Life offers many possibilities to make the most of our situations. As we grow older, however, becoming lonely or socially isolated can interfere with our best intentions.
Research has discovered the negative impact that either of these conditions can have on an individual’s health, including an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, anxiety and cognitive decline.
It’s not only a few who are impacted. One report discovered that nearly one in four of U.S. adults aged 65 and older were socially isolated. Its influence could increase a person’s health risk to rival those of smoking, obesity and physical inactivity.
Senior living communities are popular with retirees and older adults because of the many opportunities offered to meet and make new friends and participate in educational, stimulating and fun activities.
If you or a loved one is finding life to be lonely or isolating, read on to consider the possibilities that could be waiting at a senior living community.
Tenfold Senior Living resident Vicki Jung was once where you might be today. But after she discovered senior living, she began finding friendships and creating a full life once again.
A Resident’s Point of View from Prairie City Landing
After her husband died, Vicki knew her life would never be the same. But while continuing to live in the beautiful home they had shared together, the long evenings in winter contributed to feelings of sadness and depression.
“I felt like my brain was starting to slow down,” Vicki said. “Even my children noticed that I was becoming more isolated. I knew it was time for me to do something. I loved my home and my neighbors, but I needed more in my life.”
Choosing Tenfold Senior Living’s Prairie City Landing senior living community, Vicki was quickly relieved to discover how easy it was going to be to feel right at home. As soon as she arrived, she met people who made her feel welcome. “I knew then that I could do this. I was already connecting and could make a new life for myself here.”
Download our free guide, Family Decision Toolkit: Your A–Z Guide To Choosing The Right Senior Living Community.
Taking the Memories with You
A common hesitancy for Vicki and other residents is leaving the family home that holds so many memories. “But then I reminded myself that I held those memories, not the house,” Vicki said, “and I could take them with me.”
Vicki saw the opportunity to share this wisdom with her daughter, who also worried that letting go of the family home would mean losing her own memories. “I told her, you won’t lose them because they are really kept in your heart – where they belong,” Vicki said.
Making New Memories at a Tenfold Senior Living community
There were other features beyond the friendliness and warm welcome Vicki received. “Everyone seemed so happy here. They were all so generous with their time and it encouraged me to join in and get involved,” said Vicki.
Vicky quickly discovered one of her favorite activities – which is participating in the Blooms and Blossoms flower arranging group. She loves flowers and enjoys the conversations with the other women as they each create their own designs. “There’s such camaraderie, it really makes me feel as if I belong.”
Along with her socially active lifestyle, Vicki believes she has become healthier as well. “I attend exercise and balance fitness classes. Everything here is at your own pace and you are free to come and go as you like.”
“Once you’re part of a community, your confidence soars and you say to yourself “I can do this” for whatever you might decide to try. I now have a schedule and I create my itinerary every day,” Vicki said. “It gives me purpose – and that’s what life is all about.”
Vicki has only been a Prairie City Landing resident for a few months but the change has been significant. “I’m so happy because I can be around others now. I can interact with the residents in activities or have meals with them. I never have to be alone if I don’t want to be.”
Advice for Future Residents of a Tenfold Senior Living Community
Vicki’s advice to prospective residents considering Tenfold Senior Living’s Prairie City Landing? “You can’t just sit alone and feel lonely. This is your chance to make a new life for yourself. There’s still a lot of living left,” Vicki said. “I was lonely but now I step out the door and there is so much to do.” And after a full day of activities, Vicki retreats back to her home to read or write down her stories and memories that will be made into a book for her children and grandchildren.
“If you move here, you won’t regret it,” Vicki said. “It was one of the best decisions I ever made. And if I’m asked what you should do with all of those memories you already made, I say bring them with you.”
Discover Life at Tenfold’s Prairie City Landing
We created Prairie City Landing to support our residents to live their best lives possible. Our community’s design, residences, activities and amenities are all focused on helping to connect, engage and create an enriched life.
If you’re searching for senior living that is different from the rest, we hope you will consider Tenfold’s Prairie City Landing. We’re here to answer any of your questions. Contact us to speak to an advisor, or schedule your tour of Prairie City Landing today to experience senior living and our community for yourself.
Are you considering a move to a senior living community for yourself or a loved one? Download our free guide, Family Decision Toolkit: Your A–Z Guide To Choosing The Right Senior Living Community.
