As we grow older, we develop a firmer sense of self, an understanding of what we want out of life and a solid foundation of support from friends and loved ones.
Even so, aging does present certain challenges such as worsening medical conditions and limited mobility. This doesn't mean that seniors have to stop living well-rounded and fulfilled lives, as there are plenty of ways to ensure older individuals maintain a high quality of life.
When seniors retire they might find living independently more problematic, and when this becomes the case, moving to an assisted living community could be the best option.
Why choose assisted living?
Assisted living communities can provide residents living arrangements that include meals, housekeeping, transportation, medication reminders and even socialization and physical activity. This allows seniors to continue living as independently as they would like, without having to worry or wonder about how they will continue to handle things like chores and grocery shopping. These communities are a wonderful next step when maintaining a home becomes too much for someone who is not ready to give up his or her freedom. According to the National Center for Assisted Living, there are more than 735,000 people across the country living in assisted living communities, so you can see this is a popular and sought-after option for older adults.
Here are some of the top benefits to moving into an assisted living community:
1. Housework is taken care of: Performing daily and weekly chores is no one's idea of fun, and these tasks may become more difficult as we age. In an assisted living community, the cleaning, laundry and upkeep of your living space are done for residents, allowing them more time to enjoy hobbies. It also makes it easier for those who have conditions that cause pain or immobility because it takes away the stress of possibly exacerbating these issues.
2. More social interaction: Once people retire, it can become more of a challenge to socialize. Not having a place to go to every day for work may sometimes lead to social isolation, which can increase the risk of senior depression. Assisted living communities counter this by providing tons of daily activities that residents can take part in, from games to movies, crafts, music and outings. Through these activities, you'll meet new people who share common interests and it will be easy to make new friends. You might even develop a new skill or find a new passion that you can share with others.
3. Focus on healthy nutrition: Cooking three healthy meals a day might become too burdensome for older adults. The NCAL said that 87 percent of assisted living residents need help with food prep whether it's getting groceries or planning what to eat for the week. In a caregiving community residents are provided breakfast, lunch and dinner to ensure proper nutrition, which is vital to overall health and well-being. Meals are served in a dining room, so it adds another opportunity for social interaction, and you won't have to worry about grocery shopping and meal preparation.
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