There is a tendency for many retirees to put off relocation into a retirement community, often because they value their autonomy and sense of freedom. However, the transitions into independent living before you need to can provide a number of benefits which are highlighted below.
The Earlier You Relocate, The Easier it will be
Waiting until you’re eighty to relocate into a retirement community can lead to unforeseen issues, which are both physical and emotional. It will also be much harder to get settled in. On the other hand, retirees that choose to relocate earlier will find the process to be much easier, as they’ll have more time to form connections within the community while finding new activities to explore and learn.
Superior Health and Wellness
This is perhaps the greatest benefit of relocating into a retirement community earlier. You’ll have access to a world class wellness program that is very difficult to replicate in your own personal residence. This is because retirement communities employ the best doctors and therapists to help you keep your body and mind in prime condition while minimizing the negative effects of aging. You’ll have access to personal trainers and other amenities such as swimming within heated pools, tennis, golf, yoga, and more.
Around the Clock Medical Care
Another advantage of living in a retirement community that you will not get in a personal residence is the around the clock medical care. Each day, you will receive help with things such as medication management and health screenings, which are all things you’d normally have to do on your own.
Furthermore, if you sustain a health emergency while at home alone, such as a stroke, heart attack or slip and fall, there will be no one to come to your aid, whereas in a retirement community there is always someone on standby who can quickly get to you which greatly increases your chances of survival.
Age Gracefully With Greater Time to Yourself
Time is precious for people of all ages, but especially those over the age of sixty five. The last thing you should want to do in your retirement is waste time with mundane daily tasks such as laundry, cleaning, maintenance and other chores. When residing in your own personal residence, you’ll probably be responsible for all these things, which can become laborious and taxing, but after joining a retirement community all these things will be handled, on your behalf.
This frees of precious time and energy that can be used to focus on the tasks you want to do rather than worrying about the things you have to do. This creates a low stress environment where you’ll be able to age gracefully while kicking back and enjoying the wonderful life that took you decades to build.
New Relationships
Many retirees that live alone are lonely, especially after the death of a spouse. Loneliness has been linked to depression and numerous health problems, which is why relocating into a retirement community can prove so beneficial, as it gives you the opportunity to forge new relationships with likeminded people.