As we age, it’s easy to focus on our needs, such as healthcare, safety, and security. Those things are essential, but what about our lifestyle? One study found that out of a group of people with an average age of 89, those who socialized more live longer!
The positive impact of assisted living on seniors’ lifestyles is seen in thousands of happy residents across the country. They enjoy sports, hobbies, and social activities and reap the benefits of having happier, more fulfilling lives. So, how can an assisted living community make a difference in your life?
Read on to explore how to elevate your lifestyle with an assisted living community.
Maintain Independence
We all want to stay as independent as possible for as long as possible. However, some people may worry that if they move to an assisted living community, they will lose their independence and autonomy. In fact, the assisted living lifestyle is specifically designed to help you stay as independent as possible.
First, you will be living in your own home. You can close the door and shut out the outside world just like you did where you lived before. There is no need to socialize if you don’t feel like it.
Second, your time is still your own. If you want to go see friends and family, go shopping, or do anything else, you go right ahead. You will only get the assistance you need in an assisted living community.
So if you need some help with some daily living activities, the staff will be happy to help. This could include bathing, dressing, and medication management. However, you will still be able to do everything else that you can do unaided.
Enhanced Safety and Security
Sadly, as we age, many of us no longer feel safe in our homes. Home security precautions may not be enough to free us from worry.
In an assisted living community, you have the benefit of 24/7 security arrangements that protect all residents. Features like emergency call systems in each unit provide extra peace of mind. Knowing that someone is always there to help can free you from worry, allowing you to focus on things that are more enjoyable.
Knowing that you are in a safe environment is also very reassuring for your friends and family.
Assisted living communities also maintain the grounds and footpaths well, which makes it easier to move around in safety.
Opportunities for Senior Socialization
Retirement is a fantastic opportunity to widen our circle of friends and embrace new activities. However, the CDC estimates that nearly a quarter of adults over 65 are socially isolated. This is linked with a greater chance of developing serious medical conditions and makes life less enjoyable and fulfilling.
However, it certainly does not have to be this way. There are ample opportunities for senior socialization in an assisted living community.
Assisted living senior activities vary depending on the community but are likely to include:
- Sports
- Music
- Gardening
- Dance
- Book clubs
- Crafts
- Exercise
Crucially, you get to enjoy these activities in the company of other like-minded people. You can be sure that there will be plenty of fun and laughter. As you can see each other regularly, you have the chance to forge close friendships that can enrich your life.
Keep Close to Friends and Family
Intergenerational relationships are also very important, especially with our close family members. At an assisted living community, your family can visit you in your comfortable new surroundings. If you have one of the larger homes, you may even be able to invite them to stay over.
Visiting with your adult children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren is good for you emotionally and even benefits your health. But it also benefits them! Research has found that when they learn from you, they have higher rates of literacy, better social and emotional skills, and a sense of belonging.
Try Something New
Are you someone who knows what you like and likes what you know? Or are you ready to take on new adventures?
If you’re ready to try something new, an assisted living community is the place for you! There are always opportunities to learn new skills like dancing, singing, and flower arranging. Or maybe you have expert knowledge that you could share with others in the form of a talk?
Assisted living senior activities often include excursions. These provide opportunities to broaden your mind without having to do any of the heavy lifting! The community will organize transportation and admission, so all you have to do is show up.
Resort-Style Amenities
Many of us have enjoyed a week at a resort over the course of our lives. Imagine living with resort-style amenities every day. This is another key way that assisted living communities can elevate your lifestyle.
Every day, you will wake up to a tastefully designed home set in beautiful grounds. Take a morning stroll and enjoy the tasteful planting – knowing you don’t have to do any of the maintenance. Head down to the pool for a refreshing dip before grabbing a bite to eat in the restaurant.
Then, head to the bar for a drink in the evening before another restaurant-quality meal. A few games of cards with friends may follow.
Sound appealing? This could be your daily routine in an assisted living community! These communities make it possible for their residents to live their best lives.
Experience the Impact of Assisted Living on Seniors’ Lifestyles
If you’re ready for a lifestyle overhaul, moving to an assisted living community could be the best option. However, before you make the decision, schedule a tour. It’s the best way to see the impact of assisted living on seniors’ lifestyles firsthand.
At Discovery Village at Deerwood, we want each of our residents to enjoy a happy life with zero stress. Our amenities and activities are designed to make each day a pleasure, full of fresh possibilities.
Why not come and see for yourself what we have to offer? Click here to book a tour today.