A study by AARP discovered that nearly 90% of seniors want to stay in their home for as long as possible. But the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found 70% of seniors 65 and over will need some form of long-term care in their lifetimes.
That’s why many active seniors are preparing for the future, while enjoying more of today, by making the move to an independent living community. This blog post will help you determine if now’s the time to consider a retirement community and show you the benefits of independent living for seniors.
Why You Should Consider a Senior Living Community
For many older adults, their home is a place of fond memories. But some discover homeownership can also hold them back from getting more out of life. As you consider your senior housing options, here are some things to think about.
Your current home:
- How hard is it to keep up with home maintenance, including your yard?
- Do you have rooms in your house you rarely use?
- How easy is it to get to your house? Do you have stairs? Live on a hill? Have to deal with snow in the winter?
Your social connections:
- How far away do your friends and family live and how often do you see them?
- How often do you leave the house?
- How many of your current neighbors do you know?
Your mobility:
- Do you have to drive to attend social events, visit friends and shop?
- How comfortable are you with driving?
- Is there public transportation in your area and do/would you use it?
- How difficult is it for you to visit your doctor?
Your health:
- How is your current health or the health of your spouse?
- What would you do in the event of a health emergency?
- Can you manage the activities of daily living like housekeeping, showering, cooking, eating and taking your medications?
Independent Living Benefits
It can be hard to know what to do. But one of the best ways to make a more informed decision is to spend time visiting retirement communities. It’s a great way to talk with residents about their lifestyle and see the benefits of independent living for seniors for yourself:
- Be social: Communities often have monthly calendars filled with daytrips, dances, happy hours, book clubs, educational lectures, classes and shopping excursions making it easy to meet others.
- Maintenance-free living: Imagine what you’d have time to do if you no longer had to worry about housekeeping, cooking, or home upkeep and repairs. Independent living offers a maintenance-free lifestyle that gives you fewer responsibilities and more time to pursue life’s possibilities.
- Peace of mind: Choosing a Life Plan Community — like Friendship Village Chesterfield and Friendship Village Sunset Hills — means you can enjoy independent living for all the years ahead, but you’ll also have access to a full continuum of care. That means you’ll have the assurance of future care services — like assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation — should you ever need it.
- Volunteer opportunities: Most senior living communities offer a variety of volunteer opportunities on and off campus. You could volunteer to be on a community committee or club. You could also join other residents in volunteering at an area school, hospital, library or community center.
- Dining: You can enjoy nutritious, delicious meals from a well-balanced menu prepared by a talented culinary team. Most communities also offer a variety of dining venues from a more formal dining room with an attentive wait staff, to a grab-and-go bistro or café.
- Health and wellness: Fitness is essential to remaining active and engaged. One big benefit of independent living for seniors is access to a fitness center with equipment and classes designed specifically for older adults. They also have wellness programs focused on your physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual well-being.
A Community of Friendship, Freedom and Faith
If you’re looking for an independent senior living community in the St. Louis area, consider Friendship Village Chesterfield and Friendship Village Sunset Hills. As faith-based, not-for-profit senior living communities, we provide a safe, secure and engaging lifestyle focused on helping you live independently. To learn more about our communities, contact us using this form.