Recent poll uncovers widespread misconceptions
By Laura Hipshire
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
A recent random sampling of homeowners age 75-plus in cities across America were asked to name the first community that came to mind when they heard the words “retirement community.” By far, the most prevalent answer was “assisted living communities.”
This answer dominated despite the fact that the survey’s description of “retirement community” was that of a place where people live independent lifestyles.
Retirement Counselor Kristine Anderson is accustomed to hearing these outdated views of retirement communities such as Henry Ford Village in Dearborn. Anderson, who has a master’s degree in social work, knows all the myths.
“Many people still think of them as ‘old folks homes’ where people are frail and sick,” she says. “They don’t see themselves as ‘old enough’ to be here. Some people think they are giving up their independence to come there, when in reality they are gaining independence from home responsibilities, etc.”
“They always think places like these are fine for other people who need this kind of living—that people are isolated and locked away from the rest of the world here,” says Anderson.
Myth: Moving to a retirement community means giving up independence.
Anyone familiar with Erickson knows this couldn’t be further from the truth.
For example, take Eric Lange, who moved to Henry Ford Village from Tecumseh with his wife Billie. Lange has worked for American Specialty Cars (formerly American Sunroof Corporation) in Southgate for almost ten years.
“I did have a five-year period when I didn’t work, but I decided that I didn’t have enough to do,” he says.
Lange has an extensive background in automotive computer design and consulting, and has worked for companies like Ford Motor Company, DeLorean, and the Tecumseh Orbital Engine Company. “I’ve had four patents since I started working here,” he says.