To Move or Not to Move, that is the Question

By Sarah Richard

We all have many chapters in our lives, with changes and decisions to be made as we turn life’s pages.

Expectations of older residents about how they want to live after they retire have changed significantly in recent generations, with older people healthier and living longer than their predecessors. By 2030, more than 20% of US residents will be aged 65 or older, rising to about 22%, or an estimated 89 million Americans, by 2050.

The definition of senior living has also changed in recent decades, from simply providing basic housing and health care for older adults to senior living communities with leisure facilities, activities, optional support and health care. Today’s senior living communities are designed to be hubs that meet the physical, social and emotional needs of older residents.

University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management recently published a study in the Journal of Hospitality Management examining decision-making of older adults to move into senior living communities.

The study is one of the first to look at motivational factors, barriers and relationships that impact these decisions. According to the study, considerations that might “push” older residents to consider relocation include:

·      Housing and property obstacles, including home maintenance, cost and accommodations for physical limitations

·      Economic challenges, such as rising cost of living and home costs and maintenance

·      Social and family matters, such as needing extra help, social isolation, fears about safety

·      Health concerns, including physical and mental health

Factors the study identified that might draw or “pull” older adults to move include:

·      Social activities and engagement

·      Chance to consolidate expenses

·      Geographical location, including proximity to shopping, health care and family and friends

·      Feeling safe from crime or falling

·      Available amenities, including transportation, health care and ability to bring their own belongings

Additional influences include the cost and stress of relocation, fear of the unknown/change, distance from families and lack of understanding about options in senior living communities.

Making the decision to move can be daunting but beneficial. Researchers at the University of Chicago study in March 2024 found reasons relocating may be a decision worth making. The study found that for the first two years after moving into a senior living community, residents lived longer, benefited from greater rehabilitation and preventive care, and received more home health services. And most of them wonder why they didn’t move sooner!

To decide if a senior living community is right for you, take the time to determine what “the good life” means to you. What do you want a typical day or week to look like? Here are additional considerations when making this major decision:

·      What is the staff like, including friendliness and responsiveness?

·      What amenities and activities do you want, including transportation, fitness center and classes, housekeeping and laundry, recreational activities and clubs?

·      What is the community culture and atmosphere, including social events, outings, resident demographics and age range?

·      How much will it cost? Compare your current living costs to the costs of a senior community, including additional costs like insurance and payment options.

·      What policies and procedures do they have, such as guest visits and pet policies?

·      How safe and secure do you feel? Does it have controlled access and emergency systems?

·      Does it have a desirable location and accessibility, including proximity to family and friends, access to the community, and features for various mobility needs?

·      What are your current and anticipated health care needs? Is a fully independent community the best choice given your health needs, or would a community that also offers assisted living and higher levels of health care be a better choice?

·      What is your desired level of independence? Do you want household help, availability of meals and other support?

There’s a lot to consider but moving to a senior living community designed around your definition of the good life could provide the rich, engaging, low maintenance and worry-free lifestyle you desire.

About the Author

Sarah Richard is the executive director of Gulf Coast Village, Cape Coral’s only life plan community. To learn more about Gulf Coast Village, visit GulfCoastVillage.org or call 239-510-8712.