Make The Most Of Your Independence

As this is the month of our nation’s independence, it always makes me stop and appreciate how folks at John Knox Village East continue their independence as they age.  In fact, some of you may not know this, but on average people at John Knox Village East are 3 or 4 years older when they move to the care center than their counterparts from the community at large.  This is due to the availability of support services (if needed), the convenience of maintaining social relationships and quite simply the adaptability of the folks who choose to call John Knox Village East home.

We all know that people are happier at higher levels of independence.  Everyone hopes that they will stay independent for as long as possible, but it’s nice to know that higher levels are care are available on campus should our health get to the point where it is needed.  It’s also nice to know that some support services exist to extend our ability to stay independent.

The range of independence of people is always surprising.  Many times we think the transition between sections of a retirement community are black and white.  It’s more likely to be gray.  There are some people in independent living who are fully independent, work pretty much full time jobs, bike and walk several times a week.  They just chose to move to John Knox Village East for the peace of mind and fewer responsibilities.  On the other hand, there are some people who are maximizing their independence at 100 years old.  Still living independently….some with some help and some with none at all.

So, as we close out this month celebrating our independence, I ask you to stop and celebrate your independence – whether that be fully independent or independent with some help.  Celebrate it.  And, make plans to maximize it by seeing how John Knox Village East can help you make the most of your independence and make it last for as long as possible.