When you or a loved one approach retirement and begin looking into senior living communities, you have a lot of things to consider. What care options are offered, and will they be able to meet your needs? What is the social life like, and are there numerous activities and events to keep residents engaged? What dining options are there? How much does the community cost? As you’re checking off all the boxes, here’s one more item to consider that’s incredibly important but often gets overlooked: location.
“Where a senior living community is located can give you an insight into the lifestyle the residents lead and all the opportunities that are available to them,” saysJudy Givenat Park Manor, Nashville’s premier retirement community offering Independent Living and Assisted Living services. “For example, senior living communities located in a more secluded location may have a more nature-focused philosophy and offer a wide range of opportunities to be outside, whether through hiking, mountain climbing or other outdoor activities. They may also offer more programs and events internally by bringing in groups like high school choirs, guest lecturers and such. However, if a community is in a city-like setting, there may be more of a focus on arts, culture and other events and activities that aren’t located on-campus because there are so many opportunities outside the community’s doors.”
As you or a loved one start thinking about what you’re looking for in a senior living community, consider what type of lifestyle you want to be leading in your retirement years. Would you like the peace and tranquility of a rural setting, the hustle and bustle of the big city or something in-between?
The Benefits of Loving Where You Live
When you or a loved one retire, it’s more important than ever that home be a warm, welcoming and comfortable place. After all, you’ve reached your retirement years, and no longer will you be spending long hours at the office. This is your time to experience the life you want, and take advantage of the opportunities in front of you. Living in a great location will allow you to do that … and will also give you many benefits you may not have expected. Here are just some of the ways living in a place you love can give you a lifestyle you’ll love!
- Better mental health. Being bored, isolated and lonely leads to depression, especially for senior adults. By being in a retirement community where there are opportunities to socialize and participate, seniors will feel energized and re-engaged as they participate in the things they love to do. Plus, being around others allows us to make meaningful friendships, which helps us feel loved and like we belong.
- Better physical health. When we’re doing things we love and having meaningful conversations, our bodies produce endorphins, which make us feel happy … but also boosts our immune system, which staves off illness and makes us feel better, physically. And when we feel better physically, we tend to become more active, which leads to even better physical health. It’s a positive cycle.
- Improved mental acuity. Studies show that a big part of keeping our minds sharp as we age is by socializing and interacting with the world around us. Conversations are great for exercising the mind, which can help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
- A positive outlook.Having something to look forward to every day, whether it’s a trip to the store or just having coffee with friends, makes us feel that life is exciting, enjoyable and worth living. It creates reasons for us to stay healthy and active, and helps get us out of the bed in the morning.
Questions to Ask to Find a Location You Love
Here are some things to think about when deciding what type of location and opportunities you’d like from a senior living community:
- What’s the retail scene like? Are you or your loved one into the mall scene? Do you prefer a scenic downtown with local shops and hangouts? Or are you more into antiquing in little stores off the beaten path? If you or your loved one enjoy a good dose of retail therapy (even if it’s just an excuse to be out and about), a senior living community located near a shopping area may be right up your alley. Ask the staff at the senior living community what transportation options you or your loved one would have to get to those places – and if they’re within walking distance, even better.
- How close are medical centers? On a health-related angle, a senior living community that’s near hospitals and local medical centers can give you and your loved ones peace of mind, knowing that help is just a short distance away. If staying with your current medical providers is of utmost importance, consider a community that’s located near them or in the same city, or a community where transportation would be provided.
- How active are residents in the community? This can be anything from volunteer opportunities with local organizations, events and activities that are brought in to the senior living community or the opportunity to attend plays, concerts and other events on the regular. If having new experiences like discovering a new favorite restaurant is important, you’ll want a senior living community where these opportunities are available.
- What’s the nightlife/gardening/arts/sports like in the area? Since retirement is your time to enjoy, what do you want to be doing with your spare time? What are your passions? From continuing education at a nearby university, participating with the local Master Gardeners group cheering on a local sports team or whatever else you enjoy, check out what opportunities there are for you to pursue your passions.
- Where can friends and family stay when visiting? If you or your loved one move to a senior living community location far away, you’ll want to be sure there are places family and friends can stay when they come to visit you. Some retirement communities have rooms that family members can rent during their stays, but you’ll also want to see if there are hotels or Airbnbs nearby.
- How relaxing is the atmosphere? If you’re looking for a calmer, bucolic lifestyle, you’ll want to find a senior living community that reflects that. Is the campus located on the outskirts of town with lots of space, or is it in the center of a sleepy little town? Will there be a lot of traffic or is the community located off the beaten path?
The old adage, “location, location, location,” never fails when it comes to choosing a new home. If you’re on the search for a place where you can truly love where you live, contact our staff at Park Manor Apartments at 615.383.7303. We’re located in one of Nashville’s most desirable areas, Belle Meade, and our community has the best of both worlds: the serenity of our secluded, seven-acre campus is close to shopping, golf courses, fine dining, theaters and world-class entertainment.
Love Where You Live!
Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Do I love where I live?” If you ask that question of the residents of Park Manor, Nashville’s premier retirement community, the answer would be a resounding, “Yes!” For over 50 years, Park Manor has served Nashville’s seniors by providing a community designed to support an active, independent, secure, healthy and worry-free lifestyle. Located on seven spacious acres in the desirable Nashville neighborhood Belle Meade, we’re proud to provide a lifestyle our residents love each and every day.
Park Manor’s approach to senior living is simple: exceed our residents’ expectations. We strive to provide everything you could possibly need and want to live your life the way you choose. At Park Manor, you will enjoy a standard of living reminiscent of a luxury resort – but it’s not a vacation – it’s your lifestyle! This commitment is why we are held in such high regard by our surrounding community and are known as the premier retirement community offering independent living and assisted living lifestyles.
For seniors requiring memory care, Park Manor is associated with the prestigious Abe’s Garden Memory Care Campus. Abe’s Garden is committed to transforming the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia by establishing a national model of residential living and day care programs for those suffering from the disease. Abe’s Garden provides an unprecedented level of care in addition to a comprehensive array of services and lifestyle options.
At Park Manor, your continued independence is our top priority. Enjoy living life as you choose . . . in the comfort and privacy of your own apartment, while having the peace of mind of knowing help is available, if and when you need it.