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With increased life expectancy, more and more people are today living to see their old age. And as our life becomes even faster, families keep breaking down leaving individuals as separate entities. As these people retire and grow old, they continue to lead a solitary life - independent retirement living is making this possible. There are independent retirement living communities that have come up across the country - both apartment and bungalow communities. These communities are also referred to as 'assisted living', where the seniors get all the care and attention that they deserve.

Assisted living has been a Scandinavian model for senior housing and first emerged in the US during the mid 1980s. The concept is still so new that the various states that license these facilities do not agree on a precise definition. It is generally considered a residential alternative between independent retirement living and total institutionalized skilled care.

Nevertheless, these communities have become very popular and seniors do prefer the one's that are good. And many of these communities actually are very good. Family members also prefer this arrangement, as it is convenient for all. They come visiting every once in a while and the senior person is also able to spend quality time with like-minded people.

Generally, there is 1 caregiver for every 4-5 seniors in these independent retirement living communities. The seniors very often form a deep bondage with them and look forward to their next visit. Health check ups are also carried out at regular intervals.

The life of a senior has seen dramatic changes over the last decade or so. Gone are the days when all you did after retiring was sit back, relax and chat away, today seniors are very active and many living independently seek out new activities and go on trips that they never had time for before.

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