What are the Top Benefits of Independent Living?

Independent Living Communities offer the ideal solution for older adults who remain capable of performing simple daily tasks and intend to enjoy life to the fullest, but are no longer interested in dealing with physically demanding chores. Instead, they want to enjoy living in a community where a variety of services and amenities enhance the retirement experience.

The top benefits of residing in an Independent Living Community include the reduction of home maintenance tasks, the provision of comfortable living accommodations, access to wellness services, and the opportunity to make connections with others. After 40 years of shoveling sidewalks and mowing lawns, who wouldn’t want a break to enjoy the pleasures of life? In this article, we explore the benefits seniors can enjoy, and discuss how Independent Living can open doors for new experiences.

Why Independent Living is Important for Seniors

Independent Living Communities offer respite from daunting physical tasks and free up more time for an enjoyable, less stressful, and safer daily life.

If you’re considering Independent Living, it’s important to understand all the lifestyle benefits you’ll gain. It’s not easy to leave a home you’ve occupied for years, or decades. With a little research, you’ll find that the Independent Living experience is actually a liberating and enriching one for seniors who want to gain a new outlook, learn, meet new friends, and grow as individuals. Let’s take a look at some of the major benefits of life in an Independent Living Community to help paint the picture.

What Does Independent Living Provide?

When you move into a comfortable, private apartment in an Independent Living Community, you’ll be able to make this place your new home. You’ll no longer have to worry about the daily, weekly, and monthly responsibilities that go hand in hand with owning or renting your current residence.

Independent Living Communities remove barriers and introduce you to new life-enhancing benefits and opportunities.

Spacious and Well-Maintained Private Apartments

There’s a reason why we call these locations “Independent Living Communities.” Your spacious, beautiful, individual apartment will be yours and yours alone. You will be part of a community, but able to maintain the same level of privacy and freedom you've always had. Each apartment is a private residence, with plenty of room for you and your guests.

Maintenance-Free Living

You’ll no longer bear the responsibility of cutting the lawn, vacuuming the carpets, fixing that leaky faucet, or tackling unanticipated repairs. Independent Living Communities have professional housekeeping and maintenance staff who are ready and able to take care of these chores so you can concentrate on enjoying your retirement.

These perks include:

• Interior and exterior maintenance of the property.
• Easy and convenient scheduling of work requests.
• A full-time maintenance team for emergency repairs.

Wellness Services

Independent Living Communities are all about helping residents maintain healthy, active and enriching lifestyles. Some will feature an onsite nurse, nutritionist and fitness instructor, and nearly all will offer healthy lifestyle activities, from exercise classes to water aerobics, chair yoga, or even trips to the local golf course. When you’re living alone at home, you’re much less likely to get involved in group activities than you are when you’re in an Independent Living Community. Here, you will be surrounded by peers and encouraged by staff to take part and find new hobbies. At the same time, how much or how little you participate is entirely up to you.

Nutritional Benefits

Some Independent Living Communities offer delicious, Chef-prepared meals three times a day, while others have a bistro that’s open 24/7 for residents to get fruit or sandwiches or something to drink, as they wish. It should be noted that meal services vary greatly from community to community. Make sure you check out the food service options when visiting your top properties.

Of course, some residents still prefer to prepare their own meals, and many apartments will come with a kitchen equipped for cooking and baking. If you do not want to be responsible for making your own lunch or dinner, choose a community that provides full meal services over one with a large and unnecessary kitchen space.

Social Interaction Through Activities, Trips and Events

There’s always something to do when you choose Independent Living! Residents have the chance to get involved in a number of activities while getting to know their neighbors. Activity calendars are created to include everything from support groups and yoga classes to painting workshops, card games, language classes, gardening, field trips, shopping, and many other nearby locales.

In an Independent Living Community, you have continuous opportunities to interact with others as much or as little as you desire. Of course, any and all activities are purely optional. An Independent Living Community gives you the freedom to pursue group activities or to indulge in the solo hobbies you rarely had time for when you were working full time and maintaining your own home.

Peace of Mind

Independent Living brings peace of mind. You’ll no longer have to worry about household maintenance, you’ll have assistance with meals, be in a safe and secure new home, and support staff will be standing by to tend to your needs. This also translates to peace of mind for your loved ones, who will feel great relief knowing you’re in such a wonderful new environment. Seniors can choose from a range of affordable living options that meet their individual requirements. You can learn more about these options in our article “What Does Independent Living Cost?”

Find an Independent Living Community Near You

Across the United States, Independent Living Communities are available for seniors who are ready to take their next step in life. Our team of professional counselors can help you or your loved one choose a location that offers the activities, services, and living accommodations you desire. Find an Independent Living Community, today!