Is a 55+ Active Adult Community Right for You?
Posted by Valerie Gravenor on Thu, Jan 19, 2012 @ 10:40 AM
There are many great articles about living in an active adult community, but few discuss how to approach the decision making process. So when I came across this great article in the
Chicago Tribune yesterday written b
y Jill Schlesinger I thought it was timely, relevant, and worth sharing.
The article is titled "The Phases of Retirement" and the author points out that the choice of where to retire is more than just a financial decision. There are many considerations that should be taken into account. However, this article has a unique viewpoint about the decision making process for those considering retirement living. She states that "what seems attractive at 65 might not make sense at 80, which is why retirement isn't one event, it's more like three phases." You can read the original published article here.
The three phases of retirement living are defined as:
- Retirement Phase 1 from ages 65-72: The emphasis at this stage of retirement is family, friends and familiarity. Most people are content to stay in their current homes or downsize within their current communities. (Or move to an active adult community).
- Retirement Phase 2 from ages 72-85: The emphasis at this stage of retirement is engagement, activity and accessibility. This is the stage where most people consider moving to a retirement community.
- Retirement Phase 3 after age 85: The emphasis at this stage of retirement is companionship, care and convenience. (My experience is that this is the average age that most people consider assisted living.)
The author is certainly not suggesting that we move three times to accomodate our needs in each of the phases. She does suggest that "while there's no doubt that your financial circumstances will influence where to live the later part of your life, the three phases of retirement might help you think about how you want to live it."
When making your retirement living plans consider these three phases of retirement and how you can accomodate your needs in each one. Perhaps moving to an active adult community could alleviate those dreaded home maintenance chores and give you more opportunities to travel. You could still be close to your friends and family, but free to explore many places you've always wanted to see without having to worry about your home. You could take extended vacations rather than making a big move across the country. Many active adult communities like SummersGate in Salisbury Maryland are designed to help people age in place with amenities like first floor master bedrooms, comfort height vanities and commodes, and wheelchair accessibility. Start thinking about how you can meet your needs through each phase of retirement now.
