As older adults plan for retirement, they might not have necessarily thought about where they would live. While many choose to remain living at home, independent living is another option that has many advantages. Adults choose to move to independent living for a variety of reasons, including the option to experience a maintenance-free lifestyle that offers amenities that make life a bit more convenient in addition to friendly neighbors and ample opportunities to socialize. Here is what you need to know about independent living, including the amenities and resources these communities offer that you might not have realized.

What is independent living?

Independent living is a type of senior living community that caters to active older adults who can independently care for themselves. These adults can perform activities of daily living (ADLs), like grooming, bathing, and dressing, without any assistance.

Independent living communities can be large or small, but most offer various home floor plans. Many offer apartments, and others offer additional options such as townhomes, carriage homes, duplexes, or even single-family homes.

Independent living communities offer housekeeping and grounds upkeep as well as opportunities for socialization and wellness in an all-inclusive lifestyle.

Downsized household responsibilities

Many older adults may not be excited about downsizing their home or possessions as they move into retirement. However, downsizing can lead to less stress and less time spent on regular household chores and maintenance.

Moving to independent living offers a home to move into after you’ve downsized and services designed to allow you to spend more time doing what you want to instead of keeping up with chores. For example, these communities often offer regular housekeeping visits to residents. In addition, the grounds and maintenance team takes care of landscaping and home repair so that residents don’t have to.

Downsizing your household responsibilities gives you more time to pursue new hobbies, make new friends, hike a new trail, read more, spend time with loved ones, or do whatever it is that makes you happy. 

Peace of mind and security

Independent living communities come with safety and security features that can give peace of mind to residents and their loved ones. Living spaces and communal areas may have safety features like grab bars, walk-in showers, and ramps with handrails to help prevent falls.

Independent living communities typically are not staffed with caregivers or nurses around the clock. However, team members are available to contact first responders, including during nighttime hours. These security staff are there to react to emergencies and get first responders to the community as quickly as possible.

For additional peace of mind, many independent living communities encourage the use of medical alert systems. In fact, some communities provide devices to residents. This way, in case of an emergency, residents can contact someone who can help them immediately.

Access to experts

While there might not be a nurse on-site 24/7, independent living communities sometimes employ nurses and other health care experts who are available to residents during business hours. Most communities feature a wellness suite where a nurse is available to answer questions, offer advice, and even review medications. In addition, you might find certified personal trainers in the exercise room who can assist with developing a fitness plan that suits your wellness goals and a dietician who can ensure you get the proper nutrition.

In addition to health experts on staff, independent living communities also bring in experts from around the greater community, making keeping up with preventative appointments even easier for residents. Local physicians, podiatrists, counselors, and other specialists might hold office hours inside the community.

Simplified budget planning

Independent living communities typically bill residents a flat fee each month. This fee includes rent, most utilities, and access to amenities. Some communities also charge a flat fee for a dining program chosen by the resident. Having only one bill each month that includes nearly all living expenses can help simplify budget planning and financial forecasting.

Convenient amenities at independent living

A convenient lifestyle is the focus of independent living. Most communities offer amenities that enhance convenience for everyone who lives there. For example, you might be able to drop off your outgoing mail at the community post office. Other amenities that make life at independent living more convenient might include:

• Housekeeping services.
• Transportation services, with a community bus or car running to and from grocery stores, banks, and other common spots for errands.
• Convenience stores.
• Walking paths, outdoor patios, fire pits, and other spaces to enjoy the outdoors.
• Landscaping taken care of by building and grounds staff.
• On-site restaurants, coffee shops, or bars.
• On-site spas, hairstylists, or nail salons.

Socialization and connection

Perhaps the best part of independent living is the opportunity for socialization and connection. Meeting new friends is easier thanks to shared indoor and outdoor spaces and a busy event calendar. This way, you can strike up a conversation with a neighbor while gardening in the neighborhood plot, reading the newspaper in the library, or even enjoying a nightcap outside. You can find people in the community who share your common interests as well by attending events and activities that you enjoy or would like to learn more about.

Adults who live alone at home are at risk for health complications that can come with loneliness and isolation, even if their families are actively involved in their lives. Connecting with peers has proven to be one of the most effective ways to stay mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy while aging. Independent living makes connection as easy as attending an event, going to the dining room for lunch, or watching TV in the community room.

Physical health opportunities at independent living

Independent living communities include amenities, services, and opportunities that make it easier for residents to meet their health and wellness goals. This includes focusing on physical health. Physical health amenities might include: 

• Group exercise programs led regularly in the community.
• Fitness rooms.
• Pools and saunas.
• Visiting massage therapists.
• Bocce ball, pickleball, and tennis courts.
• Putting greens.
• Walking clubs and walking incentive contests.
• Meditation and stress management workshops.

Moving to independent living for a happy and healthy retirement

A move to independent living can be the foundation of a healthy and happy retirement. The amenities, services, lifestyle, and friendships offer many advantages to older adults. If you think this option might be right for you or a loved one, contact your local Oasis Senior Advisor to begin your search for the right community.

Senior care facility rules and requirements vary based on company-specific policies and state-level regulations. The content above represents common guidelines but may differ from a particular facility’s policies or requirements. To learn the regulations that apply in your state, contact your local Oasis Senior Advisor.