The Best Age to Move into a Senior Living Community

Moving into a senior living community is a decision that many older adults start to ponder as they age. Senior living communities offer many benefits, including no more tedious housework, a supportive care network, and more time to do the things you love. That said, when is the best age for senior living? How old do you have to be to live in a retirement community? When should you start considering this transition?

There is no right age for making this transition. Deciding to move into a senior living community is an individual choice, but you might be surprised to know that communities have residents with ages starting at just 62 years old. Residents can live in these communities well into their nineties and beyond. While 62 might seem like a young age to move into a retirement community, many are drawn to the low-stress lifestyle and the focus on wellness that retirement communities offer.

Moving into a senior living community at a younger age can actually help you live a fuller, healthier life for longer. Let’s take a look at why considering this move earlier can be beneficial for all aspects of your health and well-being.

Misconceptions About Moving to a Senior Living Community

If you think that senior living communities are only for older people or those who require constant care and assistance, you’ve got it all wrong. These vibrant communities are filled with older adults looking to live healthy, fulfilling lives as they age. Residents range in age, with many being on the younger end of the spectrum. Something they all have in common is that they want to remain active, social, and engaged as they age.

So, how old do you have to be to live in a senior community? Eligibility criteria for moving into a senior living community can vary from place to place but the typical entry age for a senior living community is 62. 

Moving into a community at a younger age means that you are making a decision for your life and future on your own terms. Some seniors don’t get this privilege and have to move into an assisted living or care facility at an older age due to health reasons or personal circumstances. Choosing to live in a community while you’re able means that you get to control your future and decide how you want to spend your golden years.

Finding the Right Timing

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when to start the move to a senior living community. It’s a personal decision that has a lot to do with your preferences, circumstances, and lifestyle. Here are some factors you can consider that can help you decide if it’s the right time to move.

One factor you should consider is your housing situation and the expenses that come with it, such as upkeep, property taxes, utilities, and more. Owning a home offers many a sense of pride and comfort, but the cost of upkeep when you’re an empty nester might be too high. 

You should also evaluate your savings, especially how much you have set aside for retirement. Living in a retirement community has a monthly fee, but you won’t have nearly as many expenses coming out of your savings compared to owning a home. 

Some people fear that moving into a community means they won’t get to see their friends and family as often. Remember that residents of a senior living community are free to leave when they want to and that family and guests are welcome to visit. Just because you are moving doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your support network. Are any of your friends thinking about moving into a retirement community? That might influence your decision, too.

Lastly, your health condition can also be a significant factor when deciding the best time to move. Some older adults only started the move due to declining health, mobility issues, or the need for specialized care. However, even if you’re still in relatively good health, moving into an independent living community could offer you many benefits. 

Advantages of Early Transition to Senior Living Community

Some older adults don’t have the opportunity to choose whether or not they want to live in a retirement or assisted living community. Medical issues and family circumstances can be reasons why these choices are made for them rather than by them, which can lead to feelings of resentment or loneliness.

Making this choice by yourself and at a younger age means you have more time to explore your vibrant new community and all that it has to offer. An early transition means more time to form strong bonds and lasting relationships with other residents. There’s no shortage of ways to meet people, and it can be as simple as trying out a group activity or chatting with someone over coffee.

You can also achieve a higher quality of life and optimal health and well-being by making the transition earlier in life. There are many opportunities for you to stay physically and mentally active and maintain a rich social life. Senior communities provide wholesome meals to make sure that you get the nutrition you need at this stage in life. The community staff is always there to check in with you, so you’re never alone. More importantly, each resident has an individual care plan that outlines their needs and goals, providing guidance on their journey to a healthy, fulfilling life.

Making the Move to a Senior Living Community

Transitioning to a senior living community isn’t something that happens overnight. Once you’ve done your research and chosen a senior living community, you’re ready to start making the transition. You’ll need to look into the community’s specific admissions process and prepare all necessary documents, including any paperwork or forms that need to be filled out.

It’s also not a bad idea to make multiple visits to the community to see what it’s like on different days and at different times to get a good look at the place. This is your time to assess the community, including its amenities, so you know what you need to bring with you when you move. If you’re planning on bringing furniture, be sure to take measurements. You won’t be needing things like pots and pans anymore, so make a mental (or written) note of items you want to pack and those you can donate, sell, or give away before the move.

Proactive decision-making and going in with a positive mindset can make your transition much smoother. 

There’s No Better Time Than Now to Join SRG Senior Living

SRG has 19 luxury senior living communities in the U.S. where older adults can enjoy their golden years to the fullest. With a wide range of amenities, activities, and services, residents can explore, thrive, and grow as individuals each day.

Residents of varying ages chose SRG as their home because of our commitment to support each resident on their path to healthy aging. Our residents look forward to what each new day has to offer as they engage their minds and bodies in daily activities like yoga, small group reading sessions, or simply socializing with other people.

Contact SRG today to learn more about our resort-style communities and the benefits we can offer our residents. There’s no better time than now to get started, so begin your transition today!