Many older adults touring senior living communities have a similar response. “There’s too many old people,” they say. Or “I’m too young to live here.” When visiting an assisted living community with his mother, one family member, with love and honesty, once replied, “Mom, look in the mirror!”
If this conversation sounds familiar, you’re in good company. How do you know if you are too young for senior living? When is the right time to move? Are there advantages to moving into a senior living community at a younger age?
Join us as we explore these questions in our “Too Young for Senior Living?” series. We’ll unmask common objections, explore facts about moving into senior living communities, and discuss the unexpected benefits that come with a senior living move - at any age.
6 Common Objections
If we’re honest with ourselves, most of us don’t grow old “feeling old” when we think about our age. Our physical bodies may disagree, but in our minds, age is often just a number. It’s not surprising that prospective residents think they are “too young” for senior living.Let’s take a look at six common age-related objections shared by prospective residents considering senior living and contrast them with actual resident experiences.
“I’m too young.”
That may or may not be true. There is no “right” age to move into senior living. Every individual has diverse needs and expectations and can benefit from community living in different ways. For example, you might be younger than the average resident but feel socially isolated living alone and require immense support from your family members, which places a strain on your relationship. Compare your current circumstances to the life you desire to have and let those factors influence your decision.
“I can take care of myself.”
Wonderful! You’re not alone – many older adults who live in senior living are fortunate to have minimal care needs. Senior living residents who can take care of themselves don’t have to worry about the cost of supportive care services or other additional fees. Plus, they have greater flexibility to pursue the lifestyle they desire and can continue to work, drive, volunteer, travel, and enjoy an active social lifestyle. The greatest benefit to these seniors is the maintenance-free living option that enables them to come and go as they please without the burdensome responsibilities of home ownership and upkeep.
“I can still drive.”
Many senior living residents continue to drive and keep their vehicles with them when they move to enjoy the freedom to come and go. Residents making a move to an independent or assisted living cottage may have the benefit of a garage or designated parking spot located close to the front entrance of their home. An additional perk is the option to take advantage of a community’s transportation services, group outings, and door-to-door services, when available.
“I’m too active.”
Living an active lifestyle is important to maintaining your health and independence and a sign that senior living might be a great fit. Why? The central focus of community living is resident well-being, and each community offers unique programs to support those goals. Residents can:
· Utilize the community’s fitness center, walking paths, swimming pool, instructor-led classes, group exercise activities, and more.
· Lead or facilitate a strength-training class in their community, take yoga or dance classes, or participate in community-based programs, such as Silver Sneakers, at a local YMCA or gym.
Beyond health and fitness goals, staying active in other ways is not only doable but encouraged. Residents can keep weekly lunch dates with friends, volunteer at the polls on election day, assist with church or club events, or serve at their favorite non-profit. Some senior living communities welcome community groups to utilize their common spaces for meetings or gatherings and support resident involvement by offering opportunities to serve on a Resident Council or provide leadership within the community.
“I don’t want to spend all my money on senior living costs.”
Many seniors and their family members believe senior living is financially out-of-reach, but it is often more affordable than they think, especially when there is a home to sell. Most individuals finance senior living expenses with a mix of private funds (monthly income, savings, investments) and whatever they receive from the sale of their home. Selecting the right size senior living option can help to maximize funds and stretch them as far as possible.
Senior living communities are designed to promote residents’ health and independence, but as we age, there is often a need for additional care services. These can vary in price, depending on your needs or the needs of your loved one. For seniors requiring assistance 12-24 hours a day, private in-home care can be a costly investment.
In these instances, it may be advantageous to choose an assisted living community for the benefit of 24/7 staffing and daily support. Alternatively, when an advanced level of care is required, a skilled nursing facility can be more than double the monthly cost of any assisted living community.
“I’m not interested in ‘old people’ activities.”
No one imagines spending their senior years playing only bingo and balloon tennis. We all want to live with a sense of purpose - no matter our age. Senior living communities, while you might think otherwise, are focused on fostering relationships, celebrating the unique contributions of everyone, and creating opportunities for meaningful living. Programs and activities are designed for residents to connect with each other and enjoy social bonds while bringing individual and community interests to the forefront. Regularly scheduled activities are often selected and facilitated by residents or community volunteers who bring their expertise and perspective to each offering. (Think: science lectures, gardening workshops, art shows, tech classes, community cooking and baking, spiritual support groups, nature programs, and more...)
Experience Real Life in a Senior Living Community
Maybe you have voiced one or two of these objections when a loved one brought up the idea of senior living. Or you have secretly reflected on these yourself. If so, you probably have some preconceived ideas of what life in a senior living community is like. Why not see what life is really like? Schedule a visit to an independent or assisted living community to meet with residents and a senior living counselor who can help you decipher facts from fiction.
Find more helpful answers to your questions about affording senior living by subscribing to our blog or checking out Cardinal Bay’s valuable free resources. Explore the differences between independent living, assisted living, and memory care and experience the many benefits of living in a Cardinal Bay community in Texas and Oklahoma.