How to Know If Independent Living is the Right Choice
How to Know if Independent Living is the Right Choice for You
Retirement age should be some of the best years of your life. A chance for you to explore your interests, pick up new hobbies, and spend more time with family.
It can also be a point when questions arise if it’s the right time for you to consider moving to an independent living community.
With so many different options, how do you determine if independent living would be the best fit for you and your lifestyle?
There can be a slight overlap, but generally, independent living is best suited for seniors who don’t require hands-on care and are still active, self-sufficient adults.
Spero independent living communities offer a place for you to experience freedom and endless opportunities. We encourage our residents to live an active lifestyle and offer first-class amenities, activities, and socialization.
Read on for some tips about how to know if independent living is the right choice for you.
Home Maintenance Has Become Too Difficult
Many seniors your age have lived in their homes for a long time – in fact, some may have spent their entire adult life in the same home.
The joys of owning your own home can be wonderful. But there’s no denying it takes a LOT of work to keep a home maintained properly.
A move to an independent living community can be a breath of fresh air.
No more lawn to mow, snow to shovel, or clogged drains to clear. No unexpected surprises like a leaky roof or a broken water heater. Let’s be honest – home maintenance expenses can add up quickly.
In an independent living community, you will no longer need to worry about big chores, maintenance, or costly repairs.
Need a lightbulb changed? Have a broken refrigerator? Professional staff is available 24/7 to assist with all levels of home maintenance.
The Convenience is Very Appealing
Wouldn’t it be nice to take a trip to the store or explore other places you enjoy and know you don’t have to worry about driving?
How about being able to easily walk to the spa/salon within your community and get a massage or a haircut?
Convenience and peace of mind are two very appealing factors that may influence you to consider independent living.
Independent Living is about lifestyle preference. The communities primarily focus on servicing the social needs of their residents.
Almost anything you need can be found within the living community – but if not, most places provide transportation to get you to and from your destination quickly and safely.
Buildings are more spread apart on a large campus independent living community, with a central meeting area for social activities and meals. Living spaces are generally larger than assisted living, with more area to walk or drive between buildings.
Another added convenience – if you’d like to take a trip for a few days, you don’t need to be concerned about the safety of your home. You can lock up, leave, and feel rest assured your home is being watched by security within the community.
You Want To Expand Your Social Circle
Are you feeling lonely but otherwise healthy? Maybe your friends have moved away and you want to be able to socialize with like-minded adults and form new friendships.
If this sounds familiar, independent living is an excellent choice for you.
You'll be surrounded by people your own age who are all embracing the same stage of life.
Making new friends will come easy because everyone is a part of a community that shares the same social activities, events, and mealtimes.
It’s simply a matter of walking out your front door and enjoying the companionship of other community members. Having friends around all the time makes life purely more fun and enjoyable.
Safety Has Become a Concern
Home should be your safe haven. But is it?
Older adults become much more prone to slips and falls as they age. According to the CDC, every minute in the U.S., an adult (age 65+) suffers a fall. It’s the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group.1
Independent living eliminates those concerns.
If you still have the physical and mental capabilities of living on your own – just don’t want to be doing tasks like climbing ladders to clean gutters or change a lightbulb – independent living is the answer.
Independent living typically does not offer medical assistance or nursing care.
It’s ok if you have an underlying medical condition, as long as you can care for your own health and it doesn’t interfere with your ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL’s).
You Still Desire to Learn and Grow
Do you still express an interest in continuing to learn about things you enjoy?
A love for learning doesn’t have to end in young adulthood. Many seniors like you still have a desire to learn about all different types of subjects and new hobbies.
There are many benefits of lifelong learning. It keeps the mind active, stimulates creativity and curiosity, and also gives a chance for new friendships to form.
Many independent living communities offer onsite classes and lectures on a variety of topics that may interest you.
Remember – keeping your brain moving is just as important as keeping your body moving!
Good Questions to Consider
Determining if independent living is best for you is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Here’s a quick recap of some good questions to consider as you reflect and think about independent living:
Are you still active and independent?
Are you lonely and would like to meet people your own age?
Are you able to take medications on your own?
Can you safely manage your personal care needs, such as bathing and dressing?
Do you want to continue with an active lifestyle?
Adults who are still active at all ages of life may determine a variety of reasons why independent living fits their lifestyle.
Koru Health independent living communities provide an exceptional residence for our seniors to feel connected, heard, and appreciated.
Our amenities and lifestyle options enhance our residents’ lives every day – and will continue to do so for years to come.
Want to explore our amenities and find out how our community can help you flourish? Discover more here.
References:
https://aging.com/independent-living-is-the-top-choice-for-seniors-today/