It’s never too early to start thinking about when you’ll retire and where you’ll live when that happens. Some people can retire in their 40s, while others choose to work into their 80s. However, the average retirement age for women is 63 and 65 for men.
Once you’ve figured out when you’ll retire, it’s time to determine where you’ll go. Many retirees decide they don’t want the hassle of dealing with their property once they retire. A happy retirement life for some might include exploring retirement community options.
This blog will discuss some of the factors you need to consider when exploring retirement living options. We’ve gathered together some of the top points to consider when discussing your ideas with your loved ones.
Choose an Ideal Retirement Location
Knowing the area you want to live in is one of the first things you should decide. This can help you narrow down your retirement living solutions. Ask yourself the following questions when considering what city or region to live in:
- Do you want to live in a city with affordable housing?
- Are you wanting to be closer to your family?
- Do you want to live in a quiet neighborhood or a bustling city?
- What natural elements do you want to be close to (i.e. beach, mountain, etc.)?
You can create a list of various cities once you’ve answered the above questions.
Consider the proximity to medical offices when choosing your location. If you’re new to the area, the community should be able to make recommendations to healthcare professionals to help you get started on the right foot.
Determine Your Housing Budget for Retirement
Determining how much you want to spend each month on your housing is crucial. Keep in mind that your budget shouldn’t just include your monthly rent. You’ll need to double-check if there are any additional fees on top of your rent that you’ll need to pay each month.
Some of the things that might not be covered by your monthly rent include:
- Fitness
- Maintenance
- Housekeeping
- Salon services
- Meal plans
- Extracurricular activities
Ask the retirement communities you’re looking at for a breakdown of their monthly fees. If you don’t see something listed, ask them about it. You don’t want to encounter any surprise costs that you can’t afford.
Consider the Benefits of Community Living
Making connections with others is one of the primary advantages of choosing to live in a retirement community. Being isolated or feeling lonely could lead to reduced feelings of depression and anxiety. Social isolation may increase health conditions, such as:
- Risk of dementia
- Premature death
- Risk of stroke and heart disease
- Higher rates of depression and anxiety
Living in a retirement community makes it easy to connect with peers and neighbors. That’s because these communities create a small-town atmosphere. While you can relax in the comfort of your private unit, you can visit common areas when you want to be around larger groups of people.
Determine the Level of Care You Need
Many senior living choices offer various levels of care to fit the needs of their residents. This can include:
- Assisted living
- Independent living
- Respite care
- Memory care
Some seniors require very little support if any at all. You’ll want to look for a senior living option that offers what you need to thrive.
Review Their Amenities and Services
Retirement communities boast a wide range of on-site services and amenities. Look for communities that offer things that’ll make your life easier. The community you select should support every aspect of your life, including your health and wellness.
Some of the amenities these communities may offer include:
- Libraries
- Barber shops and salons
- Exercise classes
- Yoga studios
- Dog parks
- Tennis courts
For example, you might enjoy going out for a walk each morning. You may want to focus on communities that have walking paths or are close to a park.
The great thing about community amenities is that you don’t have to go far to take part in activities and classes. Many events happen on your community’s grounds. That makes it easy to participate in anything that you find interesting.
Schedule Tours of Retirement Communities
The best way to determine if a retirement community is right for you is to see it for yourself. Many communities offer free tours to potential residents. You and your loved ones can explore the community, check out their floor plans, and see their amenities firsthand.
We recommend scheduling more than one tour at different times of the day. You may want to consider scheduling one during a meal or event. That allows you to experience all aspects of life there before you move in.
Plan for Future Needs
As we mentioned above, many retirement communities offer multiple levels of care. While you may not need a lot of support with your daily tasks now, you may need it in the future. The last thing you want to do is have to find another community to live in if you need more care than the one you currently live in provides.
It’s best practice to find a community that includes all the levels of care you may or may not need as you age. That way you’ll always have the assistance you need no matter where you are in life.
For example, you may enter into the retirement community not needing any support from the staff. As time goes on, you may transition into the assisted living portion of your community. While you may move apartment units, you won’t have to worry about switching to a whole new community.
Enjoy a Happy Retirement in the Right Community
The key to happy senior living is finding a home base where you feel comfortable and fulfilled. Choosing the right retirement living option can be challenging. Finding a well-rounded community in Luling is the best way to enjoy your golden years.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a happy retirement, look no further than SummerHouse Ashton Manor. Our retirement community offers a wide range of amenities, including live entertainment, restaurant-style dining, a scenic walking path, and more. Contact our office to schedule a tour of one of the best retirement homes in the New Orleans area.
