Independent living communities are continuing to gain in popularity thanks to their low-maintenance lifestyle and convenient amenities. But it isn’t just the chance to put away the lawn mower and set down the chores to-do list that draws active seniors to choose an independent living lifestyle. Adults are coming to independent living communities to find like-minded yet unique neighbors to live life with side by side without losing their autonomy in their daily routine.
If you are looking toward retirement or are simply curious about how an independent living community could benefit your current lifestyle, here are just a few ways the right community can enhance your quality of life, health, and overall wellness.
Retain Your Independence
Living independently is all about giving residents the opportunity to express themselves and live the life they want to live. This autonomy begins during the home selection process, when new residents get the chance to pick the floor plan that works best for them and bring in their own furniture and decor to style their home. Residents who love to host might choose a floor plan with an extra-large kitchen, whereas residents who love to garden might pick a floor plan with a large patio or outdoor space.
The decisions, of course, don’t stop there. Independent living communities offer plenty of opportunities to interact with others via events or meals, but no one makes residents attend anything they don’t want to. At the right independent living community, you determine what your schedule looks like each day.
Connect with Others
Of course, living at home also offers independence and autonomy. So what’s the draw of an independent living community?
For many adults, it’s the opportunity to be among welcoming neighbors who can become friends. Having these connections right down the hall can feel like a relief, especially when social isolation and loneliness are more common among older adults who live at home alone or with a partner.
Social isolation and loneliness are not the same thing, but the risk of both increases as we age due to shrinking social circles, lack of transportation, and even health challenges. Living at home alone, even for the most active senior, can still feel isolating without meaningful and consistent conversations each day.
In a senior living community, connections are easier to make and happen organically throughout the day. Residents meet up for coffee before their walking club or share a story on their way home from a planned excursion. Connections are made over dinner or while enjoying an evening cocktail on the patio.
Keep Up with Family and Friends
Independent living communities do create new opportunities for friendships among neighbors, but residents are also encouraged to keep up their connections with family and friends. Not only do communities have robust visiting hours, but residents are also able to reserve certain shared spaces in order to throw parties or gatherings that they don’t want to host in their homes. Even better, residents can work with the community’s dining team to cater events with favorite meals, appetizers, or sweets.
Family members and friends are able to visit anytime and are always welcome to attend events with residents as well. Additionally, there are extra-special family events that residents and families look forward to including concerts, holiday celebrations, and barbeques.
Is Independent Living Right for You?
Today’s independent living resident is much more active and youthful than the typical resident from just 10 years ago. Adults are choosing to live independently in these vibrant communities, alongside interesting neighbors, in order to kick loneliness to the curb and boost their own mental and physical well-being.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not you should pursue an independent living lifestyle, you might be a good fit for a community if you can answer “yes” to any of these questions:
- Do you find yourself feeling lonely or disconnected from others the majority of your day?
- Would you prefer that your gym or fitness class was located closer to your home?
- Is preparing three meals a day for one or two people becoming more cumbersome in your daily schedule?
- Could rightsizing some of your space and possessions give you more clarity, energy, and creativity?
- Would you like to be able to meet up with friends without leaving your home?
If you’ve answered “yes” to any of those questions, or if you are ready to experience a low-maintenance lifestyle complete with new opportunities, it’s time to start looking at what independent living can add to your life. Take your first step by downloading our free resource, “Everything You Need to Know About Independent Living,” in which you can discover more about this senior living option.
Here’s to retaining your independence, meeting new people, and taking advantage of amenities that boost your overall health!
