January 2012 officially started the beginning of retirement for the baby boomers. Based on statistics from the US Census Bureau, 10,000 baby boomers every day will reach age 65. A person can still receive minor benefits by certain companies even at the age of 55. One of the largest considerations of this population is where they will live.
As adults grow into the senior stage, concerns for living arrangements are at the top of the list as something to plan for and transition into. Many options are available. Among them are independent living and assisted living, as most do not have a need to be in a nursing home at such an early age. There are benefits of both assisted living and independent living. Many know of the traditional options available when it comes to senior housing, but many have never heard of another option within this independent living population. It is the development of retirement villages, which have increased over the past decade.
Retirement villages have a lot to offer. There are two main differences between these and traditional senior housing. The price point makes it a cost effective option to retirement communities. Most retirement communities charge a hefty entrance fee, plus a monthly fee on top of it. Retirement villages typically charge an annual fee which can be afforded by most.
Another difference is that the senior remains in their same home longer than in a traditional retirement community. This is possible because the services that a senior would need at the various stages of retirement are brought to the community, rather than the senior leaving their community to join a new one.
As with the other senior living options, a very active and leisure life are available. The same type of planning for community events goes into living within a village.
The only downside to remember is that seniors are still responsible for caring for the home as they are still managing the responsibility of owning a home. However, as with anything, help can be hired.
With the level of comfort that these villages offer, it is becoming the preferred choice by seniors everywhere. In the past, many seniors who were low-income or without a retirement fund had no options that provided any real luxuries. With entrance fees being upward of $100K-200K, it was not even on the list of something to shoot for. These villages now make the playing ground a lot more even for those wanting to live an active and happy retirement.
It really comes down to personal lifestyle and choice. Information is key. Once a senior has the full knowledge of all that is available to them, it will be easier to make the best decision on living arrangements. With the many a la carte options available today, seniors are being afforded the retirement that they really want and deserve.
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