Why Consider A Retirement Living Community?
By Joseph L. Roche, The Tradition, Collin County LIVING WELL Magazine
The retirement years bring a lot of opportunity – and also many decisions about how to spend time, where to live, and how to make the most of these important years.
For many people who have spent a lifetime working hard and saving, these are exciting years. They may also be challenging years, depending upon any health concerns and the possibility of outliving a spouse.
How can you make the most of your retirement years? Here are a few things to consider.
Relief from Worries
Owning a home is a big part of the American dream. For those who have cherished their home environment, moving out may not be a welcome idea at first.
Once people make the move to an independent living retirement community, however, they often find they are immensely relieved to let go of the burden of household worries, upkeep, maintenance and chores.
Living in a retirement community means never having to worry about maintaining the grounds or mowing a lawn – ever again. It means not having to worry about repairing the plumbing, or even replacing a light bulb.
At an independent living retirement community, these things are all taken care of for the residents, who can relax and enjoy their time and great quality of life.
Ease in Managing the Household and Finances
Life can be easier! By moving into a retirement living community, you can write one check a month for monthly rent that includes most meals, weekly housekeeping and utilities, as opposed to writing countless checks for utilities, repairs, taxes and insurance, as a homeowner does.
And your time is your own. Without the worries of household maintenance and upkeep, seniors have more time to spend with people they love and engage in activities they enjoy.
The Opportunity for a Longer, Healthier Life
Perhaps even more importantly, moving to an independent living retirement community can increase your odds of living a longer, happier, healthier life.
According to countless medical research studies, the three-fold foundation for a longer, healthier life is:
- Reduction of stress
- Regular exercise
- Socialization
Possible consequences of stress include:
- High blood pressure
- Suppressed immune system
- Greater risk of heart attack and stroke
- Emotional and mental health impact
According to research, as well, three of life’s major stress-producing periods include:
- Your children’s teenage years
- Your job or employment situation
- Your property and household upkeep after you retire
Moving to an independent living retirement community can alleviate the stress and worries of managing and maintaining a household, thus allowing more time to relax and be happy.
The Benefits of Exercise
Seniors who move into an independent living retirement community are more likely to exercise regularly, since there are fitness facilities in the community and many opportunities for group exercise of various kinds.
A study in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine indicated that community-based physical activities effectively reduced:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
By exercising more, seniors are likely extending their lives and are also increasing the quality of their lives.
The Benefits of Increased Socialization
According to a study conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University and the University of North Carolina in July 2010, “people with stronger social relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival than those with weaker social relationships.”
In others words, increased socialization means a longer life.
A 20-year study conducted by the Mayo Health Clinic of 4,000 seniors age 65 found that those who engaged in ongoing social activities and made new friends as they aged generally:
- Lived longer
- Were happier
- Were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s or dementia
Additionally, a study by the Harvard School of Public Health published in the American Journal of Public Health reported: “Seniors can help stave off memory loss by maintaining active social lives. The key to retaining your memory as you age may lie in spreading your wings, social-butterfly style.”
Be Happier, Be Healthier, Live Longer!
In summary, by moving to an independent living retirement community, seniors can:
- Be free of the stress-causing burdens of house maintenance, property maintenance and repairs
- Exercise more often in group activities or at a community gym for longevity and better quality of life
- Socialize more both for enjoyment and to extend life and happiness, while also reducing the possibility of dementia
It’s worth considering a move to an independent living retirement community for all of these reasons and more. Consider exploring the option for yourself and your loved ones for a longer, happier, healthier life.
Author Joseph L. Roche is president & CEO of The Roche Associates.
