How Independent Living Communities Make Life Easier for Seniors and Their Families

Independent living communities have a lot to offer, including socialization opportunities, a low-maintenance lifestyle, a full calendar of activities, and more. They also provide relief to adult children who are concerned about their parents transitioning from the beloved family house to an independent living community. 

Keep reading to learn how independent living communities in St. Louis are uniquely tailored to the needs of the local community, offering a welcoming and enjoyable lifestyle for seniors.

What do independent living communities offer?

Independent living communities offer a vibrant lifestyle designed to enrich the lives of residents. Here are some ways that independent senior living makes life easier for seniors and their families:

Low-Maintenance Lifestyle

Seniors in independent living communities enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle in which many of the usual household chores are taken care of. For example, they no longer have to handle tasks such as lawn maintenance and can either enjoy a meal in the dining room or cook one in the comfort of their apartment.

This lifestyle enables residents to pursue passions and interests that they may not have had time to explore before. Senior living communities also maintain a full calendar of activities and events for residents to engage in during their free time, providing them with opportunities to learn new skills and pick up new hobbies.

Social Engagement and Community

Social connection is important for emotional and mental well-being. Maintaining quality relationships can create feelings of belonging and being cared for and valued. Staying connected with others and socializing is essential for preventing loneliness, but it can be hard to know how to broaden one’s social circle and meet new people.

Because of how important connection is, especially for older adults, independent living communities are built around socialization. They offer convenient opportunities to meet new neighbors and build relationships through on-campus activities and events, such as fitness classes, crafting groups, and movie or game nights, and places to gather with others and share a meal, coffee, and conversation.

Peace of Mind for Family Members

It’s natural for adult children to worry about their parents as they age—even if they’re quite independent and active. Adult children in the sandwich generation who are providing care for their own children and their aging parents have several things demanding their time and attention, which can result in them feeling overextended.

By helping a senior loved one transition to an independent living community, adult children and other family members can enjoy more quality time with their loved one and less time helping with household tasks. This can lead to peace of mind knowing their loved one has all they need within the community and access to caring staff members around the clock. As a result, adult children and their loved one may experience increased energy, reduced stress, and a better overall quality of life.

Local Expertise and Accessibility

St. Louis has a high population of people over the age of 65, which means it has a lot to offer those in the area, including services and entertainment. Independent living communities in St. Louis are uniquely situated near local attractions and cultural and recreational opportunities, making it easy to take advantage of everything there is to see and do around the community on an outing with new friends.

Seniors will find parks, golf courses, museums, historical sites, and art galleries to explore and stay active. While many think of visiting the Gateway Arch, there are also hidden gems in St. Louis, such as the World Chess Hall of Fame, National Blues Museum, and Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, that provide opportunities to get involved in the local community while learning something new.

Find an exceptional community you love.

Starting a senior living journey can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but Bethesda is here to help. Learn about pricing, how to find an exceptional and comfortable community, and how to prepare for move-in day with our bundle of free senior living readiness resources.