You've lived your whole adult life making your own decisions and doing whatever you need to do to take care of your family and keep yourself happy in your own space. Now, as your Golden Years are upon you, it may seem like your independence is slowly slipping away. People may be encouraging you to look at senior living communities and talk to you about the future, and each conversation could be a bit scary.

Don't worry! This is completely normal, and you don't have to be afraid. While you may feel like you're giving up things, such as a home you've owned for many years, this next chapter is a step towards a new form of independence that comes complete with freedom, fun and new friends!

What Exactly Do Senior Living Communities Do?

You may think you'll be handing your freedom over when you choose a senior living community, but this simply isn't true. You'll have plenty of options available to help you learn, grow and do the things you enjoy as a resident.

There are several options for senior living communities, and each one operates a little differently. The ultimate goal is to provide residents with as much freedom and independence as possible, offering support where needed. Support may come in the way of helping with cooking and cleaning, planning community events or administering medications.

The goal is for people to enjoy their own independence without help, unless it's needed. However, when you're proactive about finding the community of your choice, help will be available because you've chosen a community that fits your lifestyle and future needs.

You Don't Want to be Lonely

Loneliness is a major fear of aging seniors, and it can cause significant impacts on mental and physical health. While it may seem ideal to stay in your home because that's your familiar place, you may find yourself lonely if your friends and family members are far away or become too busy to visit you as frequently as you'd like.

In your Golden Years, you may have different interests than you did 30 years ago. You may want to explore different opportunities and learn new skills. A senior living community will provide you with tools to do these things while making new friends.

If you stay in your house, you may be missing out on opportunities to meet people who share your same mindset, goals and objectives.

You've Always Wanted to...

In your younger years, you may have had a thousand things you wanted to learn how to do. Perhaps you wanted to take yoga or learn to play pool. Maybe you wanted to embark on trivia nights, but you couldn't because you had kids. This is your time! Whatever you wanted to do in years past, this is the time to do it! The right senior living community will facilitate growth and fun so you can take advantage of all the things you've always wanted to do.

Maybe you've always wanted to:

• Be a movie critic
• Participate in video game bowling
• Have an incredible massage
• Play Bingo without checking with a sitter
• Put together a giant puzzle
• Try out new restaurants

When you find the right community, the fun will come to you.

You Don't Want to Share a Space

Naturally, you want a space you can call your own. There are senior living communities that provide studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments. You'll have your own privacy when you need it, and plenty of community activities when you need a little friendship.

Are you concerned about losing your independence when you move into a senior living community? Our 10 Wilmington Place team is here to answer your questions and put you at ease. Schedule a visit so you can see what a great community can truly mean for your independence in your Golden Years!