| As we age, our ability to function independently | | | | being dependent on his or her children, but still wants |
| gradually decreases. Not only that, but we are also | | | | to know that someone is on hand to help if needed, |
| subject to effects such as loss of memory, bone | | | | a senior living community is a good option. It allows |
| loss, and other physical ailments. The up side is we | | | | them to live in a comfortable, furnished apartment |
| can also do something about these things. One | | | | within a community of caring professionals and other |
| solution to aging gracefully is living in a retirement | | | | elderly people. The family has peace of mind as well |
| community. The benefits of doing so are as follows: | | | | knowing that their mother or father is taken care of |
| 1. From daily walks to water aerobics, the community | | | | 24/7. The elderly maintain their dignity in a peaceful |
| offers opportunities for exercise. Why is this | | | | environment tailor-made just for their needs. |
| important? A new Mayo Clinic Study on Aging | | | | 3. The facilities are specific to them. Retirement |
| suggests that adults who engage in moderate | | | | communities offer amenities and programs suited to |
| exercise during midlife and later life are less likely to | | | | their age, situation in life, and interests. In book, |
| suffer from mild cognitive impairment. (Published in | | | | sewing, or bocce ball groups, they can enjoy the |
| the January edition of the Archives of Neurology.) | | | | company of others in their community. The facilities |
| This means that moderate exercise may increase | | | | also create special menus and activities for their |
| cognitive function and delay Alzheimer's Disease. | | | | particular requirements. Thus they have more choices |
| 2. A community offers independence and peace of | | | | and more opportunity for enjoyment than if they |
| mind. If an elderly person doesn't like the idea of | | | | lived on their own. |