How Seniors Living Alone Can Feel More Safe, Connected and Confident

As an older adult, living alone can be daunting, even when you deeply prize your independence. In many cases, there’s an illness or other event, such as the passing of a partner, that triggers seniors to begin rethinking their living arrangements. But that doesn’t have to be the case.

In fact, data suggests the number of seniors entering independent living communities is on a steady climb, and there are plenty of reasons seniors living alone are choosing to do so in a community environment.

Lifestyle is a compelling factor. Living within a senior living community gives you access to a collection of amenities and resources you probably don’t have in your private home, while also freeing you from tedious chores like housekeeping and home maintenance. Community features like a creative arts studio and theater can also be enticing.

For others, opportunities to socialize and develop community ties draw their interest, while the idea of 24-hour staffing and security features give others valuable peace of mind.

Regardless of where you decide to live, you’ll enjoy the best quality of life in a place that allows you to feel safe, connected and confident.

Is Living Alone the Right Choice for You?

Before deciding which setting feels most comfortable, it’s in your best interest to make an honest assessment of whether living alone is right for you. It’s a gray area that many seniors living alone and their families grapple with, but taking some time to consider these questions thoughtfully and honestly may help give you some direction.

• Do you struggle to keep up with basic housekeeping, like laundry and dishes?
• Would your health improve if you had access to more nutritious, balanced meals?
• Are you worried about how you’ll get help if an emergency occurs?
• Do you feel lonely, sad or disconnected from loved ones?
• Have your doctors or loved ones expressed concerns about your living arrangements?

If you have more “yes” answers than “no,” you may find it worthwhile to take a closer look at the idea of an independent living community. To be clear, none of these questions suggest you’re in need of assistive care. However, they are indicators that a change could help you achieve a better quality of life.

Living Independently Within a Community

Many seniors living alone resist the idea of moving to a senior living community because they equate the change with giving up their freedom. However, today’s senior living communities are a distant, distant relative to the nursing home communities they’re probably envisioning.

In fact, many senior living communities now offer a continuum of care and focus on delivering an enriching, rewarding lifestyle for older adults. Residents typically enter the community’s independent living neighborhood, where they’re able to shed some responsibilities for housework and maintenance and begin dedicating more time to hobbies, friendships and the rewards that come with retirement.

Residential options vary from one community to the next. Riverside Senior Life, for example, offers two distinct independent living options for older adults: private two- and three-bedroom detached estate homes or private apartments with floor plans ranging up to 1,100 square feet, including private balconies or patios, kitchen and dining space, and living rooms.

While you can count on plenty of privacy in these private residences, you also have the assurance that support is available nearby with 24-hour staffing. Other safety measures are in place to protect residents as well.

On the flip side, living in a community means you’re only as alone as you want to be. All of your neighbors are in the same stage of life, which offers a good foundation for finding common ground and making new friends.

Socialization is a priority in senior living communities because it plays such an important role in seniors’ overall health. Seniors who are well connected have better mental and physical health, are less likely to experience depression, may delay the onset of dementia and even live longer.

Aside from activities, events and programming designed to build residents’ connections with one another and the community, you can find many other examples of wellness initiatives in a senior living community like Riverside Senior Life.

In addition to recreational activities and a wellness center with an indoor pool, residents have access to a comprehensive wellness program that promotes mental, physical and social well-being.

Then, if you need more support down the road, the community is well-equipped to provide help for seniors living alone, whether that’s providing in-home caregiver services or transitioning to another level of care.

Using Tech to Stay Connected

For seniors who deeply prize their independence, technology can provide a layer of connection and confidence that distinguishes alone from lonely. Smartphones and tablets equipped with video-calling features are just some of the examples of devices for seniors living alone that encourage regular contact with loved ones.

Meanwhile, devices like medical alert systems and wearables that monitor health data offer peace of mind for seniors and their loved ones alike. For loved ones wondering how to monitor seniors living alone, security cameras, motion sensors, door alarms and smart home features such as smart locks offer assurances that a senior is safe and well.

Living Alone, Together

A senior living community can be the ideal solution for a senior who enjoys living alone but has some reservations about their safety and security—or simply wants a more active social calendar. Contact us to learn more about whether community living is the right fit for you.