The right time to retire… the right age, when is it?  Could there possible be a definite answer to this question, or is it dynamic, different for each person?  It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that this question will be different for everyone.  There are, however, some factors to take into account that are stable for everyone that can make figuring out “when?” much easier.  Not so much for the base idea of retiring, but moreso, when it’s time to consider going to a retirement community.

AGE: I put this factor first and foremost simply to state that it is completely irrelevant.  A persons age has absolutely nothing to do with when it is time to go into a retirement home.  We all age differently based on how we live, what we et, what we do, how much stress we’re under, and a multitude of other factors that I don’t even know how to touch.  Some people are almost completely immobile at the age of 50, whereas there are others that live there whole life, being completely fine on their own.  I know my great grandfather was still playing golf when he was 97, and doing so quite well.

Physical Health: This is a factor that plays into this decision without question.  At any age, a person’s physical health will greatly affect how that person lives.  At different phases in life, this will affect the person differently.  If they are a child and their physical health falls weak, chances are that person will stay with parents and relatives much of their life.  They may at some point find a sort of home or special care facility to accommodate their needs, or they may just have technology help them to adapt.  At older ages, living with parents is not really an option, and moving in with relatives or children after being away from them for so long is a big change and a lot to ask.  In this scenario, it is oftentimes much more beneficial for everyone in the equation to consider a retirement community.  It is a good way to keep independence, while at the same time keeping relatives free from worry and hassle.  The extent of the need of aid determines exactly what steps should be taken hear, be it assisted living or a retirement community.

Mental Health: This category is very much like physical health, though in the later years can be far more difficult to handle.  With this category comes the question, “How do we analyze a persons mental health?”  This gets incredibly difficult when looking at a situation of a person suffering with Alzheimer’s or memory loss.  When they function so well so much of the time, and so poorly at other times, how can we draw a line?  The most difficult aspect when dealing with mental health as a category is the fact that oftentimes, this is not a decision that can be made by the person suffering the condition, even if they still think it is.  A person who cannot remember their own child’s name may think they are still perfectly OK.  Once it is out of the hands of the person whose life is at question, the ideas of boundaries comes into place.  When is it OK, to overstep that line, and make the decisions for them?

This question is an incredibly difficult one to even face, let alone answer.  I can tell you that from my perspective, I don’t ever like to interfere with a person’s free will, UNLESS they (their decisions or actions) become a danger to others.  I feel in this situation it should essentially be looked at the same way.  As long as the person is not becoming a PHYSICAL harm on others, it should still be their decision.  If they are become=ing an emotional stress on the family, then communication is key, but ultimately, until their actions actually become dangerous to others, we should not take away their freedom to choose for themselves, even if their actions may be hurting themselves, it’s still their choice to make.  Communication is key here, and will be discussed further in the next section.

COMMUNITY: I wanted to get the reasons based on necessity out of the way first, as they are most needed.  However, these are not the only reasons to look into moving into a retirement community, and unfortunately, they in a way, give these communities a bad rap.  Many people feel these are the only reasons to go to a community, and that these are the only types of people that exist at these communities.  That these places are ONLY for people that are “old and washed up”.  But this is just blatantly untrue!!  These communities have a great many of advantages that come with them that oftentimes don’t get looked at.

I will use my own life as an example:  I am currently 23, a recent college graduate in a location where I don’t much know anyone right now.  The reason for this is because my mom moved while I was in college, and I am not staying with her until I become completely independent.  In the area in which I live, I have no previous ties.  I have connections all over the country from high school, college, and traveling… but none at my current location.  So essentially I am stuck living with family in a place where I know no one and the community is lacking in way to meet people… Especially of or around my own age.  I am considering going back to school to get a masters or PHD for many reasons… but one big reason is, it’s a COMMUNITY filled with people MY AGE that I can relate to!  This is a wonderful thing.

I know I am at a very different time in life, but I feel that many of my readers should be able to relate to this type of dilemma.  For me, one way to get back out there and meet more people may be going back to school.  It may be developing my career.  It may be going to night clubs or parties.  But for “you”, it may be going to a community.  It can be a great opportunity to meet new people.  A great opportunity to get yourself out again.  And a great opportunity to get away from family (I know mine drives me crazy… heh).