What is a senior living community?

People’s expectations of retirement living are changing. The current generation of senior citizens has more tailored and sophisticated desires. They are looking for a home that will accommodate their lifestyle in the future and also seek aesthetically pleasing communities with picturesque landscaping. They aspire better healthcare facilities and in essence, a hassle-free life to make up for all their bustling years.

Independent senior living communities commonly provide apartments, sometimes cottages and residents include seniors who do not require assistance with daily activities or 24/7 skilled nursing, but may benefit from convenient services, senior-friendly surroundings, and increased social opportunities that independent senior living communities offer.

During old age, the body is in a degenerative process, physical strength diminishes, while cognitive and thinking abilities also begin to shrink. In addition, the inactivity of retired life makes one feel isolated and depression starts kicking in. This is when senior living communities come into the picture. With the kind of facility that addresses all elderly issues, these communities in India are luring the senior generation.  

How does it help the older generation?

People are hard-wired for the community. Innate in our being is a desire to be in relationships and connected to one another. In a phase of life when there is a bare minimum to look forward to, living in houses constructed with front porches, green areas between homes, and a community house for get-togethers, movie nights or potlucks, arranged by residents is an opportunity for people in that neighborhood to live life how they want to live it. There is a deep level of caring and they share life and a sense of authentic community.

To offer perspective on senior citizen-friendly living, several players in the real estate space are creating these tailor-made communities like Ashiana Housing builds homes in anticipation of challenges that come along with ageing. For instance - Step on to anti-skid tiles across the apartment floors. Turn into the hallway and run your hands along chamfered wall edges designed to prevent injuries.  The bedrooms have easy-reach, colored light switches and night switches that swiftly bring forth the safety of light. Emergency response system at three locations in the unit, upon activation, will alert the security immediately to come to your aid. 

Furthermore, these communities design activities and amenities that help the aged lead an active life. Swimming, yoga, playing board/table games or simple long walks are energizing and rejuvenating for everyone. Even having a library to their disposal helps keep their brain active and develops mental agility.

Besides with 24x7 healthcare, safety and security facilities, senior living communities offer an impeccable housing experience encompassing not one but several factors that together create a comfortable living space for seniors.  

How does it help the city?

Ashiana Housing believes that while residents live independently, most communities offer amenities, activities, and services that in turn create job opportunities. Often, recreational centers or clubhouses are available on site to give you the opportunity to connect with peers and participate in community activities, such as arts and crafts, holiday gatherings, and continuing education classes. Other services offered may include onsite spas, beauty and barber salons, daily meals, and basic housekeeping and laundry services. For all of these services to be made available, a great deal of manpower is required. These job opportunities call for an inflow of funds contributing to the wealth of the region thus rendering it financially capable of transforming itself into a smart city.

In essence, it appears advantageous to create an age-targeted community who could live a comfortable and independent life with all their needs catered to. A comfortable retirement option is something that a number of people would love to explore. Therefore, by combining smart homes, smart technology, smart healthcare one will be able to provide the necessary infrastructure that exploits the entangled connections between assisted living, smart homes and smart cities.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors' and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of this publishing house