Over 55 Living: Aging In Place Versus Retirement Villages

When choosing an over 55 living option, most seniors are usually in a dilemma of whether to age in place or in a retirement village. Below is a comprehensive extract discussing the conditions that should prompt you to choose either of the two options. 

Aging In Place

This is an ideal option for seniors that do not wish to move out of their homes after retirement. For instance, you could be sentimentally attached to your home or would want to live close to your family. Below are a few pointers that can improve your comfort as you age in place: 

  1. Mobility issues are likely to crop up as you age. As such, you should consider low lying shelves, rails and ramps to ensure you do not struggle as you move around your home.
  2. If you have a long-term illness, make arrangements with your doctor for home visits. You could also hire a caretaker to conduct household chores and ensure that you take your medicines.
  3. Exercise is vital for seniors. As such, you could have age-friendly exercise equipment in your home. Alternatively, you could take regular walks around your neighbourhood.
  4. Make transportation plans to ensure you do not struggle to visit friends, your doctor or the shopping mall. 

Moving Into A Retirement Village

Retirement villages allow seniors to live independently in a community exclusively reserved for seniors. Retirement villages provide an array of services and facilities including housekeeping, libraries, golf courses, restaurants and clinics. Consider the following when moving into a retirement village: 

  1. Check the admission criteria. For instance, the village could have a waitlist. Some villages will only admit people of a particular religion or profession.
  2. Check the accommodation options. You might not need a large home if you intend to live alone. Additionally, check whether the units are available for sale or lease.
  3. Conduct a pre-purchase inspection to ascertain the condition of your unit. For instance, you would want to examine the structural features, the energy efficiency of the house and the quality of internal fixtures.
  4. Inquire about the terms of living. For instance, are you allowed to live with family or sublet your property? Can you take pets with you? Are you allowed to hold parties in your house?
  5. Examine the costs of living in the village. Other than the costs of buying or renting the property inquire about extra charges such as maintenance fees and medical and housekeeping charges. 

Ultimately, your needs and situation will determine whether you will age in place or move into a retirement village. As a rule, you should choose an option that provides reasonable comfort without straining your finances. 

For more information, contact an over 55 living community in your area.


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