Published: July 1, 2024
Independent living communities are social paradises for older adults.
With a variety of amenities and a calendar filled with events and activities, there’s always something to look forward to. For residents, staying socially and mentally active is incredibly important to retain cognitive health and slow their decline.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the social perks of moving to an independent living community.
5 Reasons to Consider Independent Living Communities
1. Built-in Community of Supportive Peers
In independent living residences, building and strengthening a sense of community is key. As we age, it’s typically harder to meet new people and make connections. Still, it becomes increasingly important to do so to improve our mental, emotional, intellectual, and physical health.
Social isolation and depression have dangerous lasting effects on seniors. An independent living resident interacting with familiar, friendly faces daily understands the importance and rarity of a supportive community.
2. Daily Social/Physical Activities and Common Areas
In an independent living community, a resident can have quite a busy schedule, if they choose. There’s simply so much to explore!
Social and physical activities are conveniently at the resident’s disposal at any time of the day. Common areas allow residents to gather and enjoy each other’s company.
Many independent living communities also provide classes and continued learning for seniors, teaching seniors how to use the latest technology and other valuable skills such as cooking or speaking a different language.
3. Special Events, Celebrations, Parties, and Entertainment
In addition to the everyday activities seniors can take part in, independent living communities host a wide range of special events residents can attend.
Wine tastings, themed dance parties, concerts, holiday gatherings, and sports viewings are just a few examples of the celebrations. There’s never too small of a reason to celebrate!
4. Outdoor Trips and Excursions
Independent living communities are happy to arrange car or bus services for their residents to transport them wherever they like.
When seniors wish to travel in a group, they can sign up for planned trips and tours organized by the community. There truly is nothing better than being out and about with fellow residents.
5. Less Responsibilities and More Free Time to Relax
Seniors who stay home after retirement may still experience stress with home maintenance responsibilities. Seniors who are independent living residents no longer have to worry about that and have everything taken care of for them.
This is a huge weight off our residents’ shoulders and gives them more time and freedom to try new things.
Fun Activities for Seniors in Independent Living
The benefits of socialization and recreation for seniors are endless, significantly enhancing their quality of life. Life is meant to be fun and participating in activities with friends is exactly that.
Playing bingo and mahjong allows seniors to come together, be mentally alert and competitive, and win cool prizes. A bingo or mahjong night every day or week fosters community. Other exciting games include cards, poker, chess, checkers, and board games.
Joining a book club is another way for seniors to flex their mental stimulation and social skills. Painting, drawing, jewelry-making, sewing, and creating other pieces and forms of art as hobbies expand their creativity and individuality.
Activities that get you on your feet are great for getting seniors active and their hearts pumping. Dancing the night away, exercising at the fitness center, walking in nature, and gardening keep seniors fit and stress-free.
Make Friends at The Residences at Plainview
At The Residences at Plainview we strive to create a sustainable, fulfilling destination for adults who want more than just a home, but a worry-free, beautiful campus with friendships, fun, and a forever family. Every day we lead with the 4 C’s: caring, commitment, constancy, and competency.
Our residents are never bored. With daily happy hour, themed parties with live music, outdoor and indoor pools, a library, a golf course, an art studio, a movie theater, and a checkmate card room. There’s lots to do and various ways to stay engaged.
At every opportunity, our residents invite and involve their beloved family members to join in on the fun. Check out our independent living activity calendar for a glimpse of what awaits.
Discover everything The Residences at Plainview has to offer and schedule a tour today.