The market for active and independent seniors considering the retirement community lifestyle is increasing constantly. Some ‘naysayers’ can not comprehend why one would give up their mortgage-free home in exchange for senior living at a senior community. I’d like to share with you nine reasons why independent seniors are making this choice.
#1Reason: Their neighborhoods are changing and safety is a concern. A more controlled safe, secure and friendly environment is very attractive.
#2 Reason: To be near their children (70% of people 65+ years seek to live within 1 hour of a child). The desire to be near children and especially grandchildren, and live in a nearby independent retirement community offers choice and flexibility.
#3 Reason: To match a Senior Community’s ‘facilities’ to the Senior’s ‘faculties.’ When one senior is independent and the spouse sometimes needs additional care, a retirement community can offer professional assistance in a wide variety of services. From meals, to laundry, to transportation, to therapy, and others the readily available help is a vital reason for a move to a retirement community.
#4 Reason: Avoid stairs. Many seniors who otherwise act and move with independence can have real struggles with stairways in their homes. Retirement Community’s design residential living areas with this in mind. Doors and showers with no thresholds and homes without stairs provide a safer environment.
#5 Reason: The home was too large or too costly to maintain. Large older homes often need near constant upkeep, remodeling and repair. Painting siding, replacing roofs, windows, flooring and a myriad of other repairs are costly and bothersome. A senior retirement community provides these repairs, allowing the residents to focus on more pleasant activities.
#6 Reason: Current home may not meet the present needs of the homeowner. A smaller ranch-style home with more modern designs and conveniences with the senior in mind is very attractive to most seniors.
#7 Reason: Financial Assets are tied up in the home and cash is needed. As the housing crisis is beginning to see improvements, many seniors realize that they are ‘housebound,’ as virtually all of their assests are in their homes and they have few options, but to stay in an environment that can be detrimental. As the housing market improves, it may be time to sell a personal home and live in a retirement community. Mid-range and inexpensive communities exist and with some basic research, these might provide a perfect way to have a better lifestyle with cash left over.
# 8 Reason: Transportation Issues. “I don’t drive and the available transportation is just not adequate. Most senior campuses offer a wide variety of services right on their campus settings. Others offer complete and convenient transportation based on the needs of the individual residents.
#9 Reason: Looking for a new retirement lifestyle. Retirement is a new and exciting time in one’s life. It’s a change from the old. Moving to a retirement community puts one in a place where others develop new interests and new activities. This environment promotes healthy growth and activity.
If you are considering a retirement community lifesty – Nothing replaces a tour! See for yourself and compare, compare, compare.
* Thanks to WAHSA (Wis. Assoc. of Homes and Services for the Aging) for sharing these NINE Reasons!
