In recent years, it has become common for individuals to work well into their retirement years. “The percentage of seniors who reported working nearly doubled between 1995 and 2015.” According to Statistics Canada, “1 in 5 Canadians aged 65 and older, or nearly 1.1 million seniors, reported working” at some point in the year.
When an individual chooses to work into his or her retirement years, it may become challenging to balance work and maintaining a home. This is where independent living communities can prove to be an asset.
When individuals think about a senior living community, they may envision a restricted lifestyle, which could not be further from the reality of independent living services. Origin Active Lifestyle Communities focus on providing individuals with an active, independent lifestyle, complimenting the routine of working adults very well.
Why do Individuals Continue to Work?
Staying Active and Engaged
One reason that individuals choose to work into their retirement years is to remain active and connected to the world around them. For some, the idea of retirement does not sound like an ideal lifestyle. Additionally, continuing your work helps you remain mentally sharp and can help keep cognitive functioning levels high.
Working provides individuals with a sense of purpose. Feelings of usefulness and fulfillment aids in the overall wellness and wellbeing of individuals.
You Love What You Do
“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Mark Twain
If you love your job and the career you have built, it can be tough to walk away from. You get up each and every day and do what you love and know. Many individuals choose to work into retirement simply because, to them, it does not feel like work.
Helping to Cover the Costs of Living
Outliving retirement funds and other savings is a common concern among older adults, so some individuals are working into retirement for financial security. Additionally, it is common for retirees to rely on their pension, and require additional income. Some individuals feel that living off of savings and retirement funds is too risky. As a result, they work until they feel secure in their savings and other sources of income.
What are the Benefits of Living in an Independent Living Community?
No Home Maintenance
Whatever the reason you have chosen to continue working, independent living can add to your desired lifestyle. One benefit of independent living is that you do not have to worry about home maintenance.
You are free to go to work every day and come home to a well-kept home with the ability to socialize with peers and enjoy convenient amenities. This maintenance-free lifestyle allows you to have the best of both worlds. No more working all day, only to come home to do more work.
Independence to Come and Go Freely
Independent living is exactly how it sounds: independent. When retirees are hesitant to transition into a senior living community, it is often because they are picturing a stagnant, restricting environment. Senior living communities are about encouraging independence and providing individuals with opportunities for life enrichment.
Working into your retirement doesn’t mean you can’t live a relaxing lifestyle. Don’t feel like cooking dinner? Enjoy a delicious meal in one of the dining venues or have dinner sent to your apartment. These simple services can add convenience and joy to your life!
Assistance is Always Available
Even though you want to maintain as much independence as possible, you may need assistance from time to time. Independent living offers this. You are able to live independently yet feel secure in knowing that support is available, should you ever need it.
Origin Active Lifestyle Communities are located in Nanaimo, Canmore, and Calgary. Our focus is on providing individuals with their desired lifestyle and offering the care and services they need. Our independent living services provide more freedom and flexibility for older adults who choose to work into their retirement years. We work hard to help find the arrangement and accommodations that work best for each individual on a personal basis.
Contact our Origin team for more information on our active lifestyle communities or the services that we offer.
