Many people think of moving as something young individuals and families do. People move for jobs, for relationships, and for a change of scenery. But people mostly stop moving when they reach retirement, right? Wrong.
In fact, today’s older adults will live longer than any generation before them. As such, they’re looking for ways to make the most of their golden years. Often, this means packing up and moving.
Some seniors want to be closer to kids and grandkids. Others want to move to states with better tax laws or climates. No matter what the reason for the move may be, seniors around the country are relocating at surprising rates. Here’s what you need to know about why.
The 4 Top Reasons Seniors Move
Seniors move for many different reasons. Here are a few of the most common.
1. To be Closer to Friends and Family
According to a recent study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders and the MetLife Mature Market Institute, 40% of seniors who move do it to be closer to friends and family members. This may mean being around for a grandchild or adult children, or simply being able to spend more time with friends during retirement.
2. To Enjoy Increased Quality of Life
Some seniors move because they want to enjoy a warmer climate or easier access to the things they love. This is exactly why Florida is such a popular retirement destination.
In many cases, seniors who have spent their lives in cold, snowy, environments want to retire someplace that offers predictable weather and access to recreational opportunities. Other seniors want to be closer to retirement centers or aging and disability resource centers, which their current town does not have.
3. To Downsize Homes
In many cases, seniors move (either across town or across the country) to downsize homes. Once the kids move out, there’s no need to live in or clean a big family home anymore. As such, many seniors are downsizing into smaller homes that are both less expensive and easier to manage.
Sometimes, the same seniors who want to downsize are seeking senior-living communities. These communities allow them to stay active and enjoy fewer domestic responsibilities all at once. If you are looking for information about assisted living facilities here in Oregon, check out this website for available options: www.assistedliving.org/oregon/.
4. To Access Senior-Sector Employment
Seniors who choose to continue working may move to find senior-sector employment opportunities. Today, many seniors work well into and beyond their 70s. While the economy is responsible for part of this trend, other Baby Boomers simply aren’t ready to retire, and they move to find the dream job of their golden years.
The Challenges of Moving for the Elderly
Moving is stressful at any age, but it can be particularly difficult for senior citizens. Not only can the physical act of packing and moving be difficult for seniors, but there’s also the uncertainty and the newness of the move to consider.
Fortunately, seniors can mitigate some of these challenges by seeking professional moving assistance. Hiring a senior move manager from the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) is one excellent option. A more common choice is simply to hire a team of professional movers to assist with the journey.
Not only can professional movers handle the physical aspect of relocation, but they can also provide some assistance for seniors who need help decluttering or downsizing.
If you or a loved one are getting ready to move, don’t go it alone. Master Movers is here to help you transform your big transition into a great adventure. Contact us today to learn more about our local and long-distance moving services.