Isn’t retirement great? You have tons of free time to travel, explore new hobbies, and connect with friends. But if you’re like many seniors, your retirement might not be as fulfilling as you once imagined. Moving to senior housing offers an exciting new chapter in a person’s life.
Whether you want a taste of the good life in a safe environment or need assistance with daily activities, retirement communities are constantly changing to better serve their residents.
Take a closer look at how a vibrant retirement community can help you enjoy your golden years.
1. Encourages a Low Maintenance Lifestyle
From raking leaves to washing clothes, there’s always something that needs to be done when living at home. Retirement communities eliminate home maintenance tasks by doing them for you. Additionally, senior housing provides a safe setting where residents can discover new pastimes.
Here are some common amenities and shared spaces that you’ll find in a retirement community.
- Tennis courts
- Walking paths
- Putting greens
- Theater rooms
- Business centers
- Billiards and darts
- Exercise equipment
- Fireside patios and kitchens
- Jacuzzis, spas, and massage rooms
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
2. Offers Personal Care Options
As we age, there are daily tasks that get harder to do after a while. Activities of daily living (ADLs), housekeeping, and lawn care can be quite a burden to seniors and their families. Having everyday responsibilities taken care of allows seniors to live life to the fullest.
Many communities also provide certified nursing assistants around-the-clock to support those who need care regularly. Staff members are well-trained to help residents with dressing, bathing, eating, and other activities. Wellness aides are important because they not only help residents who require it but also independent seniors who may need something as simple as a medication reminder.
3. Ensures Safety & Security
Although you may not need help with personal care, accidents can still happen. Household falls and injuries could occur, and if you live alone, the thought of not receiving the help you need can be a little scary. Retirement communities offer alert systems in each apartment home to maintain safety and peace of mind.
And for residents with mild to severe health issues, there are lifestyle options with 24/7 nursing care to ensure your medical needs are always met.
Download The Complete Guide to Senior Housing
Every senior has their own set of wants and needs, so retirement communities offer differing levels of care, services, and amenities. Read our eBook for a detailed look at what retirement communities provide.
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4. Supports Healthy Senior Living
From chair yoga to Zumba and strength training, fitness is essential to the well being of a senior. In most cases, the benefits of exercising on a day-to-day basis offset the risk factors. Even medical conditions can be improved with fitness, including memory loss, heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure.
Here are some fitness programs and outdoor activities offered in senior communities.
- Golf outings
- Yoga classes
- Walking clubs
- Group fitness classes
- Gyms and free weights
- Local hikes and greenbelts
- Swimming and water aerobics
Before signing up for any of these classes, you should talk with your doctor to make sure you have the clearance to get started. Residents with limited mobility or serious health concerns can contact their local retirement community for additional options.
5. Provides Transportation Services
When driving becomes unsafe for seniors, assisted living communities offer reliable transportation to nearby shopping areas, restaurants, events, and doctor appointments. You no longer have to worry about getting an oil change, going to the car wash or scheduling a part replacement. Transportation services allow residents to get around town at their own leisure.
6. Promotes Socialization
Socialization is one of the top reasons why many people make the switch to living in a retirement community. If your weekly agenda is empty, but want an engaging social life, then a senior housing community might be your perfect match. You can join a music group, book club or take a new fitness class to meet peers in your neighborhood. Active residents enjoy activity calendars full of fun and exciting learning opportunities, including:
- Travel clubs
- Coffee meetups
- Spiritual/Religious study groups
- Local volunteer groups
- Cards and Mahjong clubs
- Community advisory boards
- Happy hours and morning brunches
For residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, retirement communities may accommodate specialty programs catered towards their needs and abilities.
7. Focuses On Nutrition
Tired of going through the hassle of cooking, buying groceries and washing dishes? With three freshly-prepared meals made by culinary chefs, residents in senior communities enjoy delicious food fit for their nutritional needs. As a bonus, restaurant-style dining rooms motivate mealtimes with friends and family, making each gathering a fun social event that residents look forward to. Each day allows you to celebrate something new in a retirement facility.
For those who are ready to take the next step, we invite you to learn more about our Senior Lifestyle communities by viewing our interactive community map. Our friendly team members is ready to answer your questions and help you along the way.