June 27, 2022
Differences Between Assisted Living and Nursing Homes
It can be difficult to see your loved one struggling to live happily or safely in their current environment. Maybe they’re having trouble caring for themselves, forgetting to take their medication, or leaving household tasks unattended. At this point, you may be considering how a senior living community could benefit them.
But what sort of assistance do they need? How different is the experience from one level of care to the next?
As you research your options, you might wonder—what’s the difference between an assisted living community and a nursing home? Keep reading to learn about these two senior living options and what you can expect from each.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a service provided to older adults who need support to complete activities of daily living but otherwise live independently. Assisted living residents have access to nursing staff who offer medical and personal support, but they live in private apartments and often get to set their daily routines.
The Benefits of Retirement Hobbies for Seniors
Many older adults have dedicated their lives to a fulfilling career, a meaningful family life, and helping the people around them. In many cases, these admirable pursuits have left little room for exploring new hobbies or interests/
Retirement means newfound free time, and retirement at a senior living community presents countless opportunities for older adults to get involved, dive into something new, and connect with others who share their interests.
It’s so rewarding to watch retirees choose the kind of activities and schedules they want in their lives, says Lois DiStefano, Director of Marketing at Kendal on Hudson. When they take up new hobbies, they are doing a favor for themselves socially, emotionally, mentally, and even physically.
To support your overall wellness, try incorporating a sport that promotes exercise, an activity that connects you to others, a pastime that takes you outdoors or a craft that brings you joy. Keep reading to learn about the positive impact different types of hobbies can have on you at a senior living community.
Hobbies That Promote Movement
Seniors who build exercise into their routine not only improve their quality of life but also their health. At Kendal on Hudson, residents enjoy swimming, yoga, dancing or table tennis, and it’s had a very positive effect on their overall physical wellness, says DiStefano, Even a moderately paced walk can contribute to continued independence for residents.
Hobbies that involve movement can:
- Lower your risk for heart disease, diabetes and cancer
- Increase your longevity
- Reduce the risk of falls
- Boost your immune system
- Promote functionality and flexibility
- Strengthen your bones and muscles
- Improve quality of sleep
Senior living communities like Kendal on Hudson offer amenities ”like an aquatic center and gym” to support movement-oriented hobbies. Active seniors can even collaborate with specially trained staff to develop individual fitness plans.
Shared Hobbies Encourage Socialization and Community
Pastimes that are shared with other participants can provide a deep sense of connection. In fact, whether you work as a part-time volunteer, sing in a choir or join a book club, increasing your socialization can enhance many facets of your wellness.
Studies have shown that social hobbies can:
- Influence healthy choices
- Reduce chronic illness
- Increase longevity
- Sharpen cognitive health
- Improve self-esteem
- Decrease depression
- Create a sense of purpose
At a Life Plan Community like Kendal on Hudson, residents have a multitude of opportunities to engage in resident-planned activities, classes, events and outings that cultivate community connections.
Outdoor Hobbies
There’s just something uplifting about getting outdoors, especially on a nice day. Whether you take up birdwatching, grow a garden, or pick up nature photography, you’ll find that spending time in nature has a positive impact on your physical health and mental well-being.
Regular time spent in the great outdoors can:
- Reduce stress-related hormones
- Improve mood
- Boost concentration and mental clarity
- Aid in healing
- Promote sleep
- Ease aches and pains
- Increase mobility
- Supply vitamin D
- Supports immunity
Independent living communities are often situated on a large campus with plenty of outdoor spaces perfect for leisure and recreation.
Hobbies That Bring You Happiness
Even if your hobby is an indoor, solitary activity that requires little movement, it can still positively impact your health. Simply practicing a hobby that offers you fulfillment can counteract age-related illnesses and provide a sense of meaning and accomplishment.
Depending on the hobby you choose, you’ll reap different benefits!
- Crossword puzzles and Sudoku can sharpen your mind.
- Knitting can prevent arthritis pain.
- Reading aids memory and attention span.
- Creating art helps reduce stress and increase coordination.
- Writing can fight depression.
Life at a senior living community is perfectly designed for seniors to explore burgeoning interests and to take advantage of the freedom of retirement living.
The Best Life Plan Community in Sleepy Hollow
Kendal on Hudson is a Continuing Care Retirement Community that honors resident choices and voices. The Resident Council “exclusively made up of Kendal residents” plans all community activities, programs and lectures that support ongoing engagement and exploration.