June 20, 2024
Few decisions affect our health and happiness more than where we live. This becomes more important as we age. Older adults who live alone are more likely to become socially isolated, lonely and depressed.
A quick look at CDC data is revealing. Social isolation increases the risk of memory loss and dementia, depression, and blood pressure crises like heart disease and stroke.
In short, loneliness can negatively affect older adults’ physical health and mental health.
The good news is, living in a retirement community can help lessen and even eliminate many of the risks of living alone.
What is senior living?
The terms senior living community and retirement community are often used interchangeably. In the best scenarios, this type of senior housing offers vibrant Independent Living plus a full continuum of senior care services, including:
Because this all exists in a community setting, social events are common, friendships are easily fostered, and isolation is practically unheard of.
The right place for healthy aging.
Besides the obvious social benefits, moving to a retirement community can offer happiness and peace of mind for residents as well as their friends and family members.
1. A lifestyle you’ll love
When you move into a Life Plan Community, you may be surprised by new opportunities for enjoyment. Community life typically includes an array of hobbies, lifelong learning, artistic pursuits, entertainment, cultural events, outings and other activities that make up a purposeful lifestyle.
2. Nutrition … and more
Chef-prepared meals are both nutritious and delicious. On top of a balanced diet, the dining room setting turns every meal into an opportunity to share laughter and news with friends and neighbors.
3. Fitness
A community fitness center is a hub of physical activity. Residents take fitness classes with a trainer or do reps on their own. As we age, we naturally lose strength, flexibility and balance, so regular fitness is crucial in prolonging an active lifestyle.
4. Safety
Senior living communities are designed and built for older adults. Good lighting, handrails, emergency call systems—these are standard features. Plus, with attentive staff members, any resident will be quickly missed if they don’t show up for an activity, meal or social date.
5. Plan for the future
You may move into a community as a fully independent older adult. But someday, you might be faced with age-related challenges. Choosing a Life Plan Community or assisted living community puts everything in place to manage activities of daily living so you can continue to live the life you love.
6. Freedom! (from homeownership)
There comes a time when you take care of your home more than it takes care of you.
Cleaning, mowing and raking, repairs, laundry—it’s called housework for a reason … and it never ends. Giving up these responsibilities actually decreases daily stress and opens up free time for a life of liberation at a maintenance-free community.
Kendal on Hudson checks all the boxes for a good life.
From a cure for isolation to daily fulfillment, Kendal on Hudson offers a lifestyle that emphasizes whole-person wellness with a plan for the future. To learn more about the benefits of choosing our Life Plan Community, schedule a personal visit and tour today.
Together, Transforming the Experience of Aging.®
Founded on Quaker principles and guided by our values and practices, Kendal on Hudson provides a vibrant, active and social lifestyle on our 25-acre campus next to the historic Hudson River. As the only Life Plan Community in Westchester County, we offer five levels of service for our residents: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Support, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation.
Kendal on Hudson is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors. Kendal on Hudson is an affiliate of The Kendal Corporation, a system of communities and services for older people based in Kennett Square, PA. We support diversity, inclusiveness, and independence and support the values and practices of Kendal by remaining focused on healthy aging. Located in Sleepy Hollow, New York, just 35 miles from New York City, we offer a vibrant lifestyle, cultural programs, continued learning and health care for life.
For more information, please call 866-KENDALNY.