by BJWilson

Created on: February 06, 2008

The population is aging and the question of retirement living has become very important to those who are considering leaving the workforce and/or who no longer are able or wish to maintain an independent home and property. There are many retirement living options to choose from but first you need to examine who you are, what lifestyle you wish to maintain, how much care you want/need at this stage of your life, and how much can you afford.

The time to begin exploring these questions is when you are first considering your next step(s). Give yourself the luxury of time to check out the various options before making your decision. These are some considerations you will want to explore:

1. Health and Accommodation

Are you able to live independently and take care of yourself? If so, this is the time to think about how you see the future unfolding. When you can no longer live independently, where do you want to go?

Will you want to live with a relative? In some cultures it is assumed that aging parents will live with their adult children. Is this what you want? How about your adult children? How do they feel about you moving in permanently?

If you wish to maintain your independence (and privacy) yet need or want assistance with food preparation and personal care, arrangements can be made for appropriate home care to come in on a regular basis. This works whether you remain in your own home or move in with family.

Another option for the financially independent senior, is to move to an apartment in a private or publicly funded independent retirement home. Most offer three meals plus snacks during the day and organized social, cultural and exercise activities on a scheduled basis. Security, in-suite cleaning, refuse collection and other domestic tasks are handled by on-site staff. The resident is free to experience life as fully as she/he is able.

When more care is required than can be offered through occasional albeit regular home care services, it is time for you (and perhaps your family) to talk about the next step.

For some, there's a stigma around entering a full care home. For others, there's a security in knowing that they will be surrounded by care appropriate to their situation and someone else will take care of the nitty gritty details of living. Your role evolves to a restful routine highlighted by scheduled on-site activities and visits from family.

2. Mobility

Often the first manifestation of age is a noticeable decrease in mobility. Joints become painful and movement

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