This article takes a look at the 5 problems with over 55 communities. If you wish to check out our detailed analysis on senior housing, you may go to 15 Problems with Over 55 Communities.
5. Leaving Friends and Family
Insider Monkey Score: 20
Living in an over-55 community has many great perks, but the downside to it is that you have to leave your friends and family behind. These communities are age-restricted which is why you can’t bring them along with you. That’s a big bummer especially when your child or grandchild needs to live with you in case of any compulsion. Also, retirement is the time when seniors like to spend most of their time with their children or grandchildren anyway. Living in over 55 communities may be far from your loved ones, and regular visits often seem difficult.
4. The Community Organization Could Fail
Insider Monkey Score: 22
Another problem with over-55 communities is that the organization behind the community fails, leaving behind far-reaching implications for its residents. There may be legal and governance issues, property values may decline, and residents may not get the amenities and services that they need. There will be difficulties in renting out or even selling such properties, further adding to the problems of its residents.
3. Change of Environment
Insider Monkey Score: 23
Adults don’t like change. While they may move for factors such as cost of living or lifestyle, they are overwhelmed when it needs to be done. This is especially true for seniors who believe they aren’t physically able to move anymore or don’t have the mental acumen they once did. According to a report from the University of Michigan, a large proportion of adults aged 50 to 80 (88%) believe it’s important to stay in their homes for as long as possible. So for some reason, if they decide to move to an over-55 community, it can be a hard decision since they are somewhat giving up on their independence given the many rules and regulations in the community. The environment is different, and it takes time to get used to it.
2. Gossip and Politics
Insider Monkey Score: 24
Face it: you’re old and there’s not much to do. Even in the younger days, office politics consumed you and it’s not going to leave you here either. A resident at an unnamed over-55 community recalls how the gossip has been nothing but horrible for her, taking a toll on her mental health. Eventually, she had to sell off her home and move elsewhere. While it’s not always this horrible, this is a likely situation that can arise when you’re living in over 55 communities. To avoid gossip and politics, befriend like-minded individuals whose values and preferences align with yours. This will help you in building stronger connections and also help overcome any unnecessary tensions.
1. You Might Not Make Friends
Insider Monkey Score: 25
While over 55 communities are designed to help you socialize and make friends, that’s not always the case. There are all kinds of people here. Then again, according to a blog by Retire Fabulously, a large majority of over 55 communities comprise seniors who are White, Straight, Christian, and Republican. While this may not always be the case, a community may be of a larger majority in any of these demographics, which may mean that you’re likely to feel like the odd one out. This is why its necessary that you do your homework before making a move.
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