Are Americans living longer? According to ABC News, the answer is yes. “The number of Americans age 65 or older increased tenfold in the last century and the elderly are living longer, in more comfort and in better health than ever before,” ABC News reports. Director of geriatric psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY, Dr. Gary Kennedy, adds, “People are living a longer active lifespan. Seniors are healthier, more active, and economically better off than they ever have been.”

Longer life expectancy — and greater levels of independence — create a greater demand for quality senior living homes. Why are more Americans choosing independent senior living housing?

Independent Living Homes Grant Seniors Greater Freedoms

Independent living for seniors promises the elderly a certain amount of freedom, with the additional convenience of amenities and services available. For example, seniors often have the option to cook their own meals — using furniture and appliances in their apartments — or purchasing prepared meals. Similarly, residents have the freedom to come and go; however, independent senior living communities typically offer laundry and housing cleaning services, transportation, groundskeeping, 24 hour emergency care, and group activities and recreational programs.

Choosing the Best Senior Living Housing

The spike in senior housing also means that families may be overwhelmed by options. Take the following into account when finding a local independent senior living home:

• What amenities are most important to you? Prioritizing amenities and services makes the decision process much easier. If, for example, you still plan and prepare all of your meals, you do not have to look for a community that offers meal plans or prepared meals.
• Stick to old habits. Transitioning to a senior living home — even if it’s a largely independent community — can be difficult. Make change easier by finding homes that will allow you to keep up hobbies that are important to you. There are plenty of communities that encourage activities like gardening and cooking.

Americans are living longer, healthier lives. Make life easier — with laundry, cleaning, and transportation services — without giving up essential freedoms by choosing the best senior living homes or independent senior living communities. Links like this: www.summitbrighton.org