The benefits of staying active as you age are numerous and include improved mood, reduced stress, better sleep, stronger bones, and even a lower risk of multiple diseases, according to the CDC. Even so, the CDC also reports that over 37% of adults aged 65 and older engage in no leisure-time physical activity at all. Why? Often it has to do with a lack of opportunity. That's why where you retire is so important.  

In the Roanoke – Salem Region, you'll have no shortage of opportunities to get out and about. To start, check out the Roanoke- Salem Region's local festivals.

Local festivals in the Roanoke – Salem Region

Festivals are a great way to experience the local culture, enjoy time with friends, meet new people, and have fun! There are many festivals in the Roanoke – Salem Region, including the following:

• St. Patrick's Day Parade and Shamrock Festival – This annual March festival has earned Roanoke the reputation as one of the best cities in the United States to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
• Roanoke Festival in the Park – Each Memorial Day, this event features live music, arts and crafts vendors, a car show, food trucks, and more.
• The Salem Fair – This is not only the largest fair in the state of Virginia but has been recognized as one of the top 100 fairs in the country.
• Beaver Dam Farm Sunflower Festival – This three-day event is the largest sunflower festival on the east coast. It features hay wagon rides, a farm animal petting area, 120 unique food and hand-made craft vendors, live music, and more.
• The Roanoke GO Outside Festival – This unique festival takes place in downtown Roanoke each October, where outdoor enthusiasts can come together to experience all the region has to offer.

• Olde Salem Days - This is a huge art fair in September with more than 300 artists and crafters, a car show, and great food vendors to enjoy.  
• Dickens of a Christmas – This is the Roanoke – Salem Region's largest holiday celebration. It spans three consecutive Friday nights in December with a tree lighting, a parade, a costume contest, and much more.  

Retirement 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. In addition, we help residents to live well during retirement in the Roanoke – Salem Region with the following:

• Freedom from the burdens of home upkeep with residence and yard maintenance and group transportation provided.
• Beautiful grounds with stunning views of the Blue Ridge mountains and spacious accommodations with several different floor plans from which to choose.
• A location just minutes away from the Roanoke – Salem Region’s best shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• Conveniences including an onsite beauty salon. \A full calendar of social events, activities, and outings, as well as clubs, classes, guest speakers, discussions on current events, and volunteer opportunities.  
• A full calendar of social events, activities, and outings, as well as clubs, classes, guest speakers, discussions on current events, and volunteer opportunities.  
• A state-of-the-art fitness center with a pool, fitness programs, health and well-being services, and chef-inspired menus prepared in collaboration with a nutritionist or dietician.
• Home care services that help keep you independent for as long as possible, award-winning therapy services, and multiple levels of care on the same campus.