If you talk to people who haven’t moved to a retirement community yet, they often say things like, “It’s too soon,” or “I’m not ready yet.” Yet, if you speak to people who have already moved in, and are enjoying life in a community, they say, “Don’t wait too long,” or “I wish I’d moved sooner.”
Here are some reasons why it’s a good idea to move to a community earlier rather than later, and tips from residents who moved in soon after retirement.
1. You can say goodbye to home maintenance
If you’ve done a lot of home maintenance over the years, having it taken off your hands is akin to lifting a great burden. Who wants to mow lawns and fix gutters?
Resident tip: “There are psychological advantages to giving up the home and yard upkeep—you just feel free to do the things you want to do.”
2. You’re free to come and go as you please
When you move to a community, you have the freedom to travel, whether that means visiting relatives or seeing sights on your bucket list. You can have a home base in the community and take off for adventure whenever you want.
Resident tip: “I recommend traveling a lot for as long as you can. It feels great to be able to lock the door and go.”
3. You’ll reap financial benefits
By moving to a community earlier, you’ll get more out your entrance fee, for more years. It’s greater value for your dollar.
Resident tip: “Entrance fees go up every year due to inflation, so it’s great if you can buy in early.”
4. You’ll enjoy more social opportunities
This may be the number one reason to move in! Isolation is not good, and a community will offer a high level of socialization. You can meet new people wherever your interests may lie, whether that’s volunteer work, classes, clubs or groups.
Resident tip: “As you look back, you find out that social opportunities should shape your criteria for going to a retirement community. You want to pick a community that is socially active—that’s a very important lesson.”
5. You’ll have more ways to stay healthy
Studies have shown that people who live in retirement communities stay healthier, longer. That’s for a combination of reasons: low stress, availability of healthy dining choices, life enrichment opportunities, educational programs and many fitness opportunities.
Resident tip: “Living in a retirement community has kept me healthy. It’s easier to maintain a fitness routine in an environment where they encourage exercise, have workout facilities and offer fitness classes.”
6. You’ll have guaranteed care for life
Moving to a Life Plan Community (or Continuing Care Retirement Community) means that, if you develop health issues, you enjoy quality care at all levels of living.
Resident tip: “You may not expect to get sick, but if something you don’t expect to happen comes along, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing you’ll be well cared for.”
7. You’ll be able to experience the community’s benefits to the fullest
Many people wait too long to move, because they have this misconception that moving in somehow means that their condition has worsened. They have the idea that, “I’ve got to be in bad enough shape to move to a retirement community.”
That’s simply not true. If people wait too long, then, when they move, they could be on the verge of physical problems, and then they won’t be able to enjoy the amenities and programs to the fullest.
Resident tip: Moving earlier than “you need to” is not a wrong decision. It’s a good decision.
We hope you’ve found these tips helpful, and we look forward to welcoming you back to our campus. We’re now scheduling safe, in-person visits to the community. Please give us a call at 215-697-8086 to arrange your personal tour, or, if you’re more comfortable visiting virtually, we also offer this option. In the meantime, watch our Virtual Information Series, a collection of informative videos about life at PPH.