senior adult couples enjoying independent living together

The Perks of Independent Living

The Perks of Independent Living in Newport News

Some people believe owning a home with a yard and private entry on a quiet neighborhood street is about as independent as independent living in Newport News,VA can get. Living in a retirement community couldn’t possibly match that. Or could it?  The answer may depend on your definition of independence. Everyone has thoughts on their daily lifestyle today, and whatever rewards and challenges it presents. But how about 5 or 10 years from now? Will what feels like independent living today, offer true personal freedom later? Let’s explore the benefits of independent living and see if the right type of retirement community might offer active adults greater independence as they grow older. The Chesapeake in Newport News, for example, offers freedom on many levels to support your personal brand of senior independent living. Residents are free to connect, participate in and lead resident council committees and groups, and to make a difference in their community. Here are some of the other freedoms residents enjoy. 

Safety is a form of independence.

With each passing year, living in a house or apartment — alone or with a spouse — typically becomes less safe, not more so. The upkeep and maintenance — indoors and out — is physically strenuous and not necessarily appropriate for all older adults. Being relatively isolated inside the home isn’t  always the safest scenario either. Would loved ones worry about you during extreme weather events, bouts of the flu, or recovery from some minor injury? They may have good reason to worry. What about being out on the roads in hazardous conditions — shopping, paying bills, running errands? That’s not what most seniors would prefer for themselves.

The independence of mobility and social opportunity.

Being stuck inside the house with infrequent visitors is no one’s idea of independent living. Retirement is a time to get up and go. But if planning a vacation getaway means calling utility companies, placing stop dates on mail delivery, arranging for lawn mowing, snow removal, pet care and other details, your level of independence isn’t exactly “lock and leave.” And if months — even years — pass with no real chance to meet and engage with new people in your life, being alone and free in your house is something you can do without.

Gaining independence through time and choice.

Freedom from never-ending chores — particularly grocery shopping, cooking and cleanup — can instantly infuse life with time for inspired play and exploration. Isn’t that what independent retirement living is all about? And because dining is also a social event, having multiple dining venues nearby immediately opens up new social horizons that lead to fun new friendships.

Staying independent by keeping active and fit.

Even people in their 40s and 50s can find it difficult to get to the pool or gym regularly. It can be more challenging for older people. And for seniors, the right yoga and fitness instruction may not be readily available at the local gym. Travel time and membership expenses have to be factored in too. But staying healthy and fit is important to aging well. True independence is living where wellness and fitness are woven into the daily culture.

The real perks of independent living?

Freedom, choice, connection and security.

Maintenance-free and independent living at a community like The Chesapeake may offer just the kind of freedom you prefer, today and tomorrow. From safety and time-saving convenience to dining options and a range of attractive services and amenities, The Chesapeake in Newport News, VA, could mean a positive change for you going forward.  Here at the community, there’s always something meaningful to do — swimming, aerobics, yoga, weight training, exercise classes, volunteering, cultural events, recreational daytrips, shopping excursions, leisure activities and more. Through on-campus guest speakers and educational offerings, residents also have more opportunities for intellectual engagement than they would in a home setting. And they enjoy social connections at every turn. It’s so much easier here to forge meaningful friendships than it would be living at home. This is true independent living with activities and events that bring residents together.

We invite you to explore all the living options we offer, and to learn about the advantages of being on The Chesapeake wait list. For more information, please contact us through our website or by calling (757)913-0564.