CHARLOTTE, N.C. — We used to think of our parents or grandparents moving to a nursing home when they became elderly. Nowadays, senior living communities are more vibrant, keeping our seniors more active than ever.
In a 2021 AARP survey, more than 75% of adults 50 and older said they wanted to stay in their homes, or, at least nearby, as they age.
One couple told WCNC Charlotte they found a solution to live as independently as possible while still being able to get assistance when needed.
John and Lucia Sehon had their first date more than 40 years ago.
"He was at the door with, you know, a rose and it was really lovely," Lucia Sehon remembered. "And my best friend was going out the door with my little boy in diapers. And he [John] looked at me and goes, 'I really don't want to be involved with somebody with a small child.' And I said, 'We're not involved. We're going out to dinner.'"
As their bond over the decades has stayed strong, in recent years the Sehons have faced new challenges -- particularly with health.
After building a house in Chapel Hill, they eventually moved to Charlotte a year ago to be closer to family.
"The area has really kind of brought the family back together again, even though we have the three boys on the west coast," John Sehon said.
Both 85-year-old John Sehon and his 76-year-old bride are enjoying life together in an apartment at the Brightmore of South Charlotte, where they have the option of getting home care assistance.
"I've broken some bones and I don't wanna do that again," Lucia Sehon said. "I can do a lot of things myself but like if we're in any kind of hurry, I need help."
The Sehons said their independence is important.
"It's really everything, because we've been together a long time and we enjoy each other's company," Lucia Sehon said. "The fact that we can, like, model what we used to have in a different setting is, is really, really helpful."
John Sehon explained modifications to their two-bedroom apartment -- including grab bars in the bathroom, as well as optional home care assistance -- are some of the tools at their disposal so they stay safe while enjoying their community.
"We cook probably two nights a week, maybe three nights -- I love to cook, I've always loved to cook," he added.
Anna Jordan, marketing director at Brightmore of South Charlotte, said the definition of senior living has evolved.
"They're at trivia, they're doing exercise classes, going on trips," Jordan said.
She said each unit is equipped in case of an emergency, and residents can pull a cord or press a button to trigger an alarm at the front desk.
"This is really nice because we can spend time together and we can do things," Lucia Sehon said. "If somebody comes in to provide assistance, it doesn't mean everything stops and changes so we can incorporate that into our daily routine, which is nice."
Not everyone has the means to move to a senior living community. Consumer Affairs put together a list of modifications you can do to your own home or your family member's home to help age in place.
Contact Jane Monreal at jmonreal@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.