The relationship between physical activity and vitality is well-documented but multiple studies have also revealed an increasingly strong link between social interaction and mental and physical well-being for retirees.

While socialisation is critical for all people, regardless of age, seniors can be more susceptible to isolation. Upon reaching retirement age, and with children flying the nest, the opportunities for socialisation often decrease but research has indicated that an active social lifestyle is more important than ever in helping seniors maintain a sharp mind, remain connected to the world around them, increase feelings of happiness, develop a sense of belonging and beat boredom.

Indeed, according to Skipton Building Society after just 10 months of retirement boredom starts to kick in. The research reveals that more than half of those surveyed (54%) said the retirement glow wore off because they missed the camaraderie they had at work, while 4 in 10 felt they weren´t being mentally stimulated enough at home and 24% complaining that the British weather affected the desire to get out of the house.

Gil Summers, Co-founder of Sun Park Living, a private gated community resort exclusively for those who are retired and active, located on the year-round sunny and warm Canary Island of Lanzarote, comments,

“As people get older boredom and loneliness can start to creep its way in but it doesn’t have to be that way. Rather than choosing an expensive care home in the UK why not choose a sunshine resort that encourages physical and social activity?

“Here at Sun Park Living we have devised a way of combatting boredom and isolation in your golden years. The joy is that residents, fondly referred to as ‘SunRockers’ can lead an active and independent community life within a permanent holiday environment of like-minded individuals.

“The residents organise their own events and activities whilst staying here. You may find some doing gardening, practising yoga, learning Spanish, painting, singing, dancing, organising BBQs, the list goes on! Everyone here is free to join in, meet new people, learn new things and enjoy their golden years as much or as little as they want. A Summers Village is neither merely a holiday resort, nor a retirement home; it is a unique private ‘village-like’ community within a holiday resort, where friendships and camaraderie develops easily.”

Every Friday between 10:30am and 2:00pm at Sun Park Living is Social Friday, where the expat community of Playa Blanca in the south of the island meet for coffee/tea and socialising. This is also an opportunity for non-residents to explore Sun Park Living, view the accommodation and meet the SunRockers – watch out, their thirst for living life to the full is infectious!

So what are you waiting for? Don’t get bored in Old Blighty! Escape to Lanzarote for some fun in the sun!

The one bedroom self-catering apartments at Sun Park Living are non-smoking and come fully furnished, offering a comfortable and spacious homeaway from home with bathroom, open plan kitchen-diner, living room with sofa bed and large terrace overlooking the beautiful mature gardens and swimming pools.

For more information about being a SunRocker at Sun Park Living visit the website at www.sunparkliving.com or call 0161 408 3360. You can also follow Gil and the team on Twitter or Like them on Facebook.