Your parents have worked hard to teach you the skills it takes to be a successful adult, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about remaining independent. However, when it’s time to consider where to live during retirement, they might not see the big picture when it comes to the benefits of senior living communities.
Look at these four ways senior living can help your aging parents maintain their independence and achieve a healthy, happy and long retirement:
1. Senior living helps older adults stay active
Remaining independent relies on an active lifestyle. Senior living communities like ours feature inviting fitness centers, wellness programs and group exercise classes that are designed just for older adults. Here are just a few programs we offer at our communities at Friendship Village and how they can help your parent maintain an independent lifestyle:
Cardio. Regular cardio can help older adults maintain mobility, improve heart health, reduce blood pressure, aid in weight management and increase lung capacity. Our senior living communities in St. Louis, MO, offer cardio drumming, core and cardio classes, and a variety of dance classes, including Ballet Barre at our Sunset Hills community.
Tai Chi. A study published by Gait & Posture found Tai Chi significantly enhanced the balance and stepping strategies of older adults who have had knee, hip and back surgery. This reduces the risk of falls, because seniors are better equipped to recover their balance after they trip. Friendship Village also offers balance, posture and stability classes to help our residents walk and stand with confidence.
Water fitness classes. Both of our senior living communities have heated pools and offer several water fitness classes. Working out in the water improves joint health, increases your strength and boosts flexibility and mobility. It’s also a great way to burn calories and relieve stress.
Strength training. Studies show that strength training done two to three times a week can improve muscle mass, preserve bone density and lead to lasting independence. Strength training can also reduce symptoms of heart disease, arthritis and Type 2 diabetes. At Friendship Village we offer several strength training classes like functional strength and balance, seated strength, and mind and body strength.
2. Dining is delicious, nutritious and flexible
A healthy diet is important at any age, but it’s especially important for remaining independent. Good nutrition gives your parents energy, helps with managing their weight, and can also prevent or decrease the symptoms of health concerns like osteoporosis, high blood pressure,Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
If your parents have busy schedules or just don’t like to spend a lot of time at the grocery store, it can be easy for them to reach for processed foods or choose to dine out at unhealthy restaurants.
Senior living communities offer restaurant-style dining venues that feature delectable and nutritious menu items that suit every taste, which means your parents can enjoy their favorite foods in elegant and relaxing settings, while maintaining a healthy diet.
Our community in Chesterfield has two dining venues, the upscale Olive Leaf Bistro and the fabulous full-service dining room. This community also features a charming ice cream parlor, complete with comfortable booths and friendly staff. At our Sunset Hills community your parents can choose from The Bavarian, Edelweiss and Clubhouse Café dining venues.
The residents at both our communities enjoy complimentary continental breakfasts, flexible dining programs and gourmet menus prepared by award-winning chefs in partnership with a long tenured staff.
3. Socializing is simple in senior living communities
A healthy retirement isn’t just about staying active, it’s also about building and maintaining enjoyable relationships with your friends, family and neighbors. Staying social can deliver big perks, including better physical health. That’s because seniors who feel lonely and isolated are more likely to suffer from chronic depression and anxiety, which can weaken their immune system.
Here are are more benefits of a robust social life for older adults:
- Better self-esteem
- Decreased blood pressure
- Greater sense of belonging
- More physical activity
- Improved sense of purpose
- Lower risk of cognitive decline
- Reduced stress
However, opportunities to make and maintain new connections can be difficult to find when you’re aging at home. Senior living communities provide residents with easy, engaging and convenient ways to interact with neighbors, make lifelong friends and have a robust social life throughout retirement.
These are just a few ways Friendship Village can help your mom and dad make more connections:
Restaurant-style dining. Not only do our dining venues serve delicious and nutritious food, they’re designed to help our residents engage in conversation and enjoy their meals in a social atmosphere.
Interest groups. The best thing about senior living is that your parents are surrounded by like-minded individuals who share similar interests. They can get to know their neighbors and make new friends by joining interest groups like drama groups, painting groups, writing clubs, train clubs, resident welcome committees and quilting groups.
Group exercise. Whether your dad wants to hop in the pool or your mom feels like sweating it out in a step class, our senior living communities in St. Louis, MO, have plenty of group exercises that help them burn calories and build meaningful relationships.
Courses and classes. Retirement is the perfect time to hit the books, attend a fascinating lecture, indulge in creative pursuits and take a deep dive into hobbies. Discussing what they learned or sharing their skills with others is the perfect way for your parents to break the ice with other residents in our communities. Friendship Village features activities like science courses, technology classes, watercolor classes and fundraiser projects.
Spiritual opportunities. The communities at Friendship Village are faith-based, and feature a variety of spiritual opportunities that foster friendship and heighten the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of our residents. Your parents can enjoy worship services, Bible study, communion, meditative prayer and chapel choir.
4. Your parents can keep track of their health
Along with healthy meal options, more opportunities to stay active and a better social life, senior living communities help residents focus on their overall health and wellness, which helps them maintain independence throughout retirement.
In fact, keeping your parents healthy is why we’re here and our full-time care navigator will guide your mom and dad through our programs to support their independence. We partner with the best hospitals to provide our residents with a primary doctor and nurse practitioner right here on our campus.
Look at some ways we keep our residents’ health in safe hands:
- On-site clinic, with access to a geriatrician, psychiatrist and podiatrist
- On-site labs and vaccinations
- Dementia discussion groups
- Balance assessments
- Blood pressure clinics
- Fall prevention programs
- Foot wellness for healthy feet
Both our senior living communities offer Life Care, which provides residents with a full continuum of care that includes:
- Independent Living
- Assisted Living
- Supported services
- Rehabilitation
- Memory Care
- Skilled Nursing
- Home services
This comprehensive continuum of care provides personalized support and services that help your parents live independently in their residences for as long as possible. Whether it’s just a check-up at the doctor or support with daily tasks, your mom and dad have the health care they need to thrive during retirement.
See Your Parents Thrive at Freedom Village
Our award-winning senior living communities are designed to help our residents live their best life and maintain an independent lifestyle. See why seniors choose Friendship Village by contacting us online and scheduling an in-person tour. We can’t wait to meet you!