Regarding senior housing options, the choice between independent living and assisted living is an important decision for seniors and their families. Each option offers unique benefits and accommodations tailored to individual needs. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key distinctions between independent living and assisted living, covering everything from accommodations and community life to medical services and costs. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision about the best fit for your loved ones.

Accommodations in independent living vs. assisted living

Retirement communities that offer independent living often feature a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The accommodations are designed to give seniors a sense of autonomy and privacy while being part of a larger community. These options are designed to provide comfort and accessibility to meet the demands of an active lifestyle and provide a soft safety net of security. Many do not include meals or services in the monthly fee, but they offer a variety of life enrichment programs, transportation services and possibly some in-home services for an additional fee. In contrast, assisted living facilities typically offer only apartment-style living arrangements with meals, housekeeping linens and additional support and care services often included in a base fee and other levels of care and services available for an additional monthly or daily fee. Assisted living apartments are equipped with features like grab bars and emergency call systems to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Many include a secure area for residents with memory issues.

Ready to explore independent and assisted living options further?

When considering a retirement community, it’s essential to evaluate the design and layout of the private area within the type of accommodation selected, but it is also important to review the common area aspects of the community. Communities often prioritize aesthetics, green spaces, and communal areas that foster social interactions among residents. It is also important to remember that the senior is joining a retirement community and gains the most from the experience by using the common spaces and interacting with other residents, volunteers, guests, and staff. If that is not the intent or interest, it is often better to stay in place.

Differences in community life between independent living and assisted living

Community life in these settings have many similar aspects but some important ones in which they diverge. Independent living aspects of communities promote a vibrant, social atmosphere. They offer various amenities and activities to engage residents and facilitate connections. Independent living aspects of communities focus on creating an environment that fosters independence. They offer social and recreational activities to keep residents engaged, emphasizing a more self-reliant lifestyle. Good assisted living facilities do this as well, however, they also employ a dedicated staff to assist with tasks like medication management, meal preparation, and personal care, promoting a more supportive atmosphere. While some assisted living communities also emphasize engagement and provide social opportunities, many assisted living communities prioritize health and well-being over recreational activities. Many assisted living communities also offer a range of amenities around meeting the specific needs such as therapy rooms, mobility assistance devices, and in-

house medical services. Also, the programming in assisted living communities often includes specialized memory care programs for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Differences in medical care services

Independent living primarily caters to seniors who are still relatively healthy and active, requiring minimal medical assistance. It is not common for residents to receive care services in the independent living aspects of a retirement community. While basic healthcare services might be available, these communities do not typically offer comprehensive medical care while living in an independent portion of the community. On the other hand, assisted living is tailored to provide a higher level of medical and supportive care for individuals if, or when, they might be needed in addition to help with daily tasks or managing chronic conditions. Assisted living communities are designed for seniors who require more comprehensive care and assistance with daily activities. These communities employ trained staff to provide services such as medication management, bathing and dressing assistance, and monitoring health conditions. Assisted living is often viewed as a bridge between independent living and skilled nursing care. They offer a comfortable, secure, and more residential environment and actually serve a role in helping avoid nursing stays.

The difference between independent living and assisted living for families

Family members often want or need to play a crucial role in this decision-making process. Families often take more of a back seat in independent living, providing support from afar of the resident’s decisions and options. While families may need to collaborate more closely with staff in assisted living to ensure their loved one’s well-being and needs are addressed. No matter which option is selected, there is usually some level of transfer trauma experienced by seniors when moving and family members can ease this by being present for a few days around the move.

Cost of Independent Living vs. Assisted Living

To understand the costs clearly, it’s essential to consider not only the monthly fees but also the potential for additional charges in both independent and assisted living. This evaluation should be a central part of the decision-making process. The cost difference between the two can be significant. Independent living is usually less expensive, making it an attractive option for those who want to maintain independence but seek the companionship of a community setting. While the amenities provided in assisted living often overlap with those in independent living, the key difference lies in the care and support offered to residents. In terms of payment, both independent and assisted living communities offer various payment options. These can include private pay, long-term care insurance and government assistance programs. Families should carefully consider their financial situation and explore these payment options to determine the most suitable choice for their loved ones.

Conclusion

The choice between independent living and assisted living is a weighty decision that requires careful consideration of the specific needs and preferences of the senior. Independent living is an excellent option for those who desire a maintenance-free lifestyle with access to various amenities, the opportunity to participate in an active social life through enrichment programs and have a safety net. In contrast, assisted living is more suitable for individuals who want social interaction through enrichment programs and meals, but also may require assistance with daily activities and access to medical services. By understanding the differences in accommodations, community life, medical care, and costs, families can make informed choices that promote the well-being and happiness of their elderly loved ones.

Ken Dychtwald has been measuring and forecasting the aging of America for almost 50 years, so he is not surprised by much, but the 73-year-old founder of the Age Wave consulting firm in Orinda was delighted to learn from a survey that a majority of respondents aged 65 and over (71%) say they believe their best years are happening now or are still ahead of them.  Further, when asked what is more important as they grow older, being youthful or being useful, 83% of the older adult population said usefulness matters more than youthfulness.

People crave purpose, yet our culture characterizes retirement as a time to relax and travel. So, what should older adults do? Keep working or stop and enjoy themselves? Dychtwald believes it is a blend of both. Studies indicate that people want to keep working longer because they enjoy it. “They like the stimulation. They like the challenge. They like the social connection.”

This is a significant shift for many, as he noted that we used to think of retirement as a couple or three years of rest and relaxation before the batteries ran out, but now people live long after they retire and as a society we are just starting to realize, “Something’s changing here.” He believes that if we’re going to live longer lives, we want those extra years to be a time for vitality, a time for well-being, a time for contribution, a time to enjoy our family, a time to try something new.

You might want a full-time job, prefer part-time work, a regular volunteer gig, or no schedule at all, just sharing when you can. Fortunately for us, Mill Valley is full of opportunities from which to choose to share your existing skills or learn a new one. So, try something out. If it gives you pleasure, terrific. If not, well, there are plenty more to try. Here’s to living in a time and place where we can all be useful!

May is Older Americans Month, but it is reasonable to ask just who is old, what does it mean – in general and for Mill Valley in particular?  The average life expectancy in the US, as recently as 1900, was 46 for men and 48 for women.  By comparison, this year the average age in Mill Valley is 49 years old.  That doesn’t seem old to most of us. Let’s dig further into who, and how, we should celebrate.

The designation was established in 1963.  At that time there were only 17 million Americans of “retirement age” (i.e. 65 or older) and the average life expectancy in the US had moved up to 70 years.  The good news is that average life expectancy in the US is now slightly over 79 years.  The better news is that, in Marin, the average life expectancy is almost 5 more years, or 84.   So the old cliché, “you are as old as you feel” certainly rings true for many of us.  Who is considered old is definitely a moving target that clearly depends on both how and where you live.

That said, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads our nation’s observance of the celebration and the theme for 2022 is “Age My Way.”  The theme emphasizes the opportunity for each of us to explore the many ways older adults can remain in, and be involved with, our communities.  While this will be different for each person, the ACL notes that communities benefit when people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds are welcomed, included, and supported.

The ACL says that in this month we should recognize the benefits to our community of providing services that support elders ability to live independently for as long as possible and to thrive; that older Americans contribute their strength, wisdom, and experience to our community; and each of us should help ensure that seniors remain involved in our community.  So whether you are 49 or 94, older, younger or somewhere in between, here’s hoping you can make this is a year that you thrive, by helping others age their way!  Mill Valley will be an even better community for it.

Monday was “Earth Day” and on Tuesday we started a program with the support of, and in collaboration with, Marin County and the Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) on a major water saving project on the property edges that face Miller Avenue and Camino Alto.  We are replacing green landscaped areas that require high water use with hardscapes that will need very little.  We are delighted to undertake this project.  It will include informational signage to provide education about how others can complete similar projects and will hopefully be seen by the thousands of people in their vehicles, as well as hundreds of high school and middle school students that pass by each day.

The project will take about a month to complete, but the benefits to The Redwoods and the greater community will hopefully last for decades.  This project is one example of many The Redwoods has recently completed to not only take care of the residents we serve, but the community and greater environment in which we live and work.  It is a continuation of our efforts to be good stewards that the County acknowledged with their recognition of  The Redwoods as a Green Business more than five years ago.  As Kermit the Frog said, it’s not easy being green, but the residents, families, team members and Board feel it is an important part of our role as a community leader.

By MARIAN HUBLER  | mhubler@breadandroses.org Published April 6, 2024

“The residents of The Redwoods truly treasure our long-standing collaboration with Bread & Roses.  The music you have brought enriches their lives and brightens their days, especially for those who find it difficult to get to live performances off campus. The wonderful monthly concerts for nearly fifty years bring joy and are something they always look forward to.”  Hunter Moore, Executive Director.

Our spotlight on The Redwoods in Mill Valley is third in a monthly series highlighting our wide range of facility partners in honor of our 50th Anniversary. We have served The Redwoods nonprofit community of seniors since 1977, shortly after the founding of Bread & Roses by the late Mimi Fariña. It is an honor to serve their enthusiastic residents in independent and assisted living with a monthly concert series in their main auditorium as well as those in their Health Care Center.

Through the years we have experienced many memorable moments at The Redwoods. In collaboration with their Seniors for Peace Committee, we presented the renowned folksinger the late Pete Seeger in September of 2009 accompanied by his grandson Tao Rodriguez-Seeger. It was an eventful day, and Pete’s last concert in Marin County.

During the pandemic, we were invited to bring outdoor concerts to The Redwoods thanks to a special grant they received from the Harbor Point Foundation to provide a mobile stage for visiting musicians. This innovation allowed us to keep serving The Redwoods at various outside locations bringing music to the majority of residents who were sitting outdoors on their balconies and patios.

In past years, we also benefitted from a unique program at The Redwoods called Rock the Ages, a chorus of residents in their 80s and 90s who perform contemporary music — mostly rock, some Motown and folk. This truly inspiring group received standing ovations for their Bread & Roses concerts at the former Whistlestop (now Vivalon), The Tamalpais as well as Vision Impaired of Marin. The health benefits of choral singing for those who are older have been in the media recently. We have also seen the benefits received by those in our audiences who experienced the joy of the songs energetically performed by the residents during these concerts.

Many artists have performed for Bread & Roses through the years from Christina Waldeck and Alan Thomas who have adopted the Health Care Center for monthly concerts; to Matt Jaffe, the Oakland Jazz Choir and Mitch Woods. Recently the Americana band Marco & the Polos performed at The Redwoods with siblings Mick Hellman, Tricia Hellman Gibbs, Frances and Judith Hellman, leading the vocals with their four-part harmonies, which delighted the residents.

It has been a privilege to partner with The Redwoods all these years. Their resident-driven programs and wellness model based on the whole person perfectly resonate with our mission of providing hope and healing through live music to those who need it most. For more info, visit www.theredwoods.org and www.breadandroses.org.

Marco & the Polos, featuring (l-r) Judith Hellman, Mick Hellman, Tricia Hellman Gibbs and Frances Hellman, perform for Bread & Roses at The Redwoods on Feb. 15, 2024.

Photo by Ken Friedman

Social media has always been a hit with younger generations, but it is starting to skew much older as more seniors are buying into its usefulness and entertainment factor. Recent studies point to four ways going digital can change the lives for those of us who are seniors, and here they are:

1. Reduce isolation and create a sense of belonging. Social media allows you to connect with others as well as tap into other worlds you had not imagined.
2. Keep you in touch with others. Social media can help you find and keep-in-touch with the people you miss like a friend you lost touch with years back, or a long lost relative.
3. Stay up to date. You may find it hard to travel or join spontaneously activities with friends and family, but social media allows you to connect with others easily.
4. Entertainment. Need a laugh or cry, a new recipe or even breaking news, well social media can offer that too.

If you are looking for a place to start you might try ones that are popular with the residents of The Redwoods like: Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. Each of these offer a way to connect with relatives and friends. Before the pandemic Skype and WhatsApp were the primary methods of video chat and/or to send an instant message, but now most people are comfortable with using Zoom.

A couple of cautionary notes are appropriate. When using social media, be sure to always protect yourself from scammers by limiting how much personal information you share. Also, avoid excessive screen time by balancing your time on your cell phone or computer with other activities. Dr. Paul Weigle, a psychiatrist with the Natchaug Hospital, says, “Overreliance on social media interactions for socialization can be unhealthy and predispose people to depression. Social media should enhance our in-person relationships, not replace them.” So try not to overdue it and limit your time on Apps.

In summary, social media can help keep you connected, entertained, and has many other benefits, but be careful not to over-share or over-do it. Here is wishing you great, on-line experiences!

Welcome to March. This is the month where we “spring” ahead. For many of us, the twice-yearly switching of the clocks is unwelcome because it throws off our sleep patterns. So, this month we are focusing on how to get the best sleep.

New research finds that sleep can be most efficient and restful for older adults when nighttime bedroom ambient temperature ranges between 68 to 77°F. That is a pretty comfortable range for most of us, but many seniors often believe they prefer a higher temperature. The results of a recent study indicated that might not be a good idea.

The study collected 11,000 person-nights of sleep and environmental data from 50 older adults. Researcher Amir Baniassadi, Ph.D., of the Harvard Medical School, said they found a 5–10% drop in sleep efficiency as the nighttime ambient temperature increases from 77°F to 86°F. The researchers were quick to point out that associations were primarily nonlinear, and that substantial between-subject variations were observed.

The researchers found that older adults often experience inadequate, restless, and disrupted sleep which in turn influenced many outcomes related to their health and well-being such as cognitive and physical function, mood and affect, irritability and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Other studies have shown that poor sleep is disproportionately more common among older adults. Meanwhile, research on its causes has been mostly focused on physiological and behavioral factors, despite evidence suggesting that the environment the person sleeps in can be as influential. As a result, while numerous medical and behavioral interventions have been developed to improve outcomes related to sleep, the potential of environmental interventions have been largely overlooked.

Fortunately, you live in Mill Valley. Here, we have a wonderful outdoor environment and comfortable temperatures that stay in a pretty tight range.  We also live at a time where programable thermostats are affordable and easy to use. So, no matter what temperature you prefer during the day, if you would like to improve your sleep and decrease your chances of the challenges related to poor sleep, set your nighttime thermostat to between 68 and 77°F. Here’s to you and a good night’s sleep!

By KRISSY WAITE | kwaite@marinij.com

Published in Marin Independent Journal: February 6, 2024

When Carolyn Corbelli saw a photo in the newspaper of older musicians on a street in Mill Valley protesting for peace back in the early 2000s, she knew she and her spouse needed to be part of it.

“We said well, that’s the place for us,” said Corbelli, 82, who has been involved in activism throughout her life. She said it was something she did not intend to give up in her later years.

The demonstration she saw at the corner of Miller Avenue and Camino Alto was perhaps one of the first for Seniors for Peace. The group was founded in 2003 by Rolly Mulvey, a resident at the Redwoods community for seniors, to oppose the United States’ involvement in Iraq.

At the time, many of the members had experienced war firsthand, and were concerned about the loss of life on both sides, according to Nancy Miller, co-chair of the group.

The group is celebrating 20 years as an organization, which is still going strong with its ranks growing. It has more than 100 members and volunteers across the county.

“The mere fact that we’re still around shows that we’re persistent and we have resilience,” Miller said. “We know that change is in small steps and we don’t get too discouraged.”

The participants — mostly residents of Mill Valley, specifically the Redwoods — are activists, both new to or previously involved in advocacy. The average age of the group is 86.

The members write postcards, make phone calls, organize speakers and help with voter registration. They also meet with local middle and high school students to discuss current events.

At 4 p.m. every Friday, the group holds a “special demonstration,” where participants can pick a sign about a topic they care about, Miller said.

“People honk and wave as they drive by to show support,” Miller said. “So we conclude that people enjoy seeing us out there.”

Late last month, the demonstration focused on the Israel-Hamas war. Participants advocated for U.S. support of a cease-fire and the release of all hostages. About 40 people gathered, signs in hand, and sang along as guitarists’ played songs such as “This Land is Your Land.”

“What could be better?” said demonstrator Audrey Hazen, 81. “Everybody laying down their weapons, laying down their hearts, to talk, to share, and we need this. We need to have this relationship going between us as older people, with the Tam kids, with the town, with the world.”

Hazen, a member for 17 years, said Seniors For Peace was one of the main reasons she moved to the Redwoods with her partner. She was an activist in Berkeley for many years, and has worked with the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Freedom Riders.

“But more important than the big names are the small people, the little people like me, ordinary people just doing the work every day, and that’s what the Seniors For Peace does,” Hazen said.

Since its founding, the group has tackled a variety of issues, such as voting rights, racial justice, election campaigns and global conflicts. Hazen said that while the topic at hand might change throughout time, the root of the problems have not changed. She said war has always been a hot topic for the group.

“The issues are pretty basic and they’ve been around a long time, but they get more press now and some people seem to be more conscious,” Hazen said.

She said while progress has been made concerning LGBTQ+, women’s and voters’ rights, issues surrounding poverty and education have worsened. The group, she said, has helped keep her out of a “bubble” and engaged in today’s societal challenges.

A more recent addition to the list of topics is climate change. Miller said the issue has garnered significant interest from seniors in the area — the impending flooding near where she lives by Bothin Marsh inspired her own interest in the group. Many members wonder how climate change will affect their families in the future.

The group added the climate crisis to its agenda around 2019, according to Miller.

“The climate crisis threatens all the values we hold dear,” the mission statement says.

“It’s an ongoing threat and many of us have been blessed with grandchildren,” Miller said. “We just think, God, what kind of world are we leaving them?”

About 28% of Marin’s population is 60 or older, according to a 2019 assessment by Marin Aging and Adult Services. By 2023, seniors were projected to make up 37% of the population. Recent U.S. census data show that Marin led the Bay Area in its average age of 48.2 in 2022.

Corbelli arrived at the Redwoods around 2017 and got involved in the group. She said the first meeting she attended spooked her because many of the members at the time were in their 90s. When they began to speak, however, she realized the wisdom they offered.

“And then they opened their mouths and they were so smart,” Corbelli said. “A lot of them were from a previous generation, and they had life experience about what it is to go through a war and a depression.”

Teri Dowling, a member of the Marin County Commission on Aging, said older adults are an underutilized and undervalued asset in the community. She said jurisdictions and organizations should be reaching out and making opportunities for seniors to get involved in the community.

“What a remarkable resource,” Dowling said. “There are so many smart, interesting people that live in this community, and sometimes you have to make that opportunity.”

Dowling said research shows loneliness and social isolation can be risk factors for seniors. Jenay Cottrell, a program manager at Marin County Aging and Adult Services, said nutritional deficiencies, dementia, depression and even the risk of falling can increase due to isolation, which seniors are more likely to experience. About 31% of seniors in Marin live alone, according to Healthy Marin, a county public health program.

“It’s wonderful when we see groups like Seniors for Peace because it’s a great example of older adults doing what they want to do, but in a group, which has social benefits,” Cottrell said. “Being in a group just multiplies the positive effects of things, and older adults have so much to contribute. They know how to navigate life. Just because you turn a certain age doesn’t mean you should retire from doing things you love or contributing.”

Miller said she believes the importance of giving back to the community combined with the camaraderie is one of the most beneficial aspects of Seniors For Peace.

“It is working toward a better future for our descendants and it is the personal satisfaction of making a contribution that gives meaning to our lives, that we’re doing something constructive and not just recreational,” Miller said. “It doesn’t hurt that it keeps up going as long as we’re healthy.”

Corbelli said the group has kept her in touch with not only the community and politics, but also with her youth.

“It keeps me young, youngish, because it appeals to that time of my life when I was protesting, so for me it’s really important, and it’s important to be able to connect back to the issues and there’s a community here that you can talk to about those issues,” she said.

Hazen said activism and the group has kept her grounded in the things that matter in life. It has kept her following the “spark” in order to find the “fire” in her to advocate for change.

“It’s in your bones to really want good representation, good voting, good education,” Hazen said. “It will always be in our bones, I can’t imagine not caring and not being an activist.”

It’s February, and around here, that means the days are often cold and rainy. In other words, good times to snuggle up with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For some of us, this raises the question of how much is too much of a good thing?

Well, some recent studies might surprise you in terms of your caffeine intake. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association found that seniors were less frail and had significantly better physical function later in life if they had a regular higher intake of caffeinated drinks than those that did not.

Researchers at the National University in Singapore surveyed data from 12,000 participants between ages 45 and 74, over the course of 20 years, taking note of diet, medical history, sociodemographic characteristics, height, weight, energy levels, physical activities and sleep duration. According to the leader of the study, Koh Woon Puay, “Our studies show that consumption of caffeinated drinks at midlife may be associated with a reduced likelihood of physical frailty in late life.”

The main sources of caffeine among those included in the study were coffee and tea.  In addition to monitoring the number of cups of caffeinated drinks consumed by participants, researchers also measured their hand grips and balance to determine their physical frailty and fall risk. Researchers found that drinking coffee, black tea or green tea at midlife was “independently associated” with a largely reduced risk of physical frailty in later life. Even more surprising to some, is that the study seemed to show that participants who had four or more cups of coffee per day had a substantially decreased likelihood of frailty later in life compared to those who didn’t have a daily cup of coffee, and those who drank black or green tea daily also showed reduced chances of frailty compared to non-tea drinkers.

The researchers were careful to note that further investigation is necessary to find the specific ingredients that led to the link between caffeinated beverages and physical frailty.  For now, let’s just enjoy this encouraging news on a cold or rainy February day. Here’s hoping you are reading this while snuggled up under a blanket and enjoying a freshly brewed cup of your favorite coffee or tea. Enjoy it in the full knowledge that it may be warming you up now and keeping you from getting frail later!