There\u2019s comfort in being around people who share common interests, goals, and challenges. That comfort in a community doesn\u2019t wane with age \u2013 it actually deepens. Whether it\u2019s proudly talking about grandchildren or lamenting the fact that our eyes aren\u2019t as good as they used to be, it helps to be around people who not only understand what we\u2019re saying but actually feel the same joys and concerns as well.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
That\u2019s why many boomers are deciding to move into an active adult community. In the latest\u00a055places National Housing Survey<\/a>, they were described by one out of three seniors as an\u00a0\u201coutgoing, social community of likeminded people.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Bill Ness,\u00a0Chief Executive Officer<\/em>\u00a0and Founder of\u00a055places.com<\/em>, explains:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cBaby boomers are now reaching the age when moving to an active adult community is the ideal opportunity for them\u2026Many boomers now want to downsize, experience a maintenance-free lifestyle, and pursue more social opportunities. It\u2019s exciting that there are so many choices for baby boomers.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n There\u2019s still a desire, however, among many seniors to \u201cage-in-place<\/a>.\u201d According to the\u00a0Senior Resource Guide<\/em>, aging-in-place means:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201c\u2026that you will be remaining in your own home for the later years of your life; not moving into a smaller home, assisted living, or a retirement community etcetera.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The challenge is, many seniors live in suburban or rural areas, and that often necessitates driving significant distances to see friends or attend other social engagements. A recent report from the\u00a0Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University<\/em>\u00a0(JCHS) titled\u00a0Housing America\u2019s Older Adults<\/a>\u00a0addressed this exact concern:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cThe growing concentration of older households in outlying communities presents major challenges for residents and service providers alike. Single-family homes make up most of the housing stock in low-density areas, and residents typically need to be able to drive to do errands, see doctors, and socialize.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The\u00a0Kiplinger<\/em>\u00a0report also chimed in on this subject:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cWhile most seniors say they want to age in place, a much smaller percentage of them actually manage to accomplish it, studies show. Transportation is often a problem; when you can no longer drive, you can\u2019t get to medical appointments or to other outings.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Driving may not be a challenge right now, but think about what it may be like to drive 10, 20, or 30 years down the road.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n There are also health challenges brought on by a possible lack of socialization when living at home versus a community of seniors. Sarah J. Stevenson is an author who writes about seniors. In a recent\u00a0blog post<\/a>\u00a0for\u00a0A Place for Mom<\/em>, she explains:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cSocial contacts tend to decrease as we age for reasons such as retirement, the death of friends and family, or lack of mobility.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Thankfully, research from the same article suggests if you\u2019re spending time with others in a community, thus reducing the impact of loneliness and isolation, there\u2019s less of a risk of developing high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, a weakened immune system, depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, Alzheimer\u2019s disease, and early death.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Though the familiarity of our current home may bring a feeling of warmth, comfort, and convenience, it\u2019s important to understand that staying there may mean missing out on crucial socialization opportunities. Living with adult children, joining a retirement community, or moving to an assisted living facility can help us continue to be with people we enjoy every day.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \u201cAging-in-place\u201d definitely has its advantages, but it could mean getting \u201cstuck-in-place\u201d too. There are many health benefits derived from socialization with a community of people that shares common interests. It\u2019s important to take the need for human interaction into consideration when making a decision about where to spend the later years in life.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Contact us: Let\u2019s Connect:\r\n
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PHP Houses<\/a>
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph:\u00a0(407) 519-0719
Fax:\u00a0(407) 205-1951
email:\u00a0info@phphouses.com<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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