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Tips for Deciding if the Senior Living Lifestyle Is What You Really Want

Sep 10, 2024

Senior living can be a beneficial transition for older adults. The sense of community and supportive environment senior living provides can help improve health, quality of life, and overall well-being. Consider the following aspects of senior living when deciding if it’s the right move for you or a loved one.

Benefits of the senior living lifestyle

#1 Care

Many senior living communities offer different levels of care to meet the changing healthcare needs of residents. You can typically expect to find independent living, assisted living, and memory care.

Some communities even offer skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services. Knowing your health needs will always be met can provide peace of mind for residents and their loved ones.

#2 Socialization

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seniors who experience social isolation and loneliness may be at an increased risk of physical and mental health conditions. Older adults who live alone may have less contact with others and face transportation or mobility changes that prevent them from leaving their homes as often as they’d like.

Fortunately, senior living promotes a sense of community, encouraging social connections and friendships among peers. Residents look forward to scheduled activities, recreation, special events, educational classes, cultural programs, and more.

#3 Meals

Meal preparation, cooking, and keeping fresh and healthy foods stocked in your kitchen can be difficult as we get older. The senior living lifestyle often features restaurant-style dining where residents order fresh, chef-prepared meals from a menu.

Residents also enjoy themed dinners, unlimited snacks and beverages, and locally sourced foods. A registered dietitian oversees menu planning to ensure heart- and brain-healthy dishes and accommodations for special diets.

Use this checklist to determine if independent living is right for you >>

#4 Maintenance

Owning a home requires regular maintenance, repairs, and occasional unexpected expenses, which can often cause stress and disrupt your daily routine. Senior living offers a maintenance-free lifestyle, with a dedicated senior living team taking care of interior and exterior maintenance, lawn upkeep, appliance repairs, housekeeping, laundry, and more.

This leaves you with more time to pursue hobbies, spend time with friends and loved ones, and the freedom to set your own schedule.

#5 Transportation

Many older adults give up driving as they age, making it hard to run errands, get groceries, and keep up with medical appointments. Senior living usually has transportation services for planned group outings, private resident appointments, and errands.

You can say goodbye to the cost of car payments, fuel, maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, license plates, and registration fees – and say hello to convenience and a caring, supportive team dedicated to meeting your needs.

Are you ready to explore senior living further?

Download our free guide: “Staying Home vs. Senior Living – Should you stay or should you go?” to help you decide between aging in place at home or moving to senior living. You’ll get the facts about the senior living care options and discover what to expect. Additionally, the guide provides tips on assessing your home’s safety and weighing senior living cost versus value.