18 Nov Finding Community in a CCRC: Tips for Building Connections and a Sense of Belonging
When planning for retirement, there are a lot of factors to consider: you’ve got the logistical aspects, like growing and managing your savings, planning your legacy, and anticipating unknowns like inflation and healthcare needs. But what about the mental and emotional aspects of retirement? Often, these two go hand-in-hand. Planning to make your retirement years more meaningful can play a significant role in protecting your mental and physical health.
One important consideration often left for last is how to fill your social tank if you move away from your established community. Moving into a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) can be a gift or a challenge, largely dependent on your ability to form and grow a sense of connection and meaningful relationships. Whether you’re just starting to search for a CCRC, you’re the “new kid on the block,” or you’re looking to grow your social circle, here’s why it matters and how you can find a senior living community that feels like home.
Social Capital: An Investment Worth Making
Not every investment can be measured in accounting terms. “Social capital” is a network of individuals working together who exist in the same sphere and collaborate for the good of all parties involved. Imagine living in a neighborhood where everyone helped each other out–there’s always someone willing to lend a cup of flour, help you hang Christmas lights, or loan a tool when needed. That’s social capital, and the benefits of this type of resource-rich community go far beyond practicality. These relationships build trust, connection, and participation, and some studies have linked an increase in social capital among seniors with higher levels of mobility and a greater likelihood of seeking preventative medical care.
Unfortunately, as we age, there is often a decrease in social capital. This is due to factors like staying home more often because of mobility or health issues, no longer being able to drive, or a change in living situation. Thankfully, living in a retirement community can mitigate these challenges. According to a study by NORC at the University of Chicago, adults who live in senior communities have access to more healthcare services, peer-to-peer support, enhanced independence, and more opportunities for social interaction. The result is increased longevity and better health outcomes due to the increase in preventative and rehabilitative care.
Moving to a CCRC can certainly uproot your social circle and routines. However, finding the right community and taking advantage of available social capital can fill your tank much more than you would have been able to if you continued to live alone. It’s a smart investment in your physical, mental, and emotional health.
Finding a CCRC with the Right Opportunities
If you’ve just started looking for a CCRC, it’s important to make sure connection and community are on your list of considerations, along with everything else. Here are a few specific things to think about:
- Proximity. If you currently live close to loved ones, you may want to find a senior living community in the same area so you can continue to enjoy frequent visits. Alternatively, if you live far away from your kids or grandkids, this is a great opportunity to move closer.
- Accessibility of Resources. Even if you’re still able to drive, there may come a time when you no longer can. Look into public transportation options and consider the walkability of the area. Are there amenities nearby, like restaurants, grocery stores, shops, or salons? What about medical facilities? Think about all of the activities you enjoy doing that help you feel independent and engaged in your community, and choose a CCRC that will make it easier, not harder, to maintain your lifestyle.
- Scheduled Activities. When touring a retirement community, ask to see their monthly activity schedule and how often they facilitate offsite trips. Social opportunities like tours, book clubs, or classes make it easy to meet like-minded people. Fitness classes, volunteer opportunities, or nearby places of worship are also good ways to connect while staying active and engaged.
- Location-based Activities. Where the facility is located may also provide natural opportunities for meeting and connecting with kindred spirits. If you enjoy hiking, water sports, golfing, gardening, birdwatching, etc., look for a facility that has easy access to these activities. There’s a good chance others who enjoy the same hobbies have moved there for the same reasons.
- Pet-Friendly Facilities. Pets are cute and have the bonus of making good conversation starters! If you’re moving with your pet, finding other pet parents is a valuable way to learn about the best dog parks while making friends with similar interests. Our guide on bringing your pet to a CCRC is a great place to start.
As you take all of these community-building opportunities into consideration, don’t forget one of the best ways to determine whether or not you’ll be able to build connections at a CCRC: talk to the people who live there. Ask how they’ve found a sense of community and what that process was like for them. Chances are you’ll get some valuable insight and lay the groundwork for future friendships if you decide it’s the right place for you.
Connect and Thrive
Moving is never easy, but you might be surprised how much a CCRC can provide you with a sense of belonging and connection. Asking the right questions before you decide where to settle is key, but so is an attitude of intention. Remember, quality relationships take time to build, and it may take a while for you to find your rhythm and forge new connections. This is one of the reasons we encourage you to consider planning for this type of move before it becomes a medical necessity. Thankfully, joining a retirement community offers the built-in support system of a network of people in a similar stage of life. They have likely been where you are. Some communities even have welcoming committees or ambassadors to help you get connected as soon as you’ve finished unpacking.
As you navigate this next chapter of life, we want to offer you the support and resources to help each season of your retirement be better than the last. If you don’t have a plan for your later years, or if you’re opening up the conversation with your parents, we’d love to provide you with the tools to plan effectively and Retire to Your Happy Place™.
Any opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of Raymond James. The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making a decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation.