A Personal Choice
How exactly do you know when it’s time for a retirement community? A complicated question without a one-size-fits-all answer. Every person is different, with a completely separate set of circumstances, and everyone will have more than a few factors to consider.
Age is not the only factor that helps determine the answer. Although the average age in a retirement community is 84 years old, moving into a community greatly depends on the individual.
Some people choose to move into a retirement community at a younger age, but a large majority make the transition between the ages of 75 and 84.
If you are interested in living in a retirement community at a particular stage of your life, remember to take some time to think about where you want to be and make plans for your move. Waiting until the last minute can cause unnecessary stress, so be sure to plan ahead!
Time to Simplify
It may be a relief to realize that there’s no perfect age and no perfect time to transition into a retirement community. The choice belongs to you, and it’s a personal decision that will work for everyone in different stages.
You may reach a point when you start to feel that day-to-day tasks are a struggle, and that’s when a retirement community could be a huge benefit to you and your loved ones. It may be the right time to make a transition if you feel you could use some help with:
- Household chores
- Cooking
- Showering
Residents co-exist with various levels of independence, including younger seniors who enjoy living in a vibrant community with lots of support and social activities. If you are looking for more structure and fun in your life, there’s no need to wait!
Do You Need More Support?
As we grow older, we may require additional support in our daily lives. Recovering from falls and broken bones takes considerably longer, and even showering can be dangerous. Things like handling finances and cooking nutritious meals can become complicated.
You may require additional support in situations like:
- Health conditions or accidents: We may need extra attention or even round-the-clock care, and sometimes our loved ones cannot provide the time and effort required to assist in a full recovery.
- Finances: It’s easy to allow important papers, documents, and bills to pile up. If you are having problems handling financial affairs, it may be time to consider other options.
- Nutrition: If you are having difficulties providing yourself with healthy meals and snacks or putting various foods in your diet, you may benefit from a new situation that puts your health at the forefront.
You may start to feel concerned about your health, your safety or want additional support in your daily life to help avoid dangerous situations. In these cases, it may be time to consider moving into a retirement community:
How Are You Feeling?
It’s vital to consider your emotional and mental state. Living alone as a senior isn’t easy, and it can lead to anxiety and depression. You may feel affected by:
- The loss of a spouse, siblings, or friends
- Health issues
- A lack of mobility
Your home may feel empty, and that has a significant effect on emotional wellness. A retirement community is filled with many potential acquaintances and friends who share similar experiences and situations, and this common ground can help build new relationships and bring joy.
Are You Tired of Chores?
Home maintenance requires stamina and patience, and you may reach a point when you are no longer interested or able to perform the daily tasks necessary to keep a home in order, like:
- Yardwork
- Repairs
- Cleaning
- Laundry
If you are concerned about unhygienic conditions at home, it may be time to seek additional help and care from a retirement community.
Would You Like to Be More Social?
As we age, it’s easy to neglect social engagements. You may decide to stay home from church or avoid lunch dates and walks with friends, rather than go through the hassle of planning and getting there.
In a retirement community, the staff plans activities and outings based on the interests of their residents and handles all the logistics. It’s easy to get yourself moving again with a bit of help from your new home and a group of friends with similar interests.
Being surrounded by family and friends is essential, and if you want to feel like yourself again, a retirement community can help you get back to socializing.
The Benefits of Community Living
Safety & Security
Seniors who live alone are at risk of burglaries, assaults, and scams. A retirement community is a secure and safe space that offers protection and peace of mind.
Wellness
A retirement community offers a variety of amenities and benefits to help promote and improve personal wellbeing, like:
- Nutritious meals
- Exercise opportunities
- Personalized activities
- Specialized treatments
Friendship & Fun
Community members share a lot of laughs and enjoy activities like:
- Gardening
- Games
- Movie nights
- Book clubs
Activities change, but they are always designed to boost emotional and mental health.
Making A Decision
If you have chosen a retirement community, it’s imperative to start planning, and remember that moving can be complicated. Deciding to move to a retirement community isn’t easy, and it truly depends on each individual’s situation and needs.
You can take the next steps towards enjoying this new stage of life whenever you’re ready!
If you would like more information about the retirement community at The Villages of Farragut, contact a member of our staff today. We are experienced professionals who are more than willing to answer any of your questions.
