While retirement plans vary from senior to senior, the retirement advantages most older adults look forward to are often very similar. They might be excited about the freedom to pursue the activities they love, the opportunity to spend more time with people they cherish, and the chance to enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle.
“Seniors who want to make the most of their retirement years often look to independent living communities,” says Patty Duran, executive director of The Contemporary. “Here, they have services, amenities and social activities that enhance their lives in meaningful ways.”
Keep reading to discover how an independent living community could help you realize the retirement of your dreams.
What Is an Independent Living Community?
Independent living is for active adults who want a community that supports their vision for the next phase in their lives. This senior living option offers all the comforts of home without the inconveniences of upkeep, housework or landscape maintenance.
As a resident in an independent living community, you can engage in programs and activities as much or as little as you want. You can also call upon team members for help when you need it. Independent living is a great way to streamline and simplify your life because it frees up more time for the people and activities you love.
Who Should Consider Independent Living?
Senior living is not just for older people who need a nursing home to address medical and personal needs. Individuals who benefit most from independent living facilities are those who are in good health with a high level of independence.
Are You Ready for Independent Living?
It can be difficult to know when it’s the right time to make the transition into senior living. These questions may help you determine whether independent living is the right choice for you.
1. Are household responsibilities taking time and energy away from your passions and hobbies?
Independent living communities provide seniors with a worry-free lifestyle, offering services like:
- Scheduled transportation
- Interior and exterior home maintenance
- Trash removal
- Housekeeping
- Laundering services
These services not only relieve you of responsibility, but they also allow you to spend more time doing what you’d like.
2. Would you like easy access to engaging recreational and wellness programs?
Living in a community means you have daily opportunities right outside your doorway to pursue interests, new and old. You can plan your day with back-to-back activities from a calendar of events and classes. Or you can just access amenities like the pool, game room or walking path whenever you feel like it.
Activities at communities like The Contemporary are focused on healthy aging and improved quality of life. Residents have ample opportunities to pursue a new hobby, work toward personal goals or simply relax.
Some examples of ways you can stay active are:
- Exercise classes at a fitness center
- Educational courses
- Field trips and excursions
- Religious and spiritual gatherings
- Group events and social clubs
3. Do you feel isolated at home?
It’s common for seniors to experience loneliness, but did you know it can be a predictor of poor health? Retirement is a substantial life change, and it sometimes comes with disconnection from people you’ve been in community with for years. This can be disheartening and isolating.
Senior living communities foster friendships and encourage connections through informal interactions and engagement in planned events and activities. With the support of a community like The Contemporary, it is easy to stay socially stimulated and engaged in meaningful relationships.
4. Are you worried about home emergencies and disaster preparation?
As you age, you might worry about the possibility of a medical emergency or natural disaster. Living alone or in a home that isn’t tailored to your particular needs and abilities can exacerbate these anxieties.
Independent senior living offers you tangible safeguards against risks:
- In many communities, you will have access to on-site urgent care and medical support.
- Your home will be designed with aging in mind and will have proper accommodations to make it easier to get around.
- Your community will have emergency plans in place in case of a disaster, taking much responsibility off your shoulders.
5. Would you like to put food preparation behind you?
Many independent living communities offer seniors chef-prepared meals at multiple dining venues for resident ease and enjoyment. At The Contemporary, three daily meals are included in a resident’s monthly fee. Residents have the choice to dine at the bistro, the cafe, or the main dining room. Regardless, they will enjoy exquisite cuisine.
Independent living residences often have kitchens for you to continue preparing meals as you’d like. However, this perk could save you time, energy, and expose you to new and exciting dining experiences.
6. Are you ready to downsize your possessions and/or your living space?
Downsizing is almost always a consideration as one ages, and you’ve likely thought about how this process may benefit you. There are many compelling reasons why seniors should complete this process sooner rather than later:
- You can simplify your life, choosing the exact items you want to keep and the living space that suits you perfectly.
- If in the future health conditions prevent you from paring down, it leaves less for loved ones to handle.
- A smaller home designed for aging in place will facilitate your independence, making activities of daily living
Along with these benefits, consider also the comfortable senior housing waiting for you at an independent living community. Whether you choose a one- or two-bedroom apartment at The Contemporary, you can rest in the serene, sophisticated atmosphere.
7. Would you like to relocate to a more desirable location?
There are independent living communities all around the nation. When you consider the next place you might want to live, you’ll likely consider tax incentives, weather, cultural attractions and landscapes. You might want to move closer to family or escape to a location you’ve always wanted to live.
“Miami is one of the most popular retirement destinations, and for good reason,” Patty Duran says. “We have pleasant weather year-round, gorgeous beaches, and a mix of diverse cultures.”
The Contemporary: Enhancing the Human Spirit
The Contemporary is an all-inclusive rental community that provides tranquil apartments, innovative programming, and attentive hospitality. Schedule an appointment with us today to see if independent living is right for you.