You may not be looking into a retirement community, but I imagine that thoughts about whether you should move or not have crossed your mind. Bernice Bratter author of “The Project Renewment,” writes that we should be giving this very important question some serious thought. Many of us have spent our entire adult lives crisscrossing the country, or at the very least moving from one community to another. Our generation pioneered the “mobile society” as we followed job opportunities from one area to another. Our family moved so often that the thought of becoming emotionally attached to a particular house has never crossed my mind. Not everyone feels that way. Relocation means giving up everything that is familiar to us, and I am not sure that we ever get used to that.
What are some reasons that might make you want to move? How about being closer to your family? If you know that your daughter/daughter-in-law works full time and could use some help with home management, you might consider moving near by in order to lend a hand. Having you live nearby would mean that they wouldn’t have to worry about your welfare if you should need help too, so it works both ways.
It is good to get away from your old work place, especially if you were in a position of power. You are no longer the “go to” person and being able to accept the changing of the guards will be easier from a distance.
Plan your move carefully though. It is hard to pick up and move every four-five years, so think ahead. Get rid of stuff as you pack and get yourself into the downsizing mode. Think ahead. Downsize into a place that will work for just the two of you or for you alone, if that is how your life plays out. Be practical. Avoid stairs at all cost, and think about how far you might have to drive to your favorite destinations. Move somewhere where you can walk to stores, church, recreational and social facilities, so that you aren’t stuck when you can no longer drive.
Make an effort to belong when you move to a new community. You will be the new one and nobody cares about you one way or the other. It will be up to you to reach out and get involved in your new community.
Moving is not for everyone. About 90% of older people remain in their own homes or move somewhere where they have positives ties to a community, family or friends. The best place to retire might be in the community where you have spent your entire life. The message she gives is to plan and think right now about whether you want to move or not.
Reasons to move:
- Living closer to children and grandchildren. Annual visits are not enough for either you or for them.
- Needing less physical space and possessions.
- Financial benefits.
- Increased availability of medical services. A cabin on a lake in the wilderness is probably not a good plan, even though you might want to be closer to nature.
- Opportunity for a more desirable lifestyle.
- Wanting to move to a warmer climate for health reasons.
- Don’t forget employment and volunteer opportunities because you still have a life to live.
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