By Dr. Carol McKinley, President and CEO, Simpson
Of all the pictures in our mind, there's probably none that picture ourselves moving to a care facility. When thinking about our next move, we want it to be at a time when we have enough energy to make new friends and enjoy learning new activities.
Tick, tick, tick
However, too often we hear of neighbors, family members, or friends who “wait too long” and miss the relaxing part of retirement we’ve worked all our lives toward, only to find ourselves dealing with a health crisis rather than learning mahjong or traveling with friends.
When is the right time to start planning for a move to senior living? It’s often sooner than we think.
Some choose 55+ communities, others want to age in place — but planning early still matters.
Today’s senior communities offer more options than many people realize.
Gary P Guthrie
My personal experience
Today’s senior living is not what you may think, and this in itself requires more planning. When I was searching for care for my father and mother, not only were these options not as plentiful, but my parents were also too ill to pursue them.
My biggest advice is to start early and give yourself options.
A 2025 study from NORC at the University of Chicago’s Senior Housing & Quality of Life initiative found that older adults often transition into senior housing due to increasing medical needs, the loss of a spouse, or other life changes that make independent living difficult.
At the same time, today’s baby boomers expect more personalized services and lifestyle flexibility. The study also found that preventative care and wellness support offered in senior living communities can improve quality of life and may help reduce medical costs over time.
The secret?
It varies for every individual situation, but when thinking about the next move, here are some considerations:
I know from my experience as the president and CEO of a regional retirement system, that planning looks very different depending if you start in your 60s, your 70s, your 80s, or your 90s.
The 60-somethings
We often interact with potential residents in their 60s who are nearing the end of their careers or are newly retired, seeking a maintenance-free stage of life. Older adults are interested in activities, health and wellness offerings, including food and dietary options, as well as opportunities to experience retirement with a like-minded community.
The 70-somethings
Residents in their 70s looking at senior communities are often interested in many of the same things, and we find that socialization is a key element of their search. As an example, at our Jenner’s Pond community in West Grove, PA., we offer over 30 resident-run groups, including a pub managed by residents, along with 88 acres of walking trails.
The 80-somethings
By our 80s, we are looking for stability, safety, and proximity to health services, with socialization secondary. We often prioritize location, choosing to be closer to our support team, family members, and friends for visits.
Top factors Seniors consider when selecting a community
- Affordability and cost transparency
- Ability to age in place
- Access to services and health care
- Health and wellness support
- Social engagement and connectivity
- Technology and innovation
Smart Senior Daily Staff
Kickstarting your plan
If you are starting early, take the time to do two sets of checking things out.
Step 1
Take the time to look into each community's ownership. There are different models to consider. Do your research:
- Is it a for-profit or nonprofit?
- Does this matter to you?
- Talk to friends who’ve moved and ask what they wish they had known before moving.
- What do they value and use the most in their current community?
Step 2
Get a feel for what life is like at the community.
- Tour communities early. Attend events.
- Talk with current residents about what they value most and what they wish they had known before moving.
Checklist when visiting senior living communities
✅ Clarify your priorities (location, proximity to family, future health support)
✅ Identify must-haves versus nice-to-haves
✅ Understand the financial structure and what is included
✅ Evaluate health and wellness offerings
✅ Talk with residents and tour early
✅ Consider how your needs may change over time
Recognize that the weighting of our priorities shifts as we age. Starting early allows us to make informed decisions without the pressure of a crisis.
About the Author
Dr. Carol McKinley is president and CEO of Simpson, a Pennsylvania regional retirement system with three communities (Simpson House, Jenner’s Pond, and Simpson Meadows). A noted expert in elder care, she has received the Paul P. Haas Lifetime Achievement Award from LeadingAge Pennsylvania.
