Average entry age vs. overall resident age
When asking what is the average age for a CCRC, it's important to distinguish between the age of new entrants and the age of the overall resident population. The average age of entry has been increasing over the past two decades, now typically falling between 80 and 83 years old. The average age of the total population, especially in a mature community that has been open for many years, is often higher, sometimes reaching 85 to 87 years for those in independent living.
This distinction highlights a key demographic trend: residents are moving into CCRCs later in life than they used to. However, because CCRCs serve a full continuum of care, they have residents across a wide age spectrum, from those in their early 60s to centenarians. The average age varies significantly depending on the community's characteristics and contract types.
Factors influencing CCRC entry age
The timing of a move to a CCRC depends on numerous personal and practical considerations, not just age.
- Health and Wellness: A crucial factor is the resident's health upon entry. Prospective residents must be in good health and able to live independently when they move into the initial independent living unit. Many CCRCs require a health assessment as part of the application, and waiting too long can mean your health declines before a unit becomes available.
- Lifestyle Desires: Many retirees choose to move earlier, often in their late 60s or 70s, to fully enjoy the amenities and active lifestyle a CCRC offers while still healthy and mobile. Moving while still active allows individuals to build social connections and smoothly transition into the community.
- Financial Planning: The financial structure of CCRCs, which involves significant entrance fees and monthly charges, influences timing. Entering a CCRC earlier ensures access to future care at more predictable rates under certain contract types (Type A or B), offering long-term financial security.
- Personal Circumstances: A move may be triggered by specific life events, such as a spouse's death, a health scare, or simply becoming tired of home maintenance. Conversely, waiting until a crisis occurs often forces a move under less ideal, more stressful circumstances.
Age variations by community and contract type
The average age of residents can differ based on the specific CCRC and the contracts it offers. Generally, communities with different contract types attract residents with different needs and financial profiles.
- Community Maturity: Newer CCRCs often have a younger average move-in age compared to established communities, which naturally have older residents who have been living there longer.
- Contract Type: The type of contract a CCRC offers can also impact its resident demographics. Actuarial data shows that entrants into Type C (fee-for-service) contracts are, on average, older than those who sign Type A (life care) or Type B (modified) contracts, reflecting different financial strategies and risk appetites.
Comparison of CCRC contract types and typical entrant age
| Feature | Type A (Life Care) | Type B (Modified) | Type C (Fee-for-Service) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Age | Typically younger than Type B/C entrants. Attracts those planning proactively. | Mid-range entry age, with some future planning and risk management. | Typically oldest entrants, often entering closer to or after a health change. |
| Financial Structure | Highest entrance fees, but consistent monthly fees even if care needs increase. | Lower entrance fees than Type A. Offers some discounted care days before market rates apply. | Lowest entrance fees, but residents pay full market rates for assisted living or skilled nursing care. |
| Risk Profile | Offers maximum financial predictability and security against future healthcare costs. | Offers a balance of lower initial costs with limited future care protection. | Residents bear the most financial risk for future healthcare costs. |
| Ideal for | Healthy, active individuals prioritizing security and financial predictability. | Individuals seeking lower upfront costs who are healthy and anticipate minimal future care. | Those with limited resources or who prefer to pay for care only if and when needed. |
The trend of moving in younger
While the average entry age is rising, there is also a counter-trend of people moving into CCRCs at younger ages, sometimes as early as the minimum age of 55. These individuals are often motivated by the desire to enjoy the amenities and social aspects of community life without the burdens of home maintenance. Making a proactive, earlier move, before health challenges arise, allows residents to fully acclimate and build a new life in their retirement community.
Moving younger also has practical benefits. It ensures that residents can meet the health requirements for entry, a potential barrier if they wait until a health crisis forces a move. Furthermore, it provides valuable peace of mind, knowing that a continuum of care is guaranteed if and when it is eventually needed.
Conclusion
There is no single answer to what is the average age for a CCRC, as demographics vary across communities. While the average entry age for CCRCs today is in the low 80s, the ideal time to move is highly personal, depending on an individual's health, lifestyle, and financial plans. Proactive planning allows seniors to move into a CCRC on their own terms, while they can still enjoy all the community has to offer. This approach provides financial predictability and peace of mind, making the transition a choice rather than a necessity driven by a health crisis.
For more information on the benefits and considerations of moving to a CCRC, visit the AARP guide on Continuing Care Retirement Communities.
The takeaway
- Rising Entry Age: The average age of new CCRC entrants has increased, generally falling between 80 and 83 years old.
- Mature Communities: In mature CCRCs (over 10 years old), the average age of independent living residents is typically higher, in the 85-87 range.
- Health is a Factor: Prospective residents must be healthy enough for independent living upon entry, which can be a key driver for moving earlier.
- Proactive vs. Reactive: A proactive move in the 70s or early 80s allows individuals to fully enjoy the amenities, while waiting for a health crisis can limit options.
- Contract Differences: The type of CCRC contract influences the resident age, with Type A (Life Care) contracts often attracting younger entrants than Type C (Fee-for-Service).
