Today’s seniors are not content to spend their golden years quietly watching TV or knitting in a rocker. They want retirements filled with purpose, adventure, and rich relationships. Both independent living communities and continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) offer an alternative to living alone. So which one is right for you? Here’s what you need to know as you weigh your options.
Many seniors say they want to remain in their homes as they grow old. But life is full of surprises. Sometimes the perfect retirement plan looks much different than you anticipated. Many seniors find that aging in place is difficult, isolating, and even dangerous. As you age, it can be challenging to explore new activities and hobbies, stay in touch with friends, and keep up with the seemingly endless demands of home maintenance.
An overwhelming majority of seniors say they want to remain independent as long as possible. But for many, remaining at home is actually a barrier to independence. A house can become a financial burden, a source of endless work, and even a barrier to socialization and learning—particularly if you no longer drive, or prefer not to drive at night.
Every new experience can be scary, and aging is no exception. But seniors are living longer, happier, more productive lives than ever. Nearly seventy percent of seniors say that the past year of their lives has been normal or better than normal. Most want to remain active members of their communities and trusted confidants to their families. Though most seniors say they want to live at home, just 43 percent of seniors over 70 find living at home easy.
After years of living in a beloved home, making the decision to downsize can be emotionally difficult to say the least, but once a senior is ready to relocate, there’s yet one other crucial choice to make—namely, where to go. Although there are various housing options, two of the most popular ones for older adults are independent living and assisted living communities.
So what are the difference and how can you understand them?
