As we age, we develop a firmer sense of self, an understanding of what we want out of life, and a solid foundation of support from friends and loved ones.
Even so, aging does present certain challenges, such as worsening medical conditions and limited mobility. However, this doesn’t mean that seniors have to stop living well-rounded and fulfilled lives, as there are plenty of ways to ensure that older individuals maintain a high quality of life.
When seniors retire, they might find living independently more problematic, and when this becomes the case, moving to an assisted living community could be the best option.
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Why Choose Assisted Living?
Assisted living communities can provide residents with living arrangements, including meals, housekeeping, transportation, medication reminders, socialization, and physical activity. This allows seniors to continue living as independently as they would like without worrying or wondering how they will continue to handle things like chores and grocery shopping. These communities are a wonderful next step when maintaining a home becomes too much for someone who is not ready to give up his or her freedom. According to the National Center for Assisted Living, more than 735,000 people across the country live in assisted living communities, so you can see this is a popular and sought-after option for older adults.
Here are some of the top benefits of moving into an assisted living community:
1. Housework is Covered: Performing daily and weekly chores is no one’s idea of fun, and these tasks may become more difficult as we age. In an assisted living community, the cleaning, laundry, and upkeep of your living space are done for residents, allowing them more time to enjoy hobbies. It also makes it easier for those who have conditions that cause pain or immobility because it takes away the stress of possibly exacerbating these issues.
2. More Social Interactions: Socializing can become more challenging once people retire. Not having a place to go to every day for work may sometimes lead to social isolation, which can increase the risk of senior depression. Assisted living communities counter this by providing many daily activities that residents can participate in, from games to movies, crafts, music, and outings. Through these activities, you’ll meet new people who share common interests, and it will be easy to make new friends. You might even develop a new skill or find a new passion to share with others.
3. Focus on Healthy Nutrition: Cooking three healthy meals daily might become too burdensome for older adults. The NCAL said that 87 percent of assisted living residents need help with food prep, whether getting groceries or planning what to eat for the week. In a caregiving community, residents are provided breakfast, lunch, and dinner to ensure proper nutrition, which is vital to overall health and well-being. Meals are served in a dining room, adding another opportunity for social interaction, and you won’t have to worry about grocery shopping and meal preparation.