Retirement Communities Florida

Cason On Target for Gold

For some people, retirement means enjoying a serene end to hectic schedules, but for others, like Jack Cason, it’s a start to new accomplishments, adventures and a collection of gold medals.

Two months ago, athletes from all over the nation packed up and headed towards Houston, Texas for the National Senior Games. More than 10,000 participants over the age of 50 competed in their individual age groups and sports, from basketball to power walking to horseshoes.

After two long weeks of rigorous competition, the Greenspring retirement community in Springfield welcomed back Jack Cason, who brought with him another first place title for Virginia.

Cason’s sport is archery, and he took it up when he saw a sign for an archery tournament driving back to his Florida home from a weekend up north. Cason had been shooting since 1991, but instead of bows and arrows, he’d been going for the black powder — flintlock and percussion rifles.

Cason and his wife, Alice, went all out for the competitions, traveling with an Indian lodge teepee, clad in mountain men costumes and buckskin. He usually had to travel more than 90 miles from his home, so when his curiosity drove him to check out the archery competition at Eglin Air Force Base, his hobbies took a turn.

“I liked what I saw, and I decided it was a lot easier to compete 6 miles from home instead of 93.” Cason said.

Getting started wasn’t too easy though. Bows don’t travel the same way as the ball of a gun. The first games he played didn’t post how far off the targets were, so he had to estimate when the arrows’ curved paths would end up at the same level as the target, something that required good eyesight, which Cason lacked.

In 2005, he found some tournaments that informed players of the range they were shooting at, which proved to be more than useful for Cason. That same year, he finished third at the National Senior Games in Pittsburgh, Pa.

He has been an avid archer ever since, going down every Monday to practice and teach a class at Fort Belvoir. Though doesn’t start until 10:30 a.m., Cason goes hours before, sometimes showing up as early as 6 a.m. to shoot, trying to have the most practice time and the best weather.

Cason’s dedication is obvious. “I train by myself,” he said. “I have some very good DVDs that are used for training and I use that for myself to review everything with.

Retirement Communities Like The Villages in Florida Promote ...

If you're 65 years of age or older, you should consult your physician before beginning an exercise regimen or before participating in sports.

Most seniors who are generally fit and have no limiting health conditions will be able to follow the guidelines listed below which are recommended by public health officials:

Engage in moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as brisk walking, or swimming for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes every week. Engage in muscle-strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups including legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms on 2 or more days a week. Water aerobic classes are a great way for seniors to strengthen their muscles as it minimizes wear and tear on the joints and improves range of motion.

Buying into a retirement village is very different from purchasing a private house. Seniors will be living in a community that includes other residents, management and village staff. Prospective buyers should research their options and preferably spend some time in the community before making a purchase. Many places have rental units that can give a visitor a taste of what it's like to live there.

Although many seniors love living in a retirement community, it's not for everyone. While some seniors may feel a sense of security and belonging relatively quickly, others may feel a loss of privacy and may not adapt well to a move that will require them to make all new friends and have less contact with family.

katiem2   8 months ago

This is great information, we are looking for such an alternative for a family member who's lost their spouse and no longer takes care of themselves as they once did. Being lonely and detached from life as you once knew it can create a host of unhealthy circumstances. I feel a good retirement community is vital to promote a healthy lifestyle. Well Done! Blessings :)

Stephanie Henkel   8 months ago

Hi Happy, My husband and I were talking about this kind of active adult community just yesterday -- they do seem perfect for those who are looking for a safe, active and close knit community while maintaining an independent lifestyle. I believe I heard that The Villages has communities in other states as well? Your sister sounds like she's loving it!

Happyboomernurse   8 months ago

Hi Stephanie, thanks for stopping by.

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