If you’re approaching retirement and have always dreamed of aging independently in your home, you’re in good company. After all, the thought of uprooting your entire life and moving into a new environment at this late stage is incredibly daunting. Saying goodbye to neighbors, disrupting your routines, putting everything into boxes… why go through all of that? You’ve spent years building a life you love and forming memories in the house you’re in; could anything be worth leaving that behind?

If you’re curious about the benefits of retirement living and want to compare them with the benefits of staying at home, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn about the power of community life, and see why the choice to remain in your home could cost you your health.

For seniors who are fortunate enough to have healthy spouses and close-knit families, the mental and social stimulation they receive from regular visits can keep them healthy and happy as they age. Unfortunately, for a substantial portion of seniors, the absence of companionship and social interaction becomes a harsh reality that threatens well-being. According to multiple studies, it can even significantly increase their chances of developing early-onset dementia.

Research has shown that seniors who live within a supportive community during retirement experience cognitive decline at slower rates than those who choose to age independently at home. Not convinced? Here are five reasons why retirement communities can boost well-being and prolong the health and happiness of seniors.

1. Social Engagement 

Human connection is the cornerstone of well-being, especially for older adults. According to the National Institute on Aging, one in four seniors in the U.S. experience social isolation, which can be detrimental to cognitive and physical health. In a community setting, though, there are far more opportunities for human connection and social stimulation than there are at home in a regular neighborhood. Studies have shown that regular engagement with others can improve senior cognition over time.

Think of it this way. The brain is like any other muscle and thrives on regular exercise; engaging in conversations, participating in group activities, and sharing experiences all contribute to the mental stimulation seniors need to stay sharp and resilient. Plus, constant interaction with peers can also foster a sense of belonging and purpose among seniors, leading to higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction over time.

Research shows that seniors who live in active retirement communities often report a higher quality of life and mental well-being, thanks to the companionship opportunities available to them.

2. Freedom to Choose

Some seniors fear that community living means they will be forced to engage in activities and conversations that don’t interest them – but this is not the case! Yes, there are daily events and opportunities for socialization, but seniors maintain their independence by having the freedom to choose what to engage in. Yoga in the morning, pickleball in the afternoon, or a lazy Saturday–you name it. If you prefer to be alone all day, you absolutely can be. The options for engagement are endless, and having to frequently decide what to engage in can keep seniors mentally flexible and resilient.

Seniors who live alone on the other hand, do not reap these benefits. Their days revolve around the schedules of others, and they often rely heavily on visits from family and friends for “pick-me-ups” that may be few and far between. Not to mention, if their mobility is limited, errands and local outings become even more of a challenge with aging. They may be hesitant to ask for favors from others if they feel like they are being a burden.

Seniors who enjoy retirement living benefits have the option to use the transportation services provided by their community, and they can even do their shopping alongside other residents for companionship. This level of agency is not only empowering, but it can also be consoling for those who wouldn’t have as many options if they were to live at home.

3. Communal Health

Let’s face it, reaching health goals without proper accountability is hard for anyone. But for older adults who have lost a spouse that did most of the cooking, it can be especially difficult to maintain proper nutrition and exercise routines as they age. In retirement communities, you can say goodbye to feeling alone on your health and fitness journey. Most offer residents three delicious meals per day, and in communities like The Manor on Bankers Hill, meals can even be tailored to your unique preferences and dietary needs. You’ll never have to cook again!

From group fitness classes to nutritious communal dining, seniors are encouraged and able to stay active and maintain healthy lifestyles together. Many appreciate how the synergy of a supportive environment promotes positive habits like daily exercise, balanced diets, and ongoing wellness practices. These lifestyle factors are not only beneficial for physical health but also play a pivotal role in preserving cognitive function.

Research shows that seniors who remain active throughout retirement experience improvements in mood, energy, and attention span. At St. Paul’s Plaza, senior fitness and wellness expert Janet Blair encourages seniors to exercise together and uses music as a motivator. Still not convinced that group exercise can be fun? Watch this video and see how enjoyable a senior fitness class with Janet can be.

4. Less Responsibilities

In active retirement communities, you no longer have to worry about things like cooking, cleaning, taking out the trash, or maintaining a home. Can you imagine the peace of mind that a lifestyle like this could bring? Waking up to a meal prepared by a chef, coming home to a clean apartment after running errands on a Sunday, never changing a lightbulb again– these are just a handful of the many perks of senior living.

Most apartment packages include housekeeping and maintenance services for you to choose from. With all of the old household tasks taken care of for you, you’ll have so much more time to enjoy life at whatever pace you prefer.

What will you do with all of your free time? Here’s a list of creative ideas for a more fulfilling retirement.

5. Peace of Mind

Even if you’re confident living in your home and feel adequately supported in your retirement, there is still one more advantage to community living for you to consider. Not all retirement communities offer this, but some like St. Paul’s Plaza have compassionate, trained caregivers onsite who are ready and available to provide light personal assistance as needed.

You may not need this assistance now–but someday you might—and just knowing that support is nearby can alleviate current and future stress. For many seniors and their families, the peace of mind this provides is priceless. It can even lead to improvements in mental health for everyone involved.

At St. Paul’s Senior Services, we value the comfort, health, and happiness of our seniors above all else. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of senior living, contact our admissions team today at admissions@stpaulseniors.org and schedule a tour to view any of three beautiful senior communities in San Diego.

Why spend your retirement feeling isolated and bored, when you can stay engaged and healthy in a stress-free community? Discover the joy and freedom of active retirement living today.

About the Author: Nicole Antonacci

Nicole Antonacci is the Communications Specialist for St. Paul’s Senior Services. As a writer and photographer, she is passionate about amplifying senior voices and sharing their stories with the community. Through her writing, she aims to inspire seniors and their families to actively prioritize wellness.