For seniors, rightsizing and relocating can be an overwhelming process. Leaving behind their home, friends, church, favorite restaurants, doctors, decades of memories, furniture, art and keepsakes is an emotional passage that requires both patience and preparation.
There are just over 40 million Americans age 65 and older today, accounting for 13 percent of the population. By 2030, when all the Baby boomers will have passed age 65, the over-65 crowd will reach 20 percent of the population. The average life expectancy for a 65-year-old American is 17.7 years for a male and 20.3 years for a female (U.S. Census 2012).
Retirees today are mobile and connected to technology much like younger generations. In retirement, they want to spend leisure time with their adult children and grand kids, travel, socialize and engage in all sorts of activities. With an annual average temperature of 69 degrees and 204 days of sunny skies, Houston is a great fit for retirees. Active and independent is their motto; rocking chairs can wait.
Senior living covers many different health care and housing options; from independent and assisted living, to retirement communities and nursing homes, to more specific care like Alzheimer’s or memory care. Houston offer a variety of senior housing options with a healthy mix of services and amenities.
Active Adult Living vs. Retirement & Independent Housing
Active seniors in good health might opt for an age restricted independent living residential community with full amenities, including a golf course, club house, dining rooms, and swimming pools, like Country Place in Pearland. Retirees purchasing a primary residence can pay cash, or secure an affordable low-interest mortgage specifically designed for retirees.
Independent seniors often live with family members to be closer to their grand kids, and to help busy young families manage their hectic schedules. New homes with two master suites on the first floor can easily accommodate several generations. The goal of multi-generation design is to allocate the space and privacy each family member needs, while encouraging social interaction among family members.
Retirement or independent housing provide the services and a level of care single retirees desire. Residents typically live in private apartments with a working kitchen or kitchenette. Meal preparation, housekeeping and laundry and house maintenance is provided. Senior apartments, sometimes called 55-plus apartments, are also considered independent senior living communities while amenities and services are limited, residents live a low maintenance, carefree, pack-and-go lifestyle.
