Should You Sell Land You Do Not Use? Do You Have a Plan for It?

A piece of land you bought years ago may still be sitting unused, even though the plans you had for it have changed. Perhaps you imagined building a cabin after retirement, but now you would prefer to travel. Or maybe you inherited property that no one in your family has shown much interest in maintaining. In fact, I have a friend who is dealing with that issue right now.  She and seven retired cousins have inherited a plot of land in a state where none of them live.  They are currently paying property taxes on the land, trying to sell it. It's a difficult situation. Whatever your reason for dealing with unused property, continuing to own land without a clear purpose can raise questions about whether it is worth keeping.

For retirees, selling land that no longer fits their plans can free up money and eliminate ongoing expenses. However, deciding what to do with the property means considering its financial value alongside the personal reasons you have held on to it. Consider whether selling unused land makes sense for your retirement by weighing property expenses, current market value, and your plans for the future.

Think About Why You Still Own the Property

Before deciding what to do with unused land, consider why you have held on to it. Perhaps you once imagined building a cabin where your family could spend weekends together. You might have purchased a rural lot as an investment or inherited property that carries memories of someone important to you. You may believe that holding it longer could make it more valuable. Is there development planned in the area that could support the idea that it will increase in value?

Those reasons can still matter, even when the land serves no practical purpose today. However, your original plans may no longer fit the retirement lifestyle you want. A property that once represented future possibilities could now require money and attention you would prefer to spend elsewhere.

Ask yourself whether you have a realistic reason to keep the land for another five or ten years. If you cannot identify a purpose beyond the possibility that you might need it someday, selling may deserve serious consideration.

Look at What the Land Costs You Each Year

Even when vacant land has no mortgage, ownership can create expenses that reduce the money available for retirement. Property taxes continue whether you visit the land or leave it untouched. Depending on the location, you might also pay association fees, insurance premiums, or charges for maintaining access roads.

Some properties require regular attention to prevent weeds from becoming a problem or to meet local maintenance rules. If the land sits several hours from your home, occasional visits can add travel expenses. Review your records to calculate how much you spend on the property annually, then consider whether those expenses still support something you value.

Consider Whether the Property Fits Your Retirement Plans

Retirement can change how you want to spend your time, particularly if you have more opportunities to travel or pursue interests you previously put aside. Land purchased for a future home might no longer suit your preferred location or the kind of daily routine you envision.

For instance, you may have bought acreage in a remote area with plans to build after leaving work. Years later, you might prefer living closer to family, or the property itself has not changed, but your expectations for retirement have.

Before selling, think about whether you would genuinely enjoy using the land within the next few years. If your plans have moved in another direction, keeping it could mean continuing to support a goal you no longer want to pursue.

Find Out What Your Land Could Be Worth

When you have owned property for many years, its current market value may surprise you. Nearby development and changes in local demand can influence what buyers are willing to pay, especially if the area has become more desirable. However, land values do not always increase simply because someone has held a property for decades.  This is something to consider if you own rural property and hope that someday it will be worth more money.  It is possible, but there are no guarantees, unless there are specific plans for the area surrounding the land.

Before deciding what to do, research recent sales of comparable vacant parcels in the surrounding area. Consider differences in acreage, road access, zoning restrictions, and available utilities. Looking into ways to determine what vacant land is worth can provide a starting point for estimating its potential sale value.

A local real estate professional or qualified appraiser may offer a more accurate assessment, particularly when the property has unusual features. With a realistic estimate, you can weigh the financial benefits of selling against your reasons for keeping the land.

Think About How Selling Could Affect Your Retirement Finances

Selling unused land could free up money for expenses that matter more during retirement. Depending on the property's value, the proceeds might strengthen your savings, pay down debt, or support a major expense you have been postponing.

However, the sale price does not equal the amount you will receive. Real estate commissions, closing expenses, and possible taxes can reduce your proceeds. If the land has appreciated since you purchased or inherited it, capital gains taxes may apply. Your tax situation can depend on your ownership history and the property's cost basis.

Before listing the property, consider speaking with a tax professional who understands real estate transactions. You can then estimate the amount you might keep after expenses and decide whether selling would meaningfully improve your retirement finances.

Talk With Family Before Making a Final Decision

Land that has stayed in a family for decades can carry expectations that go beyond its financial value. Your children or grandchildren may associate the property with family gatherings, childhood visits, or stories passed down through generations. Even if they have never used it, they might hope to keep it in the family.

Before deciding to sell, ask whether anyone has a genuine interest in owning or using the land. If a family member wants to keep it, discuss who would pay the taxes and handle future expenses. Clear expectations can protect relationships while allowing you to make a decision that respects your own retirement needs.

Know When Keeping the Land Still Makes Sense

Although selling can bring financial benefits, there are situations where keeping unused land may be the better choice. You might have a specific building project planned, expect to transfer the property to a family member, or believe it serves an important purpose in your long-term financial plans.

If the ownership costs are manageable and the property has a clear future use, there may be little reason to rush into a sale. Land can offer personal value that does not appear on a financial statement, particularly when it connects you to family history or a place you love.

The important distinction is whether you are keeping the property for a meaningful reason or simply avoiding a difficult decision. Giving yourself time to evaluate both possibilities can prevent regrets, especially when selling would be permanent.

Make Room for What Matters in Retirement

If you have spent years paying taxes on property you no longer visit, keeping it may be taking money away from experiences you would enjoy today. On the other hand, land that still has a meaningful place in your family's future may be worth the continued expense.

The decision to sell land you no longer plan to use should reflect what you want from the years ahead, not simply what you imagined doing with the property when you acquired it. Whether you choose to keep or sell, having a clear reason for that decision can make it easier to move forward without second-guessing yourself.

Post and Photo credit: Logical Positions

Support this blog by checking out Deborah Dian's video reviews of Amazon products (Ad) in her Amazon storefront.  You'll find hundreds of recommended items for your home, health and cosmetic products, children's toys, clothing items, books, jewelry, groceries and gifts.  Check out these personal product video reviews, watch the ones that interest you, and safely buy the items you like directly through Amazon! 

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Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from a relevant Google or Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. It simply helps me keep this retirement blog operating.

If you are interested in learning more about common issues as we age, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, common medical issues as you age, travel and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

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Should You Buy a Boat During Retirement? Pros and Cons of Boat Ownership

After years of fitting your hobbies around work and other responsibilities, retirement can finally create more room for interests that you once put on the back burner. If afternoons on the water have always appealed to you, owning a boat may sound like a natural addition to the years ahead. Deciding whether to buy a boat during retirement, however, involves more than picturing how you would spend a sunny afternoon.

Before turning that idea into a purchase, it is worth considering how well boat ownership fits the life you actually plan to live. Looking beyond the excitement of having your own vessel can reveal whether the expense and responsibility will add to your retirement or compete with other priorities.

Considering boat ownership after retirement means weighing your lifestyle, budget, and plans before making a purchase that affects your future.

Think About How Much You Would Use a Boat

Before you begin comparing boats, consider how frequently you expect to get on the water once the initial excitement of ownership wears off. Someone who lives near a lake and wants to boat every week has a stronger reason to own one, compared to someone who imagines taking a few outings each summer. Your current interests can provide some clues about which activities will continue to matter after you retire.

Even with fewer demands from work, your retirement calendar can fill more quickly than you expect. Travel or family visits may take you away from home for weeks at a time, while other hobbies can compete for your attention. If boating consistently ranks among the activities you most want to pursue, ownership becomes easier to justify.

Look Beyond the Purchase Price

Although the advertised price may determine which boats initially catch your attention, the ongoing expenses will have a greater effect on your retirement budget. Owners need to account for costs such as insurance and registration in addition to fuel. Storage and marina fees can push the annual total higher before maintenance even enters the picture.

As a boat gets older, routine upkeep and unexpected repairs can add expenses that are difficult to predict when you first buy it. Setting aside some money for those costs can keep a mechanical problem from competing with other retirement priorities.

Humorist Kin Hubbard once said, "A boat is a hole in the water into which you pour money." That is something to consider when you are considering the cost of boat ownership.

When you calculate what ownership could cost for a full year, compare that amount with the retirement income you expect to have available for recreation. Financing adds another expense if you do not plan to pay cash, and a large monthly payment can reduce your flexibility after regular paychecks stop. The right budget should leave enough room for boating without forcing you to give up other experiences you value. 

Consider Where You Will Go Boating

Where you live and where you hope to travel can make a major difference in how practical boat ownership becomes. Living within a short drive of a marina or public launch makes spontaneous outings realistic, whereas a long trip to suitable water can turn boating into an occasional event. Retirees who want to travel with a boat should also consider how far they feel comfortable towing it.

For retirees who picture boating as part of future vacations, the variety of waterways available at a destination can affect how much use a boat receives. The range of Michigan lakes for boating enthusiasts shows how a single region can provide different options for days on the water. Thinking about the places you genuinely expect to visit can guide your choice of vessel while revealing whether ownership suits the trips you want to take.

When our daughters were teenagers, we owned a boat that we kept on a Texas lake, about an hour drive from our Dallas home.  After the first few years, our daughters lost interest in spending their weekends on the lake.  If you plan to enjoy your boat with your adult children and grandchildren, make sure this is something that will truly interest them, or you may be disappointed. 

Be Realistic About the Work Involved

Once you look beyond the hours spent cruising or fishing, boat ownership includes work that can change how easily the hobby fits into retirement. Depending on where you keep your vessel, an outing might require towing and launching before you ever leave the dock. Cleaning the boat and putting equipment away can extend the day after you return.

As you picture a typical boating day, think about whether those responsibilities feel like an enjoyable part of the hobby or work you might eventually avoid. Keeping a smaller boat at a nearby marina could simplify your routine, while professional maintenance could reduce the amount you handle yourself. Both choices affect the cost and convenience of ownership, so they belong in the decision before you buy.

Compare Ownership With Renting

For retirees who like spending time on the water but are unsure about owning a vessel, renting can provide many of the same enjoyable experiences with fewer ongoing obligations. Occasional rentals may work particularly well if you expect to go out only a handful of times each year. In fact, this might be a very smart decision, if you do not actually live near a lake and you do not want the responsibility of ownership.

Renting can become especially useful during your first months of retirement, when you are still learning how you naturally spend your extra time. You may discover that you want to boat every week, or you may find that a few outings each summer satisfy your interest.

Depending on the options available near you, joining a boat club could offer another middle ground between occasional rentals and ownership. Members typically gain access to vessels while the club handles much of the ownership responsibility, although costs and rules vary. In addition, joining a boat club also gives you the opportunity to meet other people who share your interest. Comparing these options with a realistic annual ownership budget can show which choice fits the amount of boating you expect to enjoy.

Give Yourself Time Before Making the Purchase

Because retirement marks such a major lifestyle change, purchases postponed during your working years can become especially tempting once your schedule opens up. Waiting until you settle into a new routine gives you a chance to see where your time naturally goes and what your household budget looks like without regular employment income. Boating may become a major part of your week, or another interest could end up claiming more attention.

During that waiting period, renting different types of boats can turn uncertainty into useful experience before you make a larger commitment. Trying different sizes and features may change your idea of what you want, while conversations with local owners can reveal what their normal boating routines involve. A little experience can make it easier to choose based on your actual retirement life.

Choose a Boat That Fits the Retirement You Live

After gaining more control over your schedule, you may value activities that give your free time a sense of purpose and enjoyment. Boat ownership can provide years of memorable days on the water when you use the vessel enough to justify its costs and feel comfortable with the work involved.

Ultimately, buying a boat during retirement makes the most sense when boating already fits naturally into the way you want to spend your time. If you still feel uncertain about how frequently you would use one, renting can keep you on the water while leaving more of your retirement budget and schedule flexible. The goal is not simply to own something you always wanted, but to choose a hobby that makes the retirement you are actually living more enjoyable.

Post and Photo credit: Logical Positions

Support this blog by checking out Deborah Dian's video reviews of Amazon products (Ad) in her Amazon storefront.  You'll find hundreds of recommended items for your home, health and cosmetic products, children's toys, clothing items, books, jewelry, groceries and gifts.  Check out these personal product video reviews, watch the ones that interest you, and safely buy the items you like directly through Amazon! 

Below is the link:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/deborahdian-favoriteproductsvideosandblogs

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.  You will receive two to three monthly emails containing the most current post.  I do NOT send out advertising emails, and I do NOT sell your email address.  

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from a relevant Google or Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. It simply helps me keep this retirement blog operating.

If you are interested in learning more about common issues as we age, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, common medical issues as you age, travel and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com 

Is a Lower Cost of Living Always a Better Deal?

Moving somewhere less expensive can sound like an easy way to make retirement savings stretch further. When housing costs drop and everyday purchases appear cheaper, the financial case for relocating may look convincing before you even start packing.

Yet deciding whether a lower cost of living is really a better deal requires looking beyond the number on a cost-of-living comparison. Retirement changes which expenses matter most, and a move that saves money in one area can create new costs somewhere else. Looking at your actual lifestyle can give you a clearer idea of what you would gain.

A lower cost of living may stretch retirement savings, but knowing what you could gain or give up can reveal whether moving is truly worth the price.

Start With the Expenses That Matter to You

Cost-of-living figures usually compare broad categories, but your personal spending may look very different from the average household. Someone who rarely drives will care less about gas prices than a retiree who expects to make frequent road trips. Property taxes may matter greatly to a homeowner while having less direct importance to a renter.

Start with several months of your own spending and compare those expenses with what they might look like in the place you are considering. Include both recurring monthly bills along with expenses that arrive only a few times each year. Your current budget gives you a more useful starting point than a general ranking of inexpensive retirement destinations.

Look Beyond the Price of the House

Housing can create some of the biggest savings when moving to a lower-cost area, but the purchase price tells only part of the story. Property taxes and insurance can vary widely by location, while utilities, association fees, and maintenance can change what an affordable home costs each month.

Keeping the purchase price manageable may also lead you to consider housing options you previously overlooked. Manufactured homes can offer another possibility, especially as mobile homes could help ease the housing shortage by expanding the range of lower-cost homes available to buyers. For a retiree, the more personal question is how the total cost of each option fits both your budget and the way you want to live.

Consider What Daily Life Will Cost

A smaller housing payment can lose some of its appeal when ordinary errands require more driving. Before deciding an area is affordable, consider how far you would need to travel for groceries and other parts of your normal routine. Living farther from the places you regularly visit could increase your transportation spending even if other expenses fall.

Changes to your daily habits can affect the calculation as well, especially if you currently live somewhere that makes getting around easy. Moving from an area where you can walk to shops or use public transportation to one where you depend on a car could mean spending more on fuel and maintenance or replacing your vehicle sooner. Those added costs may not erase the savings, but they belong in the comparison.

Beyond the practical expenses of getting around, consider whether the area supports the retirement lifestyle you enjoy. Someone who likes dining out, attending local events, or taking classes may value having those opportunities close to home. A less expensive town could be a great fit if its location and amenities match how you want to spend your time.

Put Health Care Into the Calculation

Access to medical care can become more important as you move through retirement, even if you are healthy today. A town may offer appealing housing prices but require a long trip to reach specialists or a larger hospital. Frequent travel for appointments can add transportation expenses while making routine care harder to fit into everyday life.

Medicare coverage does not make every health-care experience identical from one location to another. Checking your own coverage and nearby providers can prevent an inexpensive destination from creating an unwelcome complication.

If you receive regular treatment such as dialysis or chemo, or if you rely on specialists, consider how easily you could continue that care. You simply want enough information to know whether the community can support the care that already matters to you.

Think About the People You Would Leave Behind

Financial comparisons cannot easily put a price on living near family and longtime friends. Moving several states away might lower your monthly expenses while increasing the cost of maintaining the relationships that matter to you. Flights and longer road trips can become part of the new budget, particularly if you expect to visit several times each year.

Living farther from people you rely on can change practical parts of everyday life as well. A nearby daughter who occasionally drives you to the airport or a friend who checks on your house while you travel provides value that a cost-of-living calculator cannot capture. Building a new community can be rewarding, but it takes time, so consider what you would be giving up alongside what the new location offers.

Test the Savings Before You Commit

A promising retirement destination can look very different during an ordinary Tuesday than it does during a vacation. Spending several weeks there can reveal details that online research misses. Try following the type of routine you would have as a resident so you can experience the area beyond its attractions.

Experiencing the area during a less appealing season can reveal another side of living there. A place with mild winters may have extremely hot summers, while a beautiful mountain town could bring winter expenses or driving conditions you did not anticipate. Seasonal differences can affect utility bills and how easily you get around. Call the local utility companies and ask what the average bills have been over the past year or two for the homes you are seriously considering.  You could be shocked by the cost of home heating oil in the winter, or the electricity to keep a house cool in the summer.

Staying long enough for the excitement of visiting to fade can provide an even more realistic picture of the area. Renting for several weeks may show you what everyday life costs and whether you enjoy your normal routine there. Although a temporary stay adds an expense, the experience may provide useful information before you make a much larger financial commitment.

Decide What You Want the Savings To Do

Reducing your expenses has the most value when the savings support something that matters to you. Perhaps spending less on housing would allow you to travel more or keep a larger emergency fund. You may simply want less pressure on your retirement income so ordinary spending decisions feel easier.

Paying somewhat more can make sense when your current community gives you easy access to family, medical care, favorite activities, and a home you can comfortably manage. The cheapest option does not automatically provide the strongest value. Retirement gives you more freedom to decide which expenses deserve room in your budget because they contribute to the life you want.

Find the Value Behind the Price

Relocating can be a practical way to reduce expenses, particularly when housing takes a large share of your retirement income. The decision becomes more useful when you compare the full experience of living somewhere with the savings that initially caught your attention.

Determining whether a lower cost of living is really a better deal comes down to what your money buys and what you might give up to spend less. When the numbers work alongside your health needs, relationships, interests, and plans for retirement, a less expensive location can support the life you want without making price the only measure of a good decision.

Post and Photo credit: Logical Positions

Support this blog by checking out Deborah Dian's video reviews of Amazon products (Ad) in her Amazon storefront.  You'll find hundreds of recommended items for your home, health and cosmetic products, children's toys, clothing items, books, jewelry, groceries and gifts.  Check out these personal product video reviews, watch the ones that interest you, and safely buy the items you like directly through Amazon! 

Below is the link:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/deborahdian-favoriteproductsvideosandblogs

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.  You will receive two to three monthly emails containing the most current post.  I do NOT send out advertising emails, and I do NOT sell your email address.  

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from a relevant Google or Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. It simply helps me keep this retirement blog operating.

If you are interested in learning more about common issues as we age, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, common medical issues as you age, travel and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com 

Questions to Ask a Retirement Community Before You Move In

You may be thinking about moving into a continuing care retirement community, an assisted living facility, independent living senior apartments, or something similar.  You probably have visited a few.  You might have taken a few tours, had lunch in their restaurant, and been given an enthusiastic sales pitch about the convenience and joy you'll find when you move in.  However, do you know what questions you need to ask to help you make the right decision?

Before you make a final decision, there are lots of things you need to know about the different types of facilities.  This is not a comprehensive list of everything you may want to know, but it is a good place to start.  The right place for you will depend on your current and future needs, so feel free to ask the staff at the community as many questions as pop into your mind.  

What type of Retirement Community is This?

While I was looking at various communities, I discovered there were many options.  For example, some places are just independent living senior apartments, with no assisted living or other services.  In some senior apartment buildings, they may provide meals and recreational events.  In other cases, you are completely independent, as if you are living in an apartment or condo anywhere.

Other retirement communities may be a CCRC, or a Continuing Care Retirement Community.  These should have a nurse and medical aides on staff to assist independent living residents in an emergency and to provide basic daily care to their assisted living residents.  A CCRC sometimes has a memory care unit, too, and/or their own skilled nursing home.  Depending on your health, you may want to ask about any health situations you expect to have in the future and ask how the community would help you handle your activities of daily living. If you are moving because you have specific health needs, be sure to ask how those would be handled in each community you visit.

On the other hand, you may be considering an RCFE, or a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly.  In these facilities, a registered nurse in not required, although they may have an LVN or CNA, and they will have aides who can help the assisted living residents with their medications, help them shower, and perform similar tasks. 

All these different types of facilities may look alike on the surface when you visit them, so it is important you know exactly what medical services to expect and have a full understanding of what they provide.

What Are ALL the Financial Costs You can Expect?

All the different types of facilities will have a basic monthly rental fee.  However, there are other costs which you may not expect.  Is there a "buy-in" (which can be hundreds of thousands of dollars), a deposit (which can range from $5000 to $60,000+) or other fees for new residents?

In addition to the basic monthly rent, are there other fees you can expect for special services, such as if you need help with medication management, transportation, showering, transferring to a wheelchair, etc.?  How much are these fees?

Are there additional charges for utilities, internet and TV?

Is their an additional annual fee for things such as staff tips? 

How often can the basic rent be raised, and by how much?

If you have long-term care insurance, can you use it to help cover your expenses while living in that community?

As you can see, the basic monthly fee they quote you when you sign your contract may not include all the expenses you can expect to pay.  Ask a lot of questions so you do not have an unpleasant surprise.

What Amenities and Types of Recreation Are Available?

What hobbies are you hoping to pursue during retirement? Do you want access to a swimming pool, golf course, a library, art classes, pottery, shopping, fishing, playing bridge or other activities?  It is important to ask these questions.  If the community you want to move into does not offer the activities you desire, are they available nearby at a senior center or in the community?

For example, the RCFE where I live does not have a swimming pool or golf course available on our property.  However, there are several nearby health clubs that offer swimming pools and there are public golf courses in the surrounding area.  

Fortunately, I am still able to drive, and so do most of the people in the Independent Living section of our building.  If I could not drive, Uber is also available in our community. It is important to consider these things before you move into a community.

What is the Food Like?

When you visit a retirement community, it is likely the sales person will have you join them for a delicious meal. However, carefully examine the menu and ask about how often it changes and how many different choices are typically available each week.  Check to see if some of the older weekly or monthly menus are available.  Ask yourself if you would be happy with this menu if these were all the choices you had during the course of a week or a month or even longer.

If you have dietary restrictions, the food issue could be even more important. Will the kitchen staff respect your allergies?  If you need to avoid soy, lactose, peanuts, shellfish, or certain fruits, will they notify you if their recipes contain those items? What if you need to be on a low sodium diet?  Will they provide desserts that diabetics can eat? 

Even if you do not have medical dietary restrictions, what if you have other food issues?  Are you a vegetarian or vegan? Do you have religious dietary restrictions?  You need to take all these issues into consideration if you are planning to live where other people are shopping and cooking for you. 

What Types of Outings Are Available?

Does this community offer the residents the opportunity to go on outings to local restaurants, museums, concerts and other places of interest?

I have found that it definitely brightens the week to be able to go on an outing to a local restaurant, especially ethnic restaurants such as Mexican, Chinese, Thai, French and similar choices.  Not everyone in my community chooses to go on these outings, but I enjoy them.  However, if you like to try a wider variety of foods than are available from your community's restaurant, you'll want to see if restaurant outings are available. Of course, these outings will not be part of your community food allowance.  You will have to pay for these meals out of your own pocket.

Other people in my community enjoy going to concerts, museums, and local special events.  If you enjoy these types of events, find out if transportation to these events is something your community will regularly offer.

You will find that you will get to know other residents better when you go as a group to a restaurant, museum, concert, casino, or similar location.

Is The Community Located Near Family, Medical Care, Transportation and Shopping?

Ask yourself if the retirement community will be a convenient place for you to live. Is it near anyone in your family?  Is there a hospital and other medical care nearby? Will you be able to conveniently get necessary medical treatments? For example, do you need to see medical specialists, get dialysis, or have regular infusions for cancer or other treatments?  Are these doctors and treatments available nearby, in the local community, or will you have to drive long distances to get the medical care you need? Do you have a family member living in the area who can drive you to appointments, or will you have to drive yourself or take an Uber?

Although online shopping now makes shopping much easier than it was in the past, you may still want to occasionally go shopping for clothing, gifts, snacks and other groceries to keep in your apartment.  Is there shopping nearby? Does the community offer a shopping shuttle for those residents who have to stop driving?

Can you easily get to an airport or other transportation hub in order to visit friends and family members who do not live nearby? 

Do You Think You Could Be Happy In Your New Community?

This is a question you will have to ask yourself.  Expect to have a period of sadness, loneliness and discomfort when you first move into a retirement community. This is normal.  Nearly everyone who moves into one of these communities has lost something or given up something in order to make the move.  They may be moving after they lost their spouse.  They might be suffering from a decline in health and they are discouraged by their slow recovery.  There is a good chance that they are moving out of a home that they loved, and they had to leave behind many items they enjoyed owning over the years. Most residents will be downsizing when they move to a retirement community apartment.  In many cases, new residents are moving away from a beloved neighborhood, their former place of worship, and people who formed a support system for them. Adjusting to your new retirement community will take time.

Even if you are outgoing, it may be months before your retirement community begins to feel like "home." It may take some time before you find a group you enjoy eating with, and enjoyable activities that become part of your daily routine. Once you do, you will know you are "home."

To speed up the time it will take to adjust, I highly recommend that you quickly begin to participate in as many activities as possible.  Everyone in your community has gone through the same thing you are, and they understand what you are experiencing.  Many of your new neighbors will be kind and will reach out to befriend and help you.

It took me a few months, but I now love the retirement community where I live.  I hope you will eventually love your new home, too.

Post credit: Deborah Dian 

Photo credit: Google images

Support this blog by checking out Deborah Dian's video reviews of Amazon products (Ad) in her Amazon storefront.  You'll find hundreds of recommended items for your home, health and cosmetic products, children's toys, clothing items, books, jewelry, groceries and gifts.  Check out these personal product video reviews, watch the ones that interest you, and safely buy the items you like directly through Amazon! 

Below is the link:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/deborahdian-favoriteproductsvideosandblogs

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.  You will receive two to three monthly emails containing the most current post.  I do NOT send out advertising emails, and I do NOT sell your email address.  

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from a relevant Google or Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. It simply helps me keep this retirement blog operating.

If you are interested in learning more about common issues as we age, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, common medical issues as you age, travel and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com 

Prepare Your Body for Travel During Retirement

Retirement can finally give you enough time to take trips that once had to fit around work schedules and limited vacation days. Yet a week of sightseeing may demand much more from your body than an ordinary week at home, especially when each day brings more walking and fewer chances to follow your normal routine.

You can prepare your body for retirement travel by following these practical suggestions to build stamina, move comfortably, and handle busy sightseeing days with more confidence.

Thinking about how to prepare your body for retirement travel can make those busy days easier to manage. You do not need an intense fitness plan before every vacation, but preparing for the physical demands of your itinerary can leave you with more energy to enjoy the reason you traveled in the first place.

Start With the Trip You Have Planned

Physical preparation should match the vacation you will actually take. A cruise with relaxed days at sea may feel very different from a city vacation where you expect to spend hours walking between attractions. Even trips that look easy on paper can include extended airport terminals, stairs in older hotels, or excursions that keep you standing longer than usual.

Review your itinerary several weeks before departure and picture what a typical day might involve. Check whether tours include considerable walking and whether attractions sit up on hills or uneven ground. If several demanding days appear back-to-back, being aware of that will give you time to prepare and may even encourage you to adjust the schedule before you leave.

Build Up Your Walking Gradually

Many vacations involve far more walking than people realize while making their plans. Airports can require long walks between gates, while museums and sightseeing districts may keep you moving for much of the day. Even a leisurely vacation can add considerable distance when you are exploring somewhere new.

If you do not currently walk as much as your trip may require, begin adding distance gradually in the weeks before departure. You might extend a familiar route or spend more time walking during errands. Someone heading to a hilly location can occasionally choose a walking route near their home with an steep incline, so that vacation terrain does not come as a complete surprise.

Notice Which Movements Feel Difficult

Walking distance tells only part of the story, because travel requires your body to move in ways that may not occur as frequently at home. You might step into a tour van, climb a narrow staircase, reach for a bag in an overhead compartment, or stand up repeatedly throughout a long sightseeing day.

These situations can reveal how joint mobility impacts everyday movement when your surroundings require more bending, reaching, or changes in position than your normal routine. Before your trip, notice whether any movements you expect to make regularly already feel difficult. You can then plan around those limitations and avoid learning about them for the first time in the middle of a busy excursion.

If pain or another physical concern could affect your ability to travel comfortably, talk with your health care provider about your plans. Advice that accounts for your health and destination will be more useful than trying to follow a general pre-travel exercise routine which may not suit you.

In some cases, seeing a physical therapist or working with a trainer in your local gym could help you maximize your current abilities, and help you be realistic about what types of activities you can handle on your trips.

As a last resort, do not forget that it is usually possible to alter your itinerary slightly so that you can take less strenuous trails, or rent on-location mobility devices.  For example, many zoos and amusement parks have little carts that are available for day rental.  They can help you avoid over exerting yourself and ruining your vacation. Be sure to reserve one in advance.

Practice With the Gear You Will Actually Use

Travel can feel different when you add the things you plan to carry. A comfortable neighborhood walk may become more demanding when you wear a small backpack or carry a day bag for several hours. Make sure you carry these items in your own neighborhood before you plan to carry them on vacation.

Your luggage deserves similar attention. Before departure, make sure you can comfortably move your suitcase through your home and lift it when necessary. Packing lighter may make the journey easier, particularly when your plans include trains or accommodations where you will handle your own luggage.

Test Your Travel Shoes Before Departure

Shoes that feel comfortable for an hour or two may become a problem after an entire afternoon on your feet. Waiting until the first sightseeing day to test new footwear can leave you dealing with discomfort for the rest of the vacation.  Be sure to wear them at home with the same socks you plan to use on vacation, too.

Consider the surfaces at your destination when choosing footwear, as well. Cobblestones and steep streets may call for different shoes than you would choose for a resort where most walking takes place on smooth paths.

Prepare for the Journey, Not Just the Destination

The hardest physical part of some vacations begins before you reach the hotel. Long flights and road trips can keep you seated for hours, while large transportation hubs may require considerable walking between periods of inactivity. Make sure you are prepared to handle your planned activities, and seek out help when it is too much for you.  For example, most airports offer wheelchair services or golf carts to get you to your gates.  

If you build up your stamina in advance, bring along the right shoes and other gear, and are realistic about what you can handle, your trip will be a lot more fun.

Post and Photo credit: Logical Positions

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