Retirement housing isn't the everyday talk of the local coffee house. Go around the corner to the local restaurant and I'll just bet you can engage a senior in the discussion. Retirement housing is an important matter in the lives of seniors and their adult children who are also concerned that aging parents have suitable, hygienic and peaceful living conditions.
This is not an article aimed at exposing bad conditions at nursing homes. Rather, let's take the opportunity to look at what the needs of the senior community are in retirement housing. The sound of the term retirement housing is already sort of sterile and unfeeling, but it does not have to be so. Exploration of a few definitions will help with the upgrade.
What is Retirement?
Webster says it's "a giving up of one's position or occupation." That doesn't sound like much fun. How about a term that implies first, that the hard work is done, next, that it is a time allotted for a more relaxed outer lifestyle and exploration of inner, more essential aspects of being. Now, doesn't that sound so much better? Wow, sign me up!
What is Housing?
Basic housing implies a safe zone with all the necessities for protection from the elements but I am not sketching a picture here of a ten foot by twelve foot cubicle with ultra small bath and even smaller kitchenette. That's ok if you want that - simple and elegant go together nicely.
If aspirations lean toward natural beauty or peace and serenity, then it would be only natural to have greenery and expanses of water nearby and visible. Add accessibility and real living space with a modicum of friendly association. Now, one might say you have housing.
Achieving the Sweet State of Retirement Housing!
The main idea here is that in order to achieve the sweet state of retirement housing alluded to above, the retirement housing has to become a retirement home. It does not happen overnight but there has to be the possibility. The whole world lives on hope and possibility.
First, figure out what it is that people naturally gravitate towards. Take a look at the people who are smiling and see how they live. If you want to make retirement style housing an upbeat and positive experience for seniors, focus on the home and homelike features. People will do the decorating themselves.
