Did you know the average age of a senior living resident is often 79-80 years old? Many people move to a retirement community when they begin to need help with some of the activities of daily life, or with taking care of their home.
However, a growing number of people are choosing to move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) sooner - anytime after age 55, in fact. That’s because they’re ready to stop worrying about things like chores and home maintenance and start doing the things they love while they’re active and healthy.
Are you ready to experience senior living the way it was meant to be? Moving to a CCRC can provide opportunities, new freedom, and stronger connections to your family and friends. Learn the additional benefits of moving to a senior living community at a younger age in this blog curated by Otterbein SeniorLife.
4 Reasons to Move to a Senior Living Community Sooner
Myths about continuing care retirement communities abound. Have you heard any of these?
- “I’m not old enough (and certainly don’t feel old enough!) to move to a retirement community.”
- “I’ll lose my social life if I move in. Plus, it’ll be boring.”
- “I won’t have enough room for my things.”
- “A retirement community is too expensive. It’s cheaper to stay in my own home.”
Below, we’ll break down these myths and explain why moving to a CCRC earlier in life has plenty of perks!
1. I’m Not Old Enough for a CCRC
Most CCRCs have a minimum age of 55. If you’re lucky enough to retire at age 55, wouldn’t you rather spend your retirement years spending more time doing the things you enjoy and less time doing chores?
Here are a few examples of the ways a CCRC can help you save time:
- No more shoveling snow or salting sidewalks in the winter.
- Yard care is done for you - so no more mowing, raking leaves, etc.
- If something breaks in your house, it’s fixed for you with just a phone call.
- Want a helping hand with housework, laundry, or cooking? Many communities offer these services for an additional fee.
- An on-campus doctor or medical clinic can mean more convenient appointments.
- The amenities you love will be just steps from your door - like tennis, walking trails, a library, a cafe, and more.
Moving into a CCRC when you’re younger also means you already have a plan in place for your future care. You’ll be able to receive assisted living, skilled nursing, rehab and therapy, and memory care all on campus and with a guaranteed spot.
2. I’ll Lose My Social Life and Be Bored if I Move In
Actually, moving to a CCRC is one of the best ways for older adults to meet like-minded friends and neighbors.
Consider a typical day in your life now. You may see your spouse throughout the day, or get lunch with friends. But you likely spend most of your time at home. To make or meet friends, you have to make a concentrated effort.
Now think about a CCRC. Opportunities to meet new people are sprinkled throughout the day - from running into your neighbors on a morning walk, to meeting new faces at the on-campus dining room, to rekindling your hobbies at a club or committee meeting.
As for being bored, the list of amenities mentioned above is just a taste of what’s available at Otterbein. Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always head off campus to local attractions. Whatever you enjoy doing, you’ll find a way to do it here.
3. I Won’t Have Enough Room for My Things
Moving to a CCRC can mean downsizing. However, how much you downsize is up to you.
For example, at Otterbein Marblehead, you can choose from a variety of one- and two-bedroom patio home floor plans to suit your needs. Don’t need as much space? Our apartments are cozy yet practical. Every home offers plenty of closet and storage space, and our patio homes include garages.
Remember, downsizing is an opportunity to make sure you’re keeping what really matters to you. It can be liberating to free yourself from clutter! And if the process sounds overwhelming, we’re happy to help you get started.
4. A Retirement Community is Too Expensive
Before you make any decisions about finances or determining which communities are in your budget, it’s important to add up what you’re already spending to live at home (it’s not necessarily free!).
Consider the following expenses and the amount you usually pay each month:
- Rent or mortgage
- Property taxes
- Lawn care/snow removal
- Regular home maintenance
- Anticipated home repairs and replacements (roof, windows, appliances, etc.)
- Water/sewer
- Gas/electricity
- Cable TV
- Refuse collection
- Security/safety system
- Regular transportation costs
- Memberships (fitness centers, clubs, etc.)
Nearly all of these expenses would be included in a monthly fee at a CCRC. The most common ways to pay for senior living expenses include any regular monthly income, Social Security, your total assets (including the sale of your home), savings, pensions, investments, long-term care insurance, and veterans benefits.
Learn More about Otterbein SeniorLife Marblehead
Otterbein Marblehead is a close-knit, friendly neighborhood of independent living homes and apartments, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. We value connection to each other and nearby Lakeside Chautauqua.
Otterbein Marblehead is located on the shores of Lake Erie, just minutes from popular area attractions, including:
- Put-In-Bay and Kelleys Island
- Marblehead Lighthouse
- Lakeside Daisy State Park (plus many other natural destinations, including beaches)
- Lakeside Chautauqua, a seasonal resort community
- Plenty of shopping, dining, and recreational activities
At Otterbein SeniorLife Marblehead, we have various contract options, price points, and home options to fit your needs and lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more and see our community for yourself!
