The Five Ways Community Living Improves Mental Wellness in Seniors
Loneliness, isolation, and stress are major problems for seniors, placing them at increased risk of disease, dementia, anxiety, depression, and even death. Thankfully, community living can help combat these problems. Here are five ways community living improves mental wellness in seniors.
1. Safety
Many seniors are fearful of living on their own. If you worry about falls, emergencies, and crime, you’re not alone. It can be frightening to think that you may not be able to get help if you need it. Community living can alleviate those fears.
Communities like Normandy Living take safety seriously. That’s why we offer 24-hour staffing, security, and monitoring of well-being. Plus, just knowing you have friends and neighbors nearby helps to set your mind at ease.
2. Opportunities for Socialization
Isolation or limited socialization can be incredibly depressing for seniors, particularly those whose family members don’t live nearby or are busy with work, school, etc. And if transportation is an issue, it’s easy to find yourself spending more time than you’d like at home by yourself.
In contrast, community living provides seniors with ample opportunities to socialize. At Normandy Living, we offer an array of social and recreational activities, along with amenities like a shared courtyard and deck, where you can spend time with your friends. It’s no wonder the majority of seniors in independent living communities report being happy with their living situation.
3. Fewer Worries
Seniors often feel a huge sense of relief upon moving to community living. You’ll no longer be responsible for things like home maintenance, repairs, or lawn care. And because all your utilities are covered by your monthly fee, you no longer need to worry about sending out multiple payments.
With all these responsibilities lifted, you have more time to do the things you truly enjoy. And you’re also more free to travel because you don’t need to arrange for someone to watch your home while you’re away.
4. Improved Family Relationships
Family members often worry about their senior loved ones living alone. Yet moving in with adult children often causes conflict. Community living offers a solution to both problems.
You and your loved ones can feel comfortable that you always have friends, neighbors, and staff nearby. You’ll retain your independence and be able to live your life on your own terms. And without the stress of worries and disagreements, many seniors find that they have improved relationships with their loved ones after moving to community living.
5. Activities
Seniors deserve to enjoy their golden years, but when you live alone, it can be difficult to get to events, participate in activities, or even have time for hobbies. But taking part in the activities we love greatly boosts our mental wellness.
Thankfully, community living typically offers a variety of amenities, activities, and excursions so you can do the things you love. And because you don’t have to worry about chores, yardwork, or even cooking (unless you want to!), you’ll have more time to spend enjoying your hobbies.
Staying engaged with others is critical to mental wellness in seniors. Community living fosters a sense of belonging, provides security, reduces burdens, encourages socialization and the development of new friendships, and facilitates participation in activities. All of these aspects contribute to mental wellness and overall life satisfaction for seniors in community living.
Are you interested in community living here in Yukon? Normandy Living is now accepting applications. Register your interest here for priority consideration.
