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The novel coronavirus continues to affect the globe, and individuals and organizations have pivoted and evolved practices in countless ways to adjust to the new normal. While the process is dynamic in many ways, the people most at risk are older adults. A phenomenon sometimes called the “silver tsunami” — the demographic trend in the U.S. of 10,000 people each day turning the age of 70 — only continues to grow.

Meanwhile, there seems to be an unfortunate and sometimes generational misconception about retirement communities. People perceive moving to a life-care community during a pandemic as a scary or challenging choice when, in fact, it is a very wise move. Allow me to shed some light on the subject with five reasons you should make the move now.

1. Essentials are effortless. Many tasks of daily necessity are handled for you. Many communities have systems in place for safe delivery of groceries or on-site shopping, meals provided and even medicine delivery. There is no need to go out shopping during special “senior hours” at the crack of dawn unless you want to. This also means that amenities like home maintenance needs are covered by the dedicated staff including repairs, housekeeping and security.

2. Top-quality care. What should arguably be first on the list is wellness and on-site healthcare services. A hallmark of life-care communities is a fully appointed fitness center, variety of classes and 1-to-1 personal training, at no additional cost. Residents also have the benefit of a walk-in clinic or the ability to make an appointment with a provider without having to leave the campus. If and when a higher level of care is needed, a healthcare center in a nonprofit community will often take a holistic and person-centered approach to care.

3. Complimentary safety and sanitation. At almost every community, you’ll find the leadership teams work closely with the local Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control. Most communities did not hesitate to implement strict infection control policies from pretty early on. Common areas like lobbies, elevators and mailrooms are sanitized several times daily. In addition, all of the staff, vendors and visitors are screened for symptoms upon entry. Senior living community employees also participate in an intermittent testing program run by the states of operation, and many are researching cutting-edge practices to proactively detect the virus. The icing on the cake is complimentary PPE including masks and gloves.

4. Safe socialization. We know that isolation is increasingly a cause of premature death, and evidence shows that isolation is detrimental to the health of anyone at any age but is especially impactful with seniors. Many communities allow residents the opportunity to stay connected with safe communal practices like small group gatherings and fitness classes in a safe, physically distanced manner.

Many teams added virtual programming into the mix or even resident-run support groups. Being in a community means you have the unique opportunity to safely socialize on a daily basis.

5. Financial peace of mind. In rocky economic times, you can rest easy knowing your future needs are covered at a predictable cost. You no longer have the burden of taking care of a home and can provide a gift to your family in the form of asset preservation. Most life-care communities feature a contract with up to 100% of the entrance fee refundable to your estate — but contracts differ, so do your homework. The housing market in New England is very hot, with buyers outpacing sellers nearly 2–1. Now is a great time to get top dollar for your home and live the life you love in a safe, connected community.

Kim Murphy is marketing specialist for RiverWoods Group, parent company of RiverWoods Exeter, RiverWoods Durham and Birch Hill Manchester.

There’s no need to go out shopping at the crack of dawn during special “senior hours” as many communities have systems in place for groceries or on-site shopping, meals provided and even medicine delivery.