Did you know that about 8.5% of the world’s population is over 65? It’s expected to grow to about 17% by 2050.
While aging is a normal part of life, you might wonder how you can stay active in your area and meet others around your age. You might feel isolated or alone, and wish that there were others to spend time with.
Whether it’s you who is thinking about independent living, or you’re thinking about it for your loved one, it might be just what you’re looking for. Read this guide on what independent living is and why it’s beneficial today.
What Is Independent Living?
Assisted living and independent living are completely different. Assisted living is more for when you need help with your day-to-day tasks. Independent living is when you can still live independently, but you’ll have access to assistance if necessary.
Senior independent living often has access to entertainment, medical care, and dining. That means that you don’t have to worry about cooking for each meal if you don’t want to. You might also be able to have hospitality services such as laundry, meals, housekeeping, and more.
Proper Nutrition
As your loved one becomes older, your concern for independent living for them might increase. While they can cook, you might worry that they’re not getting the healthiest of meals. The good news is that independent living communities can offer various healthy dishes.
Some communities might even have a dietitian who can help them choose healthy meals. They can teach them about how to read food labels in order to maintain their weight and control their cholesterol. Your loved one can learn to understand and read nutrition labels as well.
Social Activities
Independent living programs allow you to spend time with those who are the same age as you and independent as well. Many of them have different social activities and programs that you can attend.
If there’s a dining hall, then you can visit with your friends each day when you go to eat your meals. Some locations could even help you with grocery shopping so that you don’t have to.
Assisted vs Independent Living
Whether your loved one is physically unable to perform different duties throughout the day or has cognitive problems, assisted living might be the better choice.
They’ll have their own space and have access to 24-hour care. Assisted living communities can also help them with scheduling different appointments that they might need. If they only need minimal assistance, then independent living might be a better option.
Understanding What Independent Living Is
This guide should give you a better idea of what independent living is and if it’s right for you or your loved one. Take your time looking at the different options and read the reviews of the different communities that you’re considering.
Would you like to read more informative lifestyle content? Be sure to check out our other articles on our site today!