How Printed Media Enhances Independence in Retirement Villages
When our loved ones grow old, we don’t just want them to be as healthy and safe as possible. We also want them to be happy and live their most fulfilling lives. For many, this means living with as much independence as possible. From childhood, we’re taught the importance of tying our own shoelaces and this sentiment continues into adulthood when we have families and provide for them and ourselves. And that doesn’t stop once we reach retirement.
Even though we may not be as physically independent as we once were, it doesn’t mean it’s not still important.
Retirement villages are a great way to offer seniors independence, flexibility and safety. Not only do they encourage sociability, exercise, and a sense of belonging, but they can be that step before going to an aged care residence to extend the time they’re able to live with a level of independence whilst still having access to support as needed. One way The Creative Printer can help support those transitioning from independent living to retirement villages are through our range of support decals and signage for older adults to help those living with memory loss or memory decline, to live independently.
In this article, we’re going to look at why independence is so important for older adults living in retirement villages and how printed media can help them live happier lives.
Why Is Independence Important for Older Adults in Retirement Villages?
Often, how older adults feel about themselves can be directly linked to their independence. A lack of independence can lead to feelings of frustration, anger and even depression. There are so many benefits to people staying active and living independent lives later in life.
Benefit #1: Improved Sense of Self
Throughout life, we get a huge sense of achievement whenever we’re able to do something ourselves. Whether that’s those shoelaces, renting your first home, learning to cook or raising a family. It’s exactly the same for our loved ones as they grow older. When they do things for themselves, they get a sense of achievement which reduces the likelihood of low mood, anxiety and depression. What may have once been something done on auto-pilot – like emptying a dishwasher to put the dishes and cutlery away, or emptying the washing machine to put clothes and socks away – may now be distressing because all the drawers and cupboards look the same. This is where product such as memory care labels can be a game changer to help older adults navigate their environment and live more independently.
Benefit #2: More Control
There are lots of things that can feel out of control for those in older age. Finances, health and family can all be a worry. It’s also sometimes very difficult for someone to leave their family home and move into accommodation, however great it might be. Enabling them to live independently gives them a greater sense of control and individuality which can make them feel more positive and more likely to engage in the social aspects of the retirement village.
Benefit #3: Mental and Physical Fitness
Living an independent life naturally means you’re more physically and mentally active. Having things to complete each day ensures a resident is up and about which not only helps with physical fitness but also helps them to feel mentally stronger. They’re likely to socialise more, feel proud of their daily achievements, spend time outdoors and provide for themselves. It can also help with motivation and highlight the importance of nutrition, memory skills, preventative health and daily stimulation.
How Printed Media Enhances Independence in Retirement Villages
When our loved ones grow old, we don’t just want them to be as healthy and safe as possible. We also want them to be happy and live their most fulfilling lives. For many, this means living with as much independence as possible. From childhood, we’re taught the importance of tying our own shoelaces and this sentiment continues into adulthood when we have families and provide for them and ourselves. And that doesn’t stop once we reach retirement.
Even though we may not be as physically independent as we once were, it doesn’t mean it’s not still important.
Retirement villages are a great way to offer seniors independence, flexibility and safety. Not only do they encourage sociability, exercise, and a sense of belonging, but they can be that step before going to an aged care residence to extend the time they’re able to live with a level of independence whilst still having access to support as needed. One way The Creative Printer can help support those transitioning from independent living to retirement villages are through our range of support decals and signage for older adults to help those living with memory loss or memory decline, to live independently.
In this article, we’re going to look at why independence is so important for older adults living in retirement villages and how printed media can help them live happier lives.
Why Is Independence Important for Older Adults in Retirement Villages?
Often, how older adults feel about themselves can be directly linked to their independence. A lack of independence can lead to feelings of frustration, anger and even depression. There are so many benefits to people staying active and living independent lives later in life.
Benefit #1: Improved Sense of Self
Throughout life, we get a huge sense of achievement whenever we’re able to do something ourselves. Whether that’s those shoelaces, renting your first home, learning to cook or raising a family. It’s exactly the same for our loved ones as they grow older. When they do things for themselves, they get a sense of achievement which reduces the likelihood of low mood, anxiety and depression. What may have once been something done on auto-pilot – like emptying a dishwasher to put the dishes and cutlery away, or emptying the washing machine to put clothes and socks away – may now be distressing because all the drawers and cupboards look the same. This is where product such as memory care labels can be a game changer to help older adults navigate their environment and live more independently.
Benefit #2: More Control
There are lots of things that can feel out of control for those in older age. Finances, health and family can all be a worry. It’s also sometimes very difficult for someone to leave their family home and move into accommodation, however great it might be. Enabling them to live independently gives them a greater sense of control and individuality which can make them feel more positive and more likely to engage in the social aspects of the retirement village.
Benefit #3: Mental and Physical Fitness
Living an independent life naturally means you’re more physically and mentally active. Having things to complete each day ensures a resident is up and about which not only helps with physical fitness but also helps them to feel mentally stronger. They’re likely to socialise more, feel proud of their daily achievements, spend time outdoors and provide for themselves. It can also help with motivation and highlight the importance of nutrition, memory skills, preventative health and daily stimulation.
How Do Retirement Villages Help with Well-being and Quality of Life?
Retirement villages are purposefully built to encourage independent living. Whichever style of retirement village you choose, it will be a supportive environment in which people can socialise and go about daily life without the stress of living completely alone. If needed, most retirement villages offer supportive care too, taking into account each individual’s needs and what independence looks like for them.
There are many challenges that people can face as they get older, including reduced mobility, increased anxiety, low mood, and cognitive changes. They may also be living with memory loss, forgetfulness or the early stages of dementia. Retirement villages are designed to reduce the daily stress older adults face and help them to live fulfilling, happy and independent lives.
Solutions Available in Retirement Villages
The main reason older adults – with the support of their loved ones – decide to move to retirement villages is for peace of mind. They offer so many advantages that can help them live fulfilling and self-supporting lives.
Solution #1: Varied Programs
Retirement villages offer different types of programs that can help with physical fitness and encourage sociability. They’re designed for different levels of mobility and can be moderated when needed. Playing games and taking part in sociable activities can also help to improve happiness and mood and encourage further engagement.
Solution #2: Specially Built Spaces
A decrease in mobility can be an issue when it comes to independent living, especially for those still at home. Large spaces, supports and ramps can all enable a bigger level of independence and encourage residents to move around freely.
Solution #3: Specific Solutions to Cognitive Changes
Memory loss, forgetfulness and the early stages of dementia can be one of the biggest hurdles to overcome when it comes to independent living. Luckily some innovative and practical solutions can make daily life more manageable.
The Creative Printer, for example, prints memory support aids that can help people navigate and orientate themselves in the place that they are living. Printed as removable decals, the range which includes labels, whiteboards, and printed art, are all fully customisable.
They also print unique wayfinding signage that encourages independence and acts as a prompt or guide that can be used around the home and in common areas of the village. Certified by The Dementia Centre, the unique material means the signs can be easily applied to any flat surface and removed without damage or leaving any sticky residue. Available in different colours, with icons and text that stand out in a non-intrusive way, they can help to make an environment more manageable and assist with independence.
Living Independently in Retirement Villages
There are so many reasons why retirement villages need to encourage independence among their residents. Not only does it help them to be more physically active, but it also allows them to better engage with their surroundings, boost their mood and improve mental health.
There are lots of different ways in which retirement villages can support those living there, including customisable signage and memory aids, which are unique to an individual’s needs and encourage a safe level of independence for them.
