Memphis Retirement Communities

The city of Memphis is located in Shelby County, in the southwestern corner of Tennessee. The city sits on the banks of the Mississippi, and is in fact the largest city on the river. As of the 2010 census, the Memphis population was 652,078 people, though the metropolitan area extends into Mississippi and Arkansas and is home to over one million people.

Memphis is known to many as the home of Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock and Roll. Presley’s legacy is felt in every corner of the city, and as such, Graceland is popular attraction for Elvis fans, music lovers, and history buffs alike. In fact, Graceland was voted the Best Iconic American Attraction in 2013, and the 13-acre estate is visited by more than 600,000 people each year. Memphis hosts several cultural, music, art, and film festivals throughout the year. With music immersed in the city’s culture, Memphis is where many soul, blues, gospel, rock ‘n’ roll, and country artists got their start.

Organizations Serving Seniors in Memphis

The Aging Commission of the Mid-South offers assistance to seniors in Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton counties in Tennessee. The organization offers congregational meals, food supplements, physical fitness programs, home delivered meals, homemaker services, and counseling. Additionally, residents of Milwaukee retirement communities may be eligible for legal assistance, advocacy, medical equipment, and emergency response services from the Aging Commission of the Mid-South. Transportation is available to seniors in need, and there are also support groups available. In addition to these services, the city of Memphis has six senior centers throughout the city offering field trips, classes, dances, and special events to local residents 55 and older. Many centers also offer lunches during the week, and can arrange transportation for seniors who need it.

Memphis Senior-Friendly Activities

Because Memphis has a booming tourism industry, there is no shortage of interesting things to do. Art lovers will enjoy the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art, which is known by some as the Jade Museum due to its large collection of artwork made of jade. The Dixon Gallery and Gardens is also located in Memphis, focusing on French and American impressionism. Seniors residing in retirement communities in Memphis may also want to take a tour Graceland, the home of Elvis. This iconic attraction is one of the most-visited homes, second only to the White House. Those who love music history will enjoy a trip to the Memphis Walk of Fame, which is located in the Beale Street historic district and honors local singers, writers, and composers.

Memphis Medical Facilities

Baptist Memorial Hospital has been serving the Memphis area since 1979, offering emergency services as well as many specialties including oncology and neurology, such as care for stroke patients. Baptist Memorial also offers senior behavioral services, including a geriatric psychiatric program. The hospital pioneered many new cardiovascular procedures and technologies in the mid-south, and has won consumer choice awards for 17 years in a row. It has also been named as one of the top 50 orthopedic hospitals in the country by US News & World Report three times.

Senior-Friendly Transportation in Memphis

ITN Memphis offers dignified, door-to-door transportation for seniors residing in Memphis retirement communities and other area seniors. Fares are affordable, too, at $1.50 per mile plus a $3.00 pickup fee, and tips are not accepted. The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) provides accessible transportation options for all Memphis residents and visitors, with all MATA buses and trolley stations fully handicapped-accessible with one-on-one assistance to riders who require help. MATA buses also have a “kneeling” feature, allowing drivers to lower the front of the bus to assist riders with limited mobility. The Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) also offers a transit program to help seniors get to doctor’s appointments, pharmacies, banks, government agencies, and other locations.

Memphis retirement communities have a lot to offer seniors who wish to move into the area. If you’re considering spending your retirement years in this beautiful city, see our options for Memphis retirement communities.