GOLDEN LIFE, GOLDEN YEARS
T
he concept of aging in place has gained popularity over the last few years. As the Baby Boomer generation begins to think about their options for happy, healthy golden years, they will inevitably come across the idea of outfitting their home so they can remain as they age. While that sounds like an attractive choice, there are some downsides that need to be considered before a permanent decision is made. With many great active and independent living facilities in the area, it’s important to remember you have opportunities to create the life you want in your later years. With beautiful weather, gorgeous beaches, amazing health care providers, and ample shopping and dining options, it’s no secret that Southwest Florida has become a top destination for retirees. For many local residents, their first homes are not in Naples, Bonita Springs, or Fort Myers. Aging in place usually refers to staying in your family home where the important memories of your life were made. The home or condo you purchased five years ago likely doesn’t hold those same memories. While this may have been a fantastic second home, is this really the neighborhood or area of town you want to commit to as you outfit a home for the years to come? The idea of remodeling a home from multiple states away can also be daunting. Do you complete the renovations
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while you are in town and deal with the dust and dirt that comes with that process, or do you find a way to oversee the outfitting from your Northern home base? You also need to consider the value of your home after the renovations. While there are many stylish upgrades, some of the necessary changes needed to make a home friendly to the aging process could be seen as a detriment when you or your loved ones decide to sell the home. Before you begin a renovation, make sure you will recoup your costs later. With this in mind, it’s not hard to see why the number of adults 55 and older who are opting to downsize their homes in favor of independent living communities has increased. Remember, the aging process is an ever-evolving one. While your home might be a great fit now, there may come a time when it just does not work for you anymore for a variety of reasons and by then, the sale of your home and a large move could be an extremely intimidating task. Making the move to an independent living community in your early retirement allows you to benefit from the amazing services these communities provide as well as helps you eliminate moving stress later in life. Making home repairs or finding the right company to call on can be a pain in the best of days. Maintaining a home that is clean and in working order as you age only becomes harder. Home maintenance involves a certain amount of work, energy,
