Single Seniors: Three Points To Consider When Choosing A Retirement Community
Are you a single senior who is considering moving into a retirement community? If so, you may have a mix of emotions. You may be fearful about moving at times, but you may also have moments when you are happy with your decision and anticipate finding the location. As a single person, you will need to consider whether or not you would like to continue to live alone or not. Some retirement communities have matching services available. These communities attempt to match their residents who want roommates to other seniors with similar interests and backgrounds. The following suggestions can help you further narrow your search for the perfect community.
Active or Reclusive Interests
If you are a senior who desires to get involved in activities as part of your retirement, you need to ensure that you inquire about whether the communities you are interested in have on-site options for activities. Communities that employ activity directors will likely have a variety of on-site and off-site options available.
Perhaps you are more of a homebody. If so, choosing a community that is full of active seniors could help you become more active and social. However, if you do not have any interest in mingling with others and desire a quieter approach to retirement, consider whether or not a robust senior community would be ideal or a nuisance for you. Your personal preferences may be better suited for a quiet community setting with your preferred on-site amenities. For example, if you enjoy exercising, a community with a fitness center, nature walk area, or pool would give you access to some things you enjoy with minimal social interactions, and you may not feel as overwhelmed.
Location and Size
You may desire to retire in an area different than where you have lived most of your life. For example, some people who lived in the city seek out rural areas for retirement and vice versa. Try to spend some time in the area that you are considering moving to if it is outside of your current locale. This is because a lot can change in a number of years. For example, you may have enjoyed visiting a metropolitan city in your twenties and thought it would make an ideal retirement destination. If it has been decades since you actually spent time there, you may be surprised to find that the area is no longer appealing.
Moving as a single into an area where you do not know anyone can be a challenge. Choosing a larger community may improve your chances of making new acquaintances easier and faster. This is because there will likely be more seniors with varying marital statuses in the community. Choosing small, close-knit communities can be rewarding too, but you may find it more challenging to overcome existing social cliques. For example, a small community that consists primarily of couples could make some single seniors feel uncomfortable.
Buy or Rent
If you are in a situation where you have to make a decision about a community as soon as possible, use caution when making your selection. Choosing to buy could be a disappointment later down the line if you are unhappy with your choice. One way to avoid this is by inquiring with communities of interest about leasing options. A lease would allow you the opportunity to live in a community for a few months, and if you find that you are happy there, you can explore buying options. Contact a community like Mayfair Village Retirement Community to get started.
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