From Dear Abby to The New York Times, there seems to be more and more print space devoted to retirement living. Maybe it’s because we are in the eve of retirement for Boomer generation. It could be the increased availability of quality options. Or perhaps, people better understand the value of planning for an active, adventurous, independent, “over 65” lifestyle.

Changing your living situation should only be done after a close look at your personal need and desires. Everyone’s situation is different, and what is right for your friend may not be right for you. It is important to gather as much information as you can on all the choices available and then make a knowledgeable decision.

Here are a few considerations in shopping for a retirement community:

• Determine a general location in which you'd prefer to live.
• Choose several retirement communities in the desired location and call for information.
• Schedule tours of the communities most desirable based on services, amenities, location, and ownership arrangements, to name a few.
• When visiting, consider the accommodations based on your space and social needs. Walk through the entire complex and observe how residents are interacting, including with staff. Ask residents how they like living there. Dining with residents is an excellent way to understand the ambiance of the community.
• Ask specific questions to determine the community's financial stability, such as history of the management and the sponsor. Is the sponsor a for-profit or not-for-profit?
• Examine the occupancy contract to understand the payment structure. What is included in the fees? Utilities? Meals? Transportation?
• Understand the physical requirements for admission to independent living.

Moving to a retirement community is one of life's most difficult decisions. It's right up there with marriage, children and switching careers. Just remember that nearly everyone who moves to a retirement community says after a while, “I wish I had done this years earlier!”

For more information on making the decision to move to a retirement community, please contact Denise Bowell, Canterbury Court director, at (937) 859-7490, ext. 102. You can also obtain information by contacting the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging at (202) 783-2242.