Aging in place in your own home has great appeal to some seniors, and for many, it's a viable option provided certain requirements are met. For many others, however, the disadvantages outweigh the benefits, especially if health conditions, mobility, safety and isolation issues are concerns.
But even active older adults with the ability to maintain a home and fully care for themselves choose to move into senior living communities. Here are seven great reasons why this is such an attractive option for so many.
1. No More Housekeeping Chores
Imagine never doing your laundry again (unless you want to) and not having to stay on top of dusting, vacuuming and window washing. In active independent or assisted living senior retirement communities, all this upkeep is included in your monthly fee. This goes for the exterior areas too. No more raking leaves, shoveling snow off sidewalks or mowing the lawn. It's all done for you.
Senior living communities make it easy for you to live in a resort-style environment and enjoy a maintenance-, worry-free lifestyle. What could you do with all of that free time and greater independence?
2. Consistent Access to High-Quality Nutrition
While many senior living retirement communities include kitchens or kitchenettes in the residences, cooking is always optional. What you're likely to find is a daily variety of seasonal, gourmet meals created by culinary-trained chefs. In many communities, including Brightview Senior Living, the daily menus feature nutrient-rich fare chosen for its ability to support brain health. Chefs are always happy to prepare a favorite dish for residents upon request.
Meals are usually served restaurant-style by a gracious dining staff, providing you with plenty of time to relax and engage in stimulating conversation with your neighbors. Complimentary happy hours provide another chance to socialize, and light snacks and beverages available all day at the café or bistro enable you to fuel your active lifestyle.
3. Safe, Convenient Transportation Is Always Available
Some seniors bring their cars when they join an assisted living community, and others decide it's best to let it go during the downsizing process. Either way, it's always nice to sit back and let someone else do the driving when you're running errands or trying to get to an appointment on time. Communities like Brightview offer convenient shuttle bus service to help residents get where they're going safely and comfortably.
4. Medical Help Is Only Minutes Away
More than 25% of seniors over the age of 65 fall at home each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And once you fall, you're twice as likely to fall again. Other worrisome statistics include:
- 20% of falls cause serious injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma.
- At least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures every year.
- Falls cause more than 95% of hip fractures and are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Senior living communities are usually equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and emergency call systems. With 24/7 on-site caregivers and medical personnel, you never have to worry about falling and not being able to get help. It's also easier to manage chronic health conditions with the medication management and physical monitoring offered in senior communities.
5. You Can Enjoy a Vibrant Social Life If You Choose
Connecting with others is a big part of life when you join a senior living community. You instantly find yourself with a growing circle of friends and peers who share your interests and lifestyle preferences. Regular socialization is strongly correlated with health and well-being among older adults. Purposeful, feel-good engagement is a great stress tonic, and it also helps prevent mental decline as you age.
6. Learning Never Has to Stop
A full calendar of daily classes and special events makes it easy for residents at Brightview to stay active and engaged. You might discover a hidden artistic talent for oil painting, gardening, cooking or music now that you have more free time to pursue interests. You can stay mentally sharp by attending lectures, participating in book clubs and using other components of our Bright Minds program.
7. You May Achieve a Whole New Level of Physical Fitness
In partnership with Bayada, Brightview offers the SPICE in Motion program. This one-hour exercise class has been statistically proven to increase the health and well-being of residents while improving mobility and outlook. As stamina, balance and muscle strength increase, you lower your risk for falling.
Brightview Senior Living communities provide amenities and programs that keep residents active and healthy. We'd love to show you what Brightview has to offer and why Fortune recently honored us with a national award showcasing our commitment to providing the best resident experience. Schedule a visit with the Brightview community of your choice.