Plan for Tomorrow Today

As the long days of summer give way to the long nights of autumn—and the holiday spirit fills the air with pumpkin, cinnamon, and gingerbread—it’s in our nature to reminisce. But nostalgia should be accompanied by an appreciation for the present and acknowledgement that the future is right around the corner. Which is why October is known as Long-Term Care Planning Month and celebrates National Retirement Security Week.

But the inevitability of time doesn’t have to be a burden. With communities like Sumter Senior Living—conveniently located in The Villages® community of the Sunshine State—you can be sure to receive all the amenities necessary to live up to your potential. From fitness lessons to therapeutic programs, daily activities, and so much more, Sumter provides you with everything you need to live life to the fullest.

Planning Takes Precedence
According to The U.S. Department of Labor, “The key to a secure retirement is to plan ahead.” Though no one can predict what’s to come, Long-Term Care Planning explores the options available to seniors and encourages them to look at their potential needs in the future.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services claims that someone turning age 65 has a 70% chance of needing long-term care in their lifetime. While one-third may never need long-term care, 20% will need it for longer than five years, and on average, people need long-term care services for three years.

But long-term care incorporates services outside of medical care, such as support for everyday living and basic personal care, so advanced planning is needed to cover these costs. Advance planning also offers seniors more decision-making opportunities, as well as allowing more time to save.

SeniorLiving.org recommends discussing your ideal retirement lifestyle with loved ones by addressing these nine basic, yet all-encompassing questions:
1. Where do you want to retire and when?
2. How much retirement income do you anticipate earning? For example, earnings can come from Social Security, a 401(k), or pensions.
3. What does your retirement lifestyle look like?
4. How much do you need in savings to realistically fund that lifestyle?
5. Are you able to make catch-up contributions if you’re below your needs?
6. Do you plan to claim Social Security before you reach your full retirement age?
7. Do you plan on working part-time during retirement to supplement your savings?
8. What are your current and future health care needs?
9. Do you have life and long-term care insurance?

No matter your age, it’s important to start saving for retirement. But, according to the American Psychological Association, psychologists who study retirement have found “money is only one part of the equation for a happy and productive life after one stops working.” Their findings indicate you “also have to plan [on] developing other interests and making a gradual transition in terms of where you derive your self-esteem.”

More Than Money
Life is more than just numbers and figures. The success of your retirement also depends on your environment, relationships, care, and the ways in which you spend your time. The American Psychological Association stresses the importance of maintaining “a balanced portfolio of activities,” highlighting the benefits of “travel, hobbies, volunteer work, exercise, [and] continuing education.”

At Sumter Senior Living, we understand the importance of not just feeling like you’re home—but actually feeling at home. Along with a variety of living options, we offer daily wellness, cultural, and educational programs, so there are endless opportunities for connection with the people, places, and activities you love.

Spend time with family in our community rooms. Take care of your health in our Fitness Center and indoor, heated therapy pool. Explore enriching interests at the Library, Theater, and Arts and Crafts Studio. And when you and your friends want to go out on the town, we welcome you to explore nearby attractions and events at your leisure—ensuring your travel is safe and convenient.

From exercise and wellness to adventures in the larger community, we provide great sources for laughter, connection, and friendship—and include those ideals in everything we do.

A Place Where You Belong
Sumter Senior Living is proud to offer a continuum of living options to suit all needs and preferences, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care all on one beautifully landscaped campus.

Managed by Grace Management, Inc. (GMI), a leader in providing the best senior living experiences, Sumter Senior Living has been able to elevate industry standards by delivering exceptional living experiences, while providing the resources and information seniors and their loved ones need to make important life decisions. Grace Management, Inc. is a subsidiary of CPF Living Communities and is ranked in ASHA’s 50 largest senior housing owners.

For more information, or to schedule a personalized visit, please call (352) 674-3600 or visit www.SumterSeniorLiving.com.