With a crystal-clear plan, step into retirement

By Debra Clark

Life is a winding road of milestones, often with one end goal in mind: retirement.

From your entrance into the workforce as a young adult, it’s likely that you look forward to the day when you can take a step back from the 9-to-5 grind to bask in your newfound freedom.

Depending on your lifestyle, retirement can occur at any age, but older adults tend to retire between 61 and 67 years old, according to Forbes; in Florida, the average retirement age is 64.

While retirement is desired by many, it’s far from an easy decision. To best plan for your future, consider several factors, including your finances, health and lifestyle.

Will you be able to afford retirement 10 years down the road? When was your last health assessment, and how healthy are you? Do you have a family history that may cause concern a few years down the line, and are you prepared in case of a health scare?

Most importantly, do you know what you want your life to look like after retirement?

For many seniors, moving into a retirement community is a natural steppingstone in the aging journey. After so many years of taking care of chores, seniors want to eliminate the daunting aspects of being responsible for a home and all the unexpected maintenance and repairs that come with it, which is where retirement communities come into action. Retirement communities come in all shapes and sizes, but one of the most convenient models is a life plan community, such as Gulf Coast Village in Cape Coral.

Life plan communities are ideal for seniors at any stage of life, as this option starts with retirement age independent living if it is necessary, to assisted living, memory support or skilled nursing based on your health needs.

For recent retirees who are healthy and able to live on their own, independent living provides a vibrant and maintenance-free lifestyle. It allows retirees to live in a community setting with like-minded individuals without having to worry about the maintenance and responsibilities of a home. For many seniors, the desire to live carefreely propels them into independent living. Independent living spaces vary from studio apartments to multiple bedrooms, depending on your needs.

A “catered lifestyle” is a perfect fit for healthy, independent seniors deserving a true retirement. Many independent living communities, including Gulf Coast Village, offer maintenance-free apartments with culinary, housekeeping and maintenance staff, allowing you the freedom to choose fun over daily chores. Seniors are provided with all the tools they need to successfully age, like a full calendar of events, which can include wellness classes and education forums, and an assortment of high-quality dining options on nights when they don’t feel like breaking out the pots and pans.

Consider the social environment that comes with retirement communities. While independence is in the name, companionship comes hand-in-hand with the independent living lifestyle. Opportunities for socialization and friendship are at the forefront of the senior living experience, especially for recent retirees with ample free time.

Senior living’s amenities provide opportunities for relaxation, such as on-site nail and hair salons, pools and chauffeured transportation. If these features sound desirable, a retirement community may be the best next step for you after leaving the workforce. Don’t wait to make the decision, though; senior living requires research and preparation. Most retirees who have made the move say they wished they had done so a lot sooner.

Once you’ve decided if a retirement community is in the cards, it’s important to make sure you’re set up for success prior to choosing to retire. One of the most important aspects to consider is your finances, or how much money you have saved for the rest of your life.

Retirement communities come at a cost, so it’s imperative to make sure that you will be able to afford the lifestyle you desire, as well as any additional experiences you wish to have, like traveling. Meet with a retirement financial advisor to determine the best plan.

With proper planning, you can make the most of your retirement and enjoy a catered, maintenance-free lifestyle.

About the author

Debra Clark is the independent living resident services manager at Gulf Coast Village, Cape Coral’s only life plan community.