To find active independent senior living that truly delivers, learn everything you can about a community when comparing your options. Consider the services, amenities, activities, and social opportunities that are available while also carefully thinking about the location and your budget.
Among other benefits, a regular exercise routine can greatly strengthen brain health and heart health and can reduce the risk of cancer. Keeping an active retirement lifestyle is well worth the effort and can help you age with grace and ease.
If you’re thinking about making the move to independent living, finding one that is truly active can be a game-changer. Here’s how to find active independent senior living in Columbia, SC.
Who Lives in Independent Living?
Independent living is a great living option for seniors who are capable of living on their own and doing a good job of taking care of themselves. Seniors who live in independent living communities can typically perform daily tasks such as cooking and maintaining personal hygiene without any difficulty and without the need for any external help.
For seniors who are capable and active, living in independent living in Columbia, SC, can be a great choice. Doing so can bring you more social opportunities and can give you access to amazing amenities and fitness programs that can keep you healthy and happy.
What Is the Best Age to Move to Independent Living?
Seniors of all ages may choose to make the move to independent living, and the decision to do so is a completely personal choice. Vibrant senior communities typically allow residents who are 62 years of age or older to make the transition, while some active communities allow seniors who are 55+ to move in.
Some seniors choose to move into independent living as soon as they meet the age requirement, while others may only decide to move into an independent senior living community in their 70s or later. Consider your needs carefully and evaluate the pros and cons of living in an individual home vs in a community carefully to be sure you’ll be happy with your decision.
What to Look for in an Independent Living Community
There are a lot of independent living communities out there, but not all of them are the same. To ensure you’ll find an active senior community that you’ll love, follow these tips.
Location
Consider how close the community is to family and friends and think about the specifics of what the location has to offer. Choosing an active senior community that’s in an excellent neighborhood or conveniently located to city attractions and restaurants can be a great move.
Cost
It’s important to consider your budget carefully when choosing an independent living community. Carefully consider how you’ll pay for the costs of the community.
A senior community can simplify payments for seniors and will include many amenities and utilities, but you’ll want to understand the costs to accurately compare them to your current expenses.
Amenities and Services
Senior living communities range greatly in the types of services and amenities they offer. Be sure to carefully consider all available dining and support service options, as well as other amenities. Some amenities and services you may want to look for include:
- Dining rooms
- Activity centers
- Salon services
- Religious services
- Housekeeping and laundry services
Be sure to know exactly what on-site services and amenities are available before making your choice.
Activities and Social Events
A major reason why seniors choose senior living is because of access to activities and the ability to stay social. It’s a good idea to investigate and find out what types of activities and events will be available to you as a resident.
Whether you would like to take part in art classes, participate in a yoga class, or find other interesting activities to enjoy to stay active and expand your horizons, be sure to know what the senior community you choose has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Active Living and Independent Living?
Active living and independent living are very similar senior lifestyle options, and these two terms are often used interchangeably when discussing senior communities. The key distinction is the emphasis that is placed on the community lifestyle.
While both types of communities have a lot of the same amenities, active communities put a stronger emphasis on aging with purpose. They provide amazing activities and health and fitness options while also prioritizing social bonds.
Can an 80-Year-Old Live Alone?
Seniors vary in their levels of health, wellness, and mobility as they move into their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond. Some 80-year-olds may have trouble managing basic daily tasks related to personal hygiene, running errands, or cooking meals, while others will have little problem managing these tasks.
Seniors who are 80 years old or older and are active and capable of living on their own can have a great time in an active or independent living community. Other seniors, however, may benefit more from an assisted living or memory care community instead.
How Can You Tell When an Elderly Person Is Declining?
You can tell that an elderly person is beginning to decline if they’re starting to have trouble with things that were once very easy for them.
If basic tasks and errands are becoming difficult, if a senior is experiencing regular slips and falls, or if they have become more forgetful, negative changes may be occurring. While some seniors may experience only physical decline, others may experience significant cognitive, emotional, and mental health changes as well.
Understanding How to Find Active Independent Senior Living
If you want to find active independent senior living in Columbia, SC, it’s important to take the right factors into consideration. Take the time to learn about a community’s available activities and amenities to ensure you’ll be happy with your new living arrangements.
If you’re looking for an active senior community in Columbia, SC, consider TerraBella Windsor Lake. Our residents enjoy amenities such as an exercise room and restaurant-style dining. With great amenities, comfortable floor plans, and a social atmosphere, you’ll be happy you moved in.
Want to learn more about active senior living in South Carolina? Get in touch with us today to learn more about what TerraBella Windsor Lake offers seniors.
