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Splish! Splash! It’s summer! Time to talk about swimming pools in senior living communities. Frequently, when we are doing our initial interview with clients, they ask for an assisted living community with a swimming pool. We are all-in on pools. Swimming pools offer great benefits for seniors. But unfortunately, real estate prices being what they are here in Los Angeles, few independent livings, assisted living, or memory care communities feature pools as an amenity.
So why are pools so beneficial? Not only do they help beat the LA heat, but they truly provide some of the best exercise options out there for seniors with extremely low injury rates and high joint support.
Benefits of Swimming Pools:
1. Physical exercise: Swimming is a low-impact exercise that provides a full-body workout. It helps seniors improve cardiovascular health, increase strength and flexibility, and maintain a healthy weight. Regular swimming can also alleviate joint pain and stiffness associated with conditions like arthritis. It can help older adults maintain bone density and improve circulation.
2. Reduced injury risk: The buoyancy of water reduces the impact on joints and minimizes the risk of falls or injuries that can occur with other forms of exercise. In a pool, 90% of your body weight is supported by the water, so there’s much less pressure on joints. This is particularly beneficial for seniors who may have balance issues or mobility limitations. It can also help seniors maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall endurance.
3. Social engagement: Swimming pools offer opportunities for socializing and building relationships with other residents.
4. Mental well-being: Swimming and water-based activities promote relaxation and stress reduction. It can help seniors alleviate anxiety, improve mood, and enhance overall mental well-being.
While the Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and San Fernando Valley weather lend themselves to “pool life,” assisted living and senior living communities with swimming pools in the Greater Los Angeles area are few and far between.
So, Which Los Angeles Senior Living Communities Have Swimming Pools? Here are our top picks:
Ciela – Pacific Palisades
Ciela in Pacific Palisades has one of the most unique and therapeutic pools at any assisted living community – a Hydrotherapy pool similar to one they have at Dodger stadium to help treat player injuries. This indoor pool lowers residents into the water via an automated lift and features an underwater treadmill. The Hydrotherapy pool also features massage jets for added benefit. The pool lives in Ciela’s state-of-the-art Vitality Center on their Pacific Palisades campus, which boasts beautiful views on the mountains and ocean from its hilltop location.
The Village at Sherman Oaks – Sherman Oaks
The Village at Sherman Oaks features one of the largest outdoor pools at any assisted or senior living facility in the LA area. With a jacuzzi, tables and lounge chairs, it truly is the social hub of the community on warmer days.The pool is heated and offers a full slate of programming from the community’s very impressive fitness instructor Tanya.
Belmont Village – Westwood
The Belmont Village at Westwood is one of the only senior living communities in the heart of LA with a large outdoor swimming pool. The amenity-rich community has a huge patio for gathering around the pool where residents gather to socialize and exercise as a community. The community hosts frequent water exercise classes in the heated pool that is accessible to residents with handicap needs.
And several other assisted living communities in the Greater LA area make the pool a key element in their design: Belmont Village Rancho Palos Verdes, and the Belmont Village in Calabasas have heated pools and a water aerobics program.
The Variel in Woodland Hills boasts a large indoor pool and jacuzzi and a full activity menu. Other senior living communities in Los Angeles with swimming pools include The Village at Northridge, Silverado Memory Care in Calabasas and Villa Gardens in Pasadena.
Water-Based Activity Programs
Some of the popular and effective exercise options offered at these Los Angeles independent and assisted living communities includes:
1. Water Aerobics: Water aerobics classes are gentle yet effective workouts conducted in shallow or waist-deep water. These classes typically include low-impact exercises such as arm and leg movements, stretching, and cardiovascular exercises. Water resistance helps build strength and endurance while minimizing joint stress.
2. Water Walking or Jogging: Walking or jogging in water provides a low-impact cardiovascular workout that strengthens the heart and muscles without putting excessive strain on the joints. Elderly individuals can perform these activities in the shallow end of the pool, using buoyancy belts or floatation devices if needed.
3. Water Resistance Training: Water provides natural resistance, making it an ideal medium for strength training exercises. Using water dumbbells, resistance bands, or other aquatic equipment, seniors can perform exercises like bicep curls, leg lifts, and chest presses. These activities help improve muscle tone and overall strength.
4. Aqua Yoga or Tai Chi: Adapted versions of yoga or tai chi can be practiced in the water. These gentle movements promote balance, flexibility, and relaxation. Aqua yoga or tai chi classes are often conducted in a calm and supportive environment.
5. Aqua Zumba: Aqua Zumba combines dance and aerobic movements with the resistance of water. This high-energy workout improves cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and overall body strength. It’s a fun and engaging option for seniors who enjoy dancing.
Call Assisted Living Locators to Make The Right Decision
Of course, pools should not be the only criteria when you are searching for “assisted living near me.” Assisted Living Locators experts will help you fine-tune your search to make sure you are taking all factors into account when making this most important move for a loved one. Our service is free of charge to our clients.
About Assisted Living Locators
Since 2003, thousands of families have been helped by Assisted Living Locators, one of the nation’s leading free senior living placement services. The Los Angeles office is operated by Sarah Ordover, owner of Assisted Living Locators Los Angeles. Her team services clients from Glendale and Burbank to Santa Monica, including West Hollywood, Century City, Westwood, and everything in between. The office also represents clients looking for senior living south of Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley in neighborhoods such as Sherman Oaks, Encino, and Studio City. The Los Angeles office can be reached at assistedlivinglocators.com/contact-us.
