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Active Aging week is celebrated from September 30 through October 6 and is the perfect opportunity to share tips on aging well in a senior living community!

Aging well is a priority of older adults but how to achieve their wellness goals depends on an individual’s personal preferences. The key is to discover which elements would support living an engaged and high-quality life – and to ensure you are best positioned to make it happen.

Senior living can provide the perfect environment. From chef prepared meals to engaging exercise programs and countless opportunities to socialize with peers, senior living is ripe with opportunities to experience healthy and active aging.

Among the many advantages of aging well senior living is the support for both physical and emotional health. The following are typical community features you’ll discover that do just that:

Make things personal – a room fit for a king or queen

The most important part about a senior living community is that you can call it home. From personal touches to those elusive ‘vibes’ that just feel right, be sure you feel comfortable and happy with the community you choose. The influence of where you decide to make your home should never be underestimated it is a key part of aging well in senior living. While your preferences can be different, a residence designed for accessibility and comfort are priorities.

You’ll have choices of floorplans, locations within the community and additional features such as views or having a patio or deck. You’ll also be able to personalize your home to make it your own. Be sure to bring the little comforts of home that will make a big difference when decorating your new apartment.

Support to maintain your independent lifestyle

One of the more significant fears that many older adults express when they consider making their home in a senior living community is that they will lose their independence.

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

In an effort to support aging well, communities offer an independent lifestyle while also making help available when needed. You’ll no longer need to rely on family and friends and will still be making your own decisions about how to spend your time.

You may be presented with more decision than ever before when it comes to just how you want to live your life, your way, in your new community. From when to eat your meal, to what you want to order and which engaging programs to participate in, there will be countless opportunities for you to embrace your newfound independence in your new home.

Assistance with daily tasks

If you or a loved one has begun to struggle with the daily tasks, a helping hand could go a long way in aging well and making you feel more in control and independent.

That assistance is exactly what you’ll discover at a senior living community.

Professional and well-trained staff are available to help with bathing safely, getting dressed or managing medications. You’ll no longer need to worry about preparing food or planning and scheduling activities. No more worrying about taking care of that to-do list of tasks around the house or hiring someone to shovel or plow your driveway as the Winter approaches. You’ll be able to live a maintenance free lifestyle!

Opportunities to make new friends

As we grow older, we may begin losing a few of our family members or friends. It can also become more difficult to meet and make new friends.

A senior living community makes it simple to form new relationships – a key to aging well. Whether it’s at one of the many activities or meeting up in the common areas, you’ll soon learn how much you have in common with the other residents. In addition to meet ups in the community, you and your new found friends will have countless opportunities to go out and explore the area around you with fun trips and outings.

Activities and social events

Have you discovered that living at home is making it more difficult to participate in the activities that you once so enjoyed?

Also, if there aren’t many transportation options available, this can lead to social isolation, a serious risk to both your physical and emotional health.

If you make a community home, you’ll have access to a monthly calendar of events to choose from, all located on-site and as convenient as walking out your front door.

Fitness and wellness programs

Staying in shape is essential to aging well and meeting your wellness goals, but it is another feature that can become more difficult as you grow older.

Do you have access to a gym, physical or mentally stimulating classes or activities tailored specifically to the needs of the older adult?

If not, you’ll never need to worry about staying fit if you move into a senior living community, where you’ll discover everything you need from a great workout to relaxation classes to calm your mind.

At Northbridge our associates are trained to teach our Barre Balance exercise class (a resident favorite) as well as Tai Chi- a newer program that residents are loving. Both are great opportunities for aging well.

Healthy dining choices

Eating well is another essential to aging well but can also become more difficult as you grow older.

Shopping for food, preparing meals and cleaning up can often seem overwhelming. Many adults may find themselves instead substituting snacks or even skipping meals altogether.

A community takes care of everything. You’ll discover chef-inspired meals with many menu selections. If you have dietary restrictions, those can be met as well.

In addition to the fresh and local chef prepared meals, you will enjoy time surrounded by friends and peers in our community dining room. Food is always better when it’s enjoyed with others!

Safety and security features

Many older adults find themselves becoming more worried about safety and security, whether it involves climbing stairs or fearful of becoming injured at home and not having access to help.

A senior living community is designed to support aging well with additional safety features in both the community and personal residences. Knowing that help is always available if ever needed is very reassuring to residents.

Scheduled transportation

Driving less or deciding not to drive at all are not uncommon decisions that older adults often make. Whether due to slower reflexes, diminished eyesight or no longer wanting to fight traffic, individuals may begin to feel isolated if alternative options aren’t available.

Your new senior living community offers scheduled transportation so you can still make your medical appointments, go shopping or attend entertainment or sporting events with friends. Aging well is much easier when you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

We’re here to answer any of your questions and invite you to download our complimentary guide Choosing the Right Senior Living Community: A Step by Step Guide for Making an Informed Decision. Please contact us if we can provide further information or if you would like to schedule a personalized tour.