The number of Americans ages 65 and older projected to more than double to 98 million by 2060, which means most of these individuals will be looking for a new home where they can age comfortably. However, modern day older adults aren’t looking for “just any nursing home,” but a home; this means they want more than a place to live, but to thrive; they want to stay engaged, active, and social all while being surrounded by friends and family.

Senior living has come a long way in recent years. These long-term care communities now offer a range of amenities and wellness programs in an opportunity-rich environment to help seniors stay independent, healthy, engaged and active in mind, body, and spirit.

In this guide, we’ll take look at the reasons seniors often choose to start their senior living journey in an assisted living community and the benefits of assisted living that can help them live a longer, happier life.

To Plan for Advanced Health Care Needs

One of the biggest reasons people choose to start their journey in assisted living is so that they can plan for the future and take advantage of advanced medical care options if and when health needs arise.

Assisted living offers all of the freedoms of lower levels of care, like independent living communities, along with a full range of advanced personal care services. Having a variety of on-site caregivers in one place is priceless; that way, seniors can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can get assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) while still maintaining freedom of choice.

To Focus On LIVING—Not Just Home Upkeep

Another reason seniors consider assisted living is because maintaining a home inside and out can involve overwhelming and exhausting daily tasks—not to mention it takes them away from doing what they love. Making the move can mean more free time to make new friends, try new things, go on outings, join a book club, take an exercise class, have a mealtime with family in the dining room, or take advantage of an endless array of life-enriching social activities.

They may also consider starting their journey into senior living because their current home is too large for their needs or they would like to reduce in-home care costs such as HOA fees, interior and exterior home maintenance, utilities, mortgage, property taxes, home insurance, and more.

To Engage With Others

For some seniors, the biggest motivator for considering an assisted living community is to avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness. Many seniors often end up spending more and more time at home alone as the years go on and it can be hard to find or create social situations that help them feel valued and engaged.

Senior living communities, like Monarch, offer opportunities for valuable, naturally-occurring social interactions because we know the importance of being involved in a face-to-face community; this interaction gives people a sense of belonging and purpose, which are so vital to health, happiness, and living a long life. After all, the more active, engaged, and social you are, the younger you’ll feel. Many people believe that starting the senior living journey reported feeling less lonely and improved their quality of life.

To Strengthen Family Bonds

Lastly, many seniors choose assisted living facilities to be closer to their family members and friends—not just in proximity but in love and care. When seniors and their loved ones make the decision together on whether to move and where, a trust is built between them.

Having close family ties as seniors grow older can play a crucial role in longevity, and it can have a positive impact on their overall physical health and happiness, too. At many communities, there are fun opportunities and social events in which to invite loved ones and create even more lasting experiences together.

Start Your Journey with Monarch

Although everyone has their own reasons for considering senior living, those who’ve chosen to start their journey in senior living report that their social, intellectual and physical well-being have improved since making the move.

We know the process of choosing a community isn’t easy. But you don’t have to go through it alone. That’s why Monarch Communities® work with each and every family to discover their best fit, whether thats assisted living or one of our other senior living options like memory care, skilled nursing care facilities, and more.

If moving into a senior care community is the right move, we help families coordinate their move-ins, so the process can be less stressful for everyone involved.