Amenities can make or break the senior living experience

By Debra Clark

Life carries several important qualities, including comfort and relaxation. As we age, we don’t have to worry about traveling outside of our comfort bubble to have a good time. This is especially true for seniors living in senior living communities who may not want to leave the gates of their community.

Think of senior living as an all-inclusive resort. When choosing where to spend the rest of your life, regardless of what level of care you may require, you want to know that you will have access to enjoyable resources while living there.

Throughout your journey of exploring senior living options, the available amenities at each community you visit should be near the top of your list of considerations.

Amenities can make or break the senior living experience: they create a pleasant atmosphere, which is essential for residents who spend the majority of their time within the grounds of their senior living community.

Life plan communities, such as Gulf Coast Village in Cape Coral, offer a wide variety of amenities to suit the needs of residents from all walks of life. When it comes to amenities, variety is crucial. Are there opportunities for education or exercise? What about socialization? And if you need to send a package, do you have to leave the premises to do so?

Not only are amenities convenient, but they also contribute to an improved quality of life. Having everything you need on-site makes the transition to senior living easier and less stressful and can enhance your everyday experience in the community.

If you are contemplating making the move to senior living, create a list of your priorities. Do you enjoy participating in hobbies? See if your prospective community has an art gallery, movie theater, library, billiards, woodworking shop or art studio.

If you enjoy staying active, check to see if your list of communities offers heated pools – indoor or outdoor –, as well as walking trails, fitness centers and spaces to decompress, like a spa.

Do you have a furry friend joining you in senior living? See if pets are allowed, and make sure that there is a designated space for them to play in the community, either with you or with other pets.

For social butterflies, card or game rooms, dining rooms, community centers or auditoriums, and happy hours may be important aspects of your senior living experience.

While fun is important, it’s also crucial to learn if communities have necessary resources for you, like postal services, private storage or an on-site convenience store.

Amenities encourage socialization, which is key for seniors. Socialization is regarded as one of the top contributors to longevity, or living a longer, more fulfilling life. Engaging with others is a great way to improve your mood and mental health, and in turn, reap the physical benefits.

Additionally, amenities like fitness centers and swimming pools promote wellness, which is crucial for seniors as they age. With these resources available in the comfort of their communities, seniors can choose to participate in a daily swim or in a light workout routine whenever they please, or they can join a group of neighbors for a scheduled fitness class. With on-site amenities, the choice is theirs.

Amenities help to eliminate the potential risks that come with moving into a new environment, such as depression, loneliness and trouble adjusting to a new lifestyle. Having a community of like-minded individuals, who also are sharing a similar experience, can help ease seniors into their new way of living. And having common areas and amenities to share experiences in can make it all that much richer.

About the Author

Debra Clark is the independent living administrator at Gulf Coast Village.