In the “I’m Not Ready Yet” blog series, we will take an in-depth look at common reasons people delay a move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) or other senior living community.
We’ve already explored two frequent obstacles that lead people to postpone a move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC or life plan community) or other senior living options: the challenge of downsizing and deciding what to keep, and worries about affordability and the fear of outliving savings. Another common refrain is, “I’m not old enough” to move to a CCRC — a belief that often keeps otherwise ready individuals from making the transition.
The relativity of “old”
In surveys we’ve conducted of prospective CCRC residents, roughly half of respondents cite not feeling “old enough” as a top reason for delaying a move. Some people may never feel “old,” and that’s influenced by the growing gap between chronological age (years lived) and subjective age (how old one feels).
Researchers at the Pew Research Center asked adults how old they felt in years. Among respondents age 65 and older, 60 percent reported feeling younger than their actual age, a third said they felt exactly their age, and only 3 percent said they felt older than their chronological age. The gap between felt age and actual age tends to widen as people grow older: nearly half of those 50+ said they felt at least 10 years younger than their chronological age. For people 65 to 74, one third reported feeling 10 to 19 years younger, and one in six felt 20 years younger or more.
Given these findings, it’s not surprising that many in their 70s and 80s may say they don’t feel old enough to move into a CCRC or other senior living community.
>> Related: A Positive Aging Mindset May Slow or Even Reverse the Aging Process
Overcoming ageist stereotypes
When people feel 10 to 20 years younger than they are, they often resist activities they associate with “old people,” including moving to a retirement community. Those age-based stereotypes are harmful and counterproductive. Research increasingly shows that a positive view of aging benefits health and longevity.
A 2002 study by Yale University’s department of epidemiology and public health examined self-perception and lived experience among 660 adults age 50 and older. Seniors with more positive views about aging lived on average 7.5 years longer than peers who viewed aging negatively. The study also found that seniors exposed to positive aging stereotypes had better memory and balance, while those with negative self-perceptions experienced worse memory and feelings of worthlessness.
Negative self-worth cannot be attributed solely to ageism, but age-related stereotypes do contribute. That’s why everyone must recognize the damage of ageism and work to counter it, including older adults who don’t feel like the stereotype of “old” people.
>> Related: Positive Aging: Changing Your Mindset About Growing Older
Not an either-or situation
Feeling “too young” for a CCRC overlooks an important reality: moving to a CCRC doesn’t force you into isolation among a single age group. Many communities actively promote intergenerational connections that bring younger people onto campus and give residents regular opportunities to interact with other generations.
Intergenerational programs can include volunteer mentoring, tutoring, social outings to college events, shared cultural activities, or educational partnerships that allow residents to take classes on nearby campuses. Studies have shown these programs benefit both seniors and younger participants, creating meaningful social interaction and shared learning.
Some CCRCs welcome members of the surrounding neighborhood to use campus amenities. For example, one Illinois community invites children from a local camp to enjoy ice cream in the community restaurant. Other communities go further by inviting college students to live on campus rent-free in exchange for service hours like performances, teaching, or companionship. These arrangements enrich campus life, bring younger people into the community, and can attract younger seniors considering a move.
>> Related: Lifelong Learning Program Fosters Intergenerational Connections
Sooner can be better
For those still hesitating because they feel “too young,” consider another perspective: many residents who have moved into CCRCs say they wish they had moved sooner. Moving at a younger age offers advantages that may be less obvious until after the transition is made.
Benefits of moving to a CCRC earlier include:
- Time to fully participate in community programs and activities
- Opportunity to build meaningful friendships before major health changes occur
- Improved overall well-being and potentially longer life through a focus on wellness
- Freedom from the ongoing burdens and anxieties of home maintenance
- Less concern about meeting health qualifications for entry
- Predictable monthly service fees that reduce the risk of unexpected home repair expenses
- Easier transition and more time to settle into community life
These advantages support common retirement goals—comfort, peace of mind, and enjoyment. If a CCRC can deliver those outcomes earlier in retirement, waiting may not make sense.
Encouraging younger retirees to make a CCRC move
A healthy mix of ages benefits every community. Younger residents help maintain financial balance and contribute to vibrant community life. CCRCs should address the “I’m too young” mindset with creative programming, design, and marketing that appeal to younger retirees.
The senior living industry needs innovation to attract this generation of retirees. Designing contemporary amenities, offering diverse intergenerational programs, and promoting activities that resonate with younger seniors can help communities become appealing options for those who may feel they’re not yet “old enough” for retirement living.
By rethinking how communities are built and promoted, CCRCs can better serve a wider range of retirees and help more people enjoy the benefits of thoughtfully planned retirement living sooner rather than later.