It’s easy to take independence for granted. We enjoy different forms of independence throughout our life: We learn how to walk, earn a driver’s license, get a job, and make our own way in the world. How we lead our independent lives defines us, and everyone should have the opportunity to live independently with dignity.
Maintaining independence in old age is equally as important to our physical and mental well-being. As more and more boomers retire, they’re transforming what it means to be a senior in this century. This, in turn, has transformed the notion of retirement. In this blog post, we describe how senior living communities are satisfying the demands of the new generation of older adults like yourself.
Say Hello to More Freedom
If you think moving into senior living means giving up control, think again. Communities nowadays offer a full-service, maintenance-free lifestyle that can be more liberating than living in your current home. Maintaining independence in old age is easier when you don’t have to clean rooms you no longer use, fix appliances, or mow the yard. You can live much as you did in your house, but with security, amenities, and services walking distance away. If you work full time, your residence can still be your home base. When you want to travel, simply lock the door and leave. It’s a modern, flexible lifestyle you can tailor to your liking.
Set Your Own Schedule
The ability to make our own choices throughout the day has a big impact on maintaining independence in old age. Independent living in a senior living community allows you to stay in control of your surroundings and schedule. You live in a private residence that you’ve personalized, with belongings that you care about and enjoy. You can choose to cook meals at home or walk over to a dining room where you have an array of chef-prepared meal choices. (For an idea of what we mean, check out our menus here.) You come and go as you please. At the same time, you can choose to participate in a wide variety of daily activities when you feel like it. Here’s a great example of the monthly events, classes, and celebrations we provide at Holly Hall.
Keep Your Body Healthy
A big part of maintaining independence in old age is tied to physical fitness. However, fitness routines that worked for us in our 40s or 50s no longer work for us in our later years. Factors such as core strength and balance come to the forefront in helping us avoid the risk of a dangerous fall. Special attention must also be paid to maintaining muscle mass and bone density, as these decline with age. Senior living communities support these findings by offering fitness classes and wellness programs designed specifically for seniors. Our Fit and Friendly fitness classes accommodate all fitness levels and interests — take a look.
Claim a Sense of Purpose
Independence gives us a sense of purpose. We’re able to set and achieve goals and contribute to the lives of our family, friends, and neighbors. Seniors who are living alone at home can feel isolated or lonely, but in a community setting, they find opportunities to make new friendships and engage with others in meaningful ways. Join a resident-run club, help maintain our community garden, fundraise to help others, deepen your faith — all these activities and more provide a sense of belonging essential to maintaining independence in old age.
Defy the Expectations of Aging
What is the average age of a senior in a retirement community? Well, it used to be that someone who moved into a retirement community was either very elderly and/or they needed health care of some kind. While senior living communities such as ours provide a very high level of professional senior care on campus, we also cater to young and active seniors. We’ve seen that the earlier seniors move into our community, the more they get out of the activities and amenities on campus, and they maximize their enjoyment of our maintenance-free independent lifestyle.
Explore Spirited Independent Living
At welcoming, inclusive Holly Hall, we’re highly invested in independence and autonomy for older adults. We invite you to learn more about our community, a place where it’s easy to make friends, and there’s a host of events, committees, and activities to pique your interest. Call us today, and we’ll be glad to tell you more about our spirited senior lifestyle.
