When asked, many retirees answer they want to remain in their current home. Unfortunately, for a large proportion, they are ignoring reality. To stay in your home means assessing the suitability as you age. Questions such as:

• Is your home an appropriate size for your planned retirement situation?
• Is your home easy to maintain on your own?
• Does your home have a good layout? Will it easily accommodate walkers and/or wheelchairs?
• Is there easy access to everyday needs such as grocery stores and pharmacies, access to medical and dental care?
• Does the area have adequate public transportation or other options if you don’t wish to or can no longer drive?

It’s vital to consider the above issues ahead of time. Doing so not only prevents serious problems in the future, it can also improve your life here and now.

Research Before Moving

Should you decide to move from your current home, take time to research your move first, whether you’re considering a move across town, across the province or state, or to another country.

There are several ways to conduct this research, including taking an extended holiday or renting in the potential location. If you choose to only visit or holiday, make sure you do so at different times of the year so you get an idea of the full experience.

If you are considering moving into a retirement community or ‘aging in place’ residence, do your research by spending many hours there. Most places will even allow you to stay on a short-term or month-to-month basis.

If you’re in a relationship, you should both take time to reflect on your own hopes, dreams, and everyday preferences. Once you’re both certain that you’ve adequately shared your wants and needs with each other, you should then discuss the issues honestly. Be open and willing to compromise. If you run into roadblocks, seek input from others to help identify solutions.

Helping Achieve Balance

Give yourself the opportunity to review all factors of your move before taking the leap. As you do your research, think about the aspects of your new home that will help with your balanced leisure lifestyle. In addition, consider the following:

• Is entertainment within easy reach both financially and logistically?
• Will it be easy to meet and make new friends, or will it be hard to break into the local social scene?
• Will it be easy for family and friends to visit you from afar?
• Will it be easy to obtain a new doctor and/or dentist?
• Is there convenient access to the educational pursuits and exercise activities that you are currently engaged in or hope to begin sometime during your retirement?
• Is the community suitable for enjoying your hobby or will you have to find a new one?

For further information about where to live, including the art of downsizing, exercises designed to grade your home’s happiness level, and grading your home’s future suitability, refer to my book, Life After Work: Live It, Love It! available on this website.