As a Realtor specializing in retirement communities, I can tell you the thing that people have the most difficulty with when they get older is deciding whether or not to move from their current home. Very often, children of the older retirees want the parents to move into a retirement community that offers an easier way of life for them, but the parents don't want to leave their home of many years. This is the biggest decision of your aging years. Statistics show most people decide to stay in their current home. But is it best for you.

If you have the support of your family, deciding to move should be easier. But it isn't. If you think moving to a retirement community is better for you, then what is holding you back?

The main reason people give for not wanting to leave their home is the memories they have there. It is the home that their children grew up in and holds all of their happiest memories. Remember that when you moved to your present home, it was for a reason. You built memories there. The same thing will happen when you move to a new home. You will build new memories and new friends.

Here are some of the reasons you may have for moving:

The Design of the Home: I don't know how I would have done if I had stayed in my home. It was a 2-story home with reverse living, meaning the bedrooms were downstairs and the kitchen and living room were upstairs. In my current retirement home, the laundry room is just out my door literally a few steps away and it is cleaned every week by someone else. The garbage is put down a chute in the hallway. My kitchen is half the size but everything is within easy reach.

A retirement home is often a one-level design. If it is a 2-story, at least one bedroom should be on the first floor. There should be grab bars in the bathroom, wider bedroom doors and hallways, lowered light switches, and at least one ramp-type entrance.

Maintenance: Someone else takes care of things that used to take a large percentage of my time. The maintenance of grounds and exteriors are done by the association which includes snow shoveling. Having these things done for you is the number one reason why people do move. Ask yourself, are there other things you would rather be doing. Because everything in this retirement home is easier on us and so many things are done for us, we have more time to do other things like traveling and being with our grandchild.

The Neighborhood: The neighborhood is better. My old neighborhood had totally changed. My friends had moved on and new younger families took their place. Here there are people my own age I can relate to. The peace and quiet here is invaluable as I age as well as the security gate and patrol.

The Climate and Environment: As we age, we don't tolerate cold weather as well. Also, the cleaner air of the country may be better for our health. Having two homes may be impossible for most so moving may be the only way to enjoy a milder climate.

It's hard to give up memories. In your new home, you can take out photos and display them to give you comfort. Keep some furniture items from your old home. Create new memories. Because you will have more time, you can look forward to being with your grandchildren more often.

Will you make the right decision? I recently read somewhere that as we age, things become more black and white. Maybe that is why we have a hard time making the decision to move. But think of how easy it was to do when you were younger. I hope the above helps you a little in making your biggest decision the right one for you. If you would like to find retirement communities for over age 55, please go to my website www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com for more than 400 listings.