Downsizing to an independent living community brings some obvious changes in the care and upkeep of your home. In fact, that’s among the top reasons many older adults explore a move in the first place.
However, practicalities aside, there’s an entire lifestyle component of downsizing that seniors may initially overlook — and it’s ultimately the reason many independent living residents say that they wish they’d made the move sooner. It’s not just downsizing; it’s rightsizing for seniors who are living their best lives.
Moving to an independent living community and rightsizing to a more manageable living space creates a world of opportunities — not the least of which is a lifestyle transformation that puts access to convenient services, amenities and social opportunities literally at your front door.
Fewer Daily Responsibilities
Rightsizing into an independent living community may offer a welcome reprieve from dusting and vacuuming rarely used rooms, but you’ll quickly discover you’re freeing yourself of much, much more.
Choosing a community that offers maintenance-free senior living allows you to step away from all of the responsibilities that come with homeownership, from interior and exterior maintenance to shopping for the best homeowner’s insurance. Need a light bulb changed? There’s a team for that. Hear a funny rattle in the vent? Again, not your responsibility.
What you may not be fully anticipating is all of the other responsibilities you no longer need to manage. You can count on someone else to prepare your meals (a chef, no less!) — and do the meal planning, grocery shopping and cleanup, too. You can go shopping without wondering whether you’re out of your favorite toilet cleaner because someone else is responsible for scrubbing your bowl.
Lower Stress
Responsibilities aside, you may not even realize how other aspects of your life affect you until they’re gone. Security is one notable example. Having 24-hour security and an emergency response system in your independent living home offers immense peace of mind, and knowing others are nearby can be deeply reassuring.
There’s also plenty to be said for the financial stability that comes with community living. Your monthly fee covers virtually all of your living expenses, so unexpected repairs are a thing of the past. Your budget is set, and a single monthly payment makes it even easier to manage your finances.
Another common concern for older adults is future health care and how their needs may change with time. Choosing an independent living neighborhood within a larger community that offers a continuum of care means you’ll have access to any additional care you need down the road. You can check that off your list; your future plan is set, and you can rest confidently knowing your needs will be met.
That all adds up to less stress, and managing your stress in your later years is a smart strategy for protecting both your mental and physical health.
More Time…
Independent living adds up to a pretty remarkable retirement lifestyle, but the extra time you gain is one of the greatest gifts of all. Free from responsibilities and with layers of stress peeled back, you’re able to spend your days as you like, living life on your own terms.
For relationships
You have more time to dedicate to the people you care about, including dear friends and family who live nearby. If your local social circle is small, you have the opportunity to expand it by meeting neighbors and bonding over shared interests.
Protecting your social ties is one of the great secrets to aging gracefully; social connections play a much greater role in your health than you might imagine. Seniors with strong social ties tend to be more physically active, have fewer chronic health conditions and even live longer.
In fact, research shows that older adults who live in a community setting live longer than those who live alone. The time they’re able to allocate to their social lives could be a big contributing factor.
It’s worth noting that even if you’re more reserved by nature, independent living makes it easy for you to make meaningful connections naturally. With a busy calendar of community activities at your disposal, you can use your free time to participate in activities that interest you — where you’re likely to cross paths with like-minded neighbors.
For hobbies
A typical community activity calendar reflects a wide range of interests, all geared toward older adults. You’ll find book groups, music appreciation, games like trivia and bingo, lifelong learning, live entertainment, shopping excursions and much, much more.
You might even find the perfect opportunity to revisit a hobby from your younger years or learn how to do something new. For example, some communities offer gardening plots and woodworking shops where residents can put their green thumbs and handy skills to good use.
If your community doesn’t offer a club or group for the hobby that interests you, you may be able to form your own club. You could even lead the new club and share your passion with your new neighbors.
The opportunity to nurture a hobby is another benefit of the independent living lifestyle that helps you prioritize your well-being as you grow older. Hobbies engage your brain in ways that you may not even notice since you’re pursuing the activities for pleasure.
While you’re tinkering or creating or accumulating new skills, you’re also putting your brain to work. That mental stimulation helps keep your brain engaged and responsive, potentially offsetting symptoms of cognitive decline.
Hobbies can also play an important role in defining your purpose as a retiree. Dedicating your newfound free time to meaningful activities that bring you joy is a great way to build confidence and a sense of pride.
For wellness
Friendships and hobbies are good for you in numerous ways, as discussed above, but wellness resources and amenities are other notable benefits of independent living that can have a significant impact on your health.
Living in a community equipped with a fitness center makes it incredibly convenient to focus on your wellness. Independent living communities generally tailor their fitness centers to the needs and interests of older adults, from the exercise equipment they provide to the fitness classes they offer.
You may also find a wellness coach or advisor within your community who can help create a custom plan to help you achieve your goals, whether that’s regaining mobility in a stiff joint or getting toned in anticipation of an upcoming vacation.
Also remember that wellness isn’t just physical; senior living communities equip residents with resources for whole-body wellness, from creative expression to spiritual health and beyond.
For travel
An often-overlooked advantage to independent living is the freedom it gives residents who enjoy traveling. As a homeowner, leaving town requires preparation, and extended trips may mean having someone look after the house for maintenance and security. You have to make arrangements for mail and deliveries and even plan ahead for details like food spoilage.
None of those concerns apply when you’re an independent living resident. You can just let the staff know you’ll be gone, pack your bags and go. When you return, your living space will be just as you left it, with your belongings safe and secure, housekeeping current and ready for you to jump back into your community lifestyle until your next journey.
Rightsize Your Retirement
When you’re ready to rightsize your own retirement lifestyle, you’ll want a community that fits just right. Canterbury Court is one of the most sought-after senior living communities in Atlanta, thanks to its central location, beautiful park-like gardens and the wonderful camaraderie among residents that’s evident from the moment you set foot on the campus. Get in touch to schedule a tour and see how simple — and rewarding — this stage of life can be.