Many seniors experience loneliness and isolation. This can lead to issues like poor health, depression, and irritability. Senior living facilities can alleviate these issues by providing an exciting social life.
They also offer less stress and worry from home maintenance. If you are looking for an opportunity to improve the lives of others, consider working in a senior living community.
You Don’t Have To Take Care Of Your Own Home
As we age, home maintenance can become overwhelming. Whether dealing with leaky roofs, unruly lawns or repairing stairways, it can add up quickly. When you live in a senior living community, those worries are eliminated.
You’ll also save on home utility costs, as your monthly fee will usually include the cost of utilities. Plus, many communities provide restaurant-style dining and transportation services so you can get out and about.
In addition to eliminating home maintenance, you’ll enjoy a social life and the sense of belonging that comes with it. You can participate in planned activities like guest lectures, card games, group outings and exercise programs. You can even volunteer in the local community, which helps to keep your brain active and can reduce dementia risk.
You Can Stay Active
Even seniors in good health may be tempted to slow down and spend less time on physical activities. Regular exercise can help seniors maintain strength, balance, flexibility and endurance into old age.
A pedometer can motivate them to keep track of their steps and work toward daily goals. Walking up and down the stairs at home or in a community can be fun, and using everyday items such as soup cans for hand weights can help them build stronger muscles while having a little fun!
Senior living communities often have robust events calendars, outdoor walking areas, and exercise programs that provide opportunities to stay active and connect with new friends. Studies show that seniors with a full social life experience better mental health and are more purposeful.
You Can Stay Social
Scientists have discovered that seniors with a varied social circle tend to live longer than those who are isolated. Being socially active is good for seniors’ mental health, keeps them motivated to improve their physical well-being, and exposes them to new experiences.
In retirement communities, residents can meet and connect with others who share their interests through group activities or simply a cup of coffee. Socializing isn’t just beneficial for the brain. It relieves pain and takes a senior’s mind off their discomfort.
Being socially involved is also good for a senior’s emotional well-being and helps them build a strong support system that will help them should they ever need assistance. This is crucial when considering where your loved one wants to retire.
You Can Stay Involved
Many independent living communities offer regular, fun activities for their residents. These activities include book clubs, current events discussions, lectures and other topics stimulating the mind. Many of these activities can also be great exercise. They also offer lifelong learning opportunities and can be a great way to learn a new hobby or skill.
Having a social support network and feeling like you belong is important for seniors. It helps alleviate symptoms of depression and loneliness. Socializing also reduces stress and improves sleep.
Seniors who participate in routine socialization have stronger immune systems and can more easily manage the effects of stress. They also have more energy and can make better decisions when loved ones surround them. The same goes for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
You Can Stay Healthy
Many opportunities exist to stay healthy and independent in today’s senior living facilities. Some communities offer concierge services that can drive seniors to appointments and run errands. Others have on-site nutritionists and fitness instructors who can guide a healthier lifestyle.
Many senior living communities also have various group activities that help seniors stay physically active. Regular exercise (such as walking, aerobics and swimming) helps to keep muscles strong and flexible, maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of heart disease. Mentally stimulating activities – like learning new skills, reading books or joining in on discussions on current events – help to keep the brain active and improve memory, attention and thinking. This can help reduce depression and enhance the quality of sleep, both of which are common problems in older adults.