Everyone has their own definition of happiness, and this definition can change throughout life. However, by the time people retire, they generally know what makes them happy.
Socializing with friends, enjoying a delicious meal, learning new things, engaging in physical activity, or even just curling up with a good book are a few examples of activities that can spark joy. You might be surprised to learn that all these activities (and more!) are a part of independent senior living.
Why Independent Senior Living Residents Are Happier
Independent senior living communities offer numerous activities and amenities to please their residents. Here are some aspects our residents love about their communities.
Opportunities for Socialization
Staying social is important for older adults. Socialization has plenty of benefits, including improving mental health and keeping the brain sharp.
Senior living communities offer many convenient and accessible social opportunities right outside a resident’s front door, whether they want to enjoy a meal with existing friends or meet new ones with similar interests at an event, such as a fashion show or movie night.
Here’s what Marty H. of Bethesda Orchard shared about the community’s social opportunities: “I’m doing so much more than I did at home when I was isolated. I would go out occasionally in the evening with my friends, but here, you don’t even have to leave the building to go out with your friends!”
Engaging Activities and Amenities
When you move to an independent living community, you’ll find a wide range of activities and amenities to enjoy, and the choice is all yours when it comes to how you fill your daily calendar.
Depending on your interests, you have a variety of activities to choose from, including happy hours, book clubs, birdwatching, painting or drawing classes, and more. Wellness and fitness activities are also an important part of daily life in independent living, from morning yoga sessions to using the exercise equipment in the fitness center.
Bethesda Orchard residents Ed and Shirley G. said: “Some older adults might feel as if they have to give up everything when they move into a retirement community, but once they move in, they’ll probably find—like we did—that before long, they will have more friends than they ever had before and loads of activities from which to choose.”
Low-Maintenance Lifestyle
There are many benefits of independent living, but one of the best is the low-maintenance lifestyle. Enjoy pursuing your interests and passions while community team members handle home maintenance, such as home repairs and lawn care. Some communities may also handle housekeeping.
Don’t feel like cooking in your apartment or villa? Join friends for a meal in the dining area, and avoid the cleanup afterward!
Rosemary B., a resident at Bethesda Terrace, said this about the benefits of a low-maintenance lifestyle: “Moving to Bethesda Terrace finally allowed me to ‘retire.’ Weekly housekeeping means no more mopping, vacuuming, or dusting. Not only do I no longer have to cook or do the dishes, but I enjoy my meals on a table with a tablecloth and cloth napkins, and served to me. And when I’m finished, I just walk away from the table and it’s taken care of!”
See Why Independent Living Community Residents Are Happier
There are plenty of choices available in independent living, and it all starts with the community you choose. To see firsthand why independent living community residents are happier, schedule a tour at a Bethesda community to explore our beautiful campuses, activity and amenity offerings, and more.
