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Did you know that more Canadians are living alone than ever before? Almost 15% of people over the age of 15 live on their own (1).
But at the same time, the number of older Canadians living on their own has steadily decreased over the last decade. Older Canadian women, in particular, live alone a lot less often than they used to (1).
Part of this is because Canadians are living longer (1). It's made it possible for couples to live together both at the start of retirement living and well into their golden years.
But part of this is also because many seniors are choosing to live with siblings, friends, and even those they're meeting later in life. They're living together in homes that offer separate units, larger compounds within communities, and even in single-family houses and apartments.
“The number of older Canadians living on their own has steadily decreased over the last decade. Older Canadian women, in particular, live alone a lot less often than they used to.”
Of course, many seniors also move into retirement homes to surround themselves with others. It’s one place where you can bring your friends and family and either live together or live separately, but under the same roof. There are certainly advantages to living together with those you're closest to.
Here are a few of the benefits of living together in a community such as a retirement home.
Prevents Loneliness
Studies have shown that about a quarter of Canadians over the age of 65 feel socially isolated. They've also suggested many tend to get more socially isolated as they age and as they lose family members and long-time friends (2).
Living in a group, be it friends, family, or other seniors, can prevent loneliness as you surround yourself with others. Moving into a retirement residence and inviting friends to come along with you will help ensure you won't get lonely during your retirement. Plus, Cogir Active Living programs take a holistic approach, based on 7 core dimensions of wellness that fuel the body, mind, and soul.
Promotes Socialization
When you move into a retirement home, you're going to find that there is almost always something to do. Days can be filled with physical activities, social events, learning and creative workshops, or just relaxation and fun.
If you take the first step and participate in these activities, you'll find yourself socializing on a regular basis.
You'll be able to socialize with others, regardless of whether your friends move with you into a retirement home or not. But by bringing some friends and family along, you'll be able to share wonderful experiences with the people that matter the most to you.
Ensures Safety
As you age, you might run into certain health and safety risks that could potentially put you in danger if you are living alone. Something as simple as a slip-and-fall accident could put you in harm's way.
Living with friends or family in a retirement residence, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing you'll all be able to look after one another to ensure you stay safe in the coming years.
Having people you know around you may help you enjoy retirement living without always having to worry about your safety as you go about your day.
A thriving retirement community is also going to take the security of its residents seriously. Even if your friends and family don’t move in, for example, you'll feel more confident just knowing that you have others around you to look out for one another.
Improves Mental Health
Your physical well-being isn’t the only potential benefit of living in a retirement home with lots of activities. It can also help keep your mental health in excellent shape.
The simple act of surrounding yourself with people you know and love at a retirement home can work wonders for your mental health. It can help alleviate any feelings of loneliness you might have and make it possible for you to lead a much happier life. Our focus is on your health and wellness. That’s why LiveWell™ puts you at its core. Flexible, personalized, and comprehensive, it’s all about helping you feel your best now – and in the future.
Creates New Memories
Throughout the first 60, 65, or even 70 years of life, you likely have made a million and one memories celebrating and sharing experiences. Who says you have to stop doing it now?
At our retirement homes, every day is a new day to be who you are, with a curated group of services and amenities, and helpful teams on hand dedicated to elevating your experience. That’s the life. And having friends or family by your side can help make that possible every day.
Embrace Retirement Living With Your Friends
Are you interested in living in a senior retirement home with your friends? This has become the ideal way to enjoy retirement living for so many Canadian seniors.
Contact us today to get more information about our retirement residences and to learn all about the bonus referral program for friends and family.
Footnotes:
1. Statistics Canada: Home alone: More persons living solo than ever before, but roomies the fastest growing household type. (July 2022)
2. Government of Canada Website: Social isolation of seniors - Volume 1: Understanding the issue and finding solutions