The Move to Retirement Living

The Washington Post puts an interesting spin on an article about the decision to move into a retirement community. Instead of telling the story from the oft-used angle of those who work in the retirement living industry, the article is written by a 79-year-old woman who recently made the move from her home into retirement living. She explores the way her and her husband came to terms with their idea of "aging in place." She concludes that this decision was best made on their own terms, when they were ready. She talks about timing being everything.

In an accompanying article, the writer's daughter shares her thoughts on coming to terms with her parents' move to a retirement community. While she originally felt some guilt, she says it was assuaged by witnessing her mother making many new friends and starting a new phase of life.

Is this general feeling shared by most people who move into retirement living? In your experiences of dealing with residents, what do you find? Are most ready? If they're not ready, are they glad once they've made the move? What role do adult children play in the process?

These two unique perspectives can give you some idea of just exactly what's going through the minds of your potential residents.