Aging in place offers older people, their families, and their communities all kinds of practical benefits. However, there are a few logistics that make aging in place feasible. In this blog, we explore what aging in place means, its benefits, and ways seniors can age in place—even if they can’t stay in their longtime homes.
What Does Aging in Place Mean?
Aging in place is exactly what it sounds like: when adults choose to remain in their homes or communities without losing their quality of life as they grow older. For many people, this means staying in their longtime homes. For others, it means moving into a single-story home so they don’t have to worry about using stairs, or joining an independent living community where they can elect additional support services as they need them over time.
Why Is Aging in Place Important?
Most people want to remain in their living space and communities of choice for as long as possible. Safely doing so not only positively affects self-esteem and satisfaction, but quality of life and other benefits as well!
Four Benefits of Aging in Place
1. Stay Connected to Community
Aging in one’s chosen community—whether it’s the one you’ve lived in for the past 40 years or one you chose specifically to age in place—keeps people feeling connected and cared for. These connections are critical for staying mentally healthy, especially in people’s golden years.
2. Live Independently in a Familiar Environment
There’s no place like home! Aging in home environments offer invaluable benefits like comfort, familiarity, and satisfaction. A familiar environment can also positively contribute to older people’s sense of identity and independence as they maintain connections to family, friends, and other social circles.
3. Avoid Persistent Depressive Feelings
Low satisfaction with social networks, fewer access to resources, and disconnection from surroundings contribute feelings of loneliness and isolation in older populations. When people can safely age in place, they have the social circles, resources, and overall environment to thrive emotionally as well as physically.
4. Slow Memory Loss
According to a 2011 study published by the Journal of the international Neuropsychological Society, seniors that were more socially active and connected showed 70% less cognitive decline compared to their socially-isolated peers. A connected community is a healthy community!
Independent Living Communities Offer Freedom and Flexibility
Unfortunately, not everyone has what they need to make aging in place efforts successful. Many active older adults aren’t ready for assisted living, but no longer want to climb stairs every day or spend hours doing yard work, making aging in place at their current residence impractical. That’s where an independent living community comes into play!
If aging in place in the beloved family home isn’t an option, an independent living community gives residents the freedom to maintain their active lifestyle without any of the inconveniences or obstacles. Independent living is also a great option for people who want to be proactive about meeting their needs as they age. Despite being passionate jet-setters, Don and Ina chose Independent living at Waterford Place because it was a safe and beautiful community. They are also excited to enjoy the community’s amenities and when the need for additional care arises, they’re already perfectly positioned to receive extra support. In other words, they’re aging in place at Sunset!
Age in Place at Sunset Senior Communities
If you or someone you love is interested in aging in place in a thriving, connected West Michigan community, we invite you to explore your options at Sunset Senior Communities.
Independent living residents at Manor & Villages and Waterford Place enjoy maintenance-free apartments, exciting dining options, convenient amenities, and a fulfilling, faith-filled community. Importantly, independent living is not a nursing home and it’s not designed to limit residents’ lifestyle. To learn more about our independent living communities, please send us a message or give our office a call. We look forward to speaking with you!