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Freedom is usually associated with independence. Everyone desires independence -- it is a quality that defines American culture and history. Independence is not a prideful or stubborn quality; a person who takes care of himself or herself can be seen as someone who is respectful of others' time, polite in all things and who is willing to work for the niceties of life. However, as a person ages, sometimes he or she may have to relinquish some independence so that proper care can be provided. Even in this case, the desire for independence does not go away. Seniors may appreciate their independence but still desire to live in a community of their peers for security reasons.
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Is Your Loved One Ready for Independent Living? Independent living communities can be a positive first step for seniors who cannot or no longer wish to live alone. As our loved ones begin to age, it is imperative to make their lifestyle changes as easy as possible. Many families have found that senior communities can be very beneficial for their loved ones, particularly if the transition is seamless. These facilities often include nice amenities and activities perfectly suited to seniors. Sometimes seniors may have negative feelings toward moving into a senior living community. Many feel like they are giving up their home, their life, and their independence. However, independent living facilities may be ideal because they can still provide a decent level of independence in a comfortable, safe atmosphere. Reputable facilities will do whatever it takes to make everyone involved comfortable. How do you know if your loved one is ready to make this transition? How can you encourage them to make this step? Here are a few benefits to independent living centers that may help in making that decision: Maintain a Social Calendar A major advantage to senior communities is the amount of social interaction they provide. Most facilities offer many activities for their tenants, allowing people to get together, transitional living program and interact with one another. It is vitally important for seniors to maintain an active, social lifestyle as much as possible. Social activities can ward off any feelings of depression and can keep their
minds sharp and active. Additionally, many centers offer social outings to events off-site, like concerts or plays. Living with Less Stress Independent living centers can offer a very low-stress environment for seniors and their families. Families do not have to wonder about the safety of their loved one since most facilities have very strict security measures in place. Any accidents that may occur in individual residences, such as falls or other injuries, will be quickly met with immediate medical assistance. Most facilities have a plethora of activities available, all of which are very relaxing, transitional living programs for young women and stress-free. Overall, anything that needs to be taken care of with regard to the tenant is typically handled by the facility, leaving both the tenants and their families with few details to worry about. Promote a Healthy Lifestyle Some facilities include fitness centers, as well as dietitians and fitness trainers on staff. They may even include a swimming pool for exercise and for leisure. Most fitness activities include low impact exercise, yoga, water aerobics, and walking. When our loved ones reach a certain age, some hard decisions will need to be made. However, these decisions do not have to be completely negative. It is important to discuss everything thoroughly with your loved one and explain all of the options available to them. If their mind is still sharp and their bodies are quite active, independent living may be a positive step in the right direction.
Make Independent Living Fuller With Intergenerational Bonding Opportunities In the past, adolescents and their elders shared hobbies and vocations, crossed paths, and meaningfully interacted in communities that upheld intergenerational values. Rifts in technological comprehension, shifts in community demographics and family structure, and even urbanization have led to the isolation of populations separated by age. Though intergenerational contact has been on the decline in the last few decades, new programs throughout the US, within and beyond independent living facilities, have sought to reintegrate youth and elders into common spaces. Research tells of the mutual benefits of bringing these populations together to improve the quality of life for both while challenging the negative effects and stereotypes of ageism. These programs go far beyond simply volunteering a handful of hours per week at independent living centers to include creative uses of technology, mutually advantageous cohabitation opportunities, independent living program and urban renewal projects. It is important for retirees engaging in independent living to forge bonds outside of their home community. Interconnectivity with Technology Intergenerational programs have become increasingly creative with the use of technology such as Skype. Younger generations are now able to connect and communicate with seniors to learn new languages. This online platform gives language learners a novel opportunity to speak with experienced seniors, who
are often more prone to feelings of isolation. Elsewhere, teens and the elderly are being convened in digital learning environments to share and preserve oral histories. Collaboratively produced and recorded in myriad digital and analog formats, these stories become modes of meaningful connection between the generation of LOL and yesteryear. Such programs are even facilitated by major universities such as Pennsylvania State's Center for Digital Storytelling. Finally, in regions where local dialects were once prevalent, language-learning programs in which elders are put in the role of teacher emphasize language preservation and continuance among youth. Person-to-Person Interaction Recently independent living facilities have also offered to opportunity for college-age student to dorm in their quarters with little to no expenses when they spend a portion of their time interacting with their senior counterparts. Outside of this model, new art programs have integrated high school students with retirees in public art programs to create murals and mosaics. The art of creation and of settling on common artistic themes becomes a point of confluence, programs for young adults and a channel for communicating shared beliefs while bringing together diverse aesthetic tastes. Urban gardening projects offer a similar mode of bonding in which an extended project, such as growing crops, can lead to opportunities for physical activity as well as extended dialog among participants. In both cases, having a finished product can lead to feelings of productivity while creating educative environments in non- traditional and more informal settings. Cooking classes are excellent arenas for learning and connectivity giving those advanced in age a chance to share particular family recipes or specific cultural foods. Adolescent participants not only absorb this knowledge, but can also help in the safe preparation of meals. The process of making and sharing a meal leads to storytelling, social intimacy, and feelings of self-worth.
