Choosing a dwelling place post-superannuation is a critical part of retirement planning for many urban dwellers, especially those who don’t have children or live in a distant place, and they want to have it as a second option where they can get all the caring facilities in old age. A retirement community is a rescue at times like these as it provides a range of facilities and services for older people based on their preferences and medical needs.

Rapid urbanization and changes in employment patterns have transformed the traditional Indian family structures as more and more family members live most of their lives separately due to work and other circumstances. Consequently, the need for retirement planning independent of immediate family support has also increased.

As an offshoot of this phenomenon, there are plenty of opportunities available today for senior citizens to live independently in old age, primarily in urban clusters. For instance, seniors can choose independent living apartments, assisted living homes, nursing homes, memory care communities, etc. However, aligning your interests with the community values is vital to living in harmony or avoiding conflicts.

Some people also relocate to smaller towns or cities to reduce living expenses. Generally, retirement communities provide a range of facilities and services like a preferred meal (veg or non-veg), social events, and sports activities, among others. However, regardless of what you eventually choose, evaluating the pros and cons of a decision is critical.

Here are some points to consider before choosing a retirement community:

Location: You must look for a community in a secure neighborhood. Other considerations are the city, weather conditions, whether it aligns with your living standards, etc. Besides the locality, you must consider facilities like eating joints, entertainment centers like cinemas, the nearest police station, etc.

Medical Care: Healthcare is vital during old age as emergencies come unexpectedly. Older people are vulnerable to age-related problems and prone to diseases and might require round-the-clock care. So, a hospital near home is vital so you can do regular checkups and avoid long-distance travel during emergencies. Hence, your residence should have close access to specialized medical services.

Housing: Community homes provide various accommodations, like apartment buildings and cottages, based on your preference and budget. Some homes even offer shared spaces for 2 to 4 apartments to reduce costs. However, you must choose based on your comfort level.

Lifestyle: The values of every retirement community depend on the region. For example, some communities are built for people with particular preferences like vegetarianism, geographic locations, or similar health conditions. Consider all the services and culture these homes offer and whether you can cope there.

Activities & Care Offered: Retirement homes provide numerous activities based on the resident’s preferences, like book clubs, chess, tennis, badminton, spas, yoga, games, charities, etc. The more activities the homes provide, the more options you have to meet new people, know about diverse cultures, and find ways to occupy yourself and pursue new or old hobbies, all while staying active and maintaining good mental and physical health.

There are many more considerations that you should take into account, as everyone has different needs and preferences. Before choosing a retirement community, you must consider your health, budget, location, city, weather, etc. Most importantly, you must consult your family members and the residents of the senior community before deciding.