The Benefits of Living in a Faith-Based Retirement Community
There is a lot to consider when choosing a senior living community. Size, location, range of amenities, cost and available levels of care are among the top considerations, of course. Faith is also a significant factor when selecting a retirement community, as spirituality shapes, one’s emotional health and well-being. Faith-based living communities offer several important benefits that other communities may not.
Faith is very important to people, particularly to those ages 65 and older. In fact, 65 percent of people in that age group who responded to a survey by Pew Research Center say religion is very important in their life. The survey also reveals many aspects of spiritual life, such as reading scripture and participating in prayer, are very important to older adults.
While it is possible to lead a spiritual life in a senior living community not founded in faith, residing in a faith-based retirement community has its benefits.
About Faith-based Communities
Christian retirement communities are residential organizations that provide for physical, social and spiritual needs. Like other types of senior living options, a faith-based senior living community offers comfortable housing, restaurant-style meals and some also offer additional assistance with activities of daily living. High-quality care is always a priority.
Unlike other senior living communities, faith-based organizations also tend to the spiritual needs of their residents. They may hold services conveniently within the community, making it relatively easy for residents to attend. In addition, the communities may offer assistance getting to and from these services. Staff at the community also may share the same faith as the residents or receive training in aspects of that faith. If requested, some volunteers or staff can pray with residents or read religious passages to them.
Christian retirement communities create an environment in which residents can live their faith and uphold lifelong values and life-affirming standards. While diversity is stimulating and encouraged, opportunities to live in a community with others sharing similar values create feelings of comfort, familiarity, support, social connections and inner peace.
Many faith-based senior living communities enjoy an affiliation with local churches. Volunteers from those churches may play a variety of roles in the senior living community. Some may serve as ministers, for example, or lead Bible studies. Others may act as caregivers or companions to enrich the lives of the residents.
Living in a faith-based senior living community allows residents to maintain their spiritual traditions and worship patterns. Holding services and group meetings in the same building and living space make it easier for residents to attend without worrying about transportation. Proximity also provides more time for worship and more opportunities to participate. Many residents become more active in church activities, such as preaching, teaching, facilitating prayer groups, leading Bible studies, directing or singing in the choir, playing an instrument, working the audio/visual system or accompanying other residents to service.
Christian-based senior living communities can offer the following:
- On-site chapels
- Religious services and events
- Bible study groups
- Prayer meetings
- Group discussions
- Religious artwork
- Before-meal prayer
- Daily morning devotionals
- Visiting chaplains
- Catholic rosary
Concordia and the 500th Anniversary of Reformation
The year 2017 marked the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, a movement that had far-reaching spiritual effects. In 1517, Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg, an act that sparked the Protestant Reformation. The theses outlined Martin Luther’s concerns with the Catholic Church. At the core of the Ninety-five Theses were the “Three Solas”: sola scriptura, sola gratia and sola fide, which translate to scripture alone, by grace alone, through faith alone. The Ninety-five Theses returned the power to speak to God to the hands of the people, creating “the priesthood of all believers.”
The Protestant Reformation changed the world as the Ninety-five Theses spread across Europe. Scholars translated the Ninety-five Theses from Latin into German. Exiled at Frederick III’s Wartburg Castle, Luther spent 10 months translating the Latin Bible into German, making it accessible to most Europeans.
Gutenberg’s printing press allowed for mass printing and distribution of the Bible. For the first time, everyday people were able to access scriptures in a language they could understand. Catholics began to question the teachings of the Church and re-evaluate their beliefs. Printing the Bible in German also helped increase literacy throughout Europe.
The faith-based senior living community at Concordia reflects the values inspired by the Protestant Reformation by creating an environment in which residents can access, celebrate and share the word of God with like-minded people.
Oklahoma City Faith-Based Community
Concordia is a Lutheran Community located in Oklahoma City, founded in the Christian faith and stewardship. In addition to fulfilling the spiritual needs of our residents, Concordia provides a full continuum of care, ranging from independent living to memory care and skilled nursing care.
Concordia is a close-knit, spiritual and loving faith-based retirement community that embraces our mission “Be W.I.S.E.” values:
- Wear a smile
- In all things, honor God
- Serve others before yourself
- Encourage and bless others
Concordia Senior Living welcomes seniors of all faith and backgrounds. The dedicated care professionals at Concordia meet all residents’ medical and healthcare needs, but their spiritual needs as well. Concordia is affiliated with several sponsoring ministries that support our mission of serving older adults. For more information about our Christian retirement community or to schedule a tour, please contact us by completing our online form.
General Information
