Independent Living Offers Seniors Carefree Retirement Years
Many of today’s seniors can expect to live longer and healthier lives than their parents and grandparents. They are active and engaged in life and retirement offers the opportunity to enjoy the time they have to pursue interests and hobbies, share good times with family and friends, volunteer for important causes, start new adventures and truly begin to relax.
This has encouraged a strong interest in the fast growing sector of 55+ communities. As Forbes recently reported, “Builder confidence in the single-family, 55+ housing market hasn’t been this robust since the National Association of Home Builders started compiling an index in 2008.” As one senior explains they love being around people closer to their own age who like to do many of the same things they do.
Rather than spending your free time mowing the lawn, tidying up the garden and other chores, independent living communities gives you the gift of time. Moreover your monthly fees include exterior, and in some cases, interior maintenance as well as community amenities like social clubs, bistros, fitness centers, billiards, game rooms and more.
Experts say if you plan to live at the community for a while, along with the amenities and concierge services, consider how your needs may change. Apartments with handicap-accessible bathrooms and other accommodations may be important if your health changes. Forbes suggests looking for “universal design features like no-step entries, single-floor living and wider doorways and hallways to allow for wheelchairs, in case you’ll need them one day.”
Another thing is location. What is important to you, the weather, the cost of living or being close to shopping and entertainment venues? Do you want to be close to your kids and grandkids? If you like the outdoors, is the community near resort areas or parks?
At MorningStar of Billings, we offer seniors independent living in the form of 32 free-standing cottages as well as 72 bright suites. We also provide assisted living and memory care. In terms of a great place to live, Billings, Montana was voted #24 in the “2019 Top 100 Best Places to Live” by Livibility.com. Please visit our website to inquire about availability and pricing at one of the top senior living facilities in Billings.
Source:
forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2019/06/12/how-to-choose-a-55-active-adult-community/?sh=764fd9ab2e95