Beginning to explore your independent living options? This is an exciting new chapter and a chance to build your next phase of life completely on your own terms. In an independent living community, you’ll be surrounded by neighbors to share meals with, activities to join, and friendships to discover, all while keeping your schedule entirely your own.
As you begin your research, you’ll realize this is a pivot towards more freedom, not less. Not just that, but you’ll also discover more spontaneity, more connection, and more meaningful moments to share with those you love.
In this article, we'll explore what independent living looks like day-to-day, and the many ways it can support a more energizing, fulfilling next chapter.
Independent living communities are residential communities built for older adults who want to simplify life without giving up their freedom. Although every community is designed a little differently, many offer a variety of residence types to give you as much flexibility as possible; Private apartments and cottages are two common options you might find.
Independent living communities lighten your daily load and enrich your routine at the same time. Housekeeping and maintenance are typically handled for you, while amenities such as dining programs, fitness centers, and a full calendar of social activities and events give you even more ways to stay engaged.
Unlike other types of senior living, independent living focuses on how you want to live, not what care you need. It serves adults who want to stay active and self-sufficient, with plenty of opportunities for connection along the way.
There’s usually not just one moment that makes this an obvious decision. Instead, it’s the small, gradual realizations that a change may be necessary.
Here are a few common signs it may be time to start exploring independent living:
You're spending more time and money than you'd like on house repairs, lawn care, or snow removal.
It’s also important to consider the health benefits to making this move sooner rather than later. Research from the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) and NORC at the University of Chicago, which studied outcomes across senior housing settings, found that senior living community residents tend to experience greater longevity than peers in isolated settings, along with reductions in health care usage and costs during the years following move-in.
Independent living communities are designed with fewer of the everyday hazards found in a standalone home, such as stairs to navigate or yard work to tackle, so there's naturally less risk of accidents along the way. With regular access to fitness programs, social events, and community dining, residents tend to lead a more active, engaged day-to-day life, which is linked to better health outcomes over time.
One of the biggest perks of independent living is joining a community that shares your interests and stage of life. Instead of seeking out new friends on your own, connection is all around you in the form of social events, outings, happy hours, and seasonal gatherings, all available for you rather than planned by you.
Your social life isn't limited to the community, either. Family and guests are always welcome to visit, whether you're hosting a birthday dinner in your own apartment or gathering a crowd in the community's shared spaces for something bigger.
The impact of shared experiences and social connections is well documented. A National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) and NORC at the University of Chicago of older adults found that moving into senior living significantly improves residents' social well-being, with 61 percent reporting reduced loneliness and 85 percent saying they made new friends after the move. In fact, more than two-thirds of survey respondents said they felt lonely a majority of the time before moving into a community, a number that dropped to fewer than half after they moved in.
Curious what a typical week might look like? Explore our Daily Programs & Events.
Your apartment is designed to be safe, comfortable, and peaceful, with thoughtful touches such as wheelchair accessibility, a walk-in shower with grab bars, a 24-hour emergency call system, individual thermostat control, and cable television. Yes, pets are welcome, too.
Beyond your own residence, the community offers inviting spaces to connect or unwind. Indoors, you'll find charming common areas along with a living room and library for quieter moments. Outdoors, enjoy patios, landscaped courtyards, and walking paths whenever you want some fresh air.
In an independent living setting, your days of mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, cleaning gutters, and bracing for surprise repair bills are over. Housekeeping and maintenance are handled for you so you have more time in your day for the things that matter, including hobbies, travel, time with family, or simply relaxing — without a to-do list hanging over you.
With more time freed up, independent living gives you the chance to stay engaged and curious. Opt in or out of daily activities as they interest you, from arts and history to gardening, games, and outdoor excursions. There's no obligation to participate in everything. A calendar of events is there to support whatever pace and mix of activities feels right for you.
Staying active is easier when it's built into your everyday life. Independent living communities offer wellness classes and activities designed to boost your energy, health, and overall well-being, including fitness classes, yoga, strength training, and walking groups so staying in shape feels like a natural part of your routine.
Independent living is designed for freedom and flexibility today, but it's also reassuring to know that support is available if your needs change. On-site team members offer added reassurance, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy commonly offered as additional on-site services as needed. Because many communities offer a continuum of care, you can access more support down the road without having to relocate.
Not sure if now is the right time to explore your options? Take our assessment to learn what’s best for you. It takes just a few minutes to complete and gives you personalized results.
At Cedarhurst, independent living is offered in two settings:
Learn more about Cedarhurst communities offering independent living near you:
As you begin exploring, you'll likely have questions along the way: some general, some specific to communities near you. Scheduling a tour is the easiest way to get answers and see what everyday life could look like for you.
Ready to see it for yourself? Find a community or schedule a tour to explore independent living near you.