Benefits of Senior Living
“So, why the heck would I want to move from my current home into senior housing?” “I can’t afford that!” “I have lived here this long, I don’t need to change anything.”
Do these objections sound familiar? Have you heard these from someone you love? Do you need to convince someone that a move may be a good thing? There are very good reasons why a move to a senior community might not only be a good idea but perhaps a great one.
Sure, when we were young we could hardly wait to grow up and move out of our parents’ home, get our own apartment (without roommates), or buy our own house. But at a certain time of life, less may be more. Simpler may be better. And planning for the future is always a good thing.
Leave it behind
For starters, there are the things seniors get to leave behind. Unloading the chores of the house with repairs, painting, yard work, insurance and taxes is a good thing. Some people leave behind the isolation, loneliness or depression of living in a home with lots of memories but little stimulation.
Lighten your load
Moving and downsizing gives one an opportunity to “lighten the load.” It can be a big relief to eliminate the clutter and donate or give treasures and see them enjoyed and incorporated into different lives. Giving that sewing machine to a daughter who sews, that set of blue dishes to a friend and those tools to a nephew can be a delightful experience.
A better value?
It may seem prohibitively expensive to move into a senior retirement community. But consider budgeting. Notice if the monthly rent includes utilities, water, garbage, (sometimes even cable TV), meals, housekeeping, laundry, entertainment, and usually some transportation. And you get to kiss those property taxes or homeowners insurance goodbye. Sometimes the senior retirement community is a better value than your current home. Compare current and with projected expenditures for the homes you’re considering.
Time and energy for the fun things
A move to a retirement community can offer the independence of “your own place, “ but with 24-hour security and emergency services. Choosing a senior community with a variety of cultural, fun, supportive activities and trips offers a sense of community, a chance to make new friendships, learn new things and rise to new challenges. It may mean moving closer to friends, doctors or family. Since communities offer the freedom from the “daily grind,” (housekeeping, laundry and meals are included in the monthly rent), many seniors they have more time and energy for the fun things in life.