For many adults of retiring age, moving out of the house they’ve spent years and resources turning into their home is the last thing they want to do. Even when the upkeep of their home becomes difficult, the thought of leaving can be too emotional to consider. It can be emotionally difficult to leave a beloved house, and the idea of a big, physical move can be overwhelming. However, there are just as many benefits of moving to a senior living community, releasing the burdens of homeownership and enjoying the provided services, amenities and carefree lifestyle.
In fact, many retirees who make the move to a senior living community soon realize their concerns were minor compared to the benefits they received from experiencing worry-free community life. When a huge, life-changing move is right in front of you, it’s hard to look beyond the obstacles. But it’s also important to focus on the remarkable differences the move will bring.
RETHINK RETIREMENT DOWNSIZING
A common thought about downsizing is that it’s something you have to do, not something you want to do. Many only consider moving to a community when they can no longer live on their own. Yet, the general opinions about senior living are changing in today’s retirement experience, and seniors look at a smaller home and community convenience and see the type of lifestyle they desire in their senior years.
According to an American Senior Communities® article, “The Joys of Downsizing Your Home,” those who make the move to senior living ultimately trade the time, money, energy and stress spent on maintaining their home and healthcare for the ease, security, social engagement and free time of a community lifestyle.
Here are just a few benefits you can expect to experience when you downsize to a senior living community:
- No More Maintenance – Keeping up on household chores and paying for yard work and seasonal maintenance is overwhelming and expensive. With age, these tasks end up taking more of our time or simply become too difficult or dangerous to manage. At a senior living community, chores are a thing of the past, as the community takes care of housekeeping and maintenance for you.
- Manageable Space – Often, seniors living on their own or with their spouse don’t need as much space as what’s provided in their family home. Downsizing to a smaller home makes it easier to manage their space. They can successfully decorate rooms however they choose and spend less time on tidying areas. Plus, smaller spaces help to prevent clutter from piling up.
- Financial Benefits – Along with homeownership comes the financial burdens of taxes and home repairs. Major repairs often come unannounced (when the furnace stops working or the roof starts to leak) and could cost thousands of dollars. Even small repairs add up. At a senior living community, you no longer have to worry about unexpected financial expenses. Without the burdens of paying for repairs and property tax, you can put your home equity to good use.
- Less Stress – All of these things inevitably equal less overall stress for you! Your new, smaller home will be easier to keep clean and organized, and someone else will be taking care of maintenance jobs. You can stop worrying about things that take away your time, energy, money and even health, and start enjoying some peace of mind.
- More Freedom & Free Time – When you downsize your home, you’ll regain the free time lost on homeowner responsibilities or health concerns and be able to spend it on the things you love. With programs and activities available every day, it’s easy for residents at a senior living community to try new things and get involved. Community living offers all kinds of opportunities for people to enjoy life the way they want.
- Social Engagement – Compared to the social isolation you might experience at home, at a senior living community, social interaction and involvement is effortless and accessible. Communities offer special programming, clubs and day trips, so there’s always something fun to do. It’s easy to make new friends and meet people with similar interests. Plus, friends and neighbors are always close by to grab lunch, see a movie or just sit and chat.
- Security – In a community setting, you no longer have to worry about being safe at home. Rooms are often equipped with emergency call systems, and staff is always close at hand to help. Plus, the security at the community provides peace of mind when you go out of town.
- The Chance to Start a New Chapter – Downsizing and moving to a new, easier-to-manage community home can help you begin a new chapter in your life. Downsizing to a senior living community can be a catalyst for changes for the better. Rather than viewing the move as a compaction of your life, see it instead as making yourself available for new possibilities.
FINDING THE RIGHT SIZE FOR YOUR RETIREMENT
If you think that downsizing to a senior living community may be right for you, there are plenty of resources available to help you make the right decision. Life at a senior living community can allow you to enjoy the kind of retirement you’ve been looking forward to. Without the stress of homeownership, and with the convenience and comfort of a community lifestyle, senior living can be the best years yet.
CONNECT WITH US!
Contact S3Living today by calling 833.405.0263 for buyer representation, home selling services, and more.
