In many cases, a senior citizen living alone isn’t exactly the safest option. There’s an increased risk of falling, malnutrition, and loneliness. However, independent living for seniors can also help them feel more confident in their everyday life.
One of the best options is to have a senior loved one move into an assisted living community. These communities provide the best of both worlds, with residents receiving as much or as little assistance as they need.
Here are seven of the top benefits of independent senior living in an assisted living community.
1. More Social Engagement
Independent senior living perks include the opportunity for more social engagement.
Normally, a person living alone would only engage with close friends and family that can visit them. This is especially true if they’re unable to drive due to medical reasons. As a result, they may become depressed and experience loneliness.
However, living in a senior community provides ample opportunity to socialize and put themselves out there. A resident can connect with their neighbors at their own leisure. The community itself also creates planned social activities and group outings.
Seniors are also provided communal spaces where they can meet other residents and stay socially active. This may include a dog park, a swimming pool, or a clubhouse.
2. Access to Amenities and Services
Senior lifestyle advantages offered by independent living include more than just social interaction. Many of these communities offer a wide range of amenities and services that make the investment worth it.
For example, some communities offer spaces such as fitness centers, beauty salons, and libraries for their residents. These are locations that a person living on their own in an apartment building might not be able to visit under normal circumstances.
The same goes for services like housekeeping, transportation, and dining options. These improve the quality of life for residents and encourage them to be more independent. At the very least, it’s a step up from living alone with only their family members to call upon.
3. Safety and Security
Both safety and security are top priorities for seniors and their families. The last thing a loved one wants to hear is that their father fell down in the shower and lay there for hours before someone found them. They also wouldn’t want someone with memory issues wandering off on their own.
Independent housing doesn’t mean residents are completely isolated. These communities have 24-hour security, emergency call systems, and accessible living spaces. This reduces the risk to their senior residents and makes independent living one of their healthy aging options.
Their community may also come with security cameras, which can help if there’s ever a case of burglary or their care comes into question. It’s always important to ask a potential independent living community what technology they utilize to ensure the safety of their residents.
4. Increased Self-Confidence
Not every senior citizen enjoys relying on other people. This goes even if they have medical issues that require the assistance of others.
Needing to use a caregiver may make them feel embarrassed or like they aren’t capable of living alone anymore.
It’s difficult to achieve mental balance after retirement if you feel insufficient in your personal life.
One of the biggest benefits of senior communities is that they provide as much independence for their residents as they can handle. If a resident only needs help keeping their home in order, then they’ll get housekeeping services. Those that require daily help with things like cooking and managing medications will get that assistance.
5. Opportunities for Physical Activity
Maintaining an active lifestyle is important not only for physical health but also for maintaining brain health. Independent senior living communities provide numerous opportunities for physical activity. This may include access to fitness programs, walking clubs, yoga classes, and accessible gym equipment.
While a resident can always exercise at home, it might not be the safest workout option. Participating in group activities means they won’t push themselves too hard, and they can encourage one another.
6. Intellectual and Cultural Enrichment
Growing older doesn’t mean that you can’t experience more of the world and its culture. Independent senior living communities have a variety of intellectual and cultural activities to stimulate the mind and encourage connecting with other residents.
For example, book clubs allow seniors to read new novels and share their discoveries with one another. Art workshops provide a way for residents to express themselves and try out new mediums. Musical performances can introduce residents to new types of music and bands.
In addition to on-site activities, the community could also arrange transportation for residents to visit events in town. This may include church events as well as festivals.
7. Customized Care and Support
Every individual in an independent senior living community has customized care based on their own desires and needs.
Even if a senior citizen is of sound body and mind, they may not possess the physical fortitude of a younger individual. Something like mowing their lawn or thoroughly cleaning their home can prove difficult. In that case, they’ll have a landscaping expert and a housekeeper to assist them with these tasks.
It could be that the main problem holding back a senior’s ability to stay independent is a lack of reliable transportation. Their community can organize these services to help them access grocery stores and visit their doctors.
If a resident’s condition becomes worse, such as may be the case with dementia, then they can always transition into memory care. Memory care provides more extensive and specialized care for its residents, as well as more safety and security.
Invest in Independent Senior Living
The whole point of independent senior living is to allow your loved one the kind of empowerment they need as they get older. These communities provide ample opportunities for their residents to socialize and get out of their comfort zones.
Rittenhouse Village At Portage is a resident-focused senior living community that provides onsite health and wellness programs. We’re a pet-friendly community with access to a professional beauty salon and a barbershop. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a virtual tour of our homes.
