Guest post by: Caring.com
We continually strive to better our health but as we get older or if we have aging family members then finding a living situation that helps support their health and wellbeing becomes increasingly important
In this guest post, we look at some considerations for placing aging family members into “Independent Living” communities.
Usually apartment or condominium complexes, independent living communities can be ideal options for older adults who are ready to downsize to a smaller home but who value their independence and don’t yet need daily care. Once you or your loved one has decided that independent living is the best option, your next task becomes finding the right community for you.
5 Reasons to Choose an Independent Living Community
When you research the pros and cons of moving to an independent living (IL) community, you learn a great deal about housing, transportation, and other practical details. But ask residents of IL communities why they made the move — and why they’re happy about it — and you’ll hear some surprising answers. Here are five lesser-known, but no less important, reasons people choose independent living.
Reason #1: I want better access to my favorite sport.
Whether it’s the proximity to a golf course, the availability of tennis courts, or the selection of state-of-the-art gym equipment, recreational sports and fitness are among the biggest draws of independent living. In fact, do a quick search of independent living communities in your area, and you’ll see that many fitness features are almost universal; even smaller independent living communities typically have gyms, fitness classes, walking paths, and even swimming pools.
If there’s a sport or recreational activity that defines your weekends, look for independent living communities where you can indulge all week long, and you know you’ll be a happy camper.
Reason #2: I want to meet someone new.
Let’s face it, meeting new people isn’t easy when you live on your own and socialize primarily within a circle of old friends. And when it comes to dating? Forget about it — you’re stuck with friends’ introductions and online dating sites. Independent living is the perfect antidote because socializing is automatic, no planning or effort needed. Whether you meet a new partner or just expand your circle, you’ll no longer find it a challenge to get out of the house and discover new friends.
Reason #3: I want to go back to school.
A recent report on MSN Real Estate detailed the rise in university-linked senior living communities, of which there are more than 60 in the U.S., with 30 more being built or planned already.
Even if you don’t happen to have a major university in your area, that doesn’t mean independent living with an education focus isn’t available. In addition to offering a large selection of classes onsite, many independent living communities provide transportation to local community colleges and adult education programs. And many bring authors, academics, and other experts in to give lectures and readings.
Reason #4: I like to eat at restaurants.
If you’d rather meet friends for dinner or cocktails than cook for yourself, you’re not alone. For women especially, cooking loses some of its luster after years of putting meals on the table for the family night after night. Independent living communities vary a great deal when it comes to emphasis on food. Simpler facilities, particularly those that are all in one building, may offer a single dining room with a set meal plan, while larger communities may feature several restaurants and cafes on site to choose from. If eating out is a favorite activity of yours, you should be able to find an IL community with a wide variety of dining options as well as convenient transportation into town.
Reason #5: I need to get in shape.
With the wealth of research now showing that exercise is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stave off heart disease, Alzheimer’s and dementia, diabetes, and a heap of other age-related ills, you’d be right in thinking that upping your exercise quotient is a worthwhile goal. But for many of us, exercise isn’t highly appealing unless there’s a social angle involved; we can’t imagine getting up early to go running, but meeting friends for an afternoon walk or dip in the pool is good fun.
To learn more about what to look for and ask when choosing an Independent Living community, you can check out this guide from Caring.com – https://www.caring.com/senior-living/independent-living/choosing-a-community/
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