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Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Moving into Independent Living

Group of senior friends sitting down and eating together

A funny thing happens when you reach retirement age – despite your status as a senior citizen, you don’t feel old. In fact, you’re probably rarin’ to go, ready to embark on new adventures and to enjoy your newfound freedom. If you think about senior living communities at all, you may consider them an option of last resort if health setbacks start to slow you down and erode your independence.

So, it might surprise you to learn that independent living communities offer unique opportunities to luxuriate in the freedoms and pleasures of retirement. A growing number of older adults are realizing there’s much to be gained from moving into independent living at a younger age while they’re healthy and active. Here are just a few of the advantages:

Freedom from the Hassles of Homeownership

Owning a home takes work. There’s the routine upkeep that can fill your weekly to-do list, and then there are the unexpected headaches like leaky roofs and emergency HVAC repairs. What if you had a delightful home where someone else took care of all maintenance and upkeep? In an independent living community, you do! Staff members take care of groundskeeping, maintenance and housekeeping, so you’re no longer burdened by a household chore list, giving you more time for the activities you truly enjoy.

And, if you like to travel, the maintenance-free lifestyle in an independent living community gives you the freedom and flexibility to lock and leave, knowing your home is secure while you’re away.

The Pleasures of an Active Lifestyle

It’s a common – but mistaken – belief that in an independent living community, life gets smaller, narrowed to the confines of a single campus. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Not only are you free to spend every day exactly as you like, on campus or off, but the amenities offered by an independent living community provide life-enriching possibilities. You might explore hobbies in the art studio or gardening area, attend cultural events, or participate in travel opportunities organized for residents. In some senior living communities, a university affiliation offers residents a chance to follow their curiosity and participate in lifelong learning by attending college courses.   

The Perks of Wellness

Being physically active improves well-being and is a key to healthy aging. And in an independent living community, staying active is as easy as heading out your front door to the on-campus, state-of-the-art fitness center or heated pool. Of course, self-care is an important part of wellness, too. Some independent living communities boast an on-campus spa where you can treat yourself to regular massage therapy sessions, enjoying massage’s many benefits, including improved immune function and higher energy levels.

Fine Dining Options

You may love to cook – and in an independent living community, the full kitchen in your residence gives you that option whenever you want. But a variety of on-campus dining venues with chef-prepared menus provide additional choices as well. Whether you’re in the mood for an elegant or casual experience, seasonal fare offers the freshest flavors and an ever-changing, healthy menu.

New Social Connections

Much like a college campus, an independent living community has a vibrant social scene. You’ll make new friends in classes, at cultural events, at the pool and over dinner. These new friendships can provide the perfect antidote to the increased risk of social isolation that tends to beset adults as they get older, and which can have serious health repercussions.

Peace of Mind About the Future

Moving into an independent living community that is part of a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) gives you the benefit of having a secure plan for the future. A CCRC — sometimes called a lifecare retirement community — has a continuum of care on the same campus, so if your health needs change, you have access to higher levels of care, such as assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing, in the same community you’ve come to love. What’s more, by joining the community when you’re healthy and active enough to opt for independent living, you can lock in a predictable cost of care, protecting yourself from the rising costs of health care.

The Advantages of Independent Living at Legacy Pointe at UCF

If you’re intrigued by the unique advantages younger seniors can enjoy by moving into independent living, take a look at the exceptional independent living lifestyle at Legacy Pointe at UCF. We’re a lifecare retirement community in Orlando, Florida, whose well-appointed residences, wellness opportunities, and affiliation with UCF are just a few of the reasons you should consider moving into independent living sooner rather than later. Contact us to find out more about Legacy Pointe, or to schedule a visit.

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