If you or your family are considering moving into a senior living community, this guide will help you understand the benefits that come with it. It includes costs you may have yet to consider and answers questions.
Retirement apartments offer a full calendar of fitness classes, adult education, entertainment, socials and more. Residents don’t need a car to access these activities, reducing expenses for fuel and maintenance.
Health and Wellness
Senior living communities prioritize wellness for their residents. Whether it’s a well-rounded program that promotes cognitive function, or a community offering a hair salon and bank onsite to support independent living, these exceptional communities are designed to enhance your life.
Achieving a higher level of wellness means being socially and physically active. Many seniors need help to maintain a full social calendar. Still, senior housing communities often provide a variety of group activities and friendships with peers, as well as a full schedule of events and classes. This makes it easier to stay healthy and active. Having people around you also raises “feel good” hormones, which can improve mental health and lead to a longer life.
Activities
If you or your loved one is considering a move to a senior living community, check out the amenities and social activities. From cooking demonstrations to excursions to museums, there are plenty of options.
These activities help seniors stay engaged with others, which is good for their mental health and can prevent the isolation that leads to many problems, including depression, cognitive decline, and even higher healthcare costs. Living in a senior lifestyle community is often lower than owning a home. For example, a condo or an old apartment could have monthly or yearly fees that cover everything from lawn care to security.
Dining
The dining experience in a senior living community can make all the difference. Whether the wide selection of nutritious and delicious food or all meals are included in a monthly rent check, seniors often report greater satisfaction with their dining options at a senior living community.
Some senior living communities also offer outdoor dining. This allows residents to enjoy meals al fresco in the sunshine or rain, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.
Many senior living communities offer a variety of menu choices, including vegetarian and vegan options and foods that promote brain health and heart health. They also take care to source fresh, inspiring ingredients and use them in ways that will please the palate.
Socialization
As adults age, they may find themselves with fewer opportunities for socialization. This can be due to illness or mobility issues that limit how often you can go out and meet others.
In a senior housing community, many options exist to meet people with similar interests. Group exercise classes, curated activities and special events are all great ways to widen your circle of friends. Navigate to sites like villasatsanbernardino.com to discover the benefits of senior living communities.
You can also make new friends by taking the initiative and contacting other residents. Be patient, though — it can take time to build lasting friendships. Aim to reach out regularly and be open to meeting new people.
Transportation
Whether you or your loved one must attend an educational course, social gathering, or grocery shopping, senior living communities have transportation services available. This can be a huge relief to those worried about not having access to adequate transportation as they age or have difficulty driving.
Residents also experience cost savings by not having to maintain their vehicles, and paying for maintenance, insurance and other associated expenses. Additionally, hopping on the shuttle to participate in a book club or free university lecture can keep the mind sharp and reduce isolation. AARP and AAA provide information and tools to help seniors obtain low-cost transportation.
Security
Anywhere you live can have security risks, but many seniors find that the safety concerns are lessened when they move to a senior community lifestyle. For instance, scheduled transportation means seniors don’t have to drive in bad weather or at night, and housekeeping services mean that there is someone to do those chores that can create tripping and falling hazards at home.
In addition, the buildings are often designed with a focus on safety, including ramps and elevators, low thresholds for walk-in showers, carpeting that’s easy to grip, and door handles and controls that wheelchair users can easily reach. These features reduce the risk of falls, a common cause of injury among seniors.
