The world has changed considerably in the past few decades: the advent of the internet has made it easier to shop, to learn new things, and to communicate with friends and family. As our quality of life continues to improve, so does the average life expectancy in this country: four decades ago, the average life expectancy was about 72, and now it’s almost 80. As “Baby Boomers” continue to age into their senior years, the expectation is that existing assisted living facilities will be filled or nearly so. Every day, more than 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65, and many report chronic back problems. They need some help with their mobility, but they still want to live independently for as long as possible. There are discreet home health care and assisted living options that can help people maintain their independence – and their dignity.

Nursing staff and home health aides who deliver assisted living care want to make sure that their clients are happy and healthy. Are they able to stand for long enough to cook? Can they lift heavy pots and pans? Do their back problems prevent them from getting dressed? There is a wide range of assistance available to seniors who are considering at-home care. If the senior citizen decides that they would like to live in affordable assisted living residences, they may find themselves with a full dance card, so to speak. Activities abound at senior retirement communities: there are typically exercise classes, art seminars, and physical therapy classes available. Music and dance can help seniors remain happy and vital, even if they are dancing in their rooms to their own music.

Many assisted living homes allow seniors the chance to bring their pets, and even offer dog grooming services to residents. There are usually on-site barbers and beauticians, and frequent trips to shopping and entertainment destinations. Today’s seniors also need to remain connected to the internet, and senior living homes are expanding their access to wireless internet. If you’re not familiar with the internet, staff can help you connect: there are video teleconferencing options that allow you to see your children and grandchildren and to talk with them via a computer, laptop, cellular phone, or tablet. The range of activities at nursing care homes and senior residence facilities is designed to keep you active and engaged with your favorite hobbies. If you have a little bit of trouble cooking or dressing, nursing staff can help with that as well.

There is a wide range of assisted living residences and nursing homes that are actively welcoming new members. If you are a senior and you live in a part of the country that has an extended winter season, why not think about moving to a warmer climate? If you’re like most of us, your kids are all grown up: they can come visit you wherever you choose to live. Living in a warmer climate can take a lot of the strain and stress of chronic back problems away: people who relocate to assisted living residences often report that they would like to live in a warm climate that offers physical activities and chances to enjoy the outdoors. Living in a warmer climate, you could ride a bicycle, take walks at local parks, and enjoy live music any time of the year.

Senior housing options vary widely: look for assisted living residences that have a range of fun activities, opportunities to make friends, and to volunteer in the community. There are millions of gardeners in the United States, and while they may slow down a little bit, they see no reason to stop. Gardening year-round is another reason to reconsider moving somewhere that has a welcoming climate. In general, we want to find assisted living residences that will help us maintain our independence. Discreet care from compassionate, prompt assisted living providers that allows us to age with dignity should be our every goal.