Surveys reveal most adults 55 and older place a very high value on remaining independent and spending more time pursuing their passions and interests. Yet, many continue to live in the large home they purchased 30 or 40 years earlier to raise a family. That home – once perfect for a growing family – is often too big for two people and now a burden on their time, financial resources and personal freedom.
But retirement doesn’t have to mean becoming a slave to repetitive chores and home maintenance. Retirement communities provide an array of home options, programs and activities that offer more choices, greater independence and increased health and happiness. Indeed, after moving into a retirement community, most individuals say they wished they had moved sooner.
A Large Selection of Homes
Within each retirement community, there is usually a wide selection of home sizes and styles from which to choose. All homes allow people to enjoy their privacy while being part of a stimulating community with interesting neighbors.
Whether it’s a single-family home or well-appointed apartment, homes in retirement communities are designed to support active lifestyles including entertaining and exploring favorite and new pastimes.
For those who love to travel, one of the most appreciated benefits of a retirement community is the knowledge that their home will be cared for while they are away. Whatever the season requires, the yard will be maintained, mail and packages will be retrieved and indoor plants will be watered.
Freedom from Mundane Chores
Many of the services offered in retirement communities help free up time so people can enjoy other pursuits. Offerings usually include:
- Home and yard maintenance to take care of little annoyances (like changing a light bulb) as well as the big jobs (cleaning gutters, painting).
- Dining services that provide the option to enjoy delicious meals without having to worry about preparing them or cleaning up afterwards.
- Housekeeping services that keep floors, bathrooms, kitchen and more clean.
- Transportation services that offer more choices for those no longer driving or those who would prefer to let someone else do the driving.
- 24-hour staffing to provide a secure environment.
Friendships and Fun
Perhaps the biggest benefits of living in a retirement community come from being around others and the availability of enriching programs. Social interaction is critical to our well-being. In fact, research has shown social engagement can lead to better health and longevity while social isolation and loneliness lead to poorer health and a shorter life.
Social connections also have been shown to improve brainpower and play a role in preventing memory problems. Plus, the brain loves variety, and all the activities, events and outings offered by retirement communities help improve cognition.
Recognizing the value of sharing meals and activities with others, more boomers and older adults are choosing to move into retirement communities at an earlier age.
Planning for the Future
Statistically, once people sell their longtime family home, they move 2.7 more times on average. Initially, those moves are for lifestyle. Later, though, people are seeking higher levels of care. Each move becomes more challenging for the couple (or the family), and too often, friends or family are left behind. It is also easy to forget that a husband and wife are rarely on an identical health track.
A much more enjoyable and successful alternative is to select an attractive retirement community with a continuum of services and care. It is important to understand that future needs often entail care well beyond home care or occasional home health support. Today, there are great options that bridge active-adult living through multiple levels of licensed care, while supporting all residents to their highest level of independence.
Healthier and Happier
Today, it’s well understood that maintaining health and wellness throughout our lives includes staying physically active, eating right, having a strong social support system, reducing stress and anxiety, getting enough sleep, continuing to learn and serving others.
Studies have shown people’s health improves after moving into a retirement community. Researchers attribute this to eating meals that are more nutritious, getting more exercise, socializing with others, worrying less and participating in life-enriching programs. And the healthier people are, the more independence they have and the more control they have over their future.
Living in a retirement community does expand the possibilities for increasing personal wellness and enjoyment during the last third of our lives. QCBN
By Christy VanderMolen
Christy VanderMolen is a retirement counselor with Touchmark at The Ranch. Her 25-year career includes experience in active-adult living and long-term care, including owning and operating an assisted living center as well as working with CRSA and Robson retirement communities.
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