Homeowners in their fifties and sixties will eventually be introduced to at least one of these life changing events: retirement and downsizing their home.
This new chapter of life may feel daunting to some, as they are leaving behind a home they raised a family in and trying to adjust to a new routine that does not include socializing with co-workers.
However, Tracy Wick, a Michigan real estate agent who helps seniors, encourages active seniors to embrace their retirement years. She believes these are the years to dive into a passion or explore destination areas.
Here are 3 unique adventures seniors should consider after retirement.
Travel the World on a Cruise Ship
Seniors can literally travel the entire world on a cruise ship in about 100 days to 245 days. Or, if that seems too long to be at sea, most companies will allow you to choose one or more segments of a world cruise.
There is also the option of cruise ship living. Seniors will no longer have a home or yard to maintain. Instead they have meals prepared for them daily, a swimming pool for low-impact exercise, socializing and entertainment, and access to on-board doctors.
Follow Your Passion with Education Destinations
During the 1950’s Julia Child studied abroad in France at the world-famous Cordon Bleu cooking school. She later became a TV personality and author of several cookbooks, while in her fifties, sixties and seventies.
Have you always wanted to learn a new language or new technology? Why not make the learning process more exciting and impactful by earning your certificate in a travel destination? Who knows? You may be inspired, like Julia, to write books about your new skill or even become a television icon.
Enrolling in a course is not only fun for those who are thirsting for more knowledge, but studies have shown that learning will strengthen the brain and may even help keep dementia at bay.
Uncover Your Favorite Travel Spots or Living Areas with Airbnb
If you have multiple travel destinations to check off your list, but are unsure of which you will enjoy enough to call home, take advantage of Airbnb to try several different areas.
According to an article from press.airbnb.com posted late 2018, there are now over 400,000 “senior” hosts on Airbnb worldwide and the number of over 60s who have booked as guests grew by 66 percent that year.
Perhaps you rent a condo in Florida for 3 months. If you love the area, extend your trip another 3 months while you search for a home in the area. If you weren’t thrilled with your first, second or even third destination, use Airbnb to try out new locations until you find a place you fall in love with.
About Michigan Senior Real Estate Agent, Tracy Wick
Tracy Wick, SRES, MUP is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist in Michigan with over 25 years of experience as a real estate consultant and client advocate. If you are considering downsizing or moving to a new travel destination full time. Tracy is an Associate Broker with Keller Williams and can help guide you through your new home search and prepare your existing home for the market so you can receive top value. Find more articles on buying, selling, elder transition and estate settlement at TracyWick.com or contact her directly at 248-912-7407 or twick@kw.com.