Key Benefits of Senior Living
Published: April 24, 2024
Senior Living Benefits
As we age, being free of the burdens of home maintenance and downsizing to a space and lifestyle that suits our changing needs takes on heightened importance. A move to a senior living community brings all this and more. Asbury Communities is a leading not-for-profit system of continuing care retirement communities that has helped tens of thousands of seniors through the downsizing and moving process during our 95-plus years in operation. We understand that the decision to move to a senior living community is a difficult one. Yet, time and again, new residents tell us how amazed they are by the way their lifestyle has expanded post-move. “I wish I had done this sooner!” is a common refrain. Here are Asbury Communities top five reasons to move to continuing care retirement community:
- A Welcoming, Social Network
For most new residents their world expands post-move. You’ll be surrounded by people your own age who share similar interests and life experiences – and whose fascinating stories, backgrounds and interests enhance their new community. Many residents feel like they’re back on a college campus.
“One thing that surprised me was the accepting people, that the people are so interested and welcoming. I feel that people genuinely care about our well-being. I love living here. It’s living in a community and having community fellowship,” Ginny Wilt, Bethany Village, Mechanicsburg, Pa.
- Saying So Long to Maintenance
For most people, a move is preceded by a major downsizing of their belongings, which many say feels as if a huge burden has been lifted. Living in a smaller space means you’ll spend less time cleaning and tending to things inside your home. And you can forget the yardwork and ditch the home repairs. One of the great benefits of a senior living community is that the cost of most of your home’s maintenance is covered by your monthly fee, including major kitchen appliances, washer/dryer, water pipes, HVAC systems and more.
- A World of New Opportunities
No matter your interests, there’s probably a club, event or ad-hoc group that will help you pursue it. From water aerobics in the community pool to participating in resident committees and volunteer outreach, to lunching with friends or attending a lecture, movie, or concert. There’s always a full calendar of choices to keep you as active as you want to be.
“I thought I would move here, and I would live in my nice little villa and my life would stay the same. And it hasn’t stayed the same, it’s gotten better,” says Pam Parmer, Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg, Md. “As time has gone on, I’ve met people and they’ve introduced me to things they do on campus, so my circle of friends and activities is so much larger now. This has enhanced our lifestyle pretty dramatically.”
- Resort-Style Amenities and Gathering Spots
The services and amenities of senior living communities are numerous. And, without the responsibilities of home ownership, there’s time to enjoy them. Along with beautifully designed homes and well-manicured grounds, many also offer:
- A centralized community center where residents can enjoy guest speakers, movies, and social events
- A fully equipped gym, complete with personal trainers and group classes
- An aquatic center with a pool for swimming and a spa for water therapy
- Activity courts for tennis, pickle ball, and bocce
- Lifelong learning and cultural events
- Libraries, banking, salons and other on-site services
- Resident-run clubs and programs that address a wide-range of interests
- Woodshops, art studios, and other creative spaces
- A Plan for the Future
You’ll find a selection of beautiful living options to fit a wide range of tastes and budgets, and all are designed to help you live better for longer. Your new senior living residence is designed with open spaces, wide doorways, and one-level living. Plus, many communities are designed so that you can access dining venues, Wellness Centers, community gathering places and other amenities via covered walkways. Scheduled transportation, community-planned trips, and on-site health services, which are a key benefit of continuing care retirement communities, provide support as mobility or health changes. Having a house that suits your needs today and a community that can support your needs however they may change brings incomparable peace of mind.
“Living here provides you with peace of mind — for yourself and, perhaps more importantly, peace of mind for your extended family. Knowing that you are living in a safe place, cared for by extremely competent and attentive staff members, and having a wide variety of activities to keep your mind and body sharp and agile will give you a strong sense of well-being,” Dean Wilson, Springhill, Erie, Pa.