What Are the Pros and Cons of Senior Living?

It’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of any significant life decision. When deciding to move to a senior living community, weighing the pros and cons can help you make an informed, confident decision that’s best for you or your family.

At Village Green Senior Living, we want to ensure you and your family understand all the benefits of senior living so you can make the most of this exciting new chapter. However, we also believe transparency is important, so we’re sharing information to help you determine the best fit for your lifestyle and needs. 

So, what are the pros and cons of senior living? Here are a few of each to help you make an informed decision about the future!

Pro #1: A Strong Community

Many older adults choose to age in place in their current home, which seems like a natural choice; it’s a place they’re familiar with and comfortable. However, living alone can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially for those who live at a distance from friends and family. 

Fortunately, senior living communities can alleviate feelings of loneliness by providing a warm, welcoming environment full of supportive and friendly faces. Senior living communities also offer plenty of opportunities to socialize with neighbors and fellow residents through regularly scheduled events, activity groups, and apartment-style living, creating a sense of closeness and fellowship. 

Pro #2: Enriching Activities

When people reach retirement, they look forward to their free time to explore new interests or reconnect with old ones. However, it’s common for retirees to be a bit unsure of how to find these new opportunities. 

This is where senior living can help! Senior living communities offer the services and programs residents need to lead more purposeful lives. Whether mental, physical, or social wellness, senior living provides enrichment and engagement at every turn.

Pro #3: Wellness-Enhancing Opportunities

One of the best aspects of senior living is the opportunity to prioritize wellness. From fitness classes to on-site amenities like walking trails, residents can find new ways to stay active – body, mind, and spirit.

Con #1: The Fear of Cost

Many fear that senior living is outside of their finances. However, just like buying a house, when it comes to senior living, you need to establish your budget and find a community that meets your needs and price point.

In many cases, the monthly cost of community living may be more cost-effective than living in a private residence, especially when you consider what the cost of senior living typically includes:

• Housing accommodations
• Varying utilities 
• Maintenance-free living, i.e., repairs, upkeep, etc.
• Dining amenities
• Varying levels of care and support
• On-site amenities and conveniences
• Events, classes, activities, and entertainment 
• Scheduled transportation

While living in a private residence may seem like the “wiser” choice, when you add up all the costs associated with it, such as mortgage/rent (if applicable), taxes (if applicable), utilities, upkeep and repairs, groceries, entertainment, and more, you may find that senior living offers you or someone you love more bang for your buck! 

Con #2: Downsizing

The process of downsizing your belongings and furniture before a move can be stressful and emotional. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed while looking around at all the work this process might take, especially when preparing for a new significant life change like moving to senior living. 

However, you can easily get through this process by changing your mindset and enlisting the help of family and friends! By gathering a group of supportive loved ones to help you go through heirlooms and furniture, you can spend time reminiscing on memories and look forward to the future. 

At Village Green, we believe that the pros of senior living outweigh the cons. For adults searching for an opportunity to enhance their lifestyle and wellness, our communities are here to help you grow, thrive, and live better!

We invite you to contact our team to learn more about our Village Green Senior Living communities in Federal Way and West Seattle, Washington.