Sunday, December 7, 2014

Where should I retire? Questions to ask



What are the 3 most important questions to ask and discuss with your spouse prior to deciding where you might retire?

1. How is your health and the health of your spouse?
2. What is the state of your finances and financial commitments?
3. What is your desired lifestyle; what’s important to you and your family?

If the location you are thinking about does not address these three areas of concern, then you should consider staying put. Of course there are many other factors that could be taken into consideration but concentrating your efforts in these three areas will make it easier for you and your spouse to find the best alternative.  Of course you can always relocate if you find you have chosen the wrong place or your needs change. That being said it is generally better to rent as opposed to purchase to test out your selection.
Things to consider when choosing a location in which to live during your retirement years:
  • Live within walking distance of basic amenities, such as health facilities, drugstores, supermarkets and banks.
  • Live within short driving distance of a hospital that has specialists in any area where you have major problems, such as heart, kidney, vision, arthritis, Alzheimer's, etc.
  • If volunteering is of interest to you, pick a community where there are opportunities.
  • If continuing your education is important to you, check the opportunities before moving.
  • If the arts are important, check the availability and locations of symphony, ballet, art museums, etc.
  • Check the crime rate.
  • Check the availability of public transportation so you can easily reach stores and the many other places you need to visit as you may not always be able to drive.
  • Choose a place that is on one level, has halls wide enough for wheelchair access, doorways at least 36 inches wide and has an outside entrance without steps.
  • Choose a place that has nonskid floors
Remember that what seems great for you and your spouse when you are in your early 60s may very well not work at all later in your retirement years.
More and more Americans are choosing to stay in or near the place where they currently live. There are financial, lifestyle and medical advantages to do so. For details on some of these advantages and modifications to your home you should consider review our information on aging in place.

If your health or the health of your spouse is or is likely to be a problem, aging in place should be given strong consideration. In any case chose a location that is convenient to appropriate medical care.

For more information on retirement locations check the resources here: http://www.retiredbrains.com/senior-living-resources/retirement-locations which include:

2 comments:

  1. These are good things that I should ask my aunt and uncle. they are retired and now are wanting to find a good place to live. Crime rate is a huge thing for them because they lived most of there lives trying to avoid any places that requires you to look up everything. http://www.highlandgreenlifestyle.com/neighborly.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Check out this resource http://retiredbrains.com/senior-living-resources/retirement-locations and particularly the section Where Might You Live

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