What Is the Right Age to Consider Moving to a Senior Living Community?
Published on July 26, 2019
Moving into a retirement community is a big step and requires a lot of careful thought and planning. If you are considering retirement living for yourself or a loved one, you may be wondering if there is a particular age that you should begin your search. The truth is that age isn’t the only factor you should keep in mind. The right time really depends on the individual, so here are some things to consider before deciding it is time to embrace senior community living.
Is There a Right Age to Move to a Senior Living Community?
There Is No One Right Number
Although there may come a time in your life when you realize that you could benefit from senior community living, there is no magic number that suddenly determines you are a senior. While private organizations may consider those 55 years and older eligible for senior discounts, for most Canadians, you need to be between 60-65 years old for your government benefits (ie. CPP) to kick in. To risk sounding cliché, however, age is just a number. You’ll know when it’s time to move into a retirement home when you start to feel the burden of living on your own and maintaining a household—regardless of how old you are.
Furthermore, there is a wide range of senior living communities that can accommodate different levels of independence. Adult lifestyle communities typically appeal to younger seniors who still wish to have their own home, but within a supportive and socially appropriate community. Retirement communities typically appeal to seniors in their mid- to late-seventies and up who are looking to move on from the responsibility of home ownership and embrace the freedom of having daily chores handled by a supportive on-site time.
Many Younger Seniors Are Moving to Retirement Communities
When many people think about moving to a retirement home, they imagine a community full of the frail individuals who no longer embrace active living. In reality, retirement communities are quite different. Senior living communities are not nursing homes but are actually full of active adults who enjoy socializing, learning new things, and embracing new opportunities. Living in a senior community doesn’t mean you have to be over a certain age, in fact, many older adults are moving to senior living earlier. Some families wait until a crisis before considering residency, but some homes have waiting lists that could thwart those plans. It may be better to be five years early than late.
Why Moving Earlier Is Better (for Seniors Living Alone)
Improved Health and Wellness
At a certain point, managing your own health and wellness can be challenging. Senior living communities provide an array of amenities and benefits to help you stay active, healthy, and happy. Dining services include nutritious options and variety for those who have dietary restrictions due to illnesses like diabetes. Fitness classes are available to promote physical strength, circulation, flexibility, and mobility, and allow seniors to make new friends.
Better Safety and Security
Living alone can be worrisome, but senior living communities provide on-site team members for emergencies, security, and monitoring in to keep you safe. Many of these homes also provide accessibility features so seniors with limited mobility can safely move around the community without injury or difficulty. Plus, retirement communities typically include emergency call button services to ensure help is available as needed.
Opportunities to Socialize
One of the biggest advantages of senior living communities is the chance to socialize and have fun. There are daily activities such as book clubs, gardening, movie nights, games, and more. Some communities also provide opportunities for residents to visit local museums, malls, and other attractions. Socializing boosts emotional and mental health and can ward off several illnesses as well!
Get Help from the Experts at V!VA Retirement Communities
While there are many options out there for senior living, V!VA Retirement Communities is a cut above the rest. We strive to create a social community that our Community Members can thrive in and we offer a safe, trustworthy environment where they can build friendships that last for years. Our Team Members care about our Community Members and as they perform their unique roles, they abide by our value to make sure everyone feels welcome, safe, and cared for.
To learn more about our retirement living options and to find out if V!VA Retirement Communities is right for you or your loved one, e-mail us at info@vivalife.ca or call us at 1-888-984-8482.
