Retirement Living
Retirement communities offer those entering retirement ( or as young as 55 +), and beyond , a community designed to fit the lifestyle of older adults . Homes are typically fit to satisfy smaller families of one to two people , offer single-level living or condo-style homes , and are low- or no maintenance , offering several amenities . Many people choose to sell their larger homes and downsize to a retirement community for the built-in neighborhood , making socialization easy and fun . The social interaction seniors receive from living in a retirement community provides them with a higher quality of life and even potentially reduces the risk of dementia .
When looking into a retirement community , ask friends or family who may already live there what they like about it and see if it ’ s a lifestyle you ’ d like for yourself . When deciding on a specific community , think about where you ’ d want to live . Do you want to stay close to family or move somewhere warmer ? Do you want to move close to the city or out to the suburbs ? You ’ ll also want to look at the activities and amenities offered at each community to see what piques your interest . If your faith is what grounds you , you may find a retirement community that ’ s rooted in religion . Or if you want to maintain your active lifestyle , look for a community offering outdoor activities , yoga , or walking groups . There is something for everyone ; you just have to put in the time to search for a community that suits you .
When deciding on a new home , be sure to research costs . While the price of the home may fit nicely into your price range , the extracurricular activities associated with retirement communities may have additional fees . You ’ ll want to know all costs up-front to make sure you ’ re setting yourself up to maintain your quality of life .
Assisted Living
Assisted living caters to those requiring assistance with daily tasks such as bathing , getting dressed , and using the bathroom . There are still several amenities offered at assisted living facilities such as activities , onsite restaurants , and social gatherings to keep aging seniors active and entertained . Those in assisted living don ’ t require 24-hour assistance and care , just some aid when and where they
Continued on next page >
Aging and Elder Care SPECIAL SECTION
HAMPTON ❘ SPRING 2023 29