As baby boomers continue to swell the ranks of seniors, the number of older adults who live alone is also on the rise. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies, single seniors head 42% of the households in which adults are age 65 and older. And that number is expected to increase dramatically over the next two decades. Of course, there’s a lot to be said for living solo as a senior, but there can be challenges, as well. For many single seniors, moving to a retirement community is a way to solve the challenges while still enjoying autonomy and freedom. Here’s why:
Maintenance-Free Living
Coordinating home maintenance, housecleaning and lawn care is a lot of work, especially for seniors who live alone and have no one to share the duties with. In a senior living community, the chores and responsibilities of home upkeep are taken care of for you, giving you the freedom to spend your time in ways that are truly meaningful to you.
Social Connection
Living alone can be isolating at any age, but retirement and a shrinking friend group makes seniors particularly vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation. Unfortunately, loneliness can have health repercussions, increasing the risk of premature death, dementia, heart disease, stroke, depression and anxiety. The community life in senior living can be a panacea for loneliness and isolation. Social events, classes and common areas like a game room or art studio foster connection, making it easy to meet people with similar interests.
A Rightsized Home
There’s something freeing about having a home that fits your current needs and lifestyle. A too big house feels empty and can become a storage site for clutter. A too small home feels cramped. Senior living communities have a variety of floor plans to fit individual needs and preferences, so you can enjoy that Goldilocks feeling of having a home that’s “just right.”
A Sense of Belonging
Senior living communities create a sense of belonging that might otherwise be missing. In senior living, you know your neighbors, you feel comfortable and safe, and you trust that fellow residents and staff members are looking out for you, as you’re looking out for them. That sense of connection and participation in community life is called social capital, and it’s linked to better health, such as higher mobility scores and healthier behaviors, including getting appropriate medical screenings.
A Plan for Future Health Care
For people living alone, some of life’s “what-ifs” can be concerning. For example, what if you have a health setback? Do you have the necessary support system in place? In continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), the answer is yes. CCRCs offer a continuum of care, so in the event of a health crisis, long-term care (which often includes assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing) is available on the same campus, so residents can transition seamlessly between levels of care if the need arises.
A Thriving Lifestyle at Legacy Pointe at UCF
The vibrant community at Legacy Pointe at UCF is perfect for single seniors. Spacious independent living apartments and villas offer a private haven, while our lively campus invites you to pursue an active lifestyle, make friends and enjoy the many advantages of our affiliation with UCF. What’s more, we’re a CCRC, so if your health needs change, you know you’ll have access to our continuum of care. Contact us to learn more, or to schedule a tour.
