Get Up and Grow! How You Can Live Better – and Explore More – at The Mayflower

Exploration keeps you feeling young, it’s as simple as that. When you get out of your comfort zone, you’re free to experience bold new ideas, discover unfamiliar destinations, and build camaraderie with new friends—keeping you engaged and active at any age.

And this summer, residents of The Mayflower at Winter Park are getting outdoors and enjoying Florida’s beauty with a series of farm-to-table excursions that give them more ways to appreciate the best things in life. Highlights included a lunch and educational walking tour at the 4Roots Farm Campus, a 40-acre urban farm near downtown Orlando dedicated to sustainable food and nutrition, as well as hand-picking blueberries on a farm in Umatilla and a behind-the-scenes tour to learn how berries are processed, packed, and sold.

“That’s one of the best parts about being at The Mayflower—there’s so much to do, and so many opportunities to improve your physical and mental health and stay active,” says resident Marty Folk, who joined the blueberry-picking excursion. “It’s perfect for people like us who are still very engaged but want a more pressure-free lifestyle.”

Getting out and about isn’t just a great way to learn more about your community, it’s also a good way to stay healthy. Fresh air and exposure to green space are all linked to better sleep, lower blood pressure, and reduced risk of chronic disease, according to an article published by Harvard Health, in part because people who spend more time outdoors tend to get more exercise.

And the more you venture outside your usual daily routine, the more likely you are to meet new people and widen your social circle, which, experts say, is especially critical in maintaining memory and cognitive health as you get older.

“People are often surprised by the literature that shows a correlation between social contact and enormous health benefits,” commented Dr. Amit A. Shah in an article for Mayo Clinic. “Interacting with others is exercise for your brain—it’s one of the best ways to improve your cognitive flexibility. It’s likely more beneficial than doing crossword puzzles or other brain games.”  

In an environment like The Mayflower, it’s easy to stay engaged and meet new people, because you’re always at the heart of the action. “It’s the friendliest place I have ever lived,” says Marty. “At first, we were worried about making new friends, because we were new to the Orlando area, but we had no trouble at all fitting in. We love it here.”

Our vibrant campus is packed with stimulating programs and excursions geared toward culture, cuisine, and lifelong learning. So whether you’re touring backstage at the Orlando Ballet or heading out kayaking on the Wekiva River, Central Florida is yours to explore.  

There’s no better time to embark on your next adventure at Winter Park’s premier senior living community: Send us a message or give us a call at 407.672.1620 to request more information or schedule your personal tour. We look forward to hearing from you!