Independent Living communities, also known as retirement communities, are apartment style housing for seniors who need limited assistance and want maintenance-free living. These communities offer a broad range of amenities, social activities and enrichment experiences to promote an active, healthy lifestyle.

Services can differ between Independent Living communities. Some communities offer limited care services for the residents, and others allow residents to hire private care services if needed. Many communities have a shared dining room where residents gather for meals and socialization.

Many seniors consider Independent Living communities when they have the mental and physical capacity to live without care but desire social activities and enrichment. This often follows a decline in socialization as a result of friends moving or passing away leaving your loved one(s) feeling isolated and depressed.

Lack of socialization has been linked to elderly depression. These feelings lead seniors to be less active in the community, and you may notice them driving less than they used to, becoming more sedentary and not visiting friends and family as much. Sometimes this situation leads to missed doctor appointments which can lead to additional health problems.