The Arbor Company Senior Living Blog

You’ve worked hard to build a retirement you love, so you deserve to live a life of passion and joy that allows you to fully live up to your potential. Retirement is a great time to pick up a hobby you were never able to find time for, master a new skill, or uncover a new part of your personality. Maybe that’s why most seniors say they want to continue living in their homes. Aging in place has become synonymous with remaining independent. But independent senior living offers greater independence than you think. It may be the perfect way to turn the retirement you have now into the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.

The senior living industry has changed extensively over the past few decades, aiming to meet the needs of baby boomers. Even if you have some past experience with senior living, you may not be completely informed about the solutions available in the current market. In fact, you may believe one of the many common myths about senior care that circulate on social media or around cups of coffee among friends.

Independent senior living offers the best of all worlds: a safe environment where a senior can get help when they need it; an independent lifestyle with the freedom to live life as the senior sees fit; a close-knit community that offers numerous activities and the chance to make lifelong friends. Seniors who choose senior living communities lead happier, more active lives. So what’s so great about senior living? Here’s what seniors love most about independent senior living.

When you think of senior care communities, do you envision sterile, hospital-like environments full of rushing nurses and unstimulated seniors? For many people, these old stereotypes of nursing homes are forever in mind due to childhood visits to a great grandmother decades ago. Now, nursing homes are more resident-centered than in the past, but are still not appropriate venues for all older adults.

The term “nursing home” has scary connotations; you may picture seniors wiling away their time in rocking chairs with little socialization. To most people, a nursing home marks the end of a fulfilling life. Today’s seniors are leading more engaged lives than ever before. They’re going back to college, helping to raise their grandchildren, even going skydiving. Many are interested in alternatives to nursing homes. They insist that their golden years should afford a chance to consider growing, learning, and improving their communities. Senior living communities give seniors the care they need, but in an engaged space where they can continue living lives of passion and meaning.

The baby boomer generation is changing the face of aging, and teaching younger generations that growing older doesn’t have to mean growing sicker or moving slower. One way boomers are leading the charge of healthy aging is by choosing to remain active throughout retirement. While some are running marathons or lifting weights, other seniors are falling in love with the ancient practice of yoga.

Serving seniors and their family members is our passion, and we are dedicated to providing reliable information and exceptional experiences to our team, residents, partners and friends. What started as a company based on the purpose to engage and enrich seniors now features thriving senior communities throughout the country. Even better, we are celebrating our 30th anniversary this year — what an accomplishment for our team members and residents! Tirelessly serving seniors, honoring individuality and preserving choice for three decades is no small feat. We are privileged to have the chance to care for each of our residents.

When you’re caring for an ailing family member, it’s easy to feel alone. Yet millions of other people just like you carry a similar load. You’re not alone. The senior population is booming, with 46 million seniors over 65 living in the U.S. today. By 2060, that figure is projected to double. Understanding the needs, lifestyles and views of today’s seniors can help you better understand the needs of the senior you love and care for. Here’s what you need to know.

No matter how excited you may be to move into your new apartment at a senior living community, there can still be some accompanying anxiety. Transition at any age can be overwhelming, and moving into a senior living community is no different. Fortunately, the transition trauma doesn’t have to last too long or feel too sad. There are many ways to ease into your new home and new routine, including a bit of help from your furry best friend.