Upscale Downsizing For The Retiree

Today’s seniors are busier than ever with friends, family, part-time jobs and even weekend escapes. Who wants a house to clean, or snow to shovel? And those flower beds that seemed like a lovely idea years ago don’t seem like a good idea today. Yet, while many seniors want to scale down, no one wants to give up their upscale expectations.

The trick is to find retirement properties that offer downsizing with all the amenities you’ll love.

All retirement communities offer independent seniors the chance to live near neighbors of similar age and interests. Most are located close to medical facilities, shopping, and places of worship. Many offer club house activities, a pool, tennis courts and even shuttle bus or van service. So how do you find the retirement community that is all-inclusive and fits your expectations? With the help of a real estate agent you can find the community that fits your needs now and later.

Consider the location of any Active Retirement Community. What is most important to you and how close do you want to be to outside recreational activities? Many of the more upscale communities offer some or all of the following amenities on-site;

• clubhouses

• pools/saunas/spa facility

• exercise facilities

• craft and hobby shops

• libraries

• media rooms

• movie theaters

• hiking trails

How important are planned activities? Many active retirement communities employ full-time activity directors to plan events such as day trips, shopping excursions, special-interest groups, card clubs and book clubs. Additionally, many active retirement communities offer a wide variety of travel options, including day trips, member excursions and private travel agencies on site. Some will also recognize the importance of activities that are age-appropriate for visiting family and friends.

Retirement communities are also forward-thinkers that consider the issues relating to aging-in-place. Convalescent care, assisted living, and respite care are just a few of the concerns active retirement communities have considered. Proactive retirees looking for that all-in-one community can downsize to a home-like environment. Staffed by medical professionals, all health concerns are attended to, while remaining in the same community. There is no need to pack up and move to accommodate growing health concerns.

Preparing for such a transition can be daunting, however when you consider the array of activities and opportunities that are available when you downsize, it becomes easier to prepare for the next chapter in life.