You may have heard the saying that with two ears and one mouth, we should listen twice as much as we speak. I welcome feedback from MyLifeSite.net readers and users—your ideas and opinions shape nearly everything we do here.
Recently I ran a brief, one-question survey asking respondents to name the single biggest reason they might delay a move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC or life plan community) or another retirement community right now. We received more than 520 responses, a strong sample size. The results were:
- 40.5 percent: Not ready yet
- 22.4 percent: Coronavirus/COVID-19
- 14.3 percent: Uncertainty about the effect on my finances
- 9.1 percent: Don’t want to leave my home
- 5.6 percent: Putting off dealing with all of my “stuff”
- 4.4 percent: Don’t want to give up square footage
- 3.4 percent: Confused about the various options and details
One respondent’s perspective
“Not ready yet” can mean different things. Some people aren’t sure if an age-restricted CCRC or another community is the right fit; others haven’t selected a preferred community or location. Often it simply reflects a feeling of not being “old enough.”
That sentiment is common. One follower emailed her thoughts about what she described as the boomer generation gap:
“[My reason for delaying a decision] is the boomer generation gap. From visits to various communities, it looks as though most residents are in their 80s and early 90s. Their tastes, outlook on life, formative experiences and cultural touchstones are likely to be quite different from boomers. At 72, I would feel like I was living with my parents and the Silent Generation until more boomers became residents. I hear that the average age of entry is about 80, but that seems too long to wait.”
>> Related: 5 Reasons to Make Your CCRC Move Sooner Than Later
More than an age difference
As this respondent observed, the generation gap can be real. Beyond numeric age, people who are in their 90s often have different life experiences, tastes, and perspectives than those in their 70s. The respondent’s comment suggests she recognizes waiting until the average entry age may be too long, yet fears that moving sooner could expose a generational mismatch. For some, “I’m not ready yet” reflects worries about that gap—real or perceived.
The Silent Generation, born roughly between 1925 and 1946, grew up during the Great Depression and World War II. Those events shaped a generation commonly described as hard-working, loyal, respectful of authority, and tradition-minded. In contrast, Baby Boomers—born between 1946 and 1964—are often seen as more independent, competitive, resourceful, and willing to question authority.
>> Related: 4 Ways to Know You’re Ready to Consider a CCRC Move
Baby boomers’ view of aging and retirement
Many baby boomers entering traditional retirement years in their late 60s still see themselves as youthful and capable, both physically and mentally. People in their 60s and 70s often say they don’t feel “old.” That sense of vitality shows up in choices like travel or taking on new adventures.
That attitude is a positive thing, and it helps explain why some boomers hesitate to move into communities where the majority of residents are older. While different generations can absolutely be compatible as friends and neighbors, distinct life experiences and perspectives on aging can make a move feel like a bigger cultural step than just a change of address.
>> Related: 3 Reasons Seniors Delay a CCRC Move & Why They Should Reconsider
What is “old enough”?
Some people never feel “old enough” to move to a CCRC; I’ve heard that from people well into their eighties. Feeling older because you live among older residents is a real concern for some, though not universal. Others find that being part of a community supports continued activity and engagement.
From conversations with hundreds of residents across the country, I consistently hear that many wish they had moved sooner. Moving to a CCRC at a younger age can deliver tangible benefits, even if some only become apparent after the move. Advantages include:
- Full access to programs and activities
- Time to build meaningful friendships
- Improved overall well-being through a focus on wellness
- Reduced stress from home maintenance and sorting personal belongings
- Less concern about meeting health requirements for entry later on
- An overall easier transition into community living
The CCRC “not ready yet” marketing conundrum
How can someone enjoy these benefits without feeling they’re stepping into a generational divide? How should CCRCs adapt marketing and branding to reach people who don’t view themselves as “ready yet” for a CCRC lifestyle?
A retirement community is more than a place to live; it’s a community of people. While our society increasingly values intergenerational interaction, that trend doesn’t always extend to older age groups. CCRCs might broaden their appeal by highlighting intergenerational opportunities and the shared benefits different age groups bring. Time will tell how communities evolve to bridge generational differences and better communicate the value they offer to those who still feel young at heart.