When Is It Time to Think About Independent Living?

There’s no place like home, but your ideal home can change as you get older. Every senior deserves to enjoy their retirement years, so it’s important to find a housing situation that can help you live your life to the fullest.

One such option is to move into an independent living community. While it can be difficult to move out of your home and into a new space, independent living can help you maintain your ideal lifestyle without the hassle of being a homeowner. Here are a few key considerations to help you know if you’re ready to make the move into independent living.

What Is the Best Age to Move into Independent Living

The answer to this question depends on a couple of factors. The first factor is whether or not you’re old enough to move into an independent living community.

Some communities set a certain age limit for their residents. For example, it’s not uncommon for an independent living facility to require tenants to be at least 65 years old. Meanwhile, other communities don’t have an age restriction – if you’re able to make the move, the community is happy to welcome you.

The second and more important deciding factor has less to do with an exact age and more about when you’re ready to make the move. It’s important to find a living situation that helps you achieve your ideal lifestyle. That answer varies from person to person, so you’ll want to base your decision on a few key criteria.

Four Big Signs That You Should Consider Independent Living

You want to maintain your freedom without the hassles of being a homeowner

One of the major benefits of independent living is that it frees you from many of the responsibilities attached to owning your own home. Everything from mowing the lawn to dealing with home appliances takes a lot of time and effort.

If you don’t want to deal with endless upkeep, it’s probably time to consider a new home. Joining an independent living community gives you back that time and saves you from that work. The maintenance-free life of an independent living community lets you establish a new home that isn’t dependent on your desire or ability to keep up with chores and other work.

You want to spend your energy enjoying life

Eliminating ongoing home maintenance isn’t the only way that independent living helps you enjoy your golden years. Independent living helps take the chores out of your hands and lets you follow your passions.

Don’t want to cook? Don’t worry, independent living communities have dining services available. No desire to clean? Regular housekeeping can keep your place clean while you enjoy a good book or pursue other hobbies. You don’t even have to feel stuck in your own home, as independent living communities often offer scheduled transportation to let you get out and about.

You want more opportunities to try something new

Retirement doesn’t mean that you need to be stuck in your house with nothing to do. Your golden years are a great time to pursue your passions, try taking on a new hobby, or simply try out something new and exciting.

Independent living makes it a lot more convenient to have fun. While you’d need to leave your home and seek out excitement, independent living communities often have scheduled classes, wellness programs, and hobby groups to help you stay active and enjoy your post-retirement life.

You want more opportunities to stay social

At an independent living community, you don’t have to go far to see people. It’s not always easy to stay social when you live on your own after retirement. Independent living communities give you plenty of opportunities to expand your social circle.

One of the biggest reasons that seniors turn to independent living is so that they can join a community full of like-minded individuals. It’s a lot easier to meet new friends and hang out with buddies when they live down the hall or are a part of a weekly hobby group. Add in scheduled activities like classes, wellness programs, game nights, and more and independent living is an attractive option if you’re ready to meet new people.

Embrace the Right Housing Situation for You

Every senior deserves a place where they can live happy, healthy lives. For you that may mean independent living, staying in your family home, or something else. What’s important is that you have all the information and assistance you need to make the right decision.