Ah, spring. It’s almost here, which means we’re at the tail end of another winter in the northeast. Maintaining a home is a lot of work, and that’s never more evident than when you’re staring down spring cleaning and yard cleanup after already having endured a long winter of shoveling, salting, sanding, and snow blowing. In fact, spring is when seniors are most likely to consider downsizing and moving to a retirement community.
Downsizing not only saves you the hassle and expense of home repairs, maintenance, and chores, it offers you more time – and more opportunities – to enjoy life.
Benefits of Downsizing to Senior Living
Here are just a few of the many reasons residents in our senior living communities made the choice to downsize, and never looked back.
Home Maintenance & Security
Retirement means having more free time to do all the things we didn’t have time to do when we were working, but if that time just gets taken up by chores, home repairs, yardwork, and making our homes more secure and accessible, we’re not really any further ahead.
The benefit of senior living communities is that they offer maintenance-free living and are designed with accessibility and security in mind.
“I don’t miss mowing the lawn or shoveling snow,” says Bob, a resident at Glen Eddy senior living community in Niskayuna NY. “It sounds funny, but I thought I would. Now realize I have more time to do my hobbies – plus, my back doesn’t hurt as much!”
“We love the 24-hour security, and the fact that there’s plenty of parking, and our cars are cleaned off promptly when it snows,” add Leo and Diane, residents at Eddy Hawthorne Ridge senior living community in East Greenbush NY.
“24-hour security means I can go to bed at night and not worry about anything, and know that my family doesn’t have to worry about me either,” says Marigrace, a resident at The Glen at Hiland Meadows senior living community in Queensbury NY.
Activities & Transportation
Staying active and continuing to learn and grow are an integral part of aging well, but it can be difficult to find these opportunities, or the transportation to get there, as we age.
When you downsize to one of our senior living communities, you’ll have access to a monthly calendar of events, day trips, fitness classes, and even a swimming pool in some of the communities.
“I’ve done as many as six different classes in a week,” admits Lynne, referring to the fitness classes at Beverwyck senior living community in Slingerlands NY. “I’ve tried Tai Chi, water aerobics and more – the variety is huge.”
“I go to the Symphony, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, The Wood Theatre in Glens Falls, all of the things I couldn’t do while I was living alone,” explains Marigrace, a resident at The Glen at Hiland Meadows senior living community in Queensbury NY.
“Having given up driving at night, I’m thrilled that I haven’t had to give up attending the events and activities that I love,” says Helen, another resident at The Glen in Queensbury.
Chef-Prepared Meals
As we get older, our nutritional needs change, and it becomes harder to find the energy or interest to shop for and prepare meals after many years of maintaining a healthy diet.
All of our senior apartments feature full kitchens for those who enjoy cooking, but we also offer chef-prepared meals in elegant dining rooms and casual cafes with a variety of menu choices selected by geriatric nutritionists.
“I’m thrilled with the fact that I don’t have to cook,” says Marigrace, a resident at The Glen in Queensbury NY. “One of the best things about dining services is that you have such a wide variety of menu choices, and the special Chef’s Table events are my favorite.”
“I love that I no longer have to cook if I don’t want to,” says Herbert, a resident at Beechwood senior living community in Troy NY. “The food is always great.”
“We have a first-rate chef and staff,” add Barbara and Frank, residents at Eddy Hawthorne Ridge senior living community in East Greenbush NY. “The meals are very good, as is the selection.”
Friendship & Socializing
Close friends and relationships can have the same health benefits as exercising and eating right, but as we age it becomes harder to get together with friends and make new connections.
In a senior living community, you’ll quickly and easily get to know your neighbors and other residents and find it’s easy to meet others with similar interests and ideals.
“The best thing about living here is the friendships I’ve made,” says Joyce, a resident at Eddy Hawthorne Ridge senior living community in East Greenbush NY. “I’m very social, and I like that I’m able to have dinner with my friends instead of eating alone.”
“At this time in one’s life, you don’t expect to make a lot of new friends, but we’ve made many,” says Richard, a resident at Beverwyck senior living in Slingerlands NY. “When you sit down to eat together, take classes and trips with each other, and exercise together, it’s really a very special thing.”
“When my husband died, the support and compassion I received during his illness and after his death from the staff and residents is something I will never forget,” explains Laura, a resident at Glen Eddy senior living community in Niskayuna NY. “The experience reinforced to me that the Glen Eddy is a supportive community where residents care about each other in a respective manner.
Consider Downsizing this Spring
Maintenance-free living allows seniors more time to socialize and presents more opportunities to make friends. It provides access to fitness classes, educational seminars and cultural events, as well as the peace of mind that comes with 24-hour security, transportation, accessible living spaces and less stress and physical strain.
For those who may still be reluctant to make a change, spring is a reminder of how beautiful change can be. It’s the season of renewal, new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s also the perfect time to move into an independent senior living community. By relocating in the spring, you’ll be able to enjoy all that the community has to offer in the summer and fall, and get settled before winter arrives, bypassing next year’s maintenance.
To schedule a virtual or in-person visit at our senior living communities near Albany, Saratoga and Glens Falls NY, contact us online or call 518-280-8385. You may also be interested in our article on Downsizing Help for Seniors, which offers information about services and moving companies specifically designed for seniors making the transition.