This blog was originally published 5/9/2023 and updated on 7/15/2025.
Deciding whether independent living works best for you or for your parents is much easier when you decide what is most important. What do you most enjoy? What tasks are you ready to leave behind? Coming up with a senior independent living checklist can help you pinpoint exactly where you want your path to lead—so you can turn your retirement dream into a reality.
Your senior independent living checklist: now it’s your turn!
It’s not often we get a chance to decide how we want to spend our days, as well as what we don’t want to do anymore! Whether you are moving to independent living, or moving parents to independent living, creating a senior independent living checklist can be a handy guide. Take a moment to really stop and consider what you want your days to look like. Wouldn’t it be a lot more enjoyable if someone else—such as a professional, cheerful staff—was handling all the little stuff for you?
Put a check in the column that fits your retirement dream:
| My responsibilities | I want to keep doing it! | Let it go! |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery shopping | ||
| Housecleaning | ||
| Cooking/meal prep | ||
| Yardwork/landscaping | ||
| Household Repairs | ||
| Laundry | ||
| Daytime driving | ||
| Nighttime driving | ||
| Errands | ||
| Scheduling repairs/coordinating help | ||
| Other: |
This checklist is a great way to really see how carefree independent living can be. Imagine all the free time you or your parents could enjoy when you no longer must keep doing so many daily tasks! Every “check” in the “Let it go” column might tell you: it’s time to think about moving to independent living.
Download our free guide, Just The Facts: Your Guide to Independent Living.
Making your retirement dream even better
Now consider all the things you think about when you imagine your retirement dream…more time to yourself, a morning swim in a heated pool, meeting new people, sampling fine cuisine, exploring local attractions, traveling at the drop of a hat, joining a line dancing class, or whatever makes you smile.
| Ways to enjoy life more | Available in independent Living? | Put a check if you would like this to be part of your retirement! |
|---|---|---|
| Fun | Yes | |
| Social opportunities | Yes | |
| More friends | Yes | |
| Convenience | Yes | |
| Dining options | Yes | |
| Travel opportunities/outings | Yes | |
| Pampering | Yes | |
| Amenities | Yes | |
| Fitness and wellness | Yes | |
| Activities & programs | Yes | |
| Volunteer opportunities | Yes | |
| Purpose | Yes | |
| Relaxation | Yes | |
| Time to do what I want! | Yes |
When you review your senior independent living checklist, you’ll probably see just how many wonderful perks you’ve been missing out on. For example, having a spa just steps away. A choice of dining options (that you don’t have to provide). Dynamic exercise and wellness opportunities. Countless ways to socialize, laugh, and learn.
Simply put, moving to independent living opens a larger world to you in retirement than you, or your parents, would ordinarily find at home, with more options and less responsibility. Plus, having plenty of friends close by means you not only enjoy everything more, but you also take advantage of important health benefits. Review your senior independent living checklist. Then check out ok at St. Mark Village.
A nonprofit life care community in Pinellas County, St. Mark Village offers you wellness of the body, mind, and spirit. Here you can be as active and involved as you choose, benefiting from a lifestyle that supports you in every way. Simple, carefree living has never been so much fun.
Here, you are part of a loving family that inspires you to enjoy all the perks of carefree senior living. Engaged with the present; at peace with the future, thanks to the reassurance of seamless access to future care options. Ready to have the time of your life!
Senior living focused on the whole person. Download our free guide, Just The Facts: Your Guide to Independent Living. Or contact us. We’d love to hear from you.
