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A survey conducted by myLifeSite, the company I founded in 2011, uncovered some interesting information about prospective residents of life plan communities, formerly called continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs).

One of the survey questions that was particularly revealing was about people’s reasons for delaying a move to a community. Respondents were asked to choose up to three out of eight possible reasons for putting off their move. Among the top responses were things you’d expect, like not wanting to deal with the hassle of downsizing and moving (34%) and concerns about long-term affordability (42%).

But the most common response was, “I don’t feel like I’m old enough for a retirement community,” with over 46% of survey participants selecting that reason.

Choosing the right time

For many older adults who are currently residing in their own home but like the idea of living in a setting where healthcare services are available if needed down the road, a life plan community is the perfect solution.

In addition to the many amenities and conveniences they enjoy, life plan community residents can easily transition from living entirely independently to getting any needed assisted-living services to receiving 24-hour skilled nursing care in the on-site healthcare center. Some even offer memory care.

But, as our consumer survey revealed, many people in their 80s still don’t think they are old enough to move. When is the right time to move? What is the ideal age?

Unfortunately, there is no one answer to these questions because everyone’s situation is different. People age at different rates; different lifestyles impact the aging process. The average age of life plan community residents is anywhere from late 70s to early 80s, but an average is just that. There are people who are younger or older when they move.

I certainly understand the concerns some people have about moving too soon, but I would caution that waiting too long can mean missing out on some of the very reasons people are attracted to these communities in the first place.

The advantages of making a move

If you think a life plan community is right for you but feel like you aren’t old enough yet, here are five reasons to consider moving sooner rather than later:

Involvement: One of the top benefits of living in a life plan community is having convenient access to a huge array of activities, amenities and services. Many of these perks take place on-site in the community, but more and more communities are offering ways for residents to stay involved in their broader community as well, via intergenerational programs, volunteer service projects, continuing education classes, art classes and more. Moving when you are younger allows you to enjoy and benefit from these events and activities.

Wellness: While communities do offer residents a continuum of care services if and when they are needed, it is their goal to help residents stay healthy and living independently for as long as possible. That’s why they provide comprehensive health and wellness programs, which may include access to fitness trainers, low-impact aerobics and yoga classes, fitness and aquatic centers, and special meal plans, just to list a few examples.

Relationships: I often hear people say that one of the greatest things about making the move to their community was the friendships they’ve formed with other residents. This network of friends can be especially beneficial should health issues arise in the future. Those who wait too long to move may miss out on the opportunity to develop these meaningful relationships.

Qualifying: Housing contracts typically stipulate that new residents must be able to live independently when they first move into the community, and many require a health evaluation as part of the application process. Applicants who do not meet the community’s health standards can be declined.

Smoother transition:

 Moving tends to get increasingly difficult, both physically and mentally, as we age. Those who are younger (relatively speaking), able-bodied and in good health generally are able to handle the transition more easily.

On the other hand, those who are older and frailer when they move may be more likely to experience relocation stress syndrome, a condition characterized by symptoms like anxiety, confusion and loneliness.

When is the right time to move to a retirement community? Generally speaking, once you have determined that a life plan community is the right senior living option for you, it is smart to move while you are still in good health and have the physical and emotional stamina to make a change and enjoy the benefits.

This article was reprinted with permission of mylifesite.net.