Senior Living: Why It’s Not Just for “Old People”

by Michelle Seitzer, SeniorsForLiving.com

“I don’t want to move to a retirement home and be around all those old people.” 

Have you heard something similar from your loved one?

Senior living communities (whether independent living, assisted living, or nursing homes) are often pegged as dull, uninspiring places that are only for “old people.” Ironically, most who are guilty of saying the above are older adults themselves.

While there is something to be said for the feisty spirit that keeps many seniors from viewing themselves as old, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an active and exciting life in a senior living community.

Here are the facts about retirement communities:

1. They’re not always populated with old people. 

2. Residents are as active and engaged as they want to be (it has nothing to do with the company surrounding them). 

3. Most offer more than enough social and individual enrichment opportunities to rival any bustling college campus. 

Plus, the majority of employees in senior living communities range in age from 16 to 66, and in my experience, the intergenerational interaction is a major perk (for both the old and young). 

Nothing can compare to the feeling of comfort and security that your home sweet home provides.  Letting go of home, particularly when it’s been yours for decades, is one of the hardest parts of transitioning to a senior living community. Having someone else do the house cleaning and yard work and cook meals might be nice, but it won’t be done the way you’re used to. These adjustments take time and can certainly be disheartening. 

On the other hand, when you’re “home,” how often do you get to listen to a (live) guest lecture on Irish poets, read the newspaper with friends who share your political views, take a woodworking class, engage in weekly poker tournaments, or take a refreshing dip in the pool every morning? Probably not as often as you might in a senior living community.

If you have been hesitant about researching senior living options for yourself, or if you have a loved one who is adamantly against a move, consider the benefits of being among peers (which sounds much nicer than “old people,” right?) and having the opportunity to easily pursue former and new hobbies and interests. Recognize that it will be a major life change, whether you or the senior you love transitions willingly, but understand also that the move may be the best decision you’ve ever made.

Want to check out a local retirement community, The Cottages at The Village at Willow Crossings? Visit this “cottage campus” (which boasts an indoor heated pool, beautiful gardens, a clubhouse, pub, spa and much more) located on 20 acres of woodlands in Mansfield.