An adult American will experience some major life changes as they grow older. A young adult will move out of their parent’s house and live in a college dorm or an apartment of their own, and later, that adult may rent a higher-end apartment or purchase a house. The average American moves 12 times in their lifetime, but they move less often as they age. By the time someone is retirement age, he or she will rarely move and may instead invest in their current property. This is fairly common, seeing how today, Baby Boomer homeowners outspend Millennial homeowners three to one on home remodeling projects.
But there is another option for those interested: independent living. Senior independent living is possible at senior living communities, which are specialized communities where elderly Americans may reside with their peers. A senior living community is distinct from a nursing home, though, since the residents at an independent housing community have only minimal assistance needs for everyday life. Rather, citizens at an independent living community are exactly that: largely independent. Many elderly Americans experience chronic conditions as they age, but in some cases these conditions are manageable with only minimal assistance from younger staff, and healthy and robust elderly Americans may enjoy their residence at an independent living community during their golden years. For many Americans, their “golden years” are between retirement age (typically 65) and age 80 or so, and these years may be spent with independent living.
Americans and Ageing
Americans, and many elderly citizens around the world, are living longer than ever and may expect anywhere from 15-30 years of life after they retire, assuming they retire around age 65. Japan in particular has many elderly citizens, with that nation boasting the world’s highest life expectancy and many citizens aged 100 or over. In fact, estimates say that by 2050, one in four Japanese citizens will be aged 65 and over. These trends aren’t quite so pronounced in Europe and North America, but all the same, Americans are not far behind. Americans often live to their 80s, and until then, they may appreciate living in independent living communities if they are not experiencing serious chronic conditions. Americans who suffer the likes of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease may need to be in assisted living communities, but that’s a different topic entirely.
Meanwhile, senior Americans who do not suffer serious chronic conditions may remain active for many years, more so than ever before. Even when their grand-children are in college, these Americans may be still active and fit, and statistics back this up. Many of these elderly Americans are in fact still working, either to bolster their retirement funds or simply to keep themselves occupied. A 2016 Pew Research poll, for example, found that nearly 20% of seniors aged 65 and over are not retired, and are still working full time. Others may be working part time, and yet others are retired but do volunteer work. Around 50% of all Americans aged 65 and over, employed or retired, are known to perform volunteer work of all kinds. These active and independent Americans have no need for an assisted living center.
Finding Independent Living Communities
An elderly American interested in independent living may seek out such a community in their area, alongside th4eir younger relatives to expand the search. An online search such as “independent living communities Dallas TX” or the like may show some local results, including their addresses. The family may then visit those independent living communities in person to evaluate them, and find out anything from the cost of owning property there to the local weather to consulting the staff there and existing residents. Such a community is not an assisted living nursing home, but then again, younger staff may help prepare and serve meals in the dining hall, run the movie theater, and more. Here, only minimal assistance is provided by younger staff, and the citizens there may greatly appreciate it. Consulting those staff is a fine way to find out which services they do and do not provide, and the guests may get an overall “vibe” of what life is like there. This may help them finalize their decision.
