A 2019 myLifeSite Consumer Survey uncovered a lot of interesting information about prospective residents of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs, or Life Plan Communities). One of the questions that was particularly revealing was about people’s reasons for delaying a move to a community.

Respondents were provided a list of eight possible reasons for putting off their move and were asked to choose up to three that best represent their feelings about this topic. Among the top responses were things you’d expect like not wanting to deal with the hassle of downsizing and moving (34 percent), and concerns about the long-term affordability (42 percent).

But the most common response was, “I don’t feel like I’m old enough for a retirement community,” with over 46 percent of survey participants selecting this as a reason they are delaying their move.

Now, it’s worth considering the age breakdown of the survey participants when analyzing the responses to this question. Among those who were 80 and under, this was the most commonly selected response with 47 percent saying they didn’t think they were old enough for a retirement community. For those who were 81 and older, 19 percent put this among their reasons for putting off a move.

Choosing the right time

For many seniors who are currently residing in their own home but like the idea of living in a setting where healthcare services are available if needed down the road, a Life Plan Community like Dallas Retirement Village is the perfect solution. In addition to the many amenities and conveniences they enjoy, residents can easily transition from living entirely independently to getting any needed assisted living services to receiving 24-hour skilled nursing care in the on-site healthcare center. But as the consumer survey revealed, many who are into their 80s still don’t think they are old enough to actually make the move.

So that begs the questions: When is the right time to move to a community? What is the ideal age?

Unfortunately, there is no one answer to this question because everyone’s situation will be different. People age at different rates, and different lifestyles impact the aging process. The average age of new residents is anywhere from late 70s to early 80s, but an average is just that.

The concerns that people have about moving too soon are understandable, but those who feel they aren’t old enough should be cautioned that waiting too long to make a move can mean missing out on some of the very reasons people are attracted to these communities in the first place.

The advantages of making your move

If you think a Life Plan Community is right for you, but you feel like you aren’t old enough to move to one yet, here are five reasons why you may want to consider moving sooner rather than later:

1. Involvement: One of the top benefits of living in a community is having convenient access to a huge array of activities, amenities, and services. Many of these perks take place on-site in the community, but more and more Life Plan Communities are offering ways for residents to stay involved in their broader community as well, via intergenerational programs, volunteer service projects, continuing education classes, and more. Moving when you are younger allows you to enjoy and benefit from these events and activities.

At Dallas Retirement Village, we average more than 250 calendar events, classes, groups, outings and activities each month. The challenge isn’t finding something to do, but choosing between all the things that sound interesting, fulfilling, or fun!

2. Wellness: While Life Plan Communities do offer residents a continuum of care services if and when they are needed, it is their goal to help residents stay healthy and living independently for as long as possible. That’s why they provide comprehensive health and wellness programs, which may include access to fitness trainers, low-impact aerobics and yoga classes, fitness and aquatic centers, and special diet meal plans, just to list a few examples.

In addition to these amenities, more and more Life Plan Communities like Dallas Retirement Village are focusing on a “whole-person” concept, which includes emotional, spiritual, and mental and social wellness, including programs like those mentioned above. Because it is our mission to help you experience the best life possible.

3. Relationships: Residents often say that one of the greatest things about making the move to their community has been the friendships they’ve formed with other residents. This network of close, supportive friends can be especially beneficial should healthcare issues arise in the future. Those who wait too long to make their move may miss out on the opportunity to develop these meaningful relationships.

For 75 years, Dallas Retirement Village has earned a reputation of exceptional hospitality and great friendships. Additionally, a number of current residents have family members who lived here. The on-going family connection and deep roots demonstrates a devotional level of trust. It feels like home.

4. Qualifying: Continuing care contracts typically stipulate that new residents must be able to live independently when they first move into the community, and many Life Plan Communities require a health evaluation of prospective residents as a part of their application process. Applicants who do not meet the community’s new resident health standards can be declined, thus missing out on the numerous benefits offered by a Life Plan Community, including access to a full continuum of care services.

Our non-profit community has offered access to the highest quality health care services. The full range of on-site services include assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care. Therefore, if care is ever needed, it’s available right with the Dallas Retirement Village community.

5. Smoother transition: Moving does tend to get increasingly difficult as we age—both physically and mentally. Those who are younger (relatively speaking), able-bodied, and in good health generally are able to handle the transition more easily. On the other hand, those who are older and frailer when they make a move may be more likely to experience relocation stress syndrome (RSS), a condition characterized by symptoms like anxiety, confusion, and loneliness.

Dallas Retirement Village is a place where both residents and staff are truly part of our community. In fact, many of our 300+ employees have careers that span 5, 10, or even more than 25 years! And along the way, relationships are formed leading to a deep sense of commitment and support

Timing is everything

When is the right time to move to a Life Plan Community? There are many considerations that must go into your individual answer to this question. But generally speaking, once you have determined that a Life Plan Community is the right senior living option for you, it is smart to make the move while you still in good health and have the physical and emotional stamina to make a change and enjoy the benefits.

If you are interested in learning more about a Life Plan Community like Dallas Retirement Village, we encourage you to contact us by filling out a form online. We’d love to invite you to experience our community and answer any questions you may have.

The above content is legally licensed for use by myLifeSite.