As we reflect on retirement housing in this issue, I’m reminded of my own journey with family members and friends through the process of deciding whether or not to move.
For over 13 years my mother-in-law lived in a suite in my home before opting to move to a retirement residence in another province, closer to old friends and familiar surroundings.
My experience with this situation, combined with my interaction with retirement residences throughout my career as this magazine’s publisher was the basis for a book I wrote on the subject, called To Move or Not to Move? Over the years I’ve considered the many aspects of this consequential question.
In brief, what I’ve mostly discovered in my observation of retirement residences in BC is that the positives greatly outweigh the negatives. There may be those who disagree, but from the various angles from which I have viewed retirement residences, there are a lot of upsides.
All too often, I’ve heard those who make the move into a retirement residence say, “I don’t know why I didn’t make the move sooner.”
Retirement residences in BC, particularly those offering Independent and Assisted Living, offer world-class services and amenities, rivaling those of a luxury hotel or cruise ship.
Retirement residences offer the kind of adventure and freedom that one who has lived a long life deserves.
Who wants to spend their entire life looking after a yard and doing home maintenance? Do you really enjoy housekeeping or worrying about security? Retirement residences provide the opportunity to leave those concerns behind.
Communal living can be the antidote to isolation – a chance to make new friends and enjoy camaraderie among peers.
When one of my relatives moved into a retirement residence, her social life expanded dramatically. It was a joy to watch her circle of acquaintances expand and see her engaged in group activities that nurtured her outgoing nature.
Communal living often provides access to a variety of activities that can range from social events to hobbies, like gardening or woodworking, and even fitness programs.
The benefits of living in a retirement residence include attentive staff trained to anticipate and respond to almost every need. Buses whisk you to malls and take you on sightseeing excursions. Some residences bring the professionals to you in the form of hair stylists, footcare specialists, nursing care and even doctors.
Many people have remarked that as they get older, they need less. But the one thing that endures throughout a lifetime is the enjoyment of good food. This is where retirement residences can really shine. Many boast certified chefs whose culinary skills would not be out of place in a 5-star restaurant.
When an entrée is beautifully presented, fulfills all the fundamentals of nutrition and is tasty, it definitely meets the standards of culinary excellence.
Some people elect to age in place, choosing the home they know over embarking on a new adventure. But those who step into communal living in a retirement residence often discover more options and opportunities than they ever imagined.
This month, we include a directory of retirement residences for your consideration. If you are of an age or circumstance where maintaining your current home is not your best option, then perhaps you will find what you are looking for among the housing options listed in this issue.
Have a great summer folks! See you in October. |
To Move or Not to Move? can be purchased through our website.
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