What does it mean to be “ready”? Is there a certain age or life experience that allows one to feel ready to enjoy the many benefits and security a retirement community offers? In speaking with hundreds of prospects for the independent and active community here at Waterford Place, I often ask them what being ready means. Is it a mind-set, the anticipated the arrival of a physical change or something else?

Some report that they are healthy and doing fine at home. Good, I tell them. If they weren’t independent in their home, then Waterford Place may not be the community for them.

Some tell me they aren’t old enough. Sometimes, this provokes me to chuckle. Is there a magic age? Resident here range from early 60’s to mid 80’s, with average age of 72. Not a one of them will tell you they are old. Our residents are fresh with spunk and life. They have met new friends, are enjoying daily card games, bible study, walking around the lake, dining together, exercising and so much more. As long as one spouse is 60 and the other is at least 50, I assure people, they are old enough.

To truly enjoy Waterford Place requires a proactive decision. We encourage our prospective residents to take control of their retirement, pick out a home they love and never worry about the unexpected events again. 

My background in long-term care and short-term rehabilitation has allowed me to see, first hand, the significant differences between a reactive approach—reacting to the situation, versus a proactive approach—acting before a situation occurs. If they wait too long to plan, they lose control of the situation and it is the situation that is necessitating the move, not the person.

What does being ready mean to you? Share your thoughts below.