15 March . 2019
Top 6 Tips & Activities for Empty Nesters
Each year, some 17 million young adults head off to college, leaving millions of parents to cope with a newly emptied nest, according to AARP.
But an empty nest doesn’t need to mean an empty life, experts say. In fact, this change in family dynamic can open up an exciting new phase in life. Here are 6 promising ways to get started.
Get a dog. OK, we’ve started with probably the easiest way to cope with an empty nest. For many, getting a dog helps to build a new routine, such as going on daily trail hikes and trips to the dog park. At the same time, having a new dog can help you stick to your “normal” lifestyle and spend just as much or more time at home, instead of feeling like you need to go out to avoid your empty nest.
Volunteer. Many studies have noted a “happiness effect” that comes from volunteering. Giving your time to a cause or organization you value is also a good way to connect to new friends with similar interests, and boost your mental and physical health.
Learn something new. Do you have a passion or interest you’ve always wanted to explore? Now’s the time to get started, and communities such as Sweetwater are close to first-class resources for lifelong learning, from respected institutions such as the University of Texas, the Art School of the Austin Museum of Art, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Travel. Empty nesters list travel as one of the most exciting activities they’ve been looking forward. You can always get a pet sitter for that new dog, right? Whether you daytrip throughout the beautiful Texas Hill Country surrounding Sweetwater, or fly off to more far-flung locales, it’s a great time in life to explore new places.
Embrace a new lifestyle. A whopping 95 percent of empty nesters from ages 40 to 70 said they looked forward to enjoying more free time in a recent survey. Eighty percent also said they looked forward to more socializing. At Sweetwater, we often hear new residents say that they’ve met more new friends in their first few months or year here than in many years living in their old neighborhoods. With social events and amenities like the Sweetwater Club and the Overlook Club (opening in 2019), Sweetwater is a community designed for making new friends. For healthy living, Sweetwater’s fitness center and miles of trails are just part of 700 acres of recreation and natural open space.
Right-size to a new home. With the kids gone, you could turn an unused bedroom into a hobby room or guest room. Or, you could right-size to a brand-new home offering years of maintenance-free living, with the latest entertainment and energy efficiency technologies. You could choose a bright and open one-story plan with no stairs, and with a spacious outdoor living area showcasing beautiful views. Explore all new homes available at Sweetwater with our Homefinder.