If caring for your home is becoming too much of a burden, your needs have changed, or you are simply ready for a more carefree lifestyle, it’s comforting to know that numerous living options for older adults are available.
For example, in Canada, the number of older adults is expected to grow from 16.9% to 24% by 2036, so it is clear that they will need several living options once they retire.
Depending on where they decide to live, older adults can focus on their own enjoyment and fulfillment. With downsizing, you won’t have to spend your time cleaning your house, tending to your garden, or saving to repair a leaky roof.
Instead of looking for things to do, you’ll have access to many activities and like-minded peers. This can imply a more active, exciting, and carefree retirement.
Nonetheless, many older adults are hesitant to leave their homes because of the many happy memories that have been made in their homes. There are also things that are important to them such as a prized houseplant collection, a family heirloom, or wedding photos.
Regardless, downsizing does not mean changing your life completely. If you have doubts, make sure you research online and learn more about what it means to downsize after retirement.
Downsizing does not have to imply giving up items that remind you of your past and connect you to your roots. In fact, decluttering such as throwing away useless stacks of magazines, the clothes you haven’t worn in 20 years, and the crossword puzzle books you feel guilty about not finishing, can free up physical and mental space to focus on what really matters.
Here are four options to choose from once you retire and decide to downsize.
Communities for independent living
Independent living communities go by many different names. They are also known as retirement communities, active adult communities, or senior housing.
Residents have their own private living space but also have access to on-site amenities such as theaters, golf courses, and restaurants. Residents may also be offered planned social activities and excursions.
While retirement communities are frequently associated with sprawling suburban developments, retirees can also choose to live in cities, if they prefer. Old schools, hospitals, and other downtown buildings are usually renovated into new senior housing.
Relocating with family
It was once assumed that older relatives would simply move in with their families as their needs grew. However, older people are not willing to give up their privacy and their own homes. In addition, many homeowners either lack the space or the desire to sell the home they have worked so hard to obtain.
If you plan to share your retirement home with family or friends, it is often better to pool your resources and buy a home that suits everyone and feels like it belongs to you all.
This can help you overcome many of the issues associated with house sharing, and you won’t feel like you’re invading someone else’s space.
Assisted living
Individual apartments may be available for residents, and communal areas may be used for meals and social activities.
Staff may assist with a variety of housekeeping, personal hygiene, and medication reminder tasks. Assisted living care is frequently used as a transitional service between independent living and nursing home care.
It is designed for people who can manage a variety of activities on their own and do not require round-the-clock assistance. However, sometimes in assisted living facilities, there are memory care units designed specifically for those suffering from dementia or other cognitive impairments.
Cohousing
In a cohousing situation, each individual or family purchases a residence, like an apartment, townhouse, or even a single-family house, that includes everything a typical home would have.
The residences, on the other hand, are linked to a common space such as a garden, as well as a large common room, dining area, and kitchen that can accommodate group meals or gatherings.
The goal of cohousing is to create a community and the ability to live independently without being completely alone.
Cohousing communities are typically intergenerational and do not provide staff services, but they can be age-specific. Sometimes cohousing communities allow residents to hire household and care services as needed.
Final thoughts
Downsizing can be liberating. It is a significant step toward a new and exciting chapter in your life. All you need to do is find the option that suits your needs the best. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that makes you feel free and happy.