If you haven’t yet, close your eyes and imagine your future. What type of retirement lifestyle do you see? Are you busy with activities and friends or spending quiet time with a good book, long walks or one-on-one conversations? Are you focusing on your health and wellness? Is remaining independent a priority? How about maintenance-free living and the freedom to spend your time as you want?
Regardless of your personal preferences, planning for your future is essential. For many older adults, the decision of where to live in retirement greatly influences their ability to achieve their goals.
You may want to consider how an independent living community could also eliminate some of the headaches and hassles of homeownership. Once residents discover the opportunities, convenience and safety of a vibrant community, their only regret is often that they waited so long to make the decision.
If you’re considering where to live in retirement, here are five of the more common goals and a brief summary and comparison of where you might best achieve them – an independent living community or remaining in your current home.
Goal 1: Lower Maintenance and Upkeep Responsibilities
Challenges of Remaining at Home: Maintaining a house can be overwhelming, with ongoing tasks like yard work and repairs. If your current home is not accessible, you may also need to remodel or renovate.
How Independent Living Helps: Communities offer maintenance-free living, freeing you from needed upkeep, mowing lawns or snow shoveling. Your time can be spent on activities you enjoy – instead of chores.
Goal 2: Stay Socially Connected and Active
Challenges of Remaining at Home: Social isolation is a concern, especially for older adults living alone. If driving becomes difficult, friends and family live far away or if mobility is a challenge, interacting may not be a choice. But there are physical and mental health risks that increase with loneliness or isolation.
How Independent Living Helps: When considering where to live in retirement, you’re never far from a friendly face or a fun conversation when a community is home. From group activities, classes and social events, you’ll find countless opportunities to make new friends and build meaningful relationships.
Goal 3: Prioritize Your Health and Wellness
Challenges of Remaining at Home: Access to fitness programs or nutritious meals can be limited and staying engaged can require significant planning. Older adults often begin skipping meals or substituting snacks resulting in an unhealthy diet. Sedentary living can also contribute to obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes.
How Independent Living Helps: Many independent living communities provide on-site wellness programs, fitness centers and nutritious, chef-prepared meals. These resources make it easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle without the added effort of having to manage everything on your own.
Goal 4: Gain Peace of Mind About Safety
Challenges of Remaining at Home: Living alone often can bring safety concerns, such as falls, physical security or the stress of managing emergency situations. Older adults and their children often experience increased anxiety when considering what they would do if there was an accident.
How Independent Living Helps: Safety is always a primary consideration when deciding where to live in retirement. Communities are accessible, equipped with safety features like emergency call systems, well-lit grounds and on-site staff. These measures ensure that help is always close by, providing you and your family with peace of mind.
Goal 5: Explore New Interests and Passions
Challenges of Remaining at Home: Finding access to hobbies, educational opportunities, social activities or cultural events can require significant effort to plan, as well as making arrangements for transportation if you no longer are driving. Staying home may become easier than going out.
How Independent Living Helps: Independent living communities offer a wide range of activities, from art classes, gardening clubs, guest lectures and outings to local cultural attractions. With everything available on-site or through planned excursions, it’s easier than ever to stay engaged and explore new interests. Scheduled transportation is often available for medical appointments, shopping and entertainment.
Why Independent Living Is a Smart Move
Choosing where to live in retirement includes discovering a lifestyle that supports your goals and plans. Remaining in your current home may feel familiar, but it often comes with challenges that can make it more difficult to enjoy the freedom, connection and peace of mind you want.
As you consider your next steps, think about the goals that matter most to you. Independent living could be the key to unlocking a future full of possibility, comfort and friendships.
Independent Living at Presbyterian Village North
We offer a unique blend of comfort, convenience and peace of mind with our non-profit senior living community set on 66 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Whether you prefer a spacious apartment or a freestanding home, the variety of beautiful residences ensures you’ll find the perfect space to call your own.
With chef-prepared dining and a wide range of amenities, including a fitness center, therapeutic aquatic center and walking paths, every day offers opportunities to stay active and engaged. Residents enjoy a vibrant, welcoming community, open to all faiths, with endless opportunities for connection and personal growth.
From our on-campus pharmacy services to a resident clinic, professional security 24/7and a wireless emergency call system in every residence, your well-being is always a top priority. With exceptional amenities like a performing arts theater, woodworking shop, dog park, putting green and salon services, every detail is designed to enrich your life.
For more information about how Presbyterian Village North can help you or your loved one thrive in retirement, please reach out by calling (800) 391-2779 to request a personal tour or more details today.