The Roanoke – Salem Region is not only known for its historic past but also for the active lifestyle it offers, including endless outdoor recreation options in diverse local parks and the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as the arts, cultural events, and excellent shopping and dining. In fact, it’s listed in “Forbes Best Places to Retire” and the ShareCare Community Well-Being Index, ranking high in both for the feeling of community, physical well-being, purpose, social opportunity, access to healthcare, access to resources, housing and transport, and economic security.  

Here's how retirement in the Roanoke – Salem Region can help you thrive.

Spending Time in Nature in the Roanoke – Salem Region

The mental benefits of nature are well-known, but spending time outdoors also provides a host of physical benefits for retirees as well from increased energy to improved cardiovascular health to lower blood pressure. There’s no doubt the Roanoke – Salem Region gives you plenty of opportunities, including the following:

• Mill Mountain Park is one of the region’s favorites, with 568 acres that include a wildflower garden, mountain overlooks, hiking trails, and of course, the Roanoke Star, which towers 1,045 feet above the city.
• Carvin’s Cove Natural Reserve features 12,000 acres that include forests, a 630-acre reservoir with boating and fishing, and 60 miles of trails, among the largest conservation easement property in the state’s history.
• Jae Valley Park is great for birdwatching on foot or from a kayak or canoe.
• Hahn Horticulture Garden is at nearby Virginia Tech and features indoor and outdoor gardens in all seasons.  ‍
• Hanging Rock Golf Club features rounds of golf for those who prefer to get their dose of nature on the links.

Fitness in the Roanoke – Salem Region

The National Institute on Aging recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week for retirees. You can certainly break this down; however, you want—20 minutes per day, seven days per week; 30 minutes per day for five days per week; or 50 minutes per day for three days per week.  

There are any number of locations in the Roanoke – Salem Region to get your in your minutes, including the following:

• Carilion Wellness for personalized programs, nutrition coaching, and functional fitness at all levels.  
• Hustle Heaven for hot yoga classes.
• Grace Yoga & Pilates features online and in-person classes for all ages and levels of experience.
• Washington Park and Fallon Park both feature public pools for those who like to swim.
  Green Ridge Recreation Center features an indoor pool with scheduled aquatic fitness classes and lap times.  ‍
• Roanoke River Greenway Trail is a 13.5-mile paved trail that is also wheelchair accessible and great for leashed pets.  ‍
• Carvin’s Cove Reservoir Trail is a walking trail that spans 4.5 miles through natural areas. ‍
• Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail features a 3.8-mile trail that follows a creek and ends at the Hanging Rock Battlefield monument. 

Staying Fit in the Roanoke – Salem Region at Friendship Retirement Community

At Friendship Retirement Community, we empower retirees to advance their own health and well-being by creating vibrant lifestyles that inspire creativity, support choice, protect dignity, and celebrate experience. We feature three campuses in the Roanoke – Salem Region offering a range of services from independent and assisted living to memory care and more.

Healthy aging is a focus here, and our amenities include the following:

• Health and well-being services.
• A fitness program for retirees with strength, cardio, and balance components.
• A state-of-the-art fitness center with a pool.
• Beautiful grounds with walking paths.

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