Once you've decided to hang up your work boots and are ready to enjoy your senior years, you're probably thinking of downsizing to a more low maintenance property than the one you're currently in. But with so many options for retirement apartments out there, how do you choose the right one for your specific needs? Here are some guidelines to help you make your decision:

Find An Apartment That Caters To Your Interests

Any retirement apartment you choose should accommodate your interests so you may need to keep looking around until you find something that makes the most sense. For example, if you find gardening therapeutic, then you may want to consider finding a ground-level apartment with a nice backyard that enables you to garden every day. If you enjoy cooking, then your retirement apartment choice will focus on the look and feel of the kitchen area. If you like socialising, then the retirement apartment should be in a village with a strong social network for residents to enjoy. Consider your personal interests in order of priority so that you can choose something that caters to them as closely as possible.  

Consider The Amount Of Space You Need

Space is an important consideration because in all likeliness you will be downsizing from a larger property to a smaller one. Make sure you choose an apartment that has adequate space for your needs. For example, if you intend to have your children stay over every once in a while, you may want to have an extra bedroom for them. If you have a lot of things you want to take over to the retirement apartment, then you will need something with plenty of storage.

Keep In Mind Your Movement Limitations

While you hate to say it, you may not be as fit as you were in your younger years, which is why your retirement apartment should be chosen after keeping in mind your present and future movement limitations. For example, if you have knee or hip trouble, then even a single flight of steps could be hard for you to climb. In this instance, you may want to choose an apartment on the ground level—even if there is a lift available (because lifts can sometimes be out of order for a few days at a time). On the other hand, if you feel agile and want the extra exercise to keep yourself fit every day, then it might be a sensible option to choose something on a higher level.

Focus on your specific needs before choosing the right retirement apartment for you.