Hermitage, PA Senior Living Blog - Whispering Oaks

3 Quick Chair Exercises For Seniors - Whispering Oaks

Written by Whispering Oaks | Apr 9, 2025 4:00:00 AM

Though 28% of American seniors live alone, many do not want to. Some cite it as lonely because they want someone to talk to and share life with. Others feel depressed and inactive, struggling to care for themselves despite being physically capable.

Independent living at Whispering Oaks is a great way for seniors to nip loneliness in the bud. Read on to learn the basics and benefits of active independent living for older Americans!

The Basics of Independent Senior Living in Hermitage

Many people exclusively think of assisted living when they imagine a retirement community. Assisted living communities offer assistance with daily care tasks. These include hygiene assistance and help with navigating the community grounds.

However, not all older adults require day-to-day care. These individuals can choose independent living communities that offer as much autonomy as possible.

In an independent living community, seniors:

  • Stay in control of their daily routines
  • Make lifestyle choices independently
  • Rely on themselves to maintain good hygiene and cleanliness
  • Choose what social activities to attend on their own

Residents can think of independent living as a way to foster an active aging lifestyle!

The Benefits of Independent Living at Whispering Oaks

Despite these benefits, you may wonder: if your loved one can care for themselves, why invest in moving to a senior community?

One reason for this is the supported services for seniors offered at Whispering Oaks. We help seniors keep their living spaces neat with housekeeping and maintenance services. This ensures that residents retain great surroundings for their mental health.

Whispering Oaks also offers several programs to promote and maintain an active lifestyle. From social events to scheduled outings, these activities help residents retain their physical and mental well-being.

Nurturing New Passions

The best Pennsylvania independent living community offers seniors the chance to discover new hobbies and interests. Our activity calendar contains events like:

  • Crafting workshops
  • Painting classes
  • Game nights with new and interesting games to learn
  • Music groups and therapy
  • Exploring nature and landscaped gardens with gentle walking
  • Team sports made for seniors

All of these activities take place on community grounds. Residents don't need to go out of their way to try new things.

It's easy for them to get out of their comfort zone and have new experiences, which can lead to more lively adventures and feelings of fulfillment. It can also help seniors discover new hobbies and passions to pursue independently and enjoy in the long term.

Social Opportunities

Socialization is one of the most important reasons that older adults thrive best in senior communities.

Age is a risk factor for social isolation. Even healthy individuals may struggle with the following:

  • The lack of a driver's license
  • Not having a vehicle large enough for mobility aids and internal movement
  • Inaccessible public transportation
  • Friends who have difficulty meeting up because of mobility/memory issues
  • Losing their spouse and friends, causing grief and loneliness

Unfortunately, social isolation puts seniors at risk of health problems such as:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Heart disease
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Stroke
  • Cognitive decline, including dementia

Older adults in independent living communities have a pre-existing network of people to connect with. Other community residents become friends to nurture lifelong relationships with. Since they live within the same community grounds, they can spend time together every day and feel socially fulfilled and happy.

Meeting friends is also easy at Whispering Oaks because of our robust social schedule. All of our hobby events are made for multiple people who are interested in the same subject. This makes it easy to find friends with common interests and break the ice.

Residents can also enjoy:

  • Themed dances and parties
  • Spending time together in restaurant-style dining areas
  • Playing games in community common spaces like lounges and activity rooms
  • Movie screenings
  • Dance classes
  • Exercise groups

Wellness Programs

Whispering Oaks is home to many exclusive senior living programs. In addition to programs made for activity and socialization, we pride ourselves on helping independent living residents retain their health and well-being.

Health and wellness programs include onsite access to the following:

  • Health education
  • Physical exercise classes
  • Stretching and yoga
  • Outdoor walks
  • Gentle sports
  • Spiritual and religious gatherings
  • Art and music therapy
  • Opportunities to bolster mental health and well-being

Physical health is important, but our care team also helps autonomous residents nurture their social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual health!

The World Health Organization cites a healthy diet as a key part of wellness. Seniors at Whispering Oaks can enjoy homestyle dining with tableside service.

Our meals are made from top-notch ingredients and prepared by expert chefs. The meal selection includes favorite comfort foods like pasta and burgers. It also includes delicious ethnic meals that residents can enjoy to expand their adventurous palate.

Life at Whispering Oaks

Residents in the top Hermitage senior living community can enjoy gorgeous apartments. These apartments are comfortably furnished and have individual climate control. Ample natural light and storage space make them feel homelike.

From 422 square-foot suites to 654 square-foot one-bedroom apartments, there are limitless possibilities. Families can choose the right option for the new resident's lifestyle and their budget.

Robust community amenities also include the following:

  • A seating area with a fireplace
  • TV lounges
  • Game and card rooms
  • Private dining rooms
  • Well-stocked library space
  • A fitness center with senior-friendly equipment
  • Landscaped outdoor relaxation areas

Residents are comfortable in their apartments, but they are also excited to enjoy other areas of the community with friends!

Aging With Support and Autonomy

Aging at Whispering Oaks is a great way for seniors to retain their autonomy and well-being during their golden years. Now that you know some reasons to transition to independent living, it's time to learn more about our community lifestyle and amenities.

Professionals at Whispering Oaks are excited to talk with new Pennsylvania residents and their families. We'll discuss what floor plans can help keep you or your loved one comfortable and show you what makes our community stand out.

Contact us to schedule a tour of our community and see what we have to offer!