FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS | FCNP.COM
Senior Living
SE NI O R L I V I NG
MARCH 10 - 16, 2022 | PAGE 11
The Modern ‘Senior’ One Size Doesn’t Fit All! by Alex Russell
Falls Church News-Press
In your ‘senior’ years, where will you live? What will you do? What will be your biggest needs? Because Americans are living longer, we have seen many changes in how life goes on in ‘senior’ years. Not everyone has the same needs, wants and desires. Luckily for those in the greater Falls Church area the options are numerous. How exactly is a senior defined? “Seniors” are a hot topic as the American population continues to age. Some define a ‘senior’ as someone over the age of 55, while others note that the word ‘senior’ should be adjusted to today’s standards. One hundred years ago, the life expectancy was only 60 years. Today many Americans can expect to not only reach 60 but live long past that reaching their 80th and even their 90th or 100th birthdays. With that said not all communities are right for everyone. There are many factors that come
into play as you age. Is it you and your spouse? Just you, or maybe it is your parents or a loved one? How do you have the talk or start the process with transitioning your house or a family member to Senior living? This can be a very sensitive subject. The best approach is to gather as much information as possible. Start by researching different Senior Living communities in your area that offer the services you or your loved one need. Try to get the timing right and wait for the right time to bring up the subject of moving into Senior Living. Be patient when bringing up the topic of moving into senior living. Don’t be discouraged, as there are many options for everyone. Finally, consider scheduling a meeting with a retirement home representative so you or your loved one can understand the term ‘Senior Living Community. What exactly does that mean? “Senior living community” is a broad term that defines communities designed to suit various types of lifestyles. That could include medi-
cal care, independent/retirement living, assisted living, and memory care facilities. Within Independent living are age-restrictive communities. These options include communities with more freedom such as Founders Row “Verso” in Falls Church which caters to 55 plus and is expected to open this summer. Verso Founders Row defines itself as “centrally located in picturesque Falls Church, VA, providing you with a unique space and community to call your own while placing you within a dynamic, mixed-use retail destination with something new to discover every day of the week. Dwelling spaces are featurerich, emphasizing smart technology and accessibility.” Why would retired local homeowners move into Founders Row? Shari Kane, former Fairfax school teacher, along with her husband and dog, Chewie, was ready to downsize so they sold their big home after 30 plus years and looked around
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SENIORS ENJOY SOME sweets on family day at Paragon Assisted Living. (Photo Courtesy of Paragon Assisted Living)
