Just like any big changes in life, moving to a senior community after a lifetime of living at home is not easy. It’s natural to feel anxious, awkward, and even a little sad. However, with the right mindset and preparation, you can make the transition an exciting and meaningful experience.
Here are some tips on how to make the adjustment to your new lifestyle easier and smoother.
- Give Yourself All The Time You Need
Make the first few days — or even weeks — a time to get acquainted with your new surroundings and way of life. Go around your new community, check the facilities and amenities, find out what activities you can do, and get to know your new neighbors. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and get help from a staff or, perhaps, another resident. Having someone to show you around and tell you everything you need to know can greatly help in making you feel at ease with the place.
- Personalize Your New Space
Decorate your new space and personalize it as much as you want. Making the space feel like it’s your very own is important. Find out how much change you’re allowed to make, and make the most of it. Put up photos of friends and family, display your prized collection, bring furniture you’re accustomed to, choose the color for your bedding, and so on. Remember that this is your new home, so it has to truly feel like one.
- Follow Your Usual Routine and Hobbies
Go back to your old routines and hobbies, such as starting your day with coffee and paper, going for a walk after dinner, tending to your plants, and so on. Settling into old habits can help reduce your stress levels and make transitioning to your new home easier.
- Get Involved in the Community
One of the best things about a retirement community is the available activities that you can do with people who share the same interests. Before retirement, you’ve probably dreamed of spending most of your time doing the things you love, such as golf or fishing. Now is the perfect time to make those dreams come true. Find out if there are clubs or groups that you can join. It’s the perfect way to get to know other members of the community, make new friends, and do your favorite activities.
- Keep Yourself Busy and Active
Exercise is one of the best ways to maintain your health as you age. And living in a retirement home can give you plenty of opportunities for a supervised exercise regimen, or for physical activities that you can do with other community members. You can do simple activities, like going for a walk or joining a beginner yoga class, or do more physically demanding ones, like tennis or golf. Whatever exercise you choose, staying active can reward you in many ways.
- Have a Positive Outlook
Always try to remember why you made the move. Perhaps a retirement home can give you the level of care and attention you need but couldn’t get when you lived at home. Perhaps you wanted to be around other people with the same needs and interests. Keep these reasons in mind as you make the adjustment to your new home and try to make the most out of the benefits that you can get out of the move.
In Lake Chelan, you’ll find quite a few retirement communities where you can make your golden years some of the best years in your life. We at Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan can help you find the place that’s perfect for you. Call us today at 509.682.7777 or email us at info(at)CBChelan(dotted)com.