How did you picture your retirement when you were daydreaming your afternoon away at the office? Chances are you weren't sitting home, alone, watching television or surfing the web. That, however, is the reality for a lot of seniors today. They find themselves not enjoying their golden years because of the social, physical, and mental barriers aging places on their lives. Finding a senior living community or senior apartment that can cater to your needs, while still allowing room for independence and fun can be the key to a fulfilling and lengthy retirement.
Seniors Feel Isolated
Problems arise as you age.That’s just a fact. Whether it’s a physical limitation, the loss of a spouse, or a struggle adjusting to your new work-less life, sometimes retirement isn’t all that you have dreamed it to be. For all of these reasons, isolation of the elderly is more common than you may think, with more than 40% of seniors say that they have felt loneliness on a regular basis. Loneliness is a significant risk factor for depression, that can lead to a further decline in socialization, self-worth, and even dementia. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. There are ways to mitigate your physical limitations, connect with new people your own age, and rediscover passions that you have lost. And it can happen in what many consider the most unlikely of places: senior living communities.
Senior Living Communities
Senior living communities have come leaps and bounds in the last twenty years. Understanding the need to meet the expectations of Boomers has changed the way the industry approaches their socialization, activities, and amenities. Gone are the days of mindless Bingo; enter the days of pools, happy hours, golf, and much more. The activities in senior housing are as varied as any resort or co-ed campus. Continuous Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) appeal to seniors who can still live a relatively independent lifestyle, but want to have more of a social life or wish to age-in-place. These communities are popping up all over the U.S. and appeal to retirees looking to make the most of their senior experience.
It's Fun and Healthy
Increasing social participation in your senior years isn’t just fun, it’s also a great way to stay healthy. Social isolation has been identified as a key indicator of senior mortality. In fact, you may be better off smoking, than living alone. Positive aspects of socialization don’t just stop at mental health, as making an effort socially often keeps you more active in other ways such as walking or exercising. Senior communities often focus their socialization around activities that also help residents stay active, like golf, tai chi, and walking clubs. No matter what your preference, there is a community that has the social scene and activity list that will help you combat loneliness and isolation. Finally, staying busy can give you a sense of purpose, when other parts of your life such as family obligations and work life have receded. Having a sense of purpose can bring joy into every day because you have something to look forward to, no matter how small. Discovering new friends, new activities, and a new environment can be the best way to keep yourself healthy and happy well into your retirement years.
You don't have to go through your senior years alone. There are people just like you, waiting to connect at an active, modern senior community that can help you live the retirement of your dreams.