It’s hard to believe another year has passed. Like most years, 2022 brought both challenges and triumphs: the war in Ukraine, a general decline in COVID cases followed by recent upticks, rising inflation, Artemis I’s successful lunar mission, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and the appointment of the first Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court, among other notable events.
As the year draws to a close, the Ralph Waldo Emerson reminder—“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year”—feels especially fitting. Despite the highs and lows that come with the passage of time, focusing on the abundance of good in the world helps keep perspective.
2022’s top senior living blog posts
Here’s a look back at the five most-read blog posts on myLifeSite during 2022.
- “I’m Not Ready Yet” Part 2: The Cost of Peace of Mind
The “I’m Not Ready Yet” series explores common reasons people delay a move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) or other senior living option. This installment focused on financial concerns—real and perceived—that keep people from making a move, especially the worry about outliving savings.
While CCRCs can be expensive depending on community and contract type, staying in a private home can carry unpredictable costs if care becomes necessary. When seniors compare long-term expenses and consider the value a CCRC delivers—services, amenities, maintenance-free living, and the peace of mind a continuum of care provides—the overall cost often becomes more manageable than expected.
- “I’m Not Ready Yet” Part 3: Younger Can Be Better for a CCRC Move
Another entry in the series addressed the widespread belief that people are “not old enough” for a CCRC. Surveys of potential CCRC residents show that many postpone a move because they feel younger than their chronological age. Research indicates a significant share of adults 50+ feel a decade or more younger than their actual age, which helps explain why the idea of moving can feel premature.
However, relocating to a CCRC at a younger stage offers advantages: a gentler transition, freedom from home maintenance, early access to community programs and amenities, and more time to form lasting friendships. Those benefits often outweigh concerns about moving “too soon.”
- “I’m Not Ready Yet” Part 1: What Goes in the “Keep” Pile?
Homes often contain decades of memories and possessions, and most CCRC residences are smaller than previous homes. Deciding what to keep and what to let go of is a major emotional and practical hurdle that deters many people from moving.
Sorting and downsizing can be physically taxing and emotionally charged. A practical approach is to evaluate items by usefulness, sentimental value, and whether loved ones might want them later. Prioritizing what you truly use and cherish helps streamline the process.
After moving, many residents find they’re happier and more comfortable, surrounded by chosen keepsakes while enjoying the reduced maintenance and the reassurance of available care when needed.
- Emerging Trends Reshaping Senior Living Community Design
The senior living industry keeps evolving to meet changing expectations and attract new residents. Several design trends have gained traction in recent years.
The pandemic increased focus on health and hygiene, influencing choices for furniture, flooring, and other high-touch finishes that are easy to clean. Wellness-focused design also supports programming for physical activity and natural light exposure. The “age in place” model encourages layouts that enable residents to remain in independent living longer, while the tiny-house movement has inspired smaller, lower-maintenance units that reduce environmental impact.
Biophilic design—strengthening the connection to nature—is growing in popularity. Elements like patios, water features, skylights, and natural materials can boost residents’ wellbeing by bringing the outdoors in.
And our most viewed senior living blog post from 2022 was…
- The Best of Both Worlds: A Smaller CCRC Unit Can Be a Big Win
The tiny-house movement’s “less is more” philosophy has influenced senior living. Smaller independent living units appeal to many residents because they are easier to maintain and typically cost less while still providing the community services and continuum of care available to all residents.
Many CCRC residents spend the majority of their time enjoying community amenities rather than staying in their units, so a smaller residence can offer significant savings without sacrificing quality of life. For those seeking simplicity, lower upkeep, and access to services, a smaller unit can be a wise choice.
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myLifeSite publishes weekly blog posts on topics relevant to seniors. Visit the blog to explore recent articles, receive notifications about new posts, or search past entries for topics that interest you. If you’re exploring CCRC options, take advantage of resources such as the site’s community search tool to support your research.