"I don't want to be a burden to my children". You hear this a lot as parents reach their elder years. Sometimes these years are called the "golden years" and even if you decide to go and live in an assisted living facility they can be. Who said life had to be dull and boring when you get older? It isn't a rule, after all. So be in charge of your life even after your kids think you are too old to make decisions. After all, who's the parent here?
Carefully plan out your golden years so that someone else doesn't have to do it for you. That's how you get what you want. Leave it to someone else and you might find yourself in the least expensive venue that's nearest to your kid's house. Always wanted to live in Las Vegas? Great. Las Vegas is the epitome of senior living. There are many apartment buildings that specialize in senior citizens. The apartments are compact and convenient to the area of town that you want to be living in. Most are near bus routes and some even have buses of their own that run regular schedules to places such as medical centers and grocery stores. Rather live in a senior community setting? Well, there are plenty of those around the Vegas area, too. Casino buffets are inexpensive and there is plenty of food to choose from. Just don't put your money in those funny little machines downstairs.
If you had rather live in a contained environment (whether in Vegas, the Carolinas, Arizona or Florida), many places have luxury senior living with a chef who prepares the meals, balconies on each apartment, exercise programs, barber and beauty shops, and 24 hour security. So, instead of worrying that you will get your meals on a tray at your bed have dinner in a well decorated dining room with a restaurant feel and table service. You can tell it is a quality environment by the white table cloths and the linen napkins at your place. Attend the weekly dances held in the recreation center or go out on a "date" with another senior. In an independent living community you can have it all and still be well looked after (which satisfies your family). Recently I toured a retirement community built like a luxury hotel. The reception area looked just like many of the five star hotels all over the world with a large front desk and a concierge. After taking the tour I found that the community had a large library, three heated pools and several hot tubs. How difficult would it be to live there?
Arizona is probably the most well know retirement area in the States. It is famous for its dry atmosphere and good weather. It is also famous for Sun City, the name of the first large retirement area built specifically for people 55 and older. In Sun City you never have to get out onto the public highways to find what you need. You can drive your golf cart or walk to the medical center, drug store, grocery store, restaurants, shops, and even movies. They have taken planning to a higher level and made senior safety and convenience the secret. Each home is built to give the senior and his spouse a backyard, garage, and house that are compact and well designed. Although most Sun City properties are no longer gated communities, there are guards on the property who can identify those who shouldn't be there and take appropriate actions. Worried that your family will like it so much they will try to move in with you? Not going to happen. Sun City has a seven day limit for visitors. Cousin Donald will just have to find an apartment or house of his own.
So don't think that your golden years will be bleak. A whole new adventure awaits you and most places even have wonderful and mild weather. You just have to do a little planning.
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