Adults Only: Is a 55+ Community Right for You?
Choosing a senior living community is a big decision. You’ll want to consider things like your current age, health, desired activity level, and of course, budget. Here is a short checklist of considerations to help you narrow your choices:
- Big, small, or in between? Beyond square footage, think about whether you plan to have pets, whether stairs will become problematic, and how much storage space you’ll need after downsizing.
- Amenities. Is a gym or a pool important? What about on-site classes and activities? Some communities even have on-site grocery and beauty salons.
- Neighbors. It’s never too late to make new friends. Walk around the community and talk to residents to see if it’s a fit socially.
Staying in your home
Thinking of staying put? AARP offers helpful advice about modifying your home as your physical capabilities change. Visit aarp.org.
Timing is everything
Planning on working until age 65 or longer? Consider relocation while you continue to work. Two Front Porch communities worth checking out were Gold winners in the 2016 National Association of Home Builders’ Best of 55+ Housing Awards. Overlooking downtown San Diego, Mission Bay, and the Pacific Ocean, Wesley Palms features all-new patio homes with classic California midcentury style on over 35 acres of parkland. Now open! Fredericka Manor in Chula Vista is a multilevel retirement community reminiscent of a classic American small town, complete with cottages on tree-lined streets and ocean-view apartment living. The community boasts a lily pond, dog park, and ample walking paths. These communities take care of all the mundane chores of day-to-day living like cooking, cleaning, and maintenance so you can explore the extraordinary!
Did you know?
San Diego’s senior population continues to grow at a faster pace than the total population. By 2030 it’s projected that the over-60 population will increase by 130 percent, while those over 75 will increase by 111 percent. But where are all of these seniors living? According to the Department of Health and Human Services, here’s a partial breakdown of the county’s senior demographics:
Percentage of residents 60 and over:
- Del Mar 32%
- Solana Beach 27%
- Coronado 23%
- Carlsbad 21%
- Escondido 14%
- National City 13%
- Vista 13%
Living Golden in the Golden Years
