Although many adults in their golden years may be hesitant about moving into independent senior living communities, there are actually many benefits of doing so. This article will talk about some of the most common doubts seniors have about independent senior living. We will address these concerns you may have so that you’ll be able to make an informed decision about whether this senior living option is right for you or your loved ones.
Convenient Access to Amenities and Housekeeping Services
Moving is hard enough on its own, but it can be even more stressful when you’re in your 80s or 90s. You may think that making these major life changes at a later age will be too difficult to handle on your own. However, with some planning and help from others, moving into senior living can actually be easier than staying on your own. Not only does moving out of your home give you access to amenities like housekeeping and maintenance that you might not have access to otherwise, but it also means that other people will take over many aspects of life that aren’t easy when you get older: cooking meals for yourself and cleaning up after yourself, for example.
An Active Lifestyle
The first major obstacle you need to overcome is your perception of free time. In an independent senior living community, although you’ll no longer have to make weekly trips to do grocery shopping, it doesn’t mean you’ll have nothing else to occupy your time. Senior living communities have a lineup of activities and events that you can choose to participate in. You can pick up new hobbies or take part in different types of classes offered by your community. You’ll also be able to travel out of your community to keep up with friends and family regularly. There are simply so many options to explore! As we age, we often realize there are so many things we’ve never made time for—it’s empowering to know there will always be new opportunities for growth as a person.
Difficulty in Making the Transition
Many adults mistake senior living communities as places for people who are frail or disabled. If you are one of them, take comfort in knowing that times have changed! Nowadays, senior living communities are brimming with life and vibrancy, and many older adults are actually living their best lives there! People over the age of 65 are thriving in independent living settings! However, we understand that everyone has their own set of expectations and fears about what life will be like—and that can make you hesitant about making any move.
Many golden age adults also have a difficult time leaving their loved ones. But it’s not just an emotional thing—it’s a real physical challenge, too. For example, if you have a knee injury or heart disease that makes walking around a long haul difficult, having your apartment on one floor can be important for your health and safety. If you don’t have stairs in your home to climb, walking from room to room becomes much easier. You should know that independent senior living centers aren’t all alike. Some are made up of condos where residents own their spaces, and others are simply rental apartments where you pay by the month but do not own anything inside.
Most aging adults haven’t faced transitioning out of their family home, so it’s no surprise that they may experience a difficult time deciding whether or not to move into an independent senior living community. As their loved ones can attest, it can be tough on both sides when dealing with someone you love leaving home. However, there are ways for you and your loved one to come together to understand that moving into an independent senior living community is a great decision for everyone involved!
