How an Independent Living Community Can Help You Age in Place

The desire to age in place—remaining at home and in their community—is expressed by more than three-quarters of adults aged 50 and older, according to AARP. 

Unfortunately, not everyone lives in a home that can support this effort—or at least not without expensive and extensive renovations. And the obstacles don’t always stop there. Other issues, such as difficulty in maintaining a healthy diet, no longer driving or not having access to social activities, can also greatly affect quality of life.

This is why many older adults begin looking at independent living as an optimal place to make their home because of the support they’ll receive to age in place in a vibrant and accessible community. 

The Challenges of Aging-in-Place

For many older adults, their homes might have become less practical as they grow older. Stairs can become daunting, bathrooms often need significant modifications for safety and house maintenance can be overwhelming.

Neighborhoods that were once familiar and nurturing may have changed, and social networks that were a cornerstone of their lives might have diminished, leading to loneliness and depression.

If your family is considering the best environment for aging-in-place, the following characteristics can often make it more difficult to remain in the existing home:

• If the home needs extensive renovations
• If the home is isolated from neighbors and friends
• If your loved one no longer drives and has few transportation options
• If it is becoming more difficult to shop and prepare healthy food
• If there are few opportunities to interact with others
• If there is difficulty in achieving wellness goals 
• If circumstances are resulting in lost independence

How an Independent Living Community Supports Aging-in-Place

Independent living communities are designed with the needs of active, older adults in mind. These communities provide various housing options such as apartments, townhouses, or cottages with accessibility features of no-step entries, wider doorways and emergency response systems.

Key Benefits of Independent Living Communities

The following advantages of an independent living community also contribute to the ease of its residents to age-in-place.

1. Maintenance-Free Living: This lifestyle relieves residents from home upkeep, yard work and repairs—and allows them time for hobbies, socializing and other fulfilling activities. They also appreciate no longer living with this stress.  
2. Built-in Social Network: Social isolation can be a significant issue for older adults living alone, including negatively impacting their physical and emotional health. But in an independent living community, there are so many opportunities to engage with others, whether it’s in activities, clubs or crossing paths in the common areas.
3. Health and Wellness Programs: Many communities offer fitness centers, group exercise classes and wellness programs tailored to older adults. Supporting physical and mental health is also crucial for residents to maintain their independence.
4. Safety and Security: Safety features such as 24-hour security, emergency call systems and onsite staff provide peace of mind for both residents and their families. It is reassuring to know that someone is always there if help is needed.
5. Transportation Services: Transportation services can be a lifeline, allowing residents to attend appointments, go shopping and participate in offsite activities without the stress of driving, traffic or finding a place to park.
6. Flexible Dining Options: Most independent living communities offer residents a full-sized kitchen, but healthy dining plans may also be available. For those who find cooking every day difficult or burdensome, they also enjoy the social opportunity to connect with others over meals.
7. Lifelong Learning and Engagement: Many communities provide educational programs, guest speakers and other intellectually stimulating activities, which can be enriching for older adults. Opportunities to volunteer in the community can also foster a sense of purpose.

Independent Living Communities: A Gateway to Quality Aging-in-Place

For older adults who are interested in aging-in-place, choosing the right home and environment greatly improves the chance of creating a meaningful and quality life. 

Independent living communities provide residents the option to be as active or private as they wish. Independence and individuality are respected while still offering the support and amenities that make life more convenient and enjoyable.

The decision to move into an independent living community can take advantage of one of the best solutions for those looking to age-in-place comfortably and securely. These communities offer a blend of independence and support while encouraging an enriching and empowering lifestyle. 

By choosing an independent living community to make their home, older adults can enjoy activities that appeal to their preferences while being surrounded by a community of peers who share this stage of life. With the variety of amenities and opportunities to create lifelong friendships, residents soon discover that aging-in-place isn’t just about where they will grow older but more importantly finding the right environment to thrive in every aspect of life.