Retirement can be an exciting venture. It's a time to rediscover the things you enjoy in life. It's a time to make new friends, develop new interests, and explore new avenues of learning. A time to relax, renew, and revitalize.

It's also a time to start making choices about the future. As you begin thinking about your long-term plans, you'll find there are many things to consider. Are you interested in moving to a retirement community? If so, which type of community is right for you? Which style of housing accommodation best suits your tastes? What services and amenities do you desire? What are your health care needs?

Though there are a number of retirement options available today, one option in particular has become extremely popular. Retirement communities of the type known as "continuing care retirement communities," or "CCRCs" stand out because of the wide-ranging advantages they offer to their residents.

First, CCRCs offer several housing options to choose from, so individuals can select the lifestyle that fits with their personal needs. CCRCs also offer a range of services, amenities, and health and wellness programs—all geared toward helping CCRC residents stay healthy and independent for as long as possible. But the foremost advantage that CCRCs offer is in providing residents with access to high-quality assisted living services and nursing care—at fees that are below current market rates.

CCRCs offer residents specialized services, support, and security. Residents derive great peace of mind from knowing there are three levels of care—all within the same community. They know that if their needs change, the appropriate level of support is available—from independent living, to assisted living and nursing care.

An ever-increasing number of seniors are choosing to spend their retirement years in CCRCs. Nationwide, more than 625,000 retirees make their homes in continuing care retirement communities. Why? Because they are attracted to the range of housing and service options CCRCs offer. They appreciate the availability of programs and activities that are designed to support their health and well-being. Most of all, they understand CCRCs offer peace of mind that is unmatched.

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