What "independent living" means in today's retirement communities

Are you thinking about your future living options? Maybe you’ve spoken with family or friends and come away with mixed opinions. Perhaps some say it’s not time to give up your freedom, while others are worried about you being lonely if you’re away from your friends and family. Are you even ready for such a big change?

The truth is, many people carry outdated ideas about what senior independent living actually looks like today. 

Modern retirement communities have transformed dramatically from the institutional settings of decades past. Today's independent living options offer autonomy while providing the support and community connections that make life so much richer and more enjoyable.

What is senior independent living?

In essence, senior independent living is very similar to living in your own home, but with added benefits. You still live your life as you always have - you have the freedom to sleep in, take walks, visit friends - but without the need to worry about housekeeping and maintenance.  In these communities, you have your own private suite to enjoy as you see fit: come and go as you please, cook meals and entertain, and otherwise go on with your day as usual. 

In most aspects, living in an independent seniors’ community is the same as living in your home. But the main benefit is that you also have access to a range of amenities that would otherwise be difficult or expensive to access if you were to pay for them separately.  Amenities like fitness centers, art studios, garden paths, libraries, social events, and dining options are all right in the community, available just steps away from your door. These communities are designed for seniors who want to continue living life on their own terms, with a little less hassle.

This type of living community is designed to support older adults who can live independently but may benefit from some services or a more social environment.

Clearing up common misconceptions about senior living

Will I lose my independence in a retirement community?

Most people have initial reservations about making the move to a seniors’ community, fearing they are giving up their freedom and control over their lives. But many are surprised to find the opposite occurs: residents living in an independent senior living community find they have more freedom, not less. Your time is yours to spend as you see fit: sleep in until noon, pursue your hobbies, go out with friends, entertain, or just take it easy. Your suite is your home – and you can enjoy it on your terms. And all those community activities? They're there if you want them, but nobody's going to knock on your door if you'd rather stay home and catch up on the latest binge-worthy TV series, or snuggle with your pet. 

Is a retirement community the same as a nursing home?

Many people are unfamiliar with the variety of older adult communities, offering a wide range of living options to choose from, depending on your health and wellness needs. 

Typically, in Canada what some describe as a nursing home is more akin to long-term care, where residents require 24-hour care and need support with basic skills such as bathing, eating, and other necessaries of life. Assisted living is designed for those who need minimal support, such as medication management. But independent living is for residents who are just that: independent, but would like to have services and amenities conveniently located within the building. 

Will I be bored or isolated in a retirement residence?

In actual fact, most people find the opposite is true. Independent senior living communities usually have something going on every day - book clubs, art classes, happy hour, games, and day trips to interesting places.  And you can choose to join in or opt out, depending what you’re feeling on any given day. While some residents participate in daily programming, others enjoy doing their own thing – and both options are your choice to make. 

Are senior living communities only for the frail?

Modern independent living communities are designed to welcome older adults and provide an accessible community where they can thrive. Residents join the community from diverse backgrounds – they are vibrant, interesting, active older adults, with a variety of interests. Programming is tailored to give residents a variety of options, from art classes to live music, and daily fitness, there is something for everyone. What you do is up to you!    

Are senior living communities expensive?

While the monthly fees might seem significant at first glance, independent living can be surprisingly cost-effective. The bundled services often cost less than maintaining a single-family home when you factor in property taxes, utilities, maintenance, landscaping, and the individual cost of amenities like fitness memberships or dining out. Many residents find this financial predictability helpful for retirement planning.

The real retirement community benefits

Independent living communities offer practical advantages that extend far beyond convenience. 

• Maintenance-free living means you can spend your time on activities you love rather than working through a to-do list.
• Built-in social opportunities help you form new friendships naturally, which becomes increasingly important as social circles sometimes shrink during retirement.
• Independent living communities typically provide enriching programs that you might not pursue on your own. They can include educational lectures, creative workshops, or learning a new skill. 
• Safety features like emergency response systems and secure buildings offer peace of mind without being intrusive. 
• Perhaps most importantly, many communities allow you to "age in place" by offering additional support services as your needs change over time, eliminating the stress of future moves.

Who benefits from independent living?

Independent living appeals to older adults with varying lifestyles and needs. Some residents are highly social and participate in multiple activities each week. Others prefer quieter lifestyles but appreciate having options available, just in case. 

Many residents are attracted by the opportunity to downsize from larger homes while maintaining their independence. Others are drawn by the chance to try new activities, meet new people, or pursue interests they never had time for during their working years. 

The common thread is a desire for community connection without sacrificing personal freedom.

Choosing the right independent living community

If you’re like most of our residents, location tops the priority list. You may want to stay connected to family, friends, and familiar neighbourhoods. 

Then, consider the amenities that matter most to you. Are you looking for fitness centres and libraries, or craft rooms and gardens? 

Take the time to review the financial structure carefully, understanding what's included in monthly fees and if there are additional services that you requre.

Visiting multiple communities and spending time in common areas will help you  to get a feel for the atmosphere and resident interactions. Stop by for a meal, take part in programming, or get to know a few of the residents and see if the community is right for you. Exploring independent living in Calgary can give you a firsthand look at what modern communities offer.

Your independence, only better

While it’s common to have reservations about making a significant change in your lifestyle, the modern independent seniors’ community is vastly different from the facilities you may have experienced in the past. 

Today, senior independent living is designed to maximize your choices, not limit them. The right community provides the framework for you to live life on your terms while removing the barriers that can make independent living in a traditional home challenging.

Speak to one of our Active Living Advisors and book a tour of a community near you. You might discover that independent living offers exactly the lifestyle you've been hoping to create for your retirement years.