As you get older, you still look to the future as you always have; however, what you think about and what you plan will be slightly different. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing; it isn’t all doom and gloom but merely the next phase or chapter of your life. Whether you are living alone or with your spouse or friend, there are still several options for housing which you can look into if you want to move, sell your house, or you need a bit more company.
House Share
Sharing a house can be one of the best things you’ll ever do. It isn’t just for those in their twenties and granted you probably don’t want to go and share with six others, but sharing with one person in a similar position to you can be amazing. Even if you don’t know them, you could find a great friend, or you can live with someone who is already a great friend and you know you’d get along. It means that you can now downsize, sell some things, so you don’t double up, you can still live independently, but it’s just nice to have someone to sit down with at the end of the day and to reassure you if you’re worried about safety or illness.
Living With Family
If you have the option for living with your family, then this is so good for everyone (although it might not seem like it). Look at other countries like Japan which is one of the kindest places in the world for seniors, and many Japanese families have several generations living under one roof which is believed to be one of the many reasons the elderly in Japan live longer than any other population. As well as this, happiness and longevity in the elderly have been attributed to strong community bonds, family, and healthy living. Your family might not have the room for you to move in, but if you have a house to sell then and some money to spare then maybe suggest getting the granny flat builders in so that you’re close enough but not on top of them – it’s a win-win for all.
Retirement Villages
Living in a retirement village is great fun, it’s not a nursing home or an old peoples’ home, it’s merely somewhere where other like-minded people move to. Many of them have a great range of top-class facilities, from spas and swimming pools to restaurants, cafes and hair salons. You can also still own your own home in a retirement village, meaning you will benefit from future house-price growth, as well as retain an asset that you can pass on to your family in your Will. You will also hold on to your independence but have access to help when you need it.
Assisted Living
This is another option which depending on your health and situation might be the one for you. Assisted living allows you to continue living an independent life and but if you need to, you can have help with daily living activities like bathing, dressing, and eating and this is a far lower cost than a nursing home too.
