Independent living

What Is Independent Living?

Independent living refers to a lifestyle choice and housing option, most commonly associated with older adults and individuals with disabilities, where residents maintain a high degree of autonomy and self-sufficiency. Within the broader context of personal finances and retirement planning, independent living arrangements cater to individuals who do not require daily personal care or extensive medical supervision, but may desire a supportive community environment or access to certain amenities. It emphasizes the ability of individuals to manage their own affairs, make personal choices, and participate fully in community life.

History and Origin

The concept of independent living has evolved significantly, particularly in two distinct, though sometimes overlapping, spheres: senior housing and disability advocacy. For older adults, the idea of communities designed for retirees began to gain traction in the 18th century, spurred by the Industrial Revolution and the changing nature of work and retirement. Early forms of senior housing included poorhouses and almshouses for the indigent elderly, which eventually transformed into various types of senior living communities, including independent living facilities, as the idea of retirement evolved.¹²,¹¹

Concurrently, the independent living movement for people with disabilities emerged from the civil rights struggles of the 1950s and 1960s. This movement challenged the historical confinement and societal segregation of individuals with disabilities, advocating for their right to live with dignity and make their own choices within their communities. Key to this movement was the founding of the first Center for Independent Living (CIL) in Berkeley, California, in 1972, by disability activists like Ed Roberts. These centers, designed and operated by individuals with disabilities, provided peer support and resources to promote self-determination and community integration.¹⁰ The Administration for Community Living (ACL), established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 2012, plays a significant federal role in supporting and overseeing independent living programs for both older adults and people with disabilities across the nation.⁹,⁸

Key Takeaways

• Independent living offers a residential model for individuals who are largely self-sufficient but seek a supportive community.
• It is distinct from higher levels of care such as assisted living or skilled nursing facilities.
• Options range from age-restricted communities and senior apartments to technology-enabled homes for "aging in place."
• Financial planning, including considerations for healthcare costs and potential future care needs, is crucial for those pursuing independent living.
• The philosophy of independent living underscores personal autonomy and the right to make choices about one's life and environment.

Interpreting Independent Living

Independent living is interpreted primarily as a measure of an individual's capacity to manage their daily life with minimal or no external assistance. This includes tasks such as personal care, meal preparation, household maintenance, transportation, and financial management. For many, maintaining independent living means the ability to stay in their own home, a concept often referred to as "aging in place." This often involves proactive home modifications and access to community support services.⁷

When evaluating independent living options, prospective residents and their families often consider factors such as the availability of social activities, security features, access to transportation, and the general community atmosphere. The goal is to find an environment that supports continued autonomy while offering convenience and a sense of belonging. Consideration of accessibility features in housing and public spaces is also key to truly independent living for many individuals.

Hypothetical Example

Consider Maria, a 75-year-old widow who lives in a suburban home. She is in good health, drives her own car, manages her own budgeting, and enjoys an active social life. However, she finds the upkeep of her large home increasingly burdensome and feels isolated since her friends have moved away or passed on. Maria decides to explore independent living communities.

She finds a community that offers a private apartment, provides dining services a few nights a week, has a fitness center, and organizes various social events and excursions. The community also offers transportation for shopping and appointments. While Maria does not need assistance with daily tasks, she appreciates the convenience of having some meals provided, the ease of maintenance-free living, and the built-in social network. This arrangement allows her to maintain her autonomy and lifestyle while alleviating the burdens of homeownership and loneliness, aligning perfectly with the principles of independent living. Her financial independence from her earlier career makes this option feasible.

Practical Applications

Independent living manifests in various forms across the financial and social landscape:

• Retirement Communities: Many planned retirement communities offer independent living units, ranging from apartments to detached homes. These often include shared amenities like clubhouses, fitness centers, and social programs.
• Aging in Place Services: For those preferring to remain in their current homes, the concept of "aging in place" is supported by home healthcare services, meal delivery, transportation assistance, and home modification services that help maintain a person's ability to live independently. The National Institute on Aging provides extensive resources for individuals looking to age in place effectively.⁶
• Financial Planning: Individuals engaged in retirement planning often factor in the potential costs of independent living as part of their future housing and care expenses. This includes understanding potential out-of-pocket costs, as well as how Social Security and other forms of income may contribute.
• Disability Support Services: For people with disabilities, independent living is a core tenet of community-based services. Organizations, often supported by government agencies like the Administration for Community Living (ACL), provide resources such as peer counseling, skills training, and advocacy to help individuals live self-directed lives in the community.⁵

One of the challenges in this sector is the lack of transparency in pricing for senior housing, including independent living facilities, which can make cost comparison difficult for families.⁴

Limitations and Criticisms

While independent living offers significant benefits, it has limitations. A primary concern is the escalating cost of living in senior housing. The average cost of senior living facilities can be substantial, and these costs are not always transparently listed, making financial planning challenging.³,² This can strain a retiree's pension or other fixed incomes, especially if their wealth management was not geared towards these expenses.

Another limitation is the potential for individuals to underestimate their future care needs. While independent living is suitable for those requiring minimal support, a decline in health may necessitate a transition to long-term care options, such as assisted living or skilled nursing facilities, which come with significantly higher costs and a different level of care. This transition can be emotionally and financially challenging if not adequately planned for through mechanisms like long-term care insurance or robust estate planning.

Furthermore, despite the emphasis on community, some individuals may still experience isolation if they do not actively engage with the social opportunities provided, or if the community does not fully meet their specific social needs. The lack of available and affordable independent living options, especially for diverse populations, also presents a challenge, although new developments are emerging to address specific community needs.¹

Independent Living vs. Assisted Living

The distinction between independent living and assisted living lies primarily in the level of care and support provided.

Independent living communities are designed for individuals who desire the convenience and social aspects of community living without needing personal care. They maintain their independence in managing their daily routines. In contrast, assisted living facilities provide a higher level of support for those who require help with basic daily tasks, offering a balance between independence and necessary care. Confusion between these two types of senior living often arises because both offer residential settings and community activities, but the underlying care model is fundamentally different.