galleries. The next, perhaps a waterfront path with benches perfectly positioned for rest stops. The day after that, maybe a farmers market where the walking is punctuated by social interactions and fresh food discoveries.

This variety matters more than most people realize. Walking the same suburban loop day after day quickly becomes monotonous. Urban walking routes offer changing scenery, new destinations, and the mental stimulation that keeps exercise feeling fresh and engaging.

The psychological aspect shouldn’t be underestimated. Exercise only benefits your heart if you actually do it consistently. Urban environments make walking less about exercise and more about living – experiencing your community, connecting with others, and simply going about your day.

The Social Heart Connection

Here’s something cardiologists have known for decades but rarely makes headlines: social isolation is as dangerous for your heart as smoking 15 cigarettes daily. Yes, really.

Urban living, particularly in well-designed senior communities, offers built-in social infrastructure that suburban homes often lack. The elevator conversation that turns into coffee with a neighbor. Community events in shared spaces. Cultural outings with fellow residents. These aren’t just pleasant social interactions – they’re medicine for your heart.

The mechanism behind this connection is fascinating. Social isolation triggers stress responses, increases inflammation, raises blood pressure, and disrupts sleep – all direct pathways to heart disease. Regular positive social interaction does the opposite, creating physiological conditions that protect cardiac function.

Urban environments create what sociologists call “engineered serendipity” – physical settings where meaningful connections happen naturally through repeated casual contact. These environments make it easier to maintain existing relationships and form new ones, even for those who don’t consider themselves particularly social.

Think about it – when’s the last time you spontaneously encountered a neighbor while living in a single-family home? Now compare that to the natural meeting opportunities in a high-rise building’s elevator, mail room, lobby, or community spaces.

Fresh Food Access: Urban Markets and Heart Health

Nutrition forms the foundation of cardiovascular health, and this is another area where urban living offers significant advantages – particularly in the midst of Florida’s year-round growing season.

Downtown Orlando boasts multiple farmers markets within walking distance, where local produce is available at peak freshness. The fiber, antioxidants, and natural compounds in fresh fruits and vegetables work synergistically to lower inflammation, regulate blood pressure, and protect arterial function.

But even beyond farmers markets, urban centers typically offer greater diversity in food options. Mediterranean restaurants serving heart-healthy olive oil-based dishes. Plant-forward cafés specializing in creative vegetable preparations. International markets with exotic fruits and vegetables that add variety to heart-healthy diets.

This diversity matters enormously for nutritional adherence. The typical “heart-healthy diet” fails not because people don’t understand it, but because it becomes boring. Urban food environments offer endless variation that makes nutritious eating an adventure rather than a chore.

Wait, that’s not quite right – it’s not just about having access to these options; it’s about the proximity. When healthy choices require less effort than unhealthy ones, behavior change happens naturally. The corner market with fresh produce becomes the convenient option when it’s actually on your corner.

Stress Less: Urban Green Spaces and Cardiac Health

Chronic stress silently damages the cardiovascular system through multiple pathways: elevated blood pressure, increased inflammation, altered blood clotting, and risky behavioral changes like poor eating habits or disrupted sleep.

Contrary to popular belief, well-designed urban environments can actually reduce certain types of stress – particularly for seniors. The stress of home maintenance? Gone. Transportation logistics? Simplified. Access to services? Streamlined.

But beyond these practical stress reducers, cities have increasingly prioritized the development of green spaces – parks, gardens, and natural areas that research shows directly benefit cardiovascular health.

A groundbreaking 2019 study in the European Heart Journal found that even brief exposure to green spaces lowers blood pressure, reduces heart rate variability, and decreases stress hormone production. The effect is so pronounced that some cardiologists have begun “prescribing” regular park visits alongside traditional medications.

Orlando’s Lake Eola Park provides exactly this type of restorative environment within the urban landscape. The 1.5-mile walking path encircling the lake offers both exercise and exposure to natural elements – the perfect combination for heart health.

Medical Access When Minutes Matter

Let’s discuss something nobody wants to think about, but everyone should consider: emergency cardiac care.

The stark reality is that with heart attacks, stroke, and other cardiac emergencies, proximity to advanced medical care directly impacts survival rates and recovery outcomes. The American Heart Association emphasizes the critical importance of the “golden hour” – the first 60 minutes after symptom onset when treatment is most effective.

Urban living, particularly in downtown Orlando, places residents minutes away from world-class cardiac care facilities. This proximity isn’t just convenient – it can be lifesaving.

Beyond emergency care, the accessibility of routine cardiac care in urban environments removes barriers to preventative treatment. When your cardiologist’s office is a short walk or brief transit ride away, you’re more likely to keep regular appointments, follow up on concerning symptoms, and maintain continuity of care.

This accessibility becomes increasingly valuable with age, as medical appointments tend to become more frequent and mobility challenges more common. The difference between a five-minute ride and a forty-five-minute drive to a specialist appointment is more than just time – it’s about energy conservation, stress reduction, and the likelihood of maintaining consistent care.

Tech and Heart: Urban Innovation

Urban centers have become hubs for healthcare innovation, particularly in the digital health space. Many urban senior living communities have embraced these technologies to support cardiovascular wellness in ways that would be challenging to implement in more isolated settings.

Remote monitoring programs allow cardiologists to track vital signs and detect potential issues before they become emergencies. Telehealth services provide convenient access to specialists without travel. Digital health platforms offer personalized guidance for exercise, nutrition, and medication management.

These technologies don’t replace human connection – they enhance it by removing logistical barriers and providing data that makes in-person medical visits more productive. The integration of these tools into urban senior living environments creates a supportive ecosystem for heart health that combines the best of technology and personal care.

Making Heart-Healthy Choices in an Urban Environment

Living in an urban setting provides the infrastructure for heart health, but personal choices still matter enormously. Here are some practical strategies for leveraging your urban environment for optimal cardiovascular wellness:

• Create walking routes that incorporate destinations – the morning coffee shop, the community garden, the local library – making exercise a natural part of daily life.
• Take the stairs when possible – even if just for a floor or two before catching the elevator. These micro-exercise moments accumulate significantly over time.
• Establish regular farmers market visits as a social activity, combining physical movement, social connection, and fresh food access in one heart-healthy habit.
• Identify your nearest green spaces and incorporate them into your weekly routine – research shows even 20 minutes in nature three times weekly produces measurable cardiovascular benefits.
• Leverage community spaces for group activities – from formal exercise classes to informal walking groups. The social component will help maintain consistency.
• Take advantage of urban cultural events that require walking and standing – museum exhibitions, art walks, outdoor concerts – getting movement while engaging your mind.
• Explore heart-healthy menu options at local restaurants, creating a rotation of favorites that make nutritious choices easy and enjoyable.

The key is consistency over intensity. Small, sustainable habits integrated into your daily urban life will benefit your heart more than occasional heroic efforts followed by lengthy periods of inactivity.

The Rhythm of Urban Heart Health

The cardiovascular system works in rhythms – the steady beat of your heart, the cyclical flow of blood, the consistent patterns that maintain life. Urban living, at its best, creates its own beneficial rhythms that naturally support heart health.

The morning walk for coffee. The afternoon stroll through the park. The evening social gathering in a community space. These patterns become the framework for cardiovascular wellness without requiring constant conscious effort.

For active seniors, urban environments offer uniquely supportive settings for heart health. The walkability, social connectivity, stress reduction, nutritional options, and medical access combine to create conditions where heart-healthy choices become the path of least resistance rather than an ongoing battle against environmental obstacles.

The city pulses with energy – and with the right approach, your heart can match its strong, steady rhythm for years to come.

If you’re looking for urban senior living that supports cardiovascular wellness for yourself or a loved one, keep Westminster Towers in mind. As one of Florida’s leading not-for-profit organizations in senior care, they offer maintenance-free apartments with access to downtown Orlando’s heart-healthy amenities, comprehensive wellness programs, and supportive services. Learn more at https://westminstercommunitiesfl.org/.

Picture this: it’s early morning, and you’re sipping coffee by a wall of windows. Below you, Lake Lucerne shimmers in the soft light. Orlando’s skyline stretches before you – not as a postcard image, but as your actual, everyday view.

That first cup of coffee? It tastes different up here. Somehow richer. More meaningful. Maybe it’s the view, or maybe it’s the profound sense of having made a choice that simplifies everything that follows.

Look, when most people think about senior living options, a downtown high-rise apartment doesn’t typically top the list. The default mental picture usually involves something more… horizontal. A single-story home in a quiet community. Maybe a cute little garden out back.

But here’s the thing about conventional wisdom – sometimes it’s just plain wrong.

The advantages of high rise living for seniors are both numerous and, frankly, game-changing when you really stop to consider them. High-rise living in downtown Orlando offers a unique combination of benefits that align perfectly with what most people actually want in their retirement years: safety, connection, convenience, and stimulation.

Worth a closer look? Absolutely.

Safety That Actually Matters

The safety benefits of high-rise living go beyond the obvious. Way beyond.

Modern high-rises incorporate sophisticated security systems that would be ridiculously expensive (if not impossible) to implement in a single-family home. Think controlled access points, 24-hour security personnel, and monitored entrances creating multiple protective layers between you and any potential trouble.

Ever lie awake at night because you heard a strange noise outside? Or feel that little knot in your stomach when the doorbell rings unexpectedly? Or worry about your home while traveling? Yeah, those concerns largely evaporate in a secure high-rise setting.

Beyond the physical security – which is substantial – there’s something even more valuable at play. It’s the peace of mind that comes from living in a community where staff and neighbors actually know each other. Where someone notices if your normal patterns change. Where help is literally seconds away if needed.

This invisible safety net becomes increasingly valuable as we age. Not that anyone likes to think about vulnerability… but it’s smart to acknowledge it.

The structural benefits add another layer of protection too. Single-level living eliminates those middle-of-the-night stairway navigation adventures. Wider doorways and accessible design features dramatically reduce fall risks. And during Florida’s occasionally dramatic weather events? High-rises typically offer superior storm protection compared to single-family homes, complete with backup generators and comprehensive emergency protocols.

A study published in the Journal of Housing for the Elderly last year confirmed what seems intuitively obvious: environmental security significantly impacts mental wellbeing in older adults. When you’re not constantly worrying about maintenance issues, security concerns, or navigating potentially hazardous home environments, you’re free to focus on actually living your life.

And isn’t that the whole point?

Community That Doesn’t Feel Forced

Let’s talk about something nobody wants to discuss but everyone eventually faces: social isolation in later years.

It happens gradually, almost imperceptibly. Friends move away to be closer to grandchildren. Driving at night becomes less appealing. Social circles naturally contract. And suddenly, meaningful human interaction becomes something you have to deliberately seek out rather than something that just happens in the normal course of life.

High-rise living creates what one clever sociologist called “engineered serendipity” – environments where chance encounters naturally lead to deeper connections. Those brief elevator conversations? The casual hellos in the lobby? The person who notices your book in the community library and mentions they just finished it?

These seemingly trivial interactions have sparked countless friendships, activity groups, and yes, even romance among seniors in vertical communities. Happens all the time. No, really – all the time.

The community spaces in well-designed high-rises serve as natural gathering points without any of the awkwardness of forced socialization. Nobody’s making you participate. But when the book club is meeting just down the hall instead of across town, participation becomes effortless.

Imagine discussing current events over coffee in the community lounge, joining an impromptu card game on a rainy afternoon, or sharing gardening tips on the rooftop terrace – all without having to drive anywhere, check the weather, or make complicated plans. The path of least resistance leads directly to connection.

Actually, wait – that’s not quite right. It’s not just about having these amenities available; it’s about how thoughtfully they’re utilized. The best high-rise communities for seniors organize regular events and activities that transform what could be just another building into something much more meaningful – a true community. Big difference. Massive, actually.

Social isolation isn’t just unpleasant – it’s dangerous. Research has consistently linked it to increased rates of depression, cognitive decline, and even heart disease in older adults. A well-designed high-rise community creates multiple touchpoints for interaction throughout each day, making isolation nearly impossible – even for the most introverted residents.

The multigenerational aspect of many urban high-rises adds another dimension entirely. Rather than being segregated by age, residents can engage with people at various life stages. The conversations with thirty-somethings about their career journeys. The families with young children in common areas. The diversity of perspectives and experiences. All of it keeps your worldview fresh and relevant in a way that age-segregated communities simply can’t match.

Convenience That Changes Everything

Ask anyone who’s made the move to a high-rise what they value most about their living situation, and convenience tops the list. Every. Single. Time.

The most obvious aspect? Maintenance-free living. Gone – just gone – are the days of worrying about lawn care, exterior upkeep, or major home repairs. When the air conditioning goes haywire on a sweltering Orlando afternoon (and we all know how those can be), it’s the building’s problem to solve, not yours. Make a call and go about your day.

No more spending Saturdays waiting for repair people or Sundays tackling yard work. Those hours previously spent on home maintenance? They’re now available for activities that actually bring joy. Imagine that – time for things you want to do rather than things you have to do.

Then there’s the vertical convenience of having numerous amenities under one roof. Fitness centers, dining options, salons, libraries, recreational spaces – all just an elevator ride away. During Florida’s occasional biblical-level rainstorms or particularly scorching days, this internal ecosystem becomes especially valuable.

But perhaps the most transformative convenience comes from the strategic location itself. Downtown Orlando high-rises put residents at the epicenter of cultural and recreational opportunities. Think about the difference between planning an elaborate excursion to attend a symphony performance versus simply walking a few blocks from your residence. It’s night and day.

One involves coordination, transportation logistics, parking headaches, and timing concerns. The other? Just grab your ticket and stroll over whenever you’re ready. Done.

For seniors who no longer drive or prefer to limit their driving, this pedestrian access to restaurants, medical facilities, shopping, and entertainment represents freedom rather than restriction. And that matters. A lot. The liberation of walking out your door and having your world at your fingertips cannot be overstated.

Public transportation options further expand this mobility, creating a level of independence that suburban or rural settings – lovely as they might be in other ways – simply cannot match. Not even close, to be honest.

Orlando: More Than You Remember

If your mental image of Orlando stops at theme parks and tourists, it’s time for an update. Downtown Orlando has evolved dramatically in recent years, transforming into a sophisticated urban environment with cultural amenities that rival much larger cities.

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway shows and world-class performances just blocks from Lake Lucerne. The Orlando Museum of Art offers rotating exhibitions that stimulate the mind and spark conversation. The city’s central library – an architectural marvel in its own right – provides both resources and regular programming specifically designed for adult learners.

The food scene has exploded too, with award-winning restaurants and charming cafés within easy walking distance of downtown residential towers. Farm-to-table eateries, international cuisine, upscale dining – culinary adventures await just outside your door.

Lake Eola Park, with its iconic swan boats and weekend farmers market, provides a green oasis in the urban landscape. The meticulously maintained walking path around the lake offers both exercise opportunities and chances to connect with nature without leaving the city center.

And yes, those world-famous theme parks? They’re still there when the grandkids visit. But they’re just one small facet of a much more nuanced, adult-friendly city than most people realize.

The Psychological Perks Nobody Talks About

There’s something psychologically powerful about a beautiful view – especially one that changes throughout the day as light shifts and city activities evolve.

Environmental psychologists have found that access to long-distance views provides cognitive stimulation and measurably reduces stress levels. Not just a little bit – significantly.

High-rise living offers this expansive perspective both literally and metaphorically. The physical elevation often corresponds with a broader outlook on life, community, and possibility. Sounds a bit poetic, maybe, but ask anyone who’s made the switch from a one-story ranch home to a high-rise apartment with city views. The psychological shift is unmistakable.

The changing panorama of city lights, weather patterns, and seasonal variations creates a dynamic living environment that engages the senses and mind in ways that static views simply cannot. This engagement is more than just pleasant – it’s mentally stimulating in exactly the ways that cognitive health experts recommend for brain vitality.

Making the Transition: The Hard Truth

OK, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Transitioning from a single-family home to a high-rise apartment inevitably involves downsizing, which many seniors initially approach with absolute dread. Let’s not pretend otherwise. Sorting through decades of possessions feels overwhelming. Emotional. Sometimes impossible.

But here’s the surprising truth that emerges in conversation after conversation with those who’ve made this move: the process becomes unexpectedly liberating for the vast majority. Not immediately, perhaps. But eventually, and often sooner than anticipated.

The reality is – and this might sting a little – decades of accumulated possessions often become burdens rather than treasures. Hard to hear? Probably. But ask anyone who’s made the leap. The downsizing process, while emotionally challenging (no sugarcoating that part), frequently results in something unexpected: a lighter, more intentional lifestyle focused on experiences rather than things.

And honestly? Most people wish they’d done it sooner. Much sooner.

Professional senior move managers can help navigate this transition, assisting with everything from space planning to decisions about what to keep, donate, or discard. Their expertise transforms a potentially overwhelming process into a manageable journey. They’ve seen it all before, and their matter-of-fact approach often helps cut through the emotional fog that makes downsizing so challenging when attempted alone.

Finding Your Perfect Match

Not all high-rise communities are created equal when it comes to senior living. Not by a long shot. The optimal environment combines physical accessibility, appropriate amenities, thoughtful social programming, and a location that supports an active lifestyle.

When evaluating options, pay particular attention to:

• Emergency response systems within apartments (because peace of mind matters)
• Accessibility features like zero-threshold showers and lever door handles (essential for aging in place)
• Transportation services for destinations beyond walking distance (filling the gaps when needed)
• Flexible dining options (because choice matters, especially with food)
• Wellness programming specific to older adults (tailored to actual needs and interests)
• Proximity to preferred medical providers (convenience becomes critical for frequent appointments)
• Community culture and resident demographics (the intangible “feel” that makes a place home)

The best communities offer various levels of support, allowing residents to age in place even as their needs change. This continuum of care provides valuable peace of mind for residents and their families alike. Knowing that additional support is available if and when needed – without requiring another disruptive move – creates a foundation for confident aging that’s hard to overvalue.

The View From Here

The benefits of high-rise living for seniors extend far beyond the stunning views (although those are pretty spectacular). This lifestyle choice offers a compelling combination of safety, community, convenience, and stimulation that supports vital, engaged aging in ways that traditional housing simply cannot match.

For those seeking an active retirement in the heart of Orlando’s cultural scene, vertical living represents not a compromise but an upgrade – and yes, that’s exactly what it is. An upgrade. Trading lawn care and home maintenance for theater performances and lakeside strolls? That math just makes sense.

Look, the realities of aging require adaptability and forward thinking. As the aging population increasingly prioritizes experience over possessions and connection over isolation, downtown high-rise living stands as a thoroughly modern solution to age-old questions about optimal environments for senior living.

The view from above offers not just a different perspective on the city, but a fresh outlook on the possibilities of retirement itself.

If you’re looking for high-rise senior living in downtown Orlando for yourself or a loved one, keep Westminster Towers in mind. As one of Florida’s leading not-for-profit organizations in senior care, they offer maintenance-free apartments with stunning views overlooking Lake Lucerne, comprehensive wellness programs, and access to supportive services. Learn more at https://westminstercommunitiesfl.org/.

They say April shower bring May flowers — but here in Florida, we know that occasional rain and stormy weather happen well into the summer months, too. That’s OK: It’s a small price to pay for living in such a beautiful climate! Fortunately, you don’t need to let unexpected rain get in the way of your active routine. If you typically enjoy outdoor exercise like walking or biking through Westminster Towers’ Orlando independent living community, here are a few indoor activities to try that will be just as rewarding.

(Tip: As is the case with starting any new fitness regimen, it’s smart to check with your care team ahead of time! They’ll be able to guide your new routine on a more personal level. In the meantime, we hope these ideas give you a head-start.)

Yoga

Yoga is a fantastical physical and mental wellness practice — one that can help you build your balance and flexibility while making you a more mindful person well after putting the mat away for the day! Many people like to use spa music or nature sounds when practicing yoga and, well, there’s no better soundtrack than the actual pitter-patter of rain on your gorgeous Westminster Towers picture windows.

That’s the other great thing about yoga — it can be practiced in a formal group setting, but it can just as easily be enjoyed from the comfort of your very own home! That is very good news for those particularly wet days, when it’s not safe or convenient to brave the rain in pursuit of a workout.

Take A (Stationary) Bike Ride

If you do happen to be at the Westminster Towers state-of-the-art fitness center during a rainy day, you can use that opportunity to replicate your outdoor bike ride with a stationary one! You can still enjoy the view through our fitness center windows, after all, and you’ll be able to reap all of the benefits that come with your usual ride.

Strength Training

The Westminster Towers fitness center also has all the strength machines you might need for a successful indoor workout! According to a recent study featured in Harvard Health, strength training (from resistance bands to lifting weights, push-ups, and beyond) may be associated with increased longevity in older adults.

Core Exercises

Even if you can’t make it to the fitness center, there are several core calisthenic exercises you can do at home — using your very own body weight! These can be a surprisingly powerful component of your overall fitness routine.

Enjoy A Group Fitness Class

There’s nothing quite like working out in a group setting, where you have a teacher to guide every new move and maneuver — and have the benefit of other’s company, too, so the experience feels more like a fun get-together with friends than an everyday workout! Be sure to ask us about how to get involved in fitness classes as part of our My W Life wellness program. We can’t wait to have you at our next group class!

In the meantime, there are also plenty of online fitness videos that can help recreate the feeling of a group fitness class on a rainy day.

Dance

Yes, dance is a powerful exercise too! It can be done on your own, or in a fun-filled group setting. Either way, there are plenty of mind and body benefits to look forward to — and in our book, it’s the perfect way to brighten your spirits if you’re missing the sunshine.

We hope that today’s guide helps you find meaningful ways to stay active, no matter the weather outside! Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a new favorite exercise in the process — and if nothing else, you’ll have a great backup for the next rainy day.

When you call Westminster Towers’ life plan community in Orlando, FL “home,” there’s no shortage of fun, rewarding ways to craft your fitness routine — from splashing pool sessions to daily walks across our beautiful grounds. But even with so much natural wonder to discover outdoors, there’s something special about knowing a fitness center is available to meet your exercise needs whenever the occasion calls for it — whether there’s rough weather going on outside, or you simply want to work on specific strength workouts from the comfort of a controlled, familiar environment.

Fortunately, Westminster Towers is home to a vibrant, state-of-the-art fitness center that lets you do all of this — and more! Just read on as we share five smart reasons to check out the fitness center in our beautiful Sunshine State community.

Fun Fitness Classes Await

We proudly offer fitness classes as part of our My W Life wellness program, giving our residents the chance to work out in a welcoming setting — one where you can learn as you go and pick up new tips (and friends!) along the way. There’s definitely room for solo fitness like leisurely walks or swim sessions in any fitness routine — but mixing in a community aspect helps diversify your day and can teach you things you didn’t even know you didn’t know.

Get Away From The Sun & Heat…

We all love the Sunshine State’s namesake sunny weather — but as spring settles in and, soon, progresses into summer, it’s nice to have an indoor environment where you can avoid some of the hottest, sunniest weather in a cool setting. You’ll still work up a sweat, of course! But at least you can do so in a more controlled environment.

… Or Stormy Skies

With that being said, ironically, our corner of the country doesexperience its share of showers and storms — especially during the warmest stretch of the year. When you’re on a roll with your fitness routine, the last thing you want to do is nix a workout you were looking forward to just because there’s weather afoot. Fortunately, rain or shine, the Westminster Towers fitness center has you covered… literally!

Strength Train With Specific Workouts

If you have specific, measurable fitness goals, then you might find comfort in the Westminster Towers fitness center — where you can control all the variables of your workout and measure your progress in a truly welcoming environment that’s geared for your success.

Embrace The Power Of Routine

The beautiful thing about having access to an on-site fitness center is that you can make it a consistent part of your fitness routine! You don’t need to choose between free-spirited activities like biking and nature strolls, and the structure of a gym setting. Rather, you can incorporate the best of both worlds into your weekly activity. For example, you might choose a specific gym workout on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, but mix in flexible cross-training out in nature on the alternating days. Whatever works for you!

With the help of Westminster Towers’ state-of-the-art fitness center, you’re one step (or rep) closer to a fitness routine you can feel great about — this spring and all year long. Of course, it’s just one of many attractive amenities to discover when you call our community “home.” Contact us today to learn more about fitness activities, My W Life wellness program, and more!

When you call Westminster Towers “home,” you don’t just get to enjoy all the amenities that come with our destination for independent living in Orlando, Florida. You also get to tap into the aptly nicknamed City Beautiful’s wealth of arts, culture, and history, too, reflected in our many museums and educational attractions.

Keep reading to see the benefits of exploring museums and educational opportunities surrounding our one-of-a-kind Westminster Towers community!

Expanding Your Horizons

Visiting a museum is a great way to learn more in a natural, organic setting. With Westminster Towers’ on-site library and computer center, you can always enjoy a leisurely study session close to home — but a museum outing can help expose you to new ideas you never would have thought to look up in the first place! In fact, the National Institute on Aging recommends visiting museums as a great way to maintain an active lifestyle.

Plus, you don’t need to stop your museum visit at, well, just a visit. You can often parlay that initial experience into other activities, like volunteering or special interest gatherings — which are more great ways to stay engaged in the community.

Cost-Effective Exploration

Orlando is renowned for its amusement parks and entertainment opportunities — and they’re indeed lots of fun! But when it comes to cost-effective leisure, visiting a museum or performing arts center is typically much more accessible than the Sunshine State’s big-ticket attractions. Depending on the museum you visit, you will likely be able to benefit from senior discounts as well as special passes that let you visit other museums in the same network, even if they’re in different destinations altogether. The bottom line? A little goes a long way when it comes to what a museum visit can bring you!

Built-In Fun

The Orlando area is home to an abundance of museums and artistic attractions — but did you know that many of the best opportunities are actually built into the Westminster Towers lifestyle? Thanks to grants from the Westminster Retirement Communities Foundation’s Cultural Arts Endowment, we are able to provide our residents with special events featuring Broadway performers, comedy, music, and much more. There’s always something going on, so be prepared to get plugged into a lively arts and culture scene when you call Westminster Towers “home.”

Live Like A Curator

The museum fun doesn’t have to stop when you’re back at your Westminster Towers home. After visiting several cultural institutions, you might find that you’re thinking like a curator — treating your own life like a special exhibit! As you stroll our community grounds, for example, you can snap photos or scribble down journal entries about the beautiful sights you see; when you spend time in our library, you can pick a special interest (like ancient art, or the Golden Age of Hollywood) and devote extra time to exploring that niche.

When you’re surrounded by so many arts and culture opportunities, there’s always something new to do and see! We hope today’s guide helps you fall in love with your vibrant Central Florida community in an all-new way.

When a hurricane or tropical storm threatens Florida, like Hurricane Idalia this week, team members at Westminster Communities of Florida have a top priority: Ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents we serve. Our Mission is to serve from the heart and inspire older adults to enjoy happy, healthy and purposeful lives.

What impact has Hurricane Idalia had? Some of our dedicated team members are living out our Mission, today, by evacuating with residents or sheltering at their communities through the storm. Regardless of their normal jobs, their principal responsibility right now is to provide for the residents’ needs.

Today we caught up with five of these team members to learn about their experiences, why they chose to stay at their community or evacuate with residents, and what is inspiring them to stay hard at work during a storm.

Jackie Walker Ellison, Cook, Westminster Shores, temporarily at Westminster Winter Park

In St. Petersburg, Westminster Shores was forced to relocate residents out of the path of the storm. Jackie Walker Ellison always knew she would be with the residents, from the moment she first heard. “The residents said to me, ‘Jackie, are you coming with us? I know we’ll be OK if you come with us.’ So I had no doubt,” Ellison said. “I knew for sure I would be evacuating, I called my husband and my mother and I told them, ‘I’m going with my residents, I’ll see you whenever.’ ”

The group of 24 residents was accompanied by Ellison to Westminster Winter Park, where they’re enjoying the hospitality of the residents and team members there. The Westminster Shores team is occupied with providing for the needs of the residents during Hurricane Idalia. “I think it brings everyone together as a team,” she said.

Ellison has worked at Westminster Shores for 29 years, and “I love my residents. I wouldn’t have been here so long if I didn’t love this place and my residents. God put us here for a reason,” she said. “Right now, the residents are happy, we’ve been watching movies and playing games, and everything is going smoothly.”

Michele McCann, Assisted Living Activities Coordinator, Westminster Palms, sheltering in place

“I choose to be with the residents during the most emotional time, like a hurricane, because that’s my quality as a caregiver,” said Michele McCann, Assisted Living Activities Coordinator at Westminster Palms. “Challenging times like this bring out the best in people, and I get to see it and share it.”

McCann was sheltering in place at the community in St. Petersburg, along with residents from Westminster Palms and residents from Westminster Point Pleasant in Bradenton. She has lived in Florida for more than 7 years, and has experienced three hurricanes in St. Petersburg so far. McCann said she feels that the way the team bonds, whether through an evacuation or sheltering in place, makes the team stronger. “We are going to come out better on the other side of this! We always do. We are so lucky that we are here, in our home, together, instead of relocating like so many had to. I have come to feel like this is my home, too.”

Carlos Santiago, Maintenance Engineer, Westminster Point Pleasant and Tiffany Mestre, Administrative Assistant, Community Support Services, temporarily at Legacy Pointe at UCF

A group of residents from Westminster Point Pleasant were also with Maintenance Engineer Carlos Santiago and Tiffany Mestre, an administrative assistant at our Community Support Services office in Orlando. The residents had evacuated from Bradenton due to the risk of storm surge and flooding, and were enjoying the hospitality of Legacy Pointe at UCF.

Santiago, the maintenance engineer, said that he had been through the worst in 2017 when Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. “We were there with no power for 60 days, and we weren’t able to do anything,” he said. By comparison, he felt that everything was under control and being well maintained for the residents through both of his hurricane experiences as a Westminster team member.

“This job is personal for me,” Santiago said. “The residents are my family and I want to make sure that they are well taken care of.” In 2022, Santiago was recognized as Westminster Point Pleasant’s Team Member of the Year for his dedicated service to the residents. He said it was his honor to serve the residents.

Evacuating with the residents is just another extension of his commitment to the community, Santiago said. “This is my second time evacuating with the residents, and it doesn’t matter how many more. I will always volunteer to be there for them. We are here for each other and for the residents.”

Countless storms had also affected Mestre, a Florida native. But she had never had an experience like today’s. “It’s wonderful to help the residents and hear about their interests and stories. This is a great way to see how the residents live,” Mestre said. “I am getting to know what a day in the life of a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) and an ADON (Assistant Director of Nursing) are like. It has opened my eyes. Bless their souls for doing all of this.”

The effects of the storm had been mild in Orlando, but Mestre said that nevertheless, she and the residents felt more secure and had been brought closer together by the experience – and the residents were thankful for the security. “This has really brought our Mission to life for me in a way I had not experienced it,” said Mestre.

For Santiago, part of living in a hurricane zone meant more practice – and that he had found that the team is getting stronger through the experience. “The more we do this together, the more we become comfortable with each other, and the better organized we become. When you send a group of people together for one purpose and for our Mission, we get the opportunity to grow together and learn from each other,” said Santiago.

Beth Szabo, Services Coordinator, Riverside Presbyterian Apartments, sheltering in place

Another part of the Westminster Mission is to serve residents with low to moderate incomes, in our affordable Rental Retirement Communities. Beth Szabo, services coordinator at Riverside Presbyterian Apartments, was sheltering in place at the community to ensure that the residents were well cared for throughout the potential effects of the storm in Jacksonville.

“I’ve lived in Jacksonville since 1976, so I have lost count of how many hurricanes I’ve been through now. In 2004 they were coming so frequently we all said, ‘I’m over it, just let it go,’ ” said Szabo. “We have had to evacuate a few times over the years, like for Hurricane Matthew in 2016. But we did not have to this time.”

For Szabo, serving during a hurricane is a natural extension of her choice to work at the community, because the residents are like her extended family. “I have a heart for seniors, and the residents here mean a lot to me,” she said. “If something happens then I want to be here to help them.”

Szabo added that she feels safer riding out a storm at Riverside Presbyterian Apartments than at home. “Here at the community, I know that we have a great team looking out for everyone. We’re very small but we support each other.”

A facet of our Mission

While a hurricane is unexpected, serving the residents and supporting their fellow team members wherever we are and however we can is just another facet of the Mission of Westminster Communities of Florida: We serve from the heart and inspire older adults to enjoy happy, healthy and purposeful lives.

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