Have you considered relocating to a retirement community? In 2022, according to Forbes, 77 percent of Americans over 50 preferred to age in place. However, retirement communities offer a vibrant lifestyle, connecting you with other older adults and equipping you to enjoy the next season of life.
Both aging in place and moving to a retirement community have pros and cons. Some factors to consider include community ties, finances, health status, and future goals. Keep reading to learn more and decide which option best fits your goals and preferences.
Many adults prefer to age in place, which means living at home independently as you grow older. When you age in place, you can continue enjoying your routine, the home you love and the friends you see locally. If needed, you can hire personalized care so that you receive support in a familiar environment.
Staying at home can be good for your emotional well-being because you’re surrounded by familiar objects. You don’t necessarily need to worry about downsizing or selling belongings that remind you of special times. It may also feel safer to stay at home because your space and everything in it are so familiar.
Although aging in place has many benefits, it’s not ideal for everyone. If all your family has moved away or you live in a rural location, staying at home might be lonely. Being at home also means you’re still responsible for household tasks like yardwork and cleaning.
Retirement communities are specifically designed to offer housing, community and support systems for older adults. Many retirement communities offer a spectrum of homes and independent living arrangements so you can find the best fit for you. The benefits of living in a retirement community include:
Retirement communities offer support for challenges you may experience as you get older, such as help completing property maintenance. At the same time, they provide vibrant opportunities for older adults to connect with new friends, learn new skills and stay active.
Every retirement community is different, so it’s important to research and visit communities before choosing where you want to move. The location impacts the opportunities and support you will experience after the transition. More research will help you to decide which retirement community feels like the best fit for you.
If you’re unsure which living option you would prefer, it can help to create a pros and cons list. Every person has a unique set of circumstances and preferences, so the best choice for you will also be unique. Here are some areas to consider when you’re thinking about where to live in the future:
How connected are you in your current location? What kinds of friendships do you want to build and enjoy during this next season? For some older adults, staying at home is the best way to maintain connection and community. Others may feel isolated at home, depending on how far they live from family and friends.
Living in a retirement community can reduce isolation, allowing you to stay closely connected to others living nearby. You can build new friendships and explore new hobbies and service projects together. Your family and friends can also visit you at a retirement community at any time.
Many older adults want to age in place because they feel safe and comfortable in their homes. Moving can be challenging as you get older, especially if you don’t like change. Staying home is a wonderful choice if you already love where you live. You may want to continue building memories in your current place.
However, moving to a retirement home can increase emotional well-being for some older adults. Without the responsibility of caring for a property, they can focus more of their time on their hobbies and friends. It may also bring peace of mind to know they have friends close by at all times.
Moving to a retirement community may be very comparable in cost when compared to aging in place. The cost involved depends on the support you need, the layout of your current home and whether you would like to downsize. In some cases, moving to a retirement community may be the best financial decision for you.
Talk to your financial advisor before taking this step. Together, you can decide whether a move or aging in place is the best choice. If you’re considering moving to a retirement community or simply downsizing your home, compare costs to find the right fit for your lifestyle and budget.
Moving is a big decision at any stage of life. When you’re considering where you would most like to be, take your time and give yourself grace. Talk to trusted friends and loved ones, and consult with healthcare and personal finance professionals before making your final decision.
There is no perfect time to move to a retirement community. Sometimes, retirement communities offer the best option for a joyful, exciting next season of life. However, some adults may experience a heightened sense of community and purpose from aging in place instead. Both choices can lead to an abundant next season, so the better option depends on you.
Ask yourself what opportunities you’ll have for reaching new goals and growing in both locations. Which one appeals to you more, and why? What concerns you about each option? By working through the pros and cons of each option personally, you can make a decision you’re truly excited about and embrace your next life season with confidence.
At Garden Spot Village, you will experience a community of older adults pursuing an exciting, purposeful life. Our range of living options allows you to choose from independent housing, apartments and cooperative living throughout several connected neighborhoods. Located in New Holland, Pennsylvania, Garden Spot Village is beautiful, welcoming and a wonderful place to put down roots.
Our residents are passionate about pursuing their hobbies, volunteering in the local community and showing love through shared mission trips. We believe that purposeful living in community is what brings fulfillment and joy to life. Residents living in Garden Spot Village find abundant opportunities to connect with and serve others.
Contact us today to learn more about living in our vibrant community!
