Senior Living Communities Today: Not What They Once Were

Everything changes over time, including older adults and what they want from retirement. Today’s seniors are a lively, involved, and discriminating group who aren’t interested in stereotypes from the past. That’s why senior living communities are offering more inspired choices than ever for fulfillment, fun, and longevity.

Engaging, personalized, and focused on healthy aging: retirement is being redefined at senior living communities

Today’s older adults want more than just a comfortable place to live. They want more fun, more freedom, and more flexibility. In short, they want retirement living to bring more to their lives—and that’s exactly what happens in Heritage Communities.

Seniors today:

• Understand the importance of socialization and engagement.

Today’s senior living communities know that good health is about more than just access to medical care and the right prescription drugs. Staying active, learning new things, and spending time with like-minded people are all ingredients in the recipe for better health.

It’s true that with age comes an increase in health concerns. Vision can change, and mobility may decline. That can make it more difficult to spend time with friends, go on outings, or make plans. And all of that can lead to harmful isolation. However, modern senior living communities remove these barriers, by placing seniors in the midst of activity, companionship, and wellness.

• Are more educated and staying busier than ever.

Among people ages 65 and older in 1965, only 5% had completed four years of college or more. By 2023, this share had risen to 33%. A study published in the Journals of Gerontology found that over 60% of Americans aged 65-74 were involved in at least one type of paid or volunteer work. According to a study by the AARP Public Policy Institute, over 22 million Americans aged 50 and older are caregivers for a family member or friend.

Today’s seniors are drawn to living a purposeful life and positively impacting the community. Studies have shown that having a purpose is good for your mental and physical health. Seniors with a purpose in life are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, heart attacks, or strokes.

• Are working longer.

According to the Population Reference Bureau, in 2022, 24 percent of men and about 15 percent of women ages 65 and older were in the labor force. These levels are projected to rise further by 2032, to 25 percent for men and 17 percent for women.

• Want more interesting and stimulating activities and events.

Seniors are leading more active lives than ever before. Many use their retirement years to travel, master new hobbies, or give back to their communities. The diverse interests and active lives of today’s seniors mean better health. Numerous studies have shown that being more socially active in your 50s and 60s predicts a lower risk of developing dementia later on.

Download our free guide, Family Decision Toolkit.

The great news? Senior Living communities today are nothing like they used to be!

There’s a whole new ambiance. Think welcoming. Upbeat and energetic. Fun! Today’s senior living communities are places families and friends want to visit, to spend quality time with their loved ones. The focus on wellness and engagement can make it feel more like a vacation destination, where residents come and go as they please and plan their days as they choose.

The barriers are gone. Aging can bring with it achy joints or vision that’s not so sharp. But today’s senior living communities give you the opportunity to hit “reset” and get back to all the things you have always loved. For example, instead of driving on your own, you can join the group for an outing to the theater, a favorite festival, or art exhibition. Or try some chair yoga. Maybe share a laugh with friends on an outdoor patio or balcony.

Activities are geared to physical and mental wellness. Senior living communities today stimulate the mind and the body. Fascinating lectures. Social events that offer opportunities to connect with others. Walking groups, exercise classes, book clubs, happy hours, volunteering opportunities, games, holiday celebrations, family programs, intergenerational events, and so much more. In today’s senior living communities, you can be as laid back and quiet as you want, or as active and involved as you choose.

Ready to reimagine your retirement?

If you’ve started to research retirement options, you’ll no doubt see there are endless ways – and places – to enjoy your retirement. At Heritage Communities, we work hard to tailor your experience to your expectations. We’d love to tell you more.

We redefine living better. You make it your own. Download our free guide, Family Decision Toolkit. Or contact us today.