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This Is Why We’re a Great Fit For Solo Agers

An older woman smiles and laughs brightly while outdoors

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 70% of older adults 65 and better will likely need long-term care with men averaging 2.2 years of care, and women 3.7 years.

While most older adults rely on younger family members to provide some level of assistance or care, the U.S. Census Bureau found 19.6% of Americans between 55 and 64 reported being childless, along with 15.9% of those 65 – 74 and 10.9% of those over 75. In addition, 27% of adults 60 and older lived alone, as do about half of women over 65.

According to the Fidelity Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate, a single person who turned 65 in 2023 may need approximately $157,500 saved (after tax) to cover future health care expenses.

Based on all these stats, it’s easy to see why thousands of solo agers (those without children or a spouse) are considering the benefits of independent living communities like Galleria Woods.

A Smart Plan For Tomorrow Starts Today

If you’re a solo ager but haven’t started planning for your future, here are some steps to consider taking:

Appoint a power of attorney: If you suddenly have a medical crisis or memory loss, who will look after your needs? Having a financial power of attorney and medical power of attorney (POA) ensures you have someone who can make important decisions that are in your best interests. If you don’t have a POA, the court will establish a conservatorship or guardianship and appoint someone for you.

Consider long-term care insurance: Long-term care insurance (LTCI) can be an important part of solo aging because it can help pay for some types of health care not covered by Medicare. Like life insurance, the younger you are when you purchase LTCI, the less it costs. Consult your financial planner to determine whether LTCI is right for you.

Build up your social connections: If you’re aging alone, consider how you can develop a social network that not only supports you but makes it easier to get connected, develop a new hobby or interest and stay active.

What’s Important To You?

If you’re healthy and active today, it can be hard to worry about the future. However, if you reframe your thoughts about the future as, “What do I want my life to look like?” it may be easier to plan. To help you get started, here are some questions to consider:

  • Where do you want to live? Is being in a walkable area more important, or do you want access to mass transportation?
  • What sort of services and amenities do you prefer? Is being close to the arts and entertainment important? Do you like shopping and dining out? Do you want to be close to family?
  • What kind of climate do you prefer?
  • Do you want to find a place where you can age in place or have care nearby?

How Senior Living Benefits Solo Agers

Senior living communities provide a range of advantages you might not be able to get staying in your current home, making it easier and more convenient to live the life you want. Some benefits include:

More social opportunities: Communities have calendars filled with social activities, classes, interest groups and clubs, outings, lifelong learning opportunities and more. They also have a welcoming committee to help new residents meet people so, you’re sure to find others who share your goals and interests.

Maintenance-free lifestyle: Independent living communities have a variety of helpful services and thoughtful amenities to give you the freedom to do more of what you want and less of what you don’t.

Community of support: Many senior living communities offer support groups and spiritual services that often develop organically through continual social interactions.

Right-sized residences: Most senior living communities offer studio and one-bedroom senior apartments that are the perfect size for aging alone. Once you compare the cost of living in your current residence with everything you get at Galleria Woods, you’re sure to find it’s more affordable than you think.

Lock and leave: At a senior living community, you can just lock and leave any time you please. While you’re away, your home will be carefully looked after by community associates and neighbors.

The Benefits Of Choosing Galleria Woods

As a Life Care Community, Galleria Woods features a variety of helpful services and thoughtful amenities that are ideal for solo aging, like:

  • Maintenance-free residences
  • Housekeeping and flat linen services
  • Lawn care and grounds maintenance
  • Lifelong learning, including arts and crafts
  • Regularly scheduled transportation
  • Personal concierge services
  • 24/7 security
  • Utilities (except phone, cable and internet)
  • Pest control
  • Wi-Fi access
  • In-home emergency response system
  • Pet-friendly senior living
  • 20 wooded acres with gardens, courtyards and walking paths
  • Chef-prepared meals in restaurant-style options including, formal dining room and a café/bistro
  • Fully equipped fitness center featuring fitness and wellness programs
  • Outdoor aquatic center with heated pool
  • Arts and crafts studio
  • Game room
  • Library
  • Full-service salon and barbershop
  • Community flower and vegetable garden

Connect To A More Engaging Way Of Life

See how a Life Plan Community like Galleria Woods has everything covered by exploring our photo and video gallery. When you’re ready to see our lifestyle for yourself, use our Community Assistant chat feature or contact us here to schedule your personal visit.