| With innovations over the years, we are living longer | | | | network. Numerous studies indicate that people with |
| and longer. As older adults reach retirement, they | | | | close friends live longer than those without social ties. |
| begin to assess how they want to spend their golden | | | | Many lifelong friends chose to move into a retirement |
| years and begin to simplify their lives. It is no wonder | | | | community together after losing a spouse, while |
| that independent retirement living continues to grow | | | | others move in without knowing anyone. Both groups |
| in popularity among the aging population. | | | | immediately feel the strong impact of community. |
| The first step for many retirees is to downsize, | | | | Within these close-knit independent retirement |
| moving from the more spacious home where they | | | | communities, many older adults enroll in classes to |
| raised their children to a smaller apartment or patio | | | | expand their knowledge of the world around them. |
| home. Many retirement living communities have | | | | Some chose to enroll in an art class such as water |
| various levels of care, from complete independence | | | | color painting or ceramics; others opt to learn about |
| to more intensive 24-hour hospital care. In these | | | | ancient civilizations or take classes on the internet. |
| settings, seniors can live independently, as they have | | | | Often these late-life learning experiences inspire older |
| done throughout their lives but with the reassurance | | | | adults to want to travel with the myriad of friends |
| that they will not need to burden their children and | | | | they have made within these communities. |
| grandchildren with their care if they should start to | | | | It is no surprise that many retirees find more than |
| decline. With many hospitals in Illinois nearby to cater | | | | friendship within independent living communities. Many |
| to health concerns, seniors can golf, play bridge and | | | | older men and women find partners with whom they |
| baby-sit grandchildren knowing that expert care is | | | | want to spend the rest of their life. Some meet and |
| nearby. | | | | get together after realizing a shared love of golf, the |
| Seniors in the Kankakee county healthcare service | | | | great outdoors or historical novels. There is certainly |
| area are similar to seniors around the country. They | | | | something for every senior whether they are looking |
| want to engage with like-minded friends in a | | | | for friendship, love or just a little bit of peace at the |
| comfortable social setting. Many residents of the | | | | end of the day. |
| retirement communities enjoy an active social | | | | |