Nevada consistently ranks high among the favored states in which to retire and, specifically, Southern Nevada continues to attract active seniors. Among the reasons high on their lists include the region’s ease of living, weather, access to health care, education facilities, low crime rate, plenty of park space and availability to enjoy arts and leisure. That’s not all. Economic reasons include job opportunities, housing prices and the absence of state taxes. All combined, it’s a compelling package for many adults 55 and older.
Thanks to a retiree population in Clark County of more than 220,500, the area is able to offer a wide array of activities, events, services and residential amenities that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of active adults as well as retirees. This is important as studies are finding that today’s over-55 population are healthy and active individuals who may be interested in working, going to school and volunteering as well as enjoying free time. All of this and more is available in the Las Vegas region.
With the advancing age of the Baby Boomer generation transitioning into their retirement years, medical costs and housing options are becoming of increasingly greater importance. The significance of the senior population can be found in the numbers. In 2010, it was estimated by the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics that 15 percent of the population were 65 and older. The forum projects that by 2030 those 65 and older will rise to 20 percent. Along with the climb of the amount of seniors is the rise of health-care costs. The good news is that most of this generation has enjoyed increased prosperity, more than any previous generation, and there are many resources and programs designed for the success of senior living. It is also important to keep in mind that when it is time for retirement, those happiest are those who planned for it the best. This chapter will help weigh housing options, assist you in selecting a community type and inform you about activities and resources.
WHY LAS VEGAS?
Las Vegas is a city that constantly reinvents itself, much like what retirement can do for retirees. Starting this new chapter of life gives you the freedom to decide how you will spend your time and who you will spend it with. Given the climate of the region, you will have many opportunities to enjoy your new-found freedom outside. Seniors with arthritis often find the dry and warm weather a relief for aching joints. When the temperature gets too hot for comfort, retreat can be found in the audience of a show on the Strip or enjoying a ballroom dancing lesson at the community center. A moderate sales tax and the void of a state income tax allows for opportunity to take pleasure in such activities. Financially, the health-care industry is leading the way to diversify the Las Vegas economy, which means newly constructed facilities, highly sought-after professionals and state-of-the-art equipment are at your disposal. In all, many reasons can be listed as to why Las Vegas is a great place to retire as an active senior so why not consider becoming a neighbor to those who already have discovered this.
RETIREMENT LIVING, SENIOR-LIVING COMMUNITIES AND INDEPENDENT-LIVING COMMUNITIES
These are all places for seniors to retire where they can continue to live independently without having to worry about a home or its upkeep. These places provide a safe and comfortable setting as well as an opportunity to make new friends in the same age range who share the same interests.
Services offered can vary depending on the type and cost of the facility. At many, seniors are responsible for their own finances, transportation, meals and health care. Plus, recreational activities usually are offered, maid service may be provided, some meals may be provided in a common room and the facility may offer transportation to physicians or shopping. People interested in this type of facility should be healthy, able to communicate with independent health-care professionals without the help of on-site staff and must desire an active community environment.
It’s important that a community under consideration be close to your services, such as doctors’ offices, hospitals, grocery stores and favorite shopping places. Identify what amenities are important to you, such as an on-site beauty shop, golf-course membership, transportation for doctors appointments, shopping, cultural events, church and social outings. Review the community’s activity calendar to see what it offers and ask the marketing or activity director about programs. Don’t hesitate to ask the residents how long they have lived at the facility and whether they like it and find out from the managing directors how long they have been in operation and who owns them. Inquire about the quality of the food and the staff. These are all very good questions to ask.
Due to the wide array of choices available to Las Vegas seniors, retirement communities are very competitive, which is a plus for consumers because they can shop around to ensure that the right facility matches their lifestyle.
RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES
Las Vegas is unlike any other city in the world, so logically the area’s active-adult retirement communities are not what people might expect. The retirement communities in the Las Vegas Valley are closer to being miniature resorts that cater to the active-adult lifestyle, loaded with amenities like hiking and fitness trails, pools and saunas, tennis courts, golf courses, card rooms, ballrooms and more. Check out some of the highest rated active-adult retirement communities available in and around Las Vegas.
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