Success stories for real estate purchases for people in their 60s and 70s?

[Anonymous]

We are still active and healthy but thinking of selling the house in Bethesda. We’d like to stay here or DC. Originally I was looking at condo buildings, but now I wonder if we should just bite the bullet and get into an Independent Living at a CCRC. I have severe ADHD which has gotten worse in my early 60s, combined with major depression. My husband has a bad back. I want to simplify our lives. At the same time, I’m in neighborhood groups and socialize with people in their 40s (and all ages) frequently. Would it be crazy to do make this move? Any success stories out there? Thank you.

[Anonymous]

If a ccrc is on your radar, it’s imperative you find a place before your health declines drastically, or they won’t accept you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If a ccrc is on your radar, it’s imperative you find a place before your health declines drastically, or they won’t accept you.

My parents moved into Riderwood CCRC (owned by Erickson) about 3 years ago at 72 years oldand absolutely love it. I visit them all the time and while there is no mistaking that its a retirement communities--there are a ton of energetic, fit people there as well, including a few that haven't actually retired yet.

Also, the above quote isn't strictly true. ADA and Fair Housing Act means that CCRCs cannot discriminate on the basis of disability. My mom, for example has been in a wheelchair full time for more than 10 years due to MS, preceding her move to Riderwood. But they can evaluate you in order to see if you're able to live there with "reasonable accommodations" and that you're not a danger to yourself or others.

I'd suggest visiting a few. I can say its given me peace of mind as well as my parents age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are still active and healthy but thinking of selling the house in Bethesda. We’d like to stay here or DC. Originally I was looking at condo buildings, but now I wonder if we should just bite the bullet and get into an Independent Living at a CCRC. I have severe ADHD which has gotten worse in my early 60s, combined with major depression. My husband has a bad back. I want to simplify our lives. At the same time, I’m in neighborhood groups and socialize with people in their 40s (and all ages) frequently. Would it be crazy to do make this move? Any success stories out there? Thank you.

I don’t think you’d be happy at all in a ccrc at your age. I would think very carefully before making that kind of move in your early 60s.

[Anonymous]

My parents moved into a condo in their 70s and are still living there independently in their 90s. Make sure you evaluate how easy it would be to age in place - no stairs including lobby and public areas, larger bathrooms with showers, close no stairs parking, multiple elevators (in case one goes out), etc.