问我们的专家:我如何知道我是否准备好退休生活?


Branka Urosevic
Sales Consultant
At Chartwell since 2013


Q:为什么人们选择搬到退休住宅?

Branka:From my experience working with seniors and their families, there’s a laundry list of reasons why individuals choose a retirement lifestyle, and no two people move in for the same combination of reasons. Aside from possibly requiring assistance with one’s care needs, the most common motivations I’ve come across are the desire for companionship to combat feelings of isolation, boredom or even depression, the need to feel safe or to have trusted people around in case of emergency (this is especially common for seniors recently widowed or living on their own), and—in general—the desire for an enhanced quality of life, whether that comes in the form of nutritious prepared meals, general household services like housekeeping and laundry, engaging activities and outings, or even feeling a sense of belonging to a community of staff and peers.

Q:Why would I choose to move if I don’t have any health concerns at the moment?

Branka:Today, there’s so much more to a retirement living lifestyle than receiving care support! No matter how independent and healthy you are, a retirement residence can facilitate and even enhance your quality of life and help maintain your overall well-being. I could list a dozen ways a retirement residence could improve your life—greater personal security, meaningful friendships, convenient services, accessible activities—but it really boils down to the peace of mind associated with living in a safe, supportive environment tailored to making your life easier. In my mind, it’s better to choose a senior living lifestyle when you’re healthy and independent, but could benefit from retirement services or a community setting, instead of after a health scare or crisis has occurred.


Stephanie Wright
Sales Consultant
At Chartwell Since 2014

Q:How will I know if I’m ready for a retirement living lifestyle?

Stephanie:That’s a great question, and one that I often receive in my role as a Sales Consultant. It will take some personal reflection to determine if you’re ready or not, but here are some quick things I recommend you consider:

Is the upkeep of your home becoming more than you can handle?

Do you find you’re eating three nutritious meals per day? Is grocery shopping becoming a struggle?

Do you still drive? Are you finding it tough to arrange getting to and from appointments or social gatherings?

If you live alone, do you feel unsafe or isolated? Are you nervous that—should you encounter a health scare—no one will be around to help you?

Do you find as you continue to age, your lifestyle is becoming less desirable than you had hoped or planned?

It’s also important to think of all of these things in relation to how often family and friends have to step in to help you. Do you feel uncomfortable or worried about having to rely on their assistance?

Lastly, reflect on some of the reasons for and benefits of retirement living that Branka mentions above. Do any of these resonate with you, and lead you to believe there’s an area of your life where improvements can be made? If you find yourself answering “yes” to many of the questions I’ve posed, you will likely find that a retirement lifestyle will benefit you greatly, and the timing is just right.

Still unsure if you’re ready for retirement living? Take our“Is it Time?” Questionnairefor more helpful insight.

About Branka

布兰卡从事退休生活行业已经10年了。作为一名销售顾问,她与医疗保健提供者、慈善组织和社区影响者密切合作,建立支持性伙伴关系,使当地的老年人和他们的家庭,以及她自己的退休住宅的居民受益。布兰卡也带头许多慈善计划和安大略高级比赛是一个志愿者。

About Stephanie

Stephanie has been in the retirement living industry for seven years. As a Sales Consultant, her top priority is helping seniors and their families understand how a retirement lifestyle can enrich their lives, as well as helping them find the living solution that best suits their individual needs and preferences. Maintaining close partnerships with health care providers and local influencers in her community, Stephanie further assists individuals through the move-in process, helping residents to transition to life in a retirement home.