People often have a vision of what their retirement years will look like. While some details might be cloudy, most envision having free time to sleep in, travel, spoil the grandkids, and pursue favorite pastimes. As you work on your retirement plan, it’s important to keep in mind that where you live matters. It can impact your safety, health, and overall well-being.
Where You Live Matters during Retirement
Senior communities offer older adults a variety of benefits. From a safe environment to opportunities for friendship and socializing, senior living residents enjoy a better quality of life. Here are a few reasons why where you live matters after you retire:
- Meaningful days: When the kids are grown and gone, and you’ve left the working world behind, living with purpose may take planning. Senior communities offer easy access to wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, and social activities. Residents can participate in as many—or as few—as they choose.
- Safe environment: Falls are a leading cause of disability for older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates three million seniors are treated in a hospital emergency room each year for fall-related injuries. Many times, these falls happen in the senior’s own home. That’s why it’s vital to give careful thought to where you will live during retirement. A senior community generally has good lighting, an open floor plan, accessible bathrooms, and single-story living. That can add up to a safer environment for retirees.
- Active living: While mental health professionals have long known that isolation and loneliness can negatively impact mental well-being, evidence shows the consequences can be even greater. Older adults who are isolated are at higher risk for heart disease, cognitive decline, obesity, and more. The result may be early mortality. The companionship and social opportunities found in senior living communities can help older adults avoid the negative health consequences of isolation and loneliness.
- Freedom: Owning a home may create burdens for seniors and their adult children. Lawn care and household repairs eat up time and money, as can homeowner’s insurance, taxes, and utilities. With a move to a senior living community, these burdens are lifted. An older adult will be free to spend their time and money on a lifestyle that supports a better-quality retirement.
- Access to care: Another factor to consider is access to both health and personal care. The reality is that we need more assistance as we grow older. Sometimes that includes safety precautions for seniors who are still driving. Living in a community that offers personal care and transportation will give you peace of mind for the road ahead. That will allow you to relax and make the most of your retirement.
Learn what the experts at American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) have to say on the topic in this helpful article, Community Living: It’s Healthier.
Clearwater Living
If you are an older adult working on your retirement plan or an adult child helping a parent do so, we can help. Our door is always open for visitors! Find the Clearwater Living senior community nearest you and call us today to set up a visit.