Research has long shown that suspected loneliness amongst older adults plays a critical role in aging. Isolation has been identified as a serious health risk for older adults as it contributes to a variety of health issues. The health problems range from high blood pressure to diabetes, depression, cardiac disease, and obesity. Older adults who make a move to a senior living community are given more opportunities to remain emotionally, mentally, and physically connected as they age in comparison to older adults who choose to age in place.
Benefits of Senior Living
Below are several key benefits that older adults get to enjoy upon moving into a senior living community.
Good Daily Nutrition
Grocery shopping, menu planning, and meal preparation can become troublesome as we age. At a senior living community, there are professional chefs who provide residents with senior catered dining that is comprised of healthy and nutritious meals three times a day. Residents can also mingle with new friends during mealtime to help create a warm and friendly environment.
Life Enrichment Activities
Senior living communities offer a wide array of life enrichment activities that are planned on a daily basis. The activities are designed to engage the mind, body, and spirit. By participating in the different on-site activities, residents can look forward to living a healthier and more engaged lifestyle. The different activities include gaming, gardening, reading, arts and crafts, and more.
Wellness Programs
Wellness programs play a major role in helping older adults age gracefully. They are one of the main reasons that draw older adults to senior living communities as older adults are looking to enjoy healthier alternatives that help them maintain good overall well-being. There are programs like yoga, strength training, and more which can improve the residents’ quality of life.
Safer Communities
For older adults who move into a senior living community, they get to enjoy a much safer environment. There are plenty of safety measures implemented across the campus including grab bars in bathrooms, anti-slip flooring, emergency call systems, gated community, and more.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Most older adults will tell you that they often feel stressful when living on their own. Even if they receive daily help with housekeeping and maintenance, keeping things coordinated at home requires a lot of time and effort. Being given the opportunity to give up all these tedious responsibilities by moving into a senior living community, older adults can be relieved of their stress and anxiety for an improved quality of life.
Promotes Socialization
A senior living community offers a welcoming, communal environment where residents can forge new, meaningful relationships with their neighbors of the same age group. They can pursue the same hobbies and interests or explore new opportunities as a team. Socializing helps uplift spirits and liven moods so as to keep residents happier and healthier.
Complimentary Transportation
At a senior living community, residents are free to commute outside of the community to get to their doctor’s appointments, go to church services, head to the mall, and more. The community offers complimentary transportation service to get residents to their destination in comfort and safety.