Senior Living - A Better Way of Life

By Donna McDowell

More than a century ago, Oscar Wilde observed, “In America, the young are always ready to give those who are older than themselves the full benefit of their inexperience.”

It’s human nature, and we’ve seen it all our lives – although, for part of that time, we were the youngsters sharing the bounty of our inexperience. Now that many of us are senior citizens, wooed mostly by politicians and pharmaceutical companies, the process of thinking about where we will be living in our years to come reveals a new vein of inexperience. 

Of course, when Americans are asked to define the age at which “old” begins, the answer shifts. Those between 18 and 24 often answer 55 or 58, while those who are aged 65 or over answer 75.

Perhaps that shift in relativity is positive evidence that today’s “seniors” are enjoying the rejuvenating effects of Viagra, HRT, and the rest of the drug cornucopia pitched at us seemingly on every television commercial. And if the more than 30 million Americans aged 65 and over who live alone may not all be, as the AARP optimistically calls them, “retired persons,” many are deciding to move into communities that have traditionally been called, for want of a better term, “retirement homes.”

Seniors who live in their own homes are often faced with maintaining a house, a yard, and garden at a time in life when they might have planned on retiring, traveling, or just taking life easier. Fortunately, housing developers have responded to this need with no-maintenance apartment communities that include interiors outfitted with extras such as easy-entry tubs and showers and extra handrails.

Complete yard and garden care is being included in the planning of many senior-friendly communities. Low maintenance housing, augmented by cleaning, laundry, and even visiting nurse assistance, often is sufficient to meet the needs of a widowed senior or a couple not comfortable without the sense of safety of 24-hour security. A recent interview with a group of seniors in the area revealed that security was the overriding reason for choosing to live in a seniors’ only community.

At many of these types of facilities, residents have the benefits of independent living in their own dwellings, with welcomed options like maid service, bus service to stores, beauty /barber salons, and pot luck dinners. A friendly, highly-competent staff, interesting and congenial residents, lots of stimulating activities, and 24-hour emergency assistance are often available, making this housing option facility an excellent solution for senior couples and singles alike.

For anyone considering a change in lifestyle that involves moving from their home to one of the numerous senior housing options throughout North Carolina, I suggest visiting several places within your price range. 

Ask yourself (and your spouse, if applicable) the difficult but necessary questions: Is it important to be in an area where you can visit present friends and family? In what ways can you simplify your life and get to do the things that matter most to you? Take your time. The answers are crucial to making the best of your senior years.

Donna McDowell is the community director for The Crossings at Heritage, a senior-living apartment community in Heritage Wake Forest. She may be reached at 453-1212. For more information, visit www.firstcentrumcommunities.com.