SENIORS ARE KEEPING ACTIVE IN AGE REGULATED MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITIES AND LIVING HEALTHIER, HAPPIER AND LONGER
There are in excess of 22 million people in the U.S. that reside in manufactured homes. A large portion of that population lives in land lease communities throughout every state in the union. A significant portion of that community population are seniors that have chosen to live out their lives in an age-regulated community sharing social experiences and activities with those of the same generational interests.
A recent study by myMHcommunity.com showed that seniors living in their communities spend on average an extra hour each week socializing compared to those living in single-family housing.
Where you live matters: Manufactured home/mobile home community activities can have a huge impact on the quality of life, and make a significant difference to overall well being.
Those who are social live longer: A study from Brigham Young University found that people who are social live longer than those who lead more isolated lives. Living in a community makes it easier for residents to interact regularly with similar interests and feel connected, supported and engaged.
Creative outlets lessen age-related health problems: A 2015 Mayo Clinic study found that people who take on creative outlets like painting, quilting or social activities like book clubs, are less likely to suffer from dementia, as they age.
The following are excerpts from a profile by D’Ann Lawrence White, a Clearwater, Fla. feature staff writer at Patch.com, which confirms some of the advantages/benefits for those residing in an age restricted manufactured home community.
SERENDIPITY RESIDENT TO TURN 103: SAYS KEY IS KEEPING ACTIVE
The Clearwater manufactured home community of Serendipity has come a long way since welcoming its first home in 1970. No one knows better than 102 year-old resident Margret Krauser, affectionately known as Margie to her friends.
In 1972 her father bought one of the early homes at Serendipity and, in April 1977, he handed it over to his daughter. She has called the community home ever since.
Back then, she recalled, U.S 19 was a two-lane dirt road and Serendipity was divided into two phases overseen by two separate homeowner’s association boards. Among the board restrictions, said Krauser, residents weren’t allowed to have washing machines and dryers in their homes.
Krauser said she’s always been active in the community. She and her late husband ran the pinochle club, and she would often find herself in the kitchen cooking food for community events.
Today, she attends all parties, visits the pool daily for her hour-long swim, plays dominoes, cards, and bingo. Although she doesn’t have a favorite activity, she said she keeps busy and loves seeing her friends in the community. She stressed the importance of being active in the community
“I’m happy here,” she said.
Krauser’s active lifestyle supports the results of a 2015 study from Natural Medicine Journal which reported that the health benefits of increased socialization are significant and may be related to fighting inflammation.
Krauser just celebrated her 103rd birthday on June 28 at a barbecue and dancing with 20 family members in attendance.
Serendipity is an aged-qualified manufactured home community in Clearwater that offers residents an active lifestyle with amenities ranging from swimming pool, library, shuffleboard, bocce ball, billiards, and a fitness center, as well as a number of organized activities and a variety of clubs.
