The day has finally arrived. Or maybe it’s just around the corner. After a lifetime of work, raising children and all the other responsibilities, you will now be retiring and having the chance to experience all the wonderful advantages that a life full of freedom and choice can bring.
Many retirees have looked forward to a plan they’ve created. It can vary for each person, but the following list is often common to many:
- See their children and grandchildren
- Travel and enjoy the sights
- Explore new adventures
- Relax and have fun
- Take advantage of being spontaneous
- Take up a new hobby or nurture a passion
- Volunteer or advocate for a special cause
- Create an encore career
Downsizing to senior living
Wherever your retirement dreams may take you, you may find them easier to accomplish once you have settled on the right home base.
Where you live, of course, matters. It can set the tone and either support or interfere with your plans.
That’s why so many retirees turn to senior living when they are looking to perfect their life so they can achieve the freedom and independence they’ve always dreamed of.
While for many, they will be leaving behind a larger home that no longer fits their lifestyle, downsizing to senior living means being able to take advantage of all that is offered. Consider these 7 benefits and how they might help you live your best life:
Benefits of downsizing to senior living
There are many advantages that community life can bring but the following are a few of the top ones:
Maintenance-free living
If you’re tired of the upkeep that comes with homeownership, you’re not alone. Many retirees rank finding a maintenance-free life as one of their top priorities.
Imagine – no more worrying about repairs, finding a reputable company to do the work or completing the work yourself. And that includes shoveling snow and mowing the lawn.
Age-friendly home
Most homes weren’t built with the thought of accessibility or aging-in-place in mind. In fact, it’s not uncommon to discover that your home may need expensive and extensive repairs to support your goals to remain in your home.
But when you downsize to a senior living community, you’ll find it is designed with you and your ability to age and live well in mind. You won’t have to make any renovations but can simply move it and enjoy a space that makes living easier.
Activities and amenities
Most older adults know the importance of remaining active and participating and engaging fully in life. However, it can become more difficult to coordinate or find these opportunities – or to find the transportation to get there.
Community life takes care of that. You’ll typically find a monthly calendar of events – and enough of a variety so that there is something there for everyone. Communities may also include swimming pools, golf courses, pickleball or tennis courts and several other amenities.
Support to stay physically and mentally in shape
You know how vital it is to stay in shape, both your body and your mind, yet the logistics of making this happen can also pose more of a challenge.
But when you downsize to a senior living community, you’ll often find an on-site fitness center, exercise classes, balancing and deep breathing instruction, as well as opportunities to further calm your mind or to keep it stimulated, such as through book clubs, lectures, art studios and the benefits you receive from socially interacting.
Opportunities to meet and make new friends
Another crucial element of aging well is being surrounded by others who care about you. Strong relationships can bring the same health benefits as exercising and eating right. Unfortunately, for some older adults, the opportunities to spend time with friends can become more of a challenge.
If you move into a senior living community, however, you’ll discover how easy it is to meet and make new friends. Through the many activities, social events and even the common areas, you’ll quickly get to know your neighbors and other residents.
Social opportunities and events
Research has continued to show that healthy social interactions play an influential role in our ability to age and live well. But there are obstacles that can get in our way, including having the availability of activities and transportation to participate.
A senior living community understands this as well and makes it a priority to schedule and plan several social events for their residents to connect and interact with each other.
Delicious and nutritious dining
It’s no surprise that finding the energy or interest to continue preparing meals can begin to wane after many years of being responsible for a healthy diet. But wouldn’t it be nice if you could enjoy great tasting food but also know it’s nutritious?
Senior living communities understand how to make food that is good for you also tastes great. They take on the kitchen duties and all you need to do is sit back, order and enjoy. And if you join with friends, you’ll also receive the social benefits.
Ingleside Senior Living
If you’re considering whether an independent living community could be the perfect support for your desired quality of life, we hope you will visit one of our Ingleside communities. We believe you’ll find it’s even easier to enjoy life when you take advantage of all the benefits we offer, including:
- Maintenance-free lifestyle
- Chef-prepared meals in our elegant dining rooms or casual cafés
- Fully equipped fitness centers
- Heated indoor swimming pools
- Art studios
- Libraries
- Beautiful walking trails
For information on Ingleside at Rock Creek senior living community located in Washington, DC, please call (202) 846-2651with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.
For information on Ingleside’s Westminster at Lake Ridge senior living community located in Lake Ridge, Virginia, please call (703) 420-7105 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.
For information on Ingleside at King Farm senior living community located in Rockville, Maryland, please call (240) 414-8557 with questions or to schedule a personalized tour today.