Long gone are the days of mandatory retirement at age 65, and with it, the idea that one’s golden years were to be spent simply sitting quietly on the front porch in a rocking chair as they watch life go by. To begin with, forget about that rocking chair – how does a morning spent working out in the gym or pedaling along the hike and bike trail sound? As for the front porch, seniors in Austin find that they have a wide variety of housing options that can accommodate their budget, while enjoying their lifestyle in a community that encourages the development and pursuit of their personal interests, goals and activities.
While aging is inevitable, medical advances, as well as healthy lifestyle choices, are responsible for increasing the number of years a person may live, as well as improving that person’s lifestyle. The result is that the demographics of seniors in Austin have undergone some significant changes: the term “senior” may describe an active person in his/her late 50’s, or someone in his/her early 80’s. Baby Boomers now entering the senior arena are faced with the responsibility of preparing not only for their own retirement, but with making retirement and housing plans for their elderly parents as well.