As we get older, staying active becomes a little more difficult than it may have been in our younger years. However, it also becomes a critical part of maintaining our mental and physical health over time.
In Juno Beach, Florida, staying active in retirement is easy and fun. Follow along as we explore this beautiful location and the seemingly endless list of activities that will have you out and about in your golden years.
Visit the Beach
It wouldn’t make sense to talk about all the things you can do at Juno Beach if we didn’t start with the town’s namesake: the beach!
One of the greatest perks of living so close to the shoreline is you’ll always have access to sunny days with your feet in the sand. Even better, you can also take advantage of all the amenities found there, including the boardwalk and fishing piers that run along the coast.
There are health benefits associated with that, too. In fact, research has shown that spending time at the beach is a great way to improve your mental and physical well-being overall. Scientifically speaking, the color blue is well known to reduce stress and boost creativity. According to that same study, just staring at the beach is enough to alter your brain waves and become more Zen. So next time you’re looking for a way to take the edge off, instead of counting to ten, consider dipping your toes in the water instead.
And once you’re done dipping your toes, consider making a stop at one of the many healthy restaurant options that run near the beach. Here are some local favorites to check out:
- 3Natives: This “fast food” restaurant is anything but, offering fresh acai bowls, cold-pressed juices, well-spun smoothies and other healthy options galore.
- Juno Beach Cafe: Since 1998, this downtown restaurant spot has provided live music and all-day breakfast to Juno Beach lovers – and pancake lovers too!
- Garden City Cafe: Found just a block off from the beach and with an emphasis on healthy plates of food, this cafe offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options for anyone who loves fresh ingredients in a great atmosphere.
Go for a Walk or Jog
While probably one of the more obvious and healthy activities listed in this piece, cardiovascular exercise goes a long way in keeping your whole body running at full speed (pun intended) during your senior years. Luckily, there are plenty of places to get in a morning walk or jog in and around Juno Beach:
– Juno Dunes Natural Area: This mile-long trail is a favorite among locals, offering diverse vegetation and a diversity of terrain from entrance to finish.
– West Palm Beach’s Lake Trail: 5.5 miles long in distance, this relatively flat rail starts with scenic lake views and ends in an area chock-full of historical sites and charming houses.
– Blowing Rocks Preserve: If you’re looking for a unique site to stroll or jog through, this is your place. Walk under a natural tunnel of sea grapes and bushes along the way to the rocky beach, known for its beautiful views and roaring waves.
Play Sports at a Local Park
For days where you might not feel like going for a run or walk at all, there are plenty of other alternatives to keep you active and fit. If you’re looking for inspiration, look no further than one of Juno Beach’s local parks.
There are plenty to choose from, but some of the most robust and popular in the area are Carlin Park and Mirasol Park. Both feature a mix of basketball courts, tennis courts and even exercise stations for you to use for an outdoor workout. There are even some well-manicured baseball fields if you’re able to coordinate enough neighbors and friends for a lighthearted kickball or softball game.
Otherwise, for those afternoons when you just want to enjoy the nice weather, each of these parks also offer some more leisurely outdoor areas to relax with friends. Shaded pavilions, barbecue grills and picnic tables are available to the public during normal park hours.
Enjoy a Dolphin Watching Tour
Living on the coast of Florida, you’ll get to see some pretty spectacular wildlife thriving along the shoreline. Salamanders and lizards, sea turtles and manatees, and of course, an opportunity to see live dolphins!
If you’re looking for a boat tour to get you started, the Dolphin Watch Boat Tours are a local favorite for tourists and residents alike. The 2-hour tour can host up to six passengers and takes you about 12 to 15 miles off the coast where dolphins, manatees, and more can be found frequently perusing the seas.
Join a Community Garden
For a more laid-back way to enjoy the outdoors, you can always consider joining a community garden. Or, if you have a passion for gardening, take it a step further and start one of your own. There are plenty of opportunities available for those with a green thumb, or for those with a desire to get one.
One of the best places to do so is at the Abacoa Community Garden in the town Jupiter, which hosts educational programs for people of all ages to learn about gardening.
Their website offers information on how to become a member, sign up for events and even secure your own individual plot to grow your own garden. What better way to get active than working with a group of friends to grow something new and exciting together?
Stop by One of the Many Street Markets
And of course, with so many small businesses and gardens growing in the Juno Beach area, it’s not difficult to find friendly faces at the town’s farmer’s market. One of the more well-known in the bunch is the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, which has earned back-to-back rights as the “Best Farmers Market” in the country per U.S.A today.
Here, you’ll find over 120 vendors from all over the area offering everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Ambiance is great here as well, with live music performances going on in the background as you walk up and down the long line of stands. Even better, this market runs rain or shine, meaning you can count on this hotspot on any given Sunday throughout the year.
Find Your Favorite Outdoor Freedoms Through Senior Living
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you do something that makes you happy.
It’s always great to experiment with different things and find your sweet spot, even if something is slightly outside of your comfort zone. Retirement is all about finding your happy place after all. And it’s exactly what moving to a senior living community can help you realize in your senior years.
If you, a family member or a close friend are interested in moving into a senior living community near Juno Beach, feel free to contact our staff by email here, or by giving us a call at (561)-627-3800. At The Waterford, we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have or help alleviate concerns that might cross your mind as you contemplate retirement. That’s just who we are.
