Senior independent living is basically a residential living setting for senior adults, that may or may not offer hospitality or supportive services. Here, the senior adult is allowed to lead an independent lifestyle with minimal or no extra assistance. Senior independent living also includes rental-assisted or market-rate apartments wherein the resident has a choice of whether or not to participate in the facilitys services or programs.

Most of the senior independent living communities are designed around activities. There are pools, bike and walking paths, and exercise facilities for the senior citizens. There are also services like spas, beauty shops, chapels and a library for the use of the senior residents. They have the option of cooking and dining in their own homes, or eating in community dining areas or restaurants. However, most of the senior independent living homes do not offer health services, but instead have some affiliation with health care facilities that provide minimal and necessary care whenever needed. Most of them are rental communities, but there are some condominiums or single-family communities where the resident has to purchase his own unit or home. The costs vary, with some communities calling for a monthly fee to cover many services, with others call for a fee-for-service system where payments are collected for the services rendered.

Senior independent living is, as the name implies, a means for senior citizens to enjoy living an independent life, without having to depend on others. There are various independent living aids like hearing aids, walkers, canes and improvised kitchen gadgets that make independent living for senior citizens something they can really enjoy. Security is provided in independent living communities for the senior citizens safety. Senior independent living has made the senior citizens looks at retired life with a renewed interest.