03 Nov You Don’t Have to Retire to Enjoy a Retirement Community

A retirement community is for retired seniors, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be. The maintenance-free lifestyle offered in a senior living community gives residents more time to do the things they truly enjoy — and for many older adults, working is enjoyable. In fact, moving into senior living can be a perfect choice for those who are working in retirement — you enjoy the perks and amenities of a retirement community plus meaningful engagement through work you love.

The Advantages of Working in Retirement

Whether you’re unretired, semiretired or still fully engaged in your career, remaining an active part of the workforce has advantages, such as:

• Improved cognitive health. Research suggests that mental engagement through work helps stimulate the mind, especially if your work challenges you to continue to learn new things.
• Better overall health. One study demonstrates that people who transition from a career to temporary or part-time work have fewer major diseases and better daily function than those who fully retire.
• A feeling of community. According to The Harvard Study of Adult Development, having strong relationships is an important component of a happy retirement. For many, their work community offers an important sense of belonging and connection.
• A sense of purpose. Having meaningful work can provide a sense of direction which is associated with better physical function, better response to stress and healthier behaviors.
• A chance to contribute. Older workers are significant sources of knowledge and expertise. Continuing to work can give you a chance to share the wisdom you’ve gathered over the years.
• Fun and flexibility. The retirement years can be a time to experiment with new kinds of work, such as a job associated with a favorite hobby. Plus, you might be able to enjoy more flexibility in your schedule, working part-time, or as a contractor, consultant, or freelancer, taking only the jobs that most appeal to you.

Redefining Retirement Living

If you’re rethinking what retirement means for you – broadening your definition to include working in retirement — you might also want to expand your understanding of retirement communities. In a retirement community, you have the freedom to focus on what matters to you — whether that’s work, play or work that feels like play. Among the perks of living in a retirement community, you’ll find:

• A rightsized home. Scale down — or up — so your home fits the lifestyle you want to be living now.
• Maintenance-free living. Housekeeping, groundskeeping and home upkeep are taken care of for you, clearing your to-do list so you can spend more time on meaningful activities.
• Upscale amenities. What if you came home from work and enjoyed a dip in the pool followed by a chef-prepared meal — all within walking distance of your home? Senior living amenities bring convenience and choice.
• Belonging. If you ever decide to fully retire, you’ll find the friendships you make in a retirement community satisfy the deeply human need for relationships with others. And if the retirement community you choose is also a Life Plan Community, an on-site continuum of care ensures you can remain in the community you call home, even if a health setback necessitates a higher level of care.

Unretirement Living at The Woodlands at Furman

If you’re ready to enjoy all the perks of a retirement community, but aren’t ready to retire, then you’ll love the lifestyle at The Woodlands at Furman. We’re a Life Plan Community where a lovely setting, delightful amenities and an affiliation with Furman University create a culture of wellness and intellectual stimulation. Contact us to find out more or to schedule a visit.