Navigating Aging Alone: 5 Key Insights from the Mather Institute’s Latest Study

Are you aware that the number of solo agers—older adults who are unmarried, live alone, and lack adult children to depend on as they age—is on the rise? In 2021, the U.S. Census Bureau found that 28% of older adults in the U.S. fit this description.

A study by the Mather Institute, conducted from March 3 to March 20, 2023, reveals that solo agers prioritize maintaining their independence more than their counterparts, referred to as “supported agers.” Supported agers are individuals over 55 who are either married or in a long-term relationship, do not live alone, and/or have adult children they can rely on.

Solo agers often lack access to essential resources that help sustain their well-being and combat loneliness. They also face challenges in accessing informal caregiving, which is crucial for maintaining independence and managing their healthcare and financial needs effectively.

As Florida’s leading provider of senior living communities, a Westminster Life Plan Community offers a solution that caters specifically to the needs of solo agers. Choosing a Westminster Community addresses the top five concerns identified in the study, providing solutions that enhance the aging experience for those aging alone. Here’s how our communities can help:

  • Mobility: Choosing a life plan community can significantly enhance your mobility by providing easy access to well-being classes and personalized training right on campus. These facilities offer tailored fitness programs and expert guidance, ensuring that residents can maintain and improve their physical health in a supportive and convenient environment.
  • Independence: Our goal is to keep residents as independent as possible for as long as possible, and to give each resident a great reason to get up and get moving every morning. With maintenance-free living, we take care of everything so you can and can spend the day doing what you love keeping you active and engaged.
  • Dignity: By offering personalized care and support in a respectful and community-centered environment, we help maintain your dignity. Our approach is designed to meet individual needs with utmost discretion and sensitivity, ensuring that residents can continue to live autonomously as they age.
  • Mental Engagement: Enhance mental engagement at a Life Plan Community through increased social interactions and a variety of brain health programs that emphasize stimulating different brain areas. Each of our communities provide a rich environment for building connections and engaging in activities designed to maximize cognitive potential as residents age.
  • Social Connections: Significantly increase social connections by enjoying the vibrant social atmosphere at a Life Plan Community where residents can easily interact and participate in various group activities. This environment fosters new friendships and community involvement, ensuring that residents remain socially active and connected.

These are just five ways that a Life Plan Community can enhance your journey as your age. Choosing a Westminster Life Plan Community gets you access to life-enhancing services at your fingertips, an exciting and interesting calendar of lifestyle opportunities every day, and a supportive environment that embraces healthy aging and personal growth. Read the study for yourself and find the community that suits you today!

Westminster Lakeland Cuts Ribbon On New Name, Celebrates Joining Westminster Family

Following a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, residents, team members and distinguished guests celebrate the community joining the Westminster Communities of Florida family

LAKELAND, May 30, 2024 – Today, Westminster Lakeland officially celebrated its new name and affiliation with Westminster Communities of Florida. The community, formerly known as Florida Presbyterian Homes, is a Life Plan Community serving more than 250 residents, and now part of the not-for-profit family of 23 communities throughout Florida.

Following a program of special remarks by distinguished guests such as Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz, LeadingAge Southeast President Steve Bahmer and Westminster Communities of Florida Chief Executive Officer Terry Rogers, the community celebrated with a special ribbon-cutting and outdoor party.

The affiliation between Florida Presbyterian Homes and Westminster Communities of Florida was first announced in September 2023. These two not-for-profit organizations share a common Presbyterian heritage, and Westminster Lakeland was founded in 1955, just one year after Westminster Communities of Florida’s establishment in Bradenton in 1954.

“Today is a very special day in the history of Westminster, and I couldn’t be more pleased to call all of you family!” said Terry Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of Westminster Communities of Florida.

Executive Director Doug Pinson led the event as master of ceremonies, and he said that the entire Westminster Lakeland community had been enthusiastic to hold the celebration. “We’ve been waiting for this day to come for a ribbon-cutting,” Pinson said. “From the very bottom of my heart, thank you for being here today and celebrating with us. This is a very special time, and I couldn’t be more humbled to be a part of this and proud to be a member of the team.”

Meanwhile, Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz celebrated the community’s extensive history in Lakeland. “This has been such a wonderful organization and community for so many years, and has been so life-enriching,” he said. “I am incredibly grateful that this community will be here for the future needs.”

Lucia Solomon, Westminster Lakeland’s Resident Council President, said that she was delighted to welcome all of those in attendance. “It is my pleasure to welcome you to Westminster Lakeland, a beloved community with a new name,” Solomon said. “Thank you for being here!”

The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was performed by Ms. Solomon. The ceremony also featured a blessing from the Rev. Dr. Etta Owens, chaplain at Westminster Lakeland, and a benediction from the Rev. Richard Huggins, a resident at the community.

Congratulations to Our 2023 Team Members of the Year and Volunteers of the Year

On May 22, 2024, we were pleased to recognize the best of the best — our Team Members of the Year and Volunteers of the Year from throughout the state — at our Annual Awards Banquet at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando. These amazing individuals performed incredible acts of service and brought the Mission of our organization to life every day.

In addition, we congratulate our two CEO award winners, whose awards were announced by Chief Executive Officer Terry Rogers:

  • Adrina Hawkins, Westminster Towers Human Resources Generalist, recipient of the CEO Award
  • Dominick DeSarro, Vice President of Pharmacy Services, who received the CEO Mission Leadership Award

“Adrina has truly served from the heart since 1997,” Rogers said in presenting the award to Hawkins. “She is determined and never satisfied, and she is fun, energetic, compassionate and determined. She has good humor, good spirit and a strong faith. It is my honor to recognize Adrina Hawkins for the CEO Award for 2024!”

In addition, Rogers congratulated DeSarro for contributing to the fulfillment of Westminster’s Mission in presenting him with the CEO Mission Leadership Award. “We have returned over $5 million to our Foundation and our communities during your tenure, and those dollars are a significant way that we are able to fulfill our historic Mission. Thank you for your professional leadership.”

The evening’s master of ceremonies, Jeff Mock, CGC, a member of the board of Westminster Communities of Florida, also offered the ceremony’s invocation and benediction asking God’s blessings on the organization and all of our team members and residents throughout the state.

Congratulations to all the amazing people who make Westminster Communities of Florida a great place to live and work!

We also thank our banquet sponsors for their generous contribution to supporting this event. Thank you to Clancy & Theys Construction Company, Seni, TridentCare, Westminster Home Care and Westminster Pharmacy Services.

You can read all about our Team Members of the Year and Volunteers of the Year and their amazing stories in the booklet below.

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