8 Advantages of Moving to a CCRC

happy active seniors riding their bikes on the shoreline on a sunny day

What makes for a happier retirement? According to a 2024 MassMutual Retirement Happiness Study, the top three activities happier retirees spend their free time doing included exercising, pursuing hobbies and visiting loved ones. Plus, in the recently concluded Age Well Study which evaluated the impact of living in a Life Plan Community, also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), researchers focused on factors associated with resident happiness and life satisfaction. They found that building relationships after retirement is vital including:

Social Wellness: Social wellness emphasizes creating and maintaining healthy relationships by talking, sharing interests and actively participating in social events. 69% of residents reported that moving to a Life Plan Community “somewhat” or “greatly improved” their social wellness.

Social cohesion: Community residents with a greater sense of social cohesion with those around them reported being happier and more satisfied with life.

Community belonging: Residents with a greater sense of being part of a community were happier and more satisfied with life.

Here are some of the benefits a CCRC like Freedom Square Seminole offers that make them one of the best retirement community options available.

1: Maintenance-Free Lifestyle

With home upkeep, lawn care and grounds maintenance taken care of, residents of a Life Plan Community no longer have to worry about the routine responsibilities of homeownership. Instead, they can enjoy the luxury of chore-free days with plenty of time to pursue the pastimes they truly enjoy.

2: Activities Galore

There’s never a dull moment in a CCRC. Residents can be as active as they want to be, joining interest groups, participating in weekly off-campus excursions, attending arts and crafts workshops, and enjoying planned social events and themed dinner parties.

3: Social Connection

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, which have been linked to an increased risk of dementia, heart disease, stroke, depression and anxiety. The vibrant atmosphere in a CCRC offers an ideal solution, opening the door to friendship and camaraderie as residents gather for Wii® bowling, bridge tournaments, volunteer opportunities or simply a pleasant chat in the courtyard.

4. Beautifully Appointed Residences

The perfect complement to a bustling community life is a comfortable apartment where residents can enjoy a private haven. With floor plans to suit a variety of needs and preferences, residents can choose a setting where they’ll truly feel at home, whether that means watching the moon rise from a private balcony, baking cookies in a fully equipped kitchen or, in a pet-friendly community, cozying up on the couch with their four-legged companion.

5. Mouthwatering Meals

Chef-prepared menus and multiple dining venues offer an array of delicious dining options. Residents decide whether they’re in the mood for a formal meal or casual pub fare, while an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients makes it easy to eat healthy foods without the effort of cooking and cleaning up.

6. Wellness Opportunities

Staying active is one of the keys to healthy aging, reducing the risk of certain diseases, strengthening bones and muscles, preventing falls and supporting the ability to perform daily activities. In a CCRC, an on-campus fitness center, pool, group fitness classes, walking trails and community gardens offer an abundance of opportunities to get the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week.

7. Stability

Moving to a Life Plan Community means having a plan for life. An on-site continuum of care – which may include assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation – ensures that, should residents experience a health setback, they’ll be able to get the support they need without having to make a disruptive move to another community. What’s more, the availability of different levels of care means that couples who have different care needs can remain in the same community, often only steps away from each other. There’s no need to be separated or to pay the cost of living in two different communities.

8. Financial Benefits

Some CCRCs offer Life Care, a financial contract that can lead to substantial savings on long-term care. With Life Care, independent living residents can receive long-term care, if necessary, without a significant increase in monthly costs. This makes the cost of future care more predictable, and lower than it would be if you were to pay for that care at the prevailing market rate.

Discover the Advantages of Freedom Square of Seminole

As you search for the perfect senior living option, take the time to explore the exceptional retirement lifestyle at Freedom Square of Seminole. At our Life Plan Community, you’ll find a vibrant community life, resort-style services and amenities, and the peace of mind of knowing that a continuum of care is available if you ever need it.

All of these benefits is why Freedom Square was recently recognized by The Tampa Bay Times as the 2024 Best of the Best for CCRCs. For a look around the best retirement community in town, use our Community Assistant chat feature or contact us here to schedule your personal visit.