When you hear about senior living communities, do you think they are only for older adults who need extra assistance or who aren’t as healthy as you? This perception is common, especially because the majority of senior living myths sprang up around the “nursing home” scenario of decades ago. However, today’s senior living community is not your grandmother’s nursing home. In fact, senior living communities are the ideal place to retire in order to stay active and healthy for many years to come.
Senior living makes healthy living easier thanks to easy access to amenities and resources such as fitness classes, putting greens, heated swimming pools, walking paths, and nutritious meals. Here are just a few ways that senior living can play a critical part in your dream retirement.
All-Inclusive, Healthy Living
Today’s senior living communities are more like all-inclusive resorts than clinical hospitals. Exceptional communities offer perks such as concierge service, personal linen and laundry services, and even transportation around the area. But the all-inclusive amenities don’t stop there.
With access to amenities and services on a senior living campus, you’ll quickly find that life gets so much more convenient. You can choose to schedule a haircut, massage, or manicure on-site — no more fighting traffic and finding parking in town. Because chef-prepared meals are available in the restaurants and dining rooms at the senior living community, you don’t have to worry about preparing your meals three times per day, let alone hitting the grocery store weekly to stock up your pantry. Forget about scheduling lawn service or home maintenance as well; you can stop investing your time in household chores and begin investing it in retirement life instead.
Make New Friends
Senior living communities are bustling and vibrant places. It’s easy to find a new friend or say hello to a new neighbor. Adding to your personal social calendar is just one more way you can stay healthy, and it is easier to connect with peers when you live with them right down the hall.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that lonely and isolated seniors are at an increased risk for a list of serious medical conditions including heart disease, stroke, dementia, and even premature death. Luckily, staying connected to others through regular meaningful social interactions is the key to staying healthy. In a senior living community, you can easily find a neighbor that shares a similar interest, life path, or goal. Even better, you might find a new neighbor who is nothing like you and enjoy the opportunity to learn more about their life and experiences.
Well-Planned Events and Opportunities
One of the benefits of retirement is having more time to dedicate to activities, hobbies, and passions you love. However, not everyone finds it easy to plan social events and volunteer opportunities while living at home alone. When you choose senior living, you get the benefit of a team of dedicated professionals who create a full calendar of events for you to enjoy.
“There’s so many activities, so many things to do,” says a resident at The Lakeside at Amelia Island, an Arbor Company community. “It’s like a dream world.” From live concerts to car shows, yoga classes to classic movie nights, and themed dinners to planned excursions, you can find plenty to keep you engaged and learning.
Peace of Mind
Finally, many adults who call senior living communities home appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing a dedicated team of professionals is there, ready to help in case an emergency situation arises. Healthcare and medical professionals also regularly visit most senior living communities, giving presentations, offering preventative care, and being available for consultations as needed.
One thing is certain: Senior living is for active, healthy, and vibrant adults, just like you. Learn more about senior living in our free resource, The Journey to Senior Living. It won’t be long before you are daydreaming of a retirement complete with the amenities, resources, and perks that come with senior living.
