Looking Forward To Retirement

 

A retirement lifestyle filled with recreational, educational and social activities compliments healthy nutrition and exercise habits and extends the joys of an independent and active life.

Most communities provide abundant activities to support a stimulating lifestyle. The variety includes:

  • golf courses
  • tennis courts
  • swimming pool/spas
  • exercise facilities
  • public libraries
  • concerts/plays/performances
  • churches/religious organizations
  • volunteer opportunities
  • travel/tours
  • crafts/hobbies
  • classes/seminars/workshops

You may want to live in your family home after retirement, or you may want to consider a planned senior community or senior residential complex. Communities can be either "Age Inclusive" or "Age Exclusive". Age Inclusive communities attract retirees, but do not have age-requirements whereas Age Exclusive communities do have senior age-requirements, usually age 55 and older. Among your decisions, consider:

  • are you willing to move from where you live now?
  • do you want to live among peers only?
  • would you like assistance with home maintenance and repairs
  • would you like assistance with outdoor maintenance
  • would you enjoy planned social and recreational activities?
  • would you enjoy meeting new people in a social setting?

Beyond your current home or a move to a planned retirement area, many communities also offer active apartment communities/complexes. In addition to the wide range of planned social activities, these sites also provide laundry facilities, access to meals, and local transportation.

For a service checklist to help guide you in a search for a retirement residence, visit the SeniorAlternatives.com web site. At the site, click on Active Senior Communities and then on the Helpful Checklist button to review What to Look for When Visiting a Retirement Residence.