How do you envision spending your retirement years? If you’re like most other retirees, you’re probably looking forward to traveling, meeting new friends, and trying out new hobbies. After all, retirement is supposed to be a time filled with rest, relaxation, and fun.
Unfortunately, many retirees find themselves limited by their current living situation. The daily tasks of homeownership can be daunting, especially as we get older. And after leaving the workforce, some retirees feel their social circles begin to shrink. That’s where independent living comes in. Independent living communities are designed to make life easier for retirees, allowing them to enjoy an active, independent lifestyle in a private, maintenance-free residence surrounded by friendly neighbors of similar ages.
Downsizing from a larger home to an independent living community is a big decision that offers many benefits. But how do you know when the time is right to consider moving to an independent living community?
Signs you’re ready for independent living
Here are five signs that it’s time to consider a move to an independent living community.
Maintaining your current home is a hassle
When household chores and maintenance tasks start to become a burden, moving to an independent living community is an ideal solution. No longer will you have to worry about tasks such as mowing the lawn, cleaning the gutters, or fixing a leaky faucet. In independent living communities like Bethany Village, maintenance and landscaping services are included in the cost of living. These convenient services enable residents to sit back and enjoy the relaxing retirement they deserve.
You want to travel without worrying
Many people dream of traveling the world once they retire. With more freedom and flexibility in their schedules, retirees can take trips that last for weeks on end! The fear of leaving your home unattended shouldn’t hold you back from planning that big vacation. Luckily, traveling is a breeze when you live in a safe, secure independent living community. Most communities have security personnel on staff and 24/7 security monitoring so residents can feel confident about leaving their home and belongings for an extended period of time.
You want to enjoy a vibrant social life
As we get older, it can become more difficult to keep up with longtime friends, especially if they live far away. If you’re ready to meet new people and form new friendships, consider a move to an independent living community. From the moment you step foot on the community’s campus, you’ll be connected to a social network of friendly neighbors and like-minded peers.
You want to explore new hobbies in retirement
Retirement can be a great time to immerse yourself in something new, and independent living communities ensure residents always have opportunities to stay busy and engaged. Without the hassles of homeownership, you’ll have more time to devote to the hobbies you already love or have always wanted to try. Additionally, most independent living communities invite residents to participate in a variety of fun events ranging from happy hours to ice cream socials to holiday celebrations. You’ll never have to worry about being bored in independent living!
Best of all, moving to independent living means you don’t have to give up any of the community involvement activities you’re engaged in right now. Independent living residents stay connected to the local community through volunteer organizations and clubs, cultural events, visits to nearby restaurants and shopping centers, and much more.
You’re starting to think about the future
When considering a move to an independent living community, it’s important to think about your future care needs. While you might be in good health now, what if you need a little more assistance down the road? For this reason, it’s a smart idea to consider a retirement community that offers a continuum of care. This way, as your needs change, you can move seamlessly to the next level of care without having to uproot and leave the community and the friends you’ve made.
Continuing-care retirement communities (CCRCs) like Bethany Village offer multiple levels of senior care options on one single campus, including independent residential living, assisted living, skilled nursing care, memory support, and rehabilitation services. When you move to a CCRC, you can be assured that your needs will be met now and in the future.
Independent living communities allow older adults to experience an enriching, relaxing retirement lifestyle without the added work that comes with homeownership. But to take full advantage of all the benefits of independent living, consider making the move sooner rather than later. The sooner you move to an independent living community, the sooner you can enjoy the retirement you always dreamed of!
