Embracing Wellness: The Advantages of Senior Living Communities

There’s no place like home – and when you’re a senior, deciding where to live can be a big decision.

Should you consider a senior living community? And what benefits do retirement living communities offer that can be different from staying in your home?

One important factor to consider is your social well-being. This may not always be top of mind. But having friends and social connections can play a big part in your happiness – and your health.

Understanding Social Isolation

It can be natural to experience fewer social connections as you get older. This may happen with the death of a spouse or changes in health or mobility. Also, hearing limitations and other conditions can make it harder to stay connected.

Research shows that loneliness and social isolation can affect both physical and mental health. For example, they may be linked with problems such as heart disease, depression, cognitive decline, depression, and others.

A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) states that approximately one-quarter of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. The report also states that “social isolation presents a major risk for premature mortality, comparable to other risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, or obesity.”

Key Benefits of Senior Living Communities

One of the biggest benefits of senior living communities is the opportunity to form connections and spend time with other people. The hardest part is often making the move.

Here at Era Living, we understand that transitions can be hard – especially if you’ve been in your current home for years. With that in mind, we take extra measures to ease the way. For example, we offer newcomers groups and ambassadors to help introduce you to new friends. We also offer moving and downsizing support to help you tackle the logistics of moving.

Here’s more about the benefits of senior living communities – plus ways you can get to know us better as you weigh your living choices. 

Senior living communities offer engaging life enrichment programs. Staying active and learning new things can help you physically and mentally. Within our Era Living communities, we offer vibrant life enrichment calendars created with input from our residents. From art shows to book clubs to local excursions, we offer something for everyone. When you join one of our communities, our Life Enrichment Director will meet with you to learn about your interests and favorite activities.

Retirement community residents enjoy nutritious dining experiences. Eating healthy meals is essential to good health. But this can often be a source of stress as you age. Our delicious dining options cover all your mealtime needs and make it easier to live a healthy lifestyle. Also, hosts in our dining rooms help you feel at home and introduce you to other residents, so you don’t need to eat alone unless you want to.

Comprehensive wellness programs help support older adults’ changing needs. Taking care of your changing health needs is important in your senior years. Many of our communities offer Wellness Centers where you can consult with licensed nurses and caregivers. Depending on your needs, our team can help coordinate visiting healthcare providers and help you develop a wellness plan. Also, activities like yoga, walking groups, pickleball, and more can help you stay physically active, which is important for healthy aging.

Retirement communities help provide a safe and supportive living environment. Navigating older homes with features like narrow hallways or steep stairways can be harder as you age. Senior living communities are designed and built with seniors’ needs in mind. This can help promote safety and improve the well-being of older adults. It can also make everyday life easier and more enjoyable.

Moving to a retirement community can reduce home maintenance (and stress). General home maintenance is a part of home ownership. But it can be especially stressful as you get older. It may be physically and mentally harder to cope with home upkeep and repair issues – especially if you’re living alone. Downsizing to a retirement community can relieve stress and allow you to focus on what you enjoy.

Robust calendars and everyday interactions help to build social connections. Opportunities to connect with others are all around in retirement living communities – and you can do this at your own pace. You may love being the life of the party. Or you may be more reserved. Our robust event calendar and welcoming communities allow you to find what works for you. Having other people around who are experiencing some of the same ups and downs you’re facing can be a comfort. Sometimes just a brief conversation with a neighbor can brighten your day.

What Kind of Senior Living Community Might Be Right for You?

Since people’s needs change over time, our senior living communities offer a variety of services when you need them.

For example, independent living for seniors provides your own residence – plus amenities and services like dining, fitness, recreation, and more. Senior independent living is for older adults who can live on their own but want to enjoy all the benefits of a retirement community.

The next level – assisted living – still provides your own apartment home, but with extra support. For example, assisted living can offer help with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing.

Finally, memory care provides secure, home-like environments if you or a loved one is experiencing memory issues such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Get to Know Us Better

If you’re considering a Seattle retirement community for yourself or a loved one, there are lots of ways to get to know us better. For example, join us for one of our events. You’re welcome to sign up as a non-resident. Also, visit our blog to learn insights about healthy aging and Era Living services. Or schedule a tour at one of our communities.

Weighing the Benefits of Senior Living Communities

Senior living communities can offer many benefits to help you or your loved one thrive. It is well researched that social connections are a vital part of healthy aging. Also, opportunities to reduce stress and stay active can support overall health and wellness.

One study examined how senior housing can impact longevity, quality of life, and vulnerability of older adults to adverse outcomes. It found that, on average, older adults who recently moved into private pay senior housing experienced the same or better outcomes across a variety of quality measures than their matched non-congregate (community-dwelling) peers.

Finding what’s right for you can take some time, and you want to feel comfortable with the decision you make. Here at Era Living, we invite you to contact one of our Community Relations team members to learn more about our retirement living communities and the benefits we can offer.

Check out our other useful blog posts:

• • • How Environment Impacts Aging – Read Blog Post
    • Why Move to a Retirement Community While You are Active? – Read Blog Post
    • How Senior Living Communities Help Older Adults Stay Healthy – Read Blog Post