Six Senior Living Amenities to Consider When Choosing a Senior Living Community
The idea of “senior living” can be quite intimidating. As the resident, you want to be sure your transition is smooth, and that you are going to be able to maintain a normal, active life. As a family member, you need to know your loved one is being cared for, and that they have access to amenities that keep them fulfilled, happy, and healthy.
In this blog, we detail six of the key amenities a quality senior living community should have. While these amenities are important, we always recommend future residents and their family members to vet all potential communities thoroughly. It’s your life, and you deserve to live it the way you want to!
With that being said, let’s begin by discussing one of the most important factors: location and community.
1. Location and Community
Proximity to desirable activities, family, and friends is one of the most significant aspects to consider when choosing a suitable senior living community. If the resident can’t be close to family, it is especially important that the surrounding area is welcoming to newcomers and promotes an active senior lifestyle. After all, the transition to a senior living community should never feel like a life sentence, but rather an opportunity to meet new people, try new things, and experience life in a new way.
Location is of equal importance. While there are many desirable places to live — especially along the East Coast — the beach proves to be an ideal location for seniors. Not only does it help to boost mental health, but also improve sleep and promote an active lifestyle. To read more about the health benefits of life by the sea, read our blog.
2. Health and Wellness
In comparing different senior living communities, health and wellness amenities play a major role. The larger communities offer ample walking areas and trails to keep you on your toes and immerse you in the surroundings. These outdoor areas can be explored on foot or by bike to keep your heart rate up and get to know your neighborhood. Some communities even offer golf courses nearby, which is a popular pastime for many retirees who are considering senior living.
Related: The Retiree’s Guide to Golfing in South Carolina
For those who prefer to work out in a traditional gym setting, most communities have fitness and recreation centers that focus on weight lifting, auxiliary sports, and cardio. In modern senior living communities, you have access to state-of-the-art equipment with advanced functionalities so you can workout with ease. Whatever your level of fitness, you should have no problem finding activities that suit you. Always consult your doctor before participating in certain activities, and in case of a medical emergency, ensure you have access to 24/7 medical care.
You can also share your fitness journey as a community. There are many places that offer group fitness classes geared toward bringing people together and promoting mindfulness. Wellness amenities should be designed to maintain your mental and physical health while fostering social connections within your community.
3. Dining
Diet plays a key role in health, and an ideal senior living community should accommodate your eating preferences. Having a wide array of dining options should provide healthy selections, as well as meals that adhere to specific dietary needs and preferences, if necessary. However, simply having a smattering of meal options isn’t always enough — especially if the quality of the food is poor.
Many luxury senior living communities offer fine dining options from local farms and eateries that provide delicious and healthy options for seniors. As you age, a well-balanced diet becomes even more important, as it influences your weight, energy, and nutrient levels. Not to mention that a lack of quality and healthy food increases a senior’s risk of developing chronic health conditions. So, when researching senior living communities, always be sure to evaluate the dining and menu options!
At Seafields, guests and family are welcome to dine with you at any of our fine dining restaurants, bistro, or bar. Learn more about our amenities here.
4. Social Activities
There is an overlap between dining and social activity, in that you want your dining experience to promote socialization and active living. Having a meal outdoors or in a lounge is a pleasant alternative when you want to network and enjoy tasty food. Active social activities can increase mental health and boost morale by providing a sense of community that eases your transition to life in a senior living community.
Flexible meeting areas can be used to gather your friends and host events for the community, or to hold small gatherings for a more intimate social experience. You can get to know your neighbors through a collaborative wine tasting, community-led book club, or yoga session. The more you participate in, the more you will be able to build long-lasting, meaningful relationships with community members.
5. Creative Outlets
During retirement, you should take time to pursue your hobbies and try new things. It’s important for a senior living community to offer artistic amenities so that you can express yourself and let your creativity thrive. A variety of communities offer workshops aimed at all skill levels, such as those for crafting and painting. In addition, there are workshops that focus on pottery and weaving for the more experienced artisan.
Outside of visual arts, you can attend a myriad of other art centric events such as theater performances. Having open spaces and multipurpose rooms in the community gives you the freedom to indulge in the arts and live your best post-retirement life.
6. Entertainment
Some communities provide state-of-the-art theater and game rooms, in addition to multipurpose rooms that can be used for performances and games coordinated by the community. Look for a senior living community that offers regular calendar events for its guests, so that you, or your loved one, always has something engaging and fun to do.
Experience Elevated Senior Living at Seafields at Kiawah Island
Seafields at Kiawah Island provides the optimal senior living amenities for a relaxed and smooth transition into your new active lifestyle. Our residents enjoy luxurious, resort-style amenities as well as around-the-clock care for those in need of assisted living. To learn more about our community, click the button below to get in touch with one of our team members. We can’t wait to hear from you.
