Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
So you’re ready to look into independent living communities. Great. Now what? You may know the retirement lifestyle you want, but do you know what independent living amenities you should look for? Don’t worry. You’re in good company, and the following tips may help you find the perfect independent living community.
1. Say Goodbye to Your To-Do List
Let’s not forget that this is about retirement, so your retirement community should be more than a place to live, and it should provide more than just the basic independent living amenities. Before we retired, we were tired adults. We lived our days toiling from one task to the next. We lived for others. Not anymore. We have finally arrived. The place we arrive to should feel like paradise. We should be pampered. Life should revolve around us. Look for maintenance-free communities where housekeeping is just the beginning.
2. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
There’s an old saying that basically goes “If your tummy is happy, you’ll be happy.” OK. You caught us. We made that up, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. It’s important that the community you choose offers enough variety to satisfy your palette every day. Look for menus that change often, use seasonal and local ingredients and accommodate special dietary needs. How many dining venues are there? How’s the food taste? Are there formal and casual options?
3. Live How You Want
Even the best independent living amenities don’t mean a thing if you don’t like your housing choices. Senior living communities are often built around apartment homes. This maximizes the space for your amenities and activities. But not all apartment homes are created equal. Look beyond the square footage. Does the community offer multiple bedroom options? Can you choose a villa or a townhome? What about pets? Are yours welcome?
4. Stay Healthy
Staying active is a key element to aging well. A community’s health and wellness program should be high on your list of senior living options. Look for a holistic approach that focuses on multiple aspects of your health and wellness: physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, vocational and environmental. Ask about activities calendars, social groups, lifelong learning opportunities, preventive health and fitness classes.
5. Keep Your Mind Sharp
Rocking chairs are fine, but so are art studios, workshops, classes, theater productions, woodworking shops, painting classes, tai chi, yoga and other activities designed to help us stay engaged. Not only are these (and other) hobbies fun, they’re also good for your mind, body and spirit.
6. Have Fun
No matter what independent living services a community offers, don’t forget to ask yourself, “Will I have fun living here?” Make friends with the activities director, explore resident interest groups, or create your own programs if they don’t exist. It’s your life. It’s up to you to make the most of it. Have fun!
7. Hang Out Outside Your Comfort Zone
For most of us, moving to an independent living community means downsizing. While an apartment home means less personal square footage, you’re actually gaining acres of dining options, entertainment spaces, workshops, gathering rooms, fitness centers, walking trails and more. Take advantage of these common spaces. Not only will they make you feel like you’re on a constant vacation, we guarantee you’ll meet new friends.
8. Never Stop Learning
Retirement isn’t an end. It’s a beginning! Time belongs to you. Not your employer. Not your family. You decide what you’re going to do every day. We suggest looking for opportunities to expand your horizons, to keep learning, and to share your knowledge and hobbies with others.
9. Let Someone Else Worry
You made it! You’re officially retired. The last thing you want to think about is chore lists, maintenance tasks or other “have-to-dos.” This is the time of your life to focus on “want-to-dos.” Housekeeping is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to living a maintenance-free lifestyle. Expect 24-hour security, transportation and maintenance.
LIFE CARE UNIVERSITY: YOU CAN’T
BUY THIS KIND OF EDUCATION
Join us for an enlightening event series about how to enter a rewarding retirement with priceless peace of mind for your future. Attend one, two or all three events, each covering a unique and important topic about how to make the most of your retirement.
This comprehensive overview of our Life Care Program will include detailed information about contract types, financial planning, and testimonials from our residents.
Registration is required for each luncheon, which begin at 11:30 a.m., by calling 941-798-8122.
Sept. 7 – Life Care 101
Sept. 14 – Advanced Financial Planning
Sept. 21 – Intro to Resident Life
www.fvbradenton.com
6406 21st Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34209
