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From wanting to downsize to making new social connections and gaining access to services, such as meal preparation and personal care assistance, there are a variety of reasons older adults might want to move to senior living communities. But at what age is senior living appropriate?
Although there are age-related conditions that might encourage an aging adult to move to a senior living community, age is not as important as other factors, notes Terri Fried, a professor of geriatric medicine at Yale School of Medicine. “It also depends on the specific type of senior living arrangement,” says Fried, noting senior facilities differ significantly from one another. That said, you or your aging loved one will want to consider several key factors ahead of making a move to senior living.
Key takeaways
- Some senior living communities have age requirements. For example, many start at 55+ while others require residents to be 62 or older.
- Choosing a senior living option goes beyond age. It’s about making a thoughtful choice to improve quality of life.
- Experts recommend moving into a senior facility as a proactive step as care needs increase and before it becomes necessary.
What is senior living?
The concept of senior living is broader than people may think. There is a clear difference between independent living and assisted living.
Independent living communities are designed for active seniors who want to maintain their independence while enjoying a maintenance-free lifestyle. These communities typically offer apartment or cottage-style living with amenities like fitness centers, communal dining options and social and personal enrichment activities, allowing residents to downsize from their family homes while staying engaged with peers in a supportive environment.
According to the National Institute on Aging, communities designed for older adults generally fall under four basic categories.
Here is a list of the four main types of senior living options that range from independent communities for active older adults to full-care nursing facilities for those requiring medical supervision.
Continuing care communities (CCRCs)
CCRCs are multi-level campuses that can support residents with a variety of needs, from independent and assisted living to memory care and skilled nursing.
Assisted living facilities (ALFs)
Assisted living facilities are residential options designed for seniors who may need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing or managing their medication but still value their independence.
Board and care homes
For seniors who may fall within the gap between assisted living and total care but want a smaller home-like setting, board care or senior group homes provide personalized care in a smaller, intimate setting.
Nursing homes
For seniors needing an option to address total care needs, nursing homes provide comprehensive medical monitoring, rehabilitation services, memory care and daily care assistance to ensure seniors’ various needs are supported.
At what age is senior living appropriate?
Since every situation is unique, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact age at which senior living is appropriate for an aging adult. However, according to U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), senior living communities are slated for adults age 55 and older.
While setting demographic restrictions for housing can be seen as a form of discrimination, the Fair Housing Act set exemptions under the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) that specifically allows senior housing communities to set age requirements so they can live among peers that share their unique needs. While some retirement communities require residents to be 55 or older, others may require residents to be at least 62 years of age.
“When you move out of your place into a community, you no longer have the burdens of home maintenance and repair. When you live on your own, it can be unpredictable and unmanageable. When you move into a community, everything is predictable.”
— Mark Lawrence, owner of an assisted living home
What’s the best age to move into independent living?
Age requirements can impact both the ability and the decision to move into an independent living community, but most importantly, it’s how an aging adult feels that will determine the best time. The experts we spoke to agreed seniors generally make this decision between their 70s to 90s, noting there are several factors that may make seniors consider this option a bit earlier or later than that range.
Here are some of the factors beyond age to take into consideration:
Health and mobility
Loss of mobility is one reason why someone might consider moving to a senior community, according to Fried. “Some people may move in advance of disability because they want to be in a place where they can receive increasing levels of care,” she notes.
Sleep problems
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a physician board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal and critical care medicine, agrees mobility issues should spark concern for someone to consider not living on their own, but adds poor sleeping habits should be another one.
“If someone is dealing with severe sleep problems, like waking up a lot at night, being very tired during the day or untreated sleep apnea, that can really affect their ability to stay safe,” he says.
Home maintenance
While some older adults may want to reap the benefits of moving into a more manageable living space or senior apartment, others may choose a senior living community to reduce the strain of maintaining a home, especially if they are dealing with pain or a decrease in energy or mobility.
Social engagement
Joining an independent living community can also be a way for older adults to stay connected to others as well as a way to ward off feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Caregivers should look out for adult family members who show signs of isolation, points out Steven Barlam, president of the board of directors at Aging Life Care Association Barlam notes, “Social isolation and loneliness can be a factor even when a professional care provider or family caregiver is engaged,” he says.
Barlam says some risk factors of social isolation to look out for include:
- Living alone
- Family living at a distance
- Significant life changes such as the recent loss of a partnerIncrease in health issues or a new diagnosis
Benefits of community interaction and activities
Many senior communities offer daily and weekly activities that include fitness, recreation and educational opportunities to help seniors stay physically and mentally active while bonding with peers who may have similar life experiences.
This aspect of senior living communities keeps people engaged and optimistic, explains Mark Lawrence, owner of Aberdeen Assisted Living Home in Scottsdale, Arizona. “When people who need extra care have things to do and people to interact with, their day goes better, and they are more likely to take care of themselves and follow their doctor’s or medical caregivers’ advice,” he says.
Financial considerations
The financial aspect of senior living decisions requires careful evaluation and honest assessment of your long-term resources and insurance coverage as well as a thoughtful comparison of home ownership versus senior living expenses.
“When you move out of your place into a community, you no longer have the burdens of home maintenance and repair,” says Lawrence. “When you live on your own, it can be unpredictable and unmanageable. When you move into a community, everything is predictable.”
He notes that many families discover that the true costs of aging in place, which can include home modifications, increased utilities, lawn maintenance, care service and unexpected maintenance expenses, actually exceed the predictable monthly fees of a senior community.
Why it’s best to start early when exploring a move to senior living
The decision to move to senior living requires research and careful timing. For that reason, experts agree it’s best to research and plan ahead. Age is one consideration, but it isn’t the only one. Experts we spoke to consistently reinforce the importance of beginning the exploration process well before you actually need the services to ensure a smooth transition and avoid rushed decisions during a crisis.
Making the decision early allows families the opportunity to plan the future, says Lawrence. “Responding to emergencies is no way for you or your family members to live,” he explains. “Proactive health management ensures your family members are safe and their needs are met because you have made a plan.”
Specific steps you can take to plan ahead:
- Visit multiple communities to compare amenities, care levels and costs.
- Downsize thoughtfully to ensure the items that matter most can be preserved, donated or handed down to someone else.
- Consult with health care providers about how to transfer records when the time comes.
Final words on the right age for senior living
The decision to move to senior living is deeply personal and can vary dramatically from one individual to another. While there’s no magic number that determines the “right” age or perfect moment to make this transition, the most important factors to weigh aren’t found on a calendar but in honest self-assessment. Safety should be your primary concern. Ask yourself or an aging loved one questions like:
- Can I navigate my current living situation without risk?
- Are my personal needs being met?
- Do my finances support my preferred lifestyle?
Rather than waiting for an emergency to force their hand, many aging adults see moving into a senior living community as a choice and opportunity to take control and enhance their quality of life.
“Many [seniors] who make the move to some form of senior living find that they develop new social connections, are less lonely and more engaged in activities than they were prior to their move,” says Fried.
Trust yourself to know when the time feels right, and remember that choosing senior living is choosing to prioritize your well-being and happiness, which can be a decision that reflects wisdom, not weakness.
