As we grow older, we become more aware of our quality of life. It’s a common time to look back at what we’ve done and look forward in anticipation of what may be. We might find ourselves considering what we want in the future.
This is one of the reasons why seniors often begin considering how to achieve their desired lifestyle. For many, one choice will be moving to an independent living community.
What do you need for a healthy and meaningful life?
When you think about what it takes to create a purposeful life, most would agree on these common elements and their advantages for seniors:
1. To live as independently as possible
At the top of the list is the ability to maintain independence. In fact, research shows that humans are inherently motivated to control their environment in order to fulfill their needs. When that ability is lost, there can be a decline in both physical and emotional health.
One of the bigger fears for many people is to lose that control. The good news is that there are many steps an individual can take to prolong living independently.
Advantages for seniors: When you feel in control, you often feel more self-confident. Having this higher sense of self-esteem can lead to joy and happiness. It can reduce feelings of depression and increase your desire to take care of yourself so you can continue to maintain your independence.
2. To be physically and emotionally fit
Those who can remain in shape physically not only feel better but are more likely to be mobile and able to get around. Maintaining a healthy weight is easier and exercising provides benefits to both the body and mind.
Keeping yourself mentally fit not only may delay or reduce the risk of a cognitive illness but can help in clearer thinking. Staying active may improve your mental clarity and reduce short-term feelings of anxiety.
Advantages for seniors: Physical and cognitive activities can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. It can help you sleep better. It can also lower your risk of cardiovascular disease or developing type 2 diabetes. It may also increase longevity and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
3. To maintain a healthy lifestyle
A healthy diet can greatly impact your life. Start by increasing your daily servings of fruit and vegetables, getting enough calcium, eating high-quality protein and switching to healthy fats.
Sleep is another factor that influences quality of life. Insomnia becomes more common in adults over the age of 60 but there are steps you can take. Try setting a regular sleep schedule, avoid late afternoon naps, eliminate caffeine later in the day and develop a soothing bedtime routine.
Advantages for seniors: A good night’s sleep can not only make you feel more rested and restore your energy levels, but it’s also a source of healing. You may enjoy an enhanced memory and alertness during the day. Other benefits include reduced symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety.
4. To have fulfilling relationships with others
As social beings, we need interaction with others. But as you grow older, you may find it more difficult to create new relationships or nurture the ones that you have. People move away, we may lose dear family members and friends and we might not be able to attend activities like we once did. And if you don’t drive or not as much, you may find it harder to attend social events and run the risk of becoming self-isolated, which can have serious impacts on your health.
Advantages for seniors: Those older adults who remain socially active often can maintain better physical and emotional health. Other benefits include a potentially lower risk of cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease. There may also be a reduced risk of depression.
The benefits you’ll find at senior living
One of the bigger reasons people turn to an independent living community is that they can receive the support they need to live a healthy life. And it’s all located on site. Take a look at what you might find:
1. Independent living
You won’t lose your independence but may possibly prolong it when you move to a senior living community. You’ll still have a private residence and the choices are yours to make – whether it’s what activities to participate in or whether you’ll meet friends for dinner or decide to eat at home.
2. Support for physical and emotional health
If it’s hard to motivate yourself to exercise or go to the gym, independent living can change that. There’s nothing easier than walking out your front door to join an exercise class at the fitness center. The convenience and benefits of brain exercises and fitness are also easy to be found on-site in art classes, lectures or games.
3. Easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle
Have you found it harder to cook healthy meals? It might be more difficult to do the shopping or maybe you’re just ready for a break. One of the great benefits of senior living is the ease in eating at the community when you decide to take a night off. And remember, dining is also a social activity that has additional advantages.
4. Social opportunities to make and nurture friendships
Making new friends could never be easier when you live in an independent living community. The planned activities and social events create a natural way to meet your neighbors. Finding so many people who share your interests and past experiences adds a richness to life that is hard to find anywhere else.
Ingleside’s Westminster at Lake Ridge Independent Living community
If you’re searching for ways to support your desired lifestyle, you may want to join the others who now call an independent living community their home. If you were unaware of the many advantages offered, this could be a great discovery to find exactly what you might be looking for.
And at Ingleside’s Westminster at Lake Ridge Independent Living community, you’ll soon discover that we even go a little further.
- Choice of an apartment or cottage home that can be personalized to make it your own
- Easy access to our fitness center, first-class amenities and activities
- Dining options that include chef-prepared meals
- Planned social events to meet and make new friends
- Scheduled transportation to medical appointments, shopping and entertainment
- Various array of federal, state, regional, and local parks with outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities that are easily accessible to WLR residents.
Please visit our website for more information or call (703) 420-7105 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a personalized tour today.