Few concepts resonate with seniors as much as the word “independence.” Before retirement, many yearn for independence from the 9-to-5 workday, but then find independence is much more than not working. What are the benefits of moving to an independent senior living community? From expanding your social circle and enjoying chef-prepared meals to saying goodbye to home maintenance and living your days the way you want, the name “independent” says it all.
What are the pros and cons of senior living communities? Research consistently shows that seniors who move into independent senior living are happier, have an increased sense of well-being and may even live longer. At Hawthorn Senior Living, older adults can enjoy an engaging lifestyle that includes personalized amenities and five-star services that encourage multidimensional wellness. Independent living at Hawthorn brings a new perspective to senior living, and its where active seniors searching for an all-inclusive, stress-free lifestyle can thrive. Hawthorn also provides benefits that offer a fulfilling retirement with opportunities to enjoy hobbies, pursue new passions and embrace a healthy lifestyle, as well as a place to call home.
For many adults 55 and older, making the transition from home ownership to independent living is often the first conversation. As you start your journey, you may be asking yourself these questions: Why is independent living important for seniors? Why should I consider independent living? What are the benefits of independent living facilities for seniors? Let’s dive deeper into how you can benefit from independent senior living.
Independent Living Can Be a Cure for Loneliness
Nearly one third of seniors live by themselves, and most find it difficult to stay socially active. Making plans, ensuring you have a way to get to events and finding new things to do can be difficult as we age. Staying connected is crucial to a healthy life, and senior isolation poses a very real threat to older adults. Research has shown that loneliness and social isolation put older adults at heightened risk for serious health problems, including depression and cognitive decline.
What are the advantages of living retirement communities? Independent living at a senior living community like Alexis Estates offers the opportunity to be social without the difficulty of arranging transportation or making plans. Alexis Estates – and all Hawthorn independent senior living communities – offers a wide variety of recreational activities that encourage residents to socialize and connect with one another. Whether playing a spirited game of cards, listening to live entertainment or trying a new restaurant for lunch, the goal is to develop friendships, enjoy an active lifestyle and live each day with purpose.
Goodbye to Home Maintenance and Hello to Peace of Mind
Maintaining a household is hard work, and after decades of scrubbing floors, clearing gutters and doing laundry, you’re probably ready to get help with it all. Independent living communities trade the worries of homeownership like basic utilities, maintenance and landscaping for the comforts of home.
When you move into a Hawthorn community like Maple Ridge, the on-site staff handles everything from linen services to groundskeeping and housekeeping, allowing residents to spend their time pursuing their passions. No need to search for a handyman and possibly spend hundreds of dollars for a simple repair – we’ve got it covered.
The Lifestyle Includes a Complete Culinary Experience
A homemade gourmet meal is a treat at any age. However, it becomes even more delicious when you don’t have to prepare it or clean it up. Many independent living communities provide on-site, restaurant-style dining that offers fresh, nutritious options that cater to residents’ unique dietary needs.
Dining at Hawthorn is more than just eating three meals a day. It’s a full culinary experience with delicious, freshly made food and engaging company. At Sanford Estates, the culinary experience features healthy foods and homemade meals, all catered to you. Three unique chef-prepared meals are served daily restaurant-style, so you never have to worry about cooking or cleaning – unless you want to! Our menu offers options and a variety of nutritional choices at every meal, and snacks and beverages are available 24/7.
Seniors Can Pursue New and Old Passions
Independent living communities are experts on the health and wellness needs of older adults. From activities coordinators to fitness instructors, a network of professionals is there to offer vibrant lifestyle options. Those choices allow you to try new things alongside old favorites.
If you’re interested in trying out yoga, starting a book club or maybe getting your hands dirty by planting a new garden, independent living at Hawthorn has what you are looking for and what you didn’t even know you needed. Our calendar of events changes monthly and offers a bright spectrum of opportunities designed to inspire curiosity, encourage participation and infuse joy into every day. Whatever you are looking for, there are activities, outings, on-site fitness classes, educational seminars and social clubs that cater to all.
Do you love to travel? Part of successful aging is engaging in new life experiences – and traveling is a great way to indulge in new experiences, meet new people and find a new sense of self. As a Hawthorn resident, if you want to explore new places, our Resident Travel Program gives you this opportunity. With over 70 Hawthorn senior living communities across the US, you can travel to any Hawthorn community and indulge in their culture – all at no additional cost.
Pursue Your Independence at a Hawthorn Community
If you’re an active senior who wants to elevate your lifestyle and make the most of each day, our independent living option near you offers a warm and engaging environment that caters to your needs and preferences. You can be who you want to be and live how you want to live; we take care of the rest. If you think you may be ready to explore independent living, reach out to learn more or find a Hawthorn community near you.
Our eyes are incredibly precious, yet its easy to take our vision for granted until problems arise. Lets focus on proactive steps to maintain and improve our eye health. Here are some tips to keep your vision in top shape:Schedule Regular Eye Exams:One of the best ways to safeguard your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. Make it a priority to see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you dont currently wear glasses or contact lenses.Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the suns harmful UV rays. Whenever youre outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens: In todays digital age, many of us spend a significant amount of time staring at screens, whether its for work, leisure, or staying connected. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.Eat a Balanced Diet:Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts and seeds. These nutrients can help protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.Practice Good Eye Hygiene:Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and irritation. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your eye doctors recommendations for contact lens care, including proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storage.Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your eyes and body hydrated.Get Plenty of Sleep:Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. During sleep, your eyes receive much-needed rest and replenishment. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce eye fatigue and maintain optimal visual function.By incorporating these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine, you can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight for years to come.Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so take care of your eyes today for a brighter tomorrow!
Moving to a new home can be scary and stressful, especially for older people. But don't worry! Here are some easy ways to make moving day less scary and more fun.1. Pick the Right HomeFirst, choose a new home that feels good. Think about what you like. Do you want a garden view? Do you need help with cooking? Make sure your new home has what you need to be happy.2. Make ListsWrite down everything you need to do. This helps you remember important things. Start early and take your time. Don't rush!3. Choose Special ThingsWhen you move to a smaller home, you can't take everything. Pick the things that mean the most to you. It's okay to feel sad about leaving some things behind.4. Get Help from MoversHiring people to help you move can make things much easier. They know how to pack and move your stuff safely.5. Use Good BoxesUse boxes that stack well. Plastic boxes with lids are great because they're easy to pack and unpack.6. Say Goodbye to Your Old HomeHave a party to say goodbye to your old home. Take lots of pictures to remember it. This can help you feel better about moving.7. Think Happy ThoughtsMoving can be exciting! Think about all the fun new things you'll do in your new home. You might make new friends or try new activities.8. Pack a Special BagPack a bag with things you'll need right away in your new home. Put in things like:MedicineToothbrush and toothpastePajamasSnacks and waterThis way, you won't have to search through all your boxes on the first night.9. Make a Moving Day PlanPlan out your moving day. Know when you'll leave and when you should arrive at your new home. Don't forget to plan for breaks along the way.Remember, moving can be a big change, but it can also be the start of a great new adventure in your life!
When moving to a senior living community, it's important to know what to bring and what to leave behind. This guide will help you pack smart for your new home.Before You Start PackingVisit Your New Home: Take a look at how big your new space is.Talk to Residents: Ask people who already live there about what they brought and what they wish they had.Check with Staff: Find out what furniture and items the community provides and which items are not allowed.Involve Family: Let your family pick items they might want to keep, especially heirlooms.What to BringClothes and Personal ItemsEveryday clothesToiletries like toothbrush and shampooMedicationsMobility aids, like walkers or canesSpecial ItemsPhotos and artwork that you loveSmall mementos that make you feel at homeFurniture (if there's room)A comfortable chairA small table or nightstandA bed (if not provided)Lamps for lightingOther Important ThingsBedding and blanketsKitchen items if you have a small kitchen areaTV or radio (if allowed)Pet supplies if pets are permittedWhat Not to BringExpensive jewelry or valuable items that could be lost or damagedClothes you no longer wearLarge furniture pieces that won't fitBig appliances that the community providesHeaters or air conditioners that may not be allowedLarge rugs that could be a tripping hazardRemember, your new home will be smaller, so you'll need to choose carefully what to bring. It's perfectly okay to ask for help from family or friends if packing feels overwhelming.
Summit Glen features an active lifestyle, with a full complement of amenities and services so you can enjoy your retirement and spend more time with new friends and family. Our independent lifestyle includes a live-in management team that is available 24/7 in case of an emergency. Each private apartment includes emergency pull cords that link you to our management team 24 hours a day. Monthly rent includes three chef-prepared meals daily, transportation, exciting events and activities, and weekly housekeeping and if you need additional help such as medication reminders, you can contract with our in-home healthcare provider.