Senior Living News & Articles

Many adults believe that as long as they’re healthy, active, and mobile, they can—and should—continue to live in their own homes. Many are under the impression that senior living options, including independent living, are for those who are no longer independent, who need assistance, and who are older than themselves. They think that moving into a senior living community means they will surrender their dignity and independence.

In 2016, Russ and Millie Woda moved into Franklin Park Sonterra's Independent Living Community in San Antonio, Texas. They never imagined that four years later they would be living safely with their neighbors in the middle of a global health pandemic. But they are and they are thriving.

Now more than ever, Americans are delaying—or working into—retirement. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, adults past the traditional retirement age of 60-70 will soon be the fastest-growing segment of the workforce. Whether these adults choose to continue their long-time career or start over with something new after retirement, it’s clear that people are continuing to work later in life.

The goal of retirement is to step away from actively working while maintaining your lifestyle. To be able to use your time to enjoy hobbies, visit with friends and family, or simply to relax. However, if you are a homeowner, you may find that you are spending more of your time mowing the lawn, fixing the sink, or trying to uphold the value of your house.

Senior living communities have a wide array of options available to residents that are looking to move-in. Independent living communities are one of the most popular options for seniors that are looking to make the transition. With so many options available to choose from, it can be confusing to decide which experience is best for your lifestyle. 

When older adults start to consider their senior living options, they tend to focus on assisted living communities or retirement homes. However, there is another option – independent living communities. Independent living is ideal for seniors who can still live independently but enjoy having access to assistance when needed. 

It is essential to keep in mind that all exercise is beneficial to your overall health. If you or someone close to you have mobility limitations it can make regular exercise routines challenging and discouraging. It is important to push through the negative feelings to reach the main goal of being healthier. One of the best ways to push past negative connotations with exercising, even if you are in a wheelchair, is to do it with a close friend or relative for support. If either you or your friend are not confined to a wheelchair, a regular chair can be sued to exercise together. Here at Franklin Park we offer workout activities, so be sure to check with our Activities Directors for independent senior living to see if there are any programs already available. If you would like more privacy then you and a friend can follow this guide for exercising with mobility restrictions. No matter what your physical limitations or situation is, just grab a pal and get moving! 

Creating memories and spending time with loved ones is always a sentimental part of the winter months. Whether it is baking cookies with your grandmother or cooking dinner with mother, there is still a warm dish to be made with family. Preparing meals together not only creates bonds but also can be a relaxing activity. Following a recipe is a great way to clear one’s mind from all the distractions of a busy schedule, to converse and stay at ease by focusing on one simple task. There are so many recipes available that it can be tedious to search for the perfect one. We wanted to find recipes that were somewhat healthy, unique and easy to make with your loved ones. We have provided a sophisticated supper, a lovely lunch, an easy-bake breakfast and a tempting dessert. Next time you attempt one of these recipes with your loved one you are bound to create not only a delicious meal but also create memories to cherish.

As you get older, you may find that you need extra support with everyday activities or you may no longer want to deal with home maintenance and upkeep. While you do not need nursing or medical care, you could use help with transportation, laundry, meal preparation, and other essentials of living. Alternatively, perhaps you could use more companionship or would like to make new friends. Independent living communities, like Franklin Park Senior Living, can provide a new living environment that fulfills these needs. When the time comes that new care is needed, Franklin Park Senior Living also offers assisted living and memory care services.

While you may find the idea of an independent living community attractive, how do you pay for it? Let us discuss several ways to pay for independent living that you might not have previously considered.

It is a common misconception that the time to move into senior living is the time when you have no other choice. The thought is that being a healthy and active retired adult means you have to wait to take advantage of all the benefits of communal living. However, these adults soon realized that they could enjoy all the benefits of a senior living community, even before needing any assistive help. So then, why should an active adult consider the idea of independent living?