Author:  Annabelle Harris

Reviewed By:  Maria Alfano

I know what you’re thinking…I am not part of an aging community – YET!  Now is the time to think about what you will do when you get to the age of retirement.  Where you will be living?  What options do you have?  Who will be taking care of you?  

Perhaps, you are looking after aging parents.  Either way, if you think about it early enough, the stress of what to do when the time comes will be almost completely alleviated.

Where should you live after you retire? For seniors, this can be a difficult question to answer. Seniors who need daily assistance from medical professionals will need to consider senior living communities.  While seniors who are able to maintain their independence have a variety of options for “aging in community”. This concept is all about bringing seniors together and ensuring that the community meets their needs.

Some seniors might want to modify their current homes, while others may be interested in relocating somewhere new. Some could be curious about alternative services available in their communities.  Below is s a breakdown of popular housing options for seniors who are set on aging-in-community.

Aging in Community: 4 Affordable Options for Seniors

Knowing what you want to do in your golden years may seem absurd when you’re in your 40s and 50s.  But, this is the time to really think about it.  Aging in community choices for seniors is not a decision to be taken lightly.  Don’t you want to be making the choices that impact the rest of your life while you still can?

Aging In Community Choices For Seniors

1 – Communal Housing Options

Seniors have plenty of communal housing options; for example, seniors who are still capable of managing most household tasks and only need minimal assistance may be good candidates for adult foster care. Adult foster care generally involves a few seniors living in the same house. A few professional caregivers are on staff to lend a hand when necessary. It’s a comfortable, homey environment where you can enjoy a strong sense of community.

If you’re not interested in adult foster care, but living alone feels too quiet, consider a senior roommate to help save money. Roommates aren’t just for college students anymore! If you do choose to get a roommate, Sixty and Me recommends drawing up a proper lease for legal protection and laying out ground rules about domestic tasks when they move in.

2 – Home Modifications

If you plan to stay in your home but you’re nervous about the risk of falling, it’s time to look into some basic home modifications. There are plenty of businesses around dedicated to helping seniors. For instance, contractors can install taller toilets, mount grab bars in your bathroom, or replace your flooring with a non-slip material that can give you peace of mind.

Outside, you will also likely need to make key improvements. After all, you want to be able to fully enjoy the benefits of nature in the comfort of your home—but you also want to ensure that you do so safely.

If you have trees and other greenery, these can bring with them a myriad of trip hazards. Search online for tree removal specialists. This goes beyond just cutting down trees—the right professional can prune and treat ailing trees, address roots coming out of the surface, and more. So take the time to read reviews, ask questions about their methods and tools, and get upfront quotes in writing. 

3 – Village-to-Village Networks

Virtual retirement communities, sometimes known as “village-to-village” networks, are a great option for seniors who need assistance with certain tasks and errands. You sign up and pay a reasonable fee to join the community, and community staff will help you with some day-to-day responsibilities, like providing transportation, doing home repairs, or accompanying you to doctor’s appointments. The staff will also host get-togethers with other seniors in your area. 

4 – Living With Family

Even if you don’t need help from your loved ones to take care of your medical needs, living with family can still be a good choice for seniors who feel that they would be happiest in an intergenerational household. Some seniors may want to provide childcare to their grandchildren or simply spend more time with their own children. Seniors who miss living with their loved ones and have healthy relationships with their children and grandchildren should take some time to consider this option.

When it comes to housing, independent seniors have plenty of choices. No matter what your needs are, aging in community choices for seniors are plenty.  There is sure to be a solution that suits your budget. Whether you want to live with a senior roommate, get involved with a village-to-village network, renovate your own house for your safety, or move in with a family member, you are sure to find an option that fits your lifestyle.

Why is Active Ageing In Community Important

Active aging is important because it helps seniors stay healthier, both physically and psychologically.  Being surrounded by like-minded individuals with the same perspectives gives folks a healthier view of life and improves their life expectancy.

Those that are sprier can assist at the local soup kitchen, adult daycare center, or local seniors’ home.  Being older in the community doesn’t mean you are not able to help others around you.  Plus, this will give you a sense of worth.

With people living longer these days, an aging population is not much of a surprise to anyone.  Nor should it be for you.  Take that proverbial bull by the horns and plan out your life the way you want it to be.

In Summary

Take the time to lay out a plan for your own personal aging community choices for seniors while you still can.  By going through the process early enough for yourself, you can also assist elderly family members to make these difficult decisions for themselves also.

We would love to hear from you.  Was this article helpful?  Do you have another option that we did not think about that would be helpful for our readers?

 

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• 11 Retirement Mistakes You Can Avoid By Planning
• How To Remodel a Bedroom For Accessibility – 8 Useful Tips

 

All photos via Unsplash