I’ve thought about retiring in the mountains as I get older. The idea of fresh air, beautiful views, and a calm life is tempting. But, I wonder if I could handle the challenges of living high up as a senior. Is it possible for someone like me to live in the mountains, or would it lead to health issues and feeling cut off?
About 15% of people over 65 live above 6,000 feet, says the U.S. Census Bureau. This shows that many seniors choose to retire in the mountains. For example, Carol Faust, 87, moved from Chicago to Summit County, Colorado. She loves the peace and beauty of the high mountains.
But, we don’t know much about how living high affects aging. Scientists are looking into how it affects heart, lung, diabetes, and sleep issues in older people. They think high altitudes might make seniors age a bit faster than those at sea level.
Key Takeaways
- About 15% of people over 65 live above 6,000 feet, showing that many seniors retire in the mountains.
- Studies are still out on how high altitude affects aging, but it might speed up the aging process a bit.
- Seniors thinking about mountain retirement should think about the health risks and challenges of living up high.
- Getting used to the altitude and having good medical care are key when planning to retire in the mountains.
- Even with the charm of mountain living, seniors need to think about the pros and cons before deciding.
Active Seniors Thriving in High-Altitude Living
Stories of Octogenarians Embracing Mountain Lifestyles
In the Colorado mountains, a group of senior people are living life to the fullest. Carol Faust, 87, loves cross-country skiing in Summit County. Norb Chehak, 76, enjoys teaching ski lessons to other active seniors. Alfred Vigil, 69, chose this place for its dry climate and many outdoor activities.
High-altitude living isn’t just for young seniors. Joan Newby, 84, from Leadville, manages her own housekeeping, yard work, and snow shoveling. These stories show how active seniors live full lives in the mountains, proving that retirement means staying active.
| Name | Age | Location | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carol Faust | 87 | Summit County, Colorado | Cross-country skiing |
| Norb Chehak | 76 | Summit County, Colorado | Ski instructor |
| Alfred Vigil | 69 | Colorado mountains | Enjoying outdoor activities |
| Joan Newby | 84 | Leadville, Colorado | Housekeeping, yard work, snow shoveling |
The dry climate and abundance of outdoor activities are why I couldn’t live in other retirement destinations like Florida or Arizona.
– Alfred Vigil, 69-year-old retiree
Population Statistics: Senior Residents in Mountain Areas
Mountain living is drawing in more senior citizens. The U.S. Census Bureau says 15% of those living above 6,000 feet are 65 or older. This shows that mountain towns are becoming popular with seniors. They like the outdoor activities, the climate, and the better quality of life.
Let’s look at senior population stats in some mountain cities in the U.S.:
- Huntsville, Alabama: 15.2% of the population is 65 or older, with a cost of living 6.1% below the national average and an average income of $51,853 for the 65+ age group.
- Anchorage, Alaska: 9.4% of the population is 65 or older, with a cost of living 26.8% above the national average and an average income of $70,291 for the 65+ age group.
- Denver, Colorado: 11.2% of the population is 65 or older, with a cost of living 9.4% above the national average and an average income of $59,601 for the 65+ age group.
- Hilo, Hawaii: 18.5% of the population is 65 or older, with an average income of $54,503 for the 65+ age group.
Retirees are flocking to mountain towns for their beauty, fun activities, and lower living costs. As more seniors move, these areas are changing. They’re becoming more senior-friendly.
| City | Share of Population 65+ | Cost of Living for Retirees | Average Income for Population 65+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, Alabama | 15.2% | 6.1% below national average | $51,853 |
| Anchorage, Alaska | 9.4% | 26.8% above national average | $70,291 |
| Phoenix, Arizona | 10.0% | 1% below national average | $54,681 |
| Fayetteville, Arkansas | 9.1% | 13.8% below national average | $85,436 |
| Carlsbad, California | 16.0% | 40.6% above national average | $70,348 |
| Denver, Colorado | 11.2% | 9.4% above national average | $59,601 |
| Hilo, Hawaii | 18.5% | N/A | $54,503 |
Challenges of Mountain Living for Seniors
Retiring in the mountains sounds dreamy, but seniors face unique challenges. They often find few assisted living options and medical help in these areas.
Rachelle Collins, from the Lake County Senior Center, points out a big issue. There are hardly any assisted living places or nursing homes near Leadville, Colorado, which is over 10,000 feet high. Seniors needing more care might have to leave the peaceful mountains for cities.
Also, getting to doctors and treatments is hard in these remote spots. “Sometimes, the mountains block the way, making it tough for seniors to get to hospitals or specialists,” Collins says. This can be a big worry for those with ongoing health issues.
| Challenge | Impact |
|---|---|
| Lack of assisted living facilities in high-altitude areas | Seniors requiring additional care may need to relocate to urban areas |
| Limited access to medical specialists and treatment | Chronic conditions may be difficult to manage due to remote location and weather-related obstacles |
Mountain living comes with big challenges for seniors. It’s key to think about the services and resources available before deciding to retire there. By looking into these needs, seniors can have a happy and supported retirement in the mountains.
Can A Senior Retire In Altitude
Ongoing Research on Altitude’s Impact on Aging
More seniors are moving to high places, and scientists are studying how it affects aging. Dr. Benjamin Honigman, a retired professor, leads a big study called the Healthy Summit Project. This project looks at how living at 8,000-10,000 feet affects heart, lung, diabetes, and sleep issues in older people.
The study will follow over 3,000 people for a long time. It aims to learn how altitude affects aging. This research is key to understanding the good and bad of high-altitude living for seniors.
We don’t know much yet, but the study and future research will help. They will tell seniors and doctors about altitude’s effect on senior health and if it’s good for retirement. As we learn more, seniors can make better choices about where to live.
The Healthy Summit Project is a game-changer in our understanding of how altitude’s impact on aging can shape the lives of senior citizens,” says Dr. Honigman. “This research will be instrumental in guiding future decisions and policies related to retiring at high altitude.”
High-altitude living is becoming more popular among retirees. The results of this and other studies will help seniors decide where to retire and how to live.
Benefits of Living at Moderate Altitudes for Seniors
Research is ongoing on how high-altitude living affects aging. But, moderate altitudes (around 6,000 feet) seem to offer health perks for seniors. For example, living at these heights can lead to a lower death rate and a 50% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Seniors over 65 might find moderate altitude easier to handle than thought. They could enjoy fewer heart diseases and some cancers. This might be due to the body’s changes when it faces lower oxygen levels at high altitudes.
The body makes more red blood cells and hemoglobin at high altitudes. This helps carry oxygen better. It also lowers inflammation and boosts antioxidants, which can protect against age-related diseases.
| Benefit | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Lower mortality rate | Studies show a 50% lower risk of dying from Alzheimer’s disease for those living at higher altitudes. |
| Reduced heart disease | The physiological adaptations to moderate altitude, such as increased red blood cells and hemoglobin, can have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. |
| Lower cancer risk | The reduced inflammation and enhanced antioxidant defenses seen in high-altitude dwellers may contribute to a lower risk of certain cancers. |
The benefits of moderate altitude living for seniors include health advantages of mountain retirement and longevity at higher altitudes. This lifestyle might be good for active, health-focused retirees. More studies are needed, but the signs look promising for those thinking about mountain retirement.
Acclimatization and Home Oxygenation Solutions
Seniors thinking about moving to high-altitude areas need to consider acclimatization and home oxygenation solutions. Moving up to these places can be tough because there’s less oxygen. Luckily, companies like Altitude Control Technologies (ACT) offer new solutions to make living in these areas easier.
Altitude Control Technologies: Enhancing Comfort at High Altitudes
ACT is a top name in altitude simulation systems. They’ve created home oxygenation solutions for places like Eagle and Summit counties in Colorado. Their team knows a lot about how altitude affects the body and uses this knowledge to make living at high altitudes better for seniors and others.
ACT’s systems mimic lower oxygen levels, helping people get used to the altitude slowly. This can lessen the bad effects of acclimatizing to high altitudes, like getting sick, feeling tired, or having trouble breathing. With home oxygenation systems for mountain living, ACT lets seniors enjoy the beauty of high places while keeping their health in check.
The company’s medical board, filled with experts on altitude and health, helped create these new Altitude Control Technologies. Their advice and studies made sure the oxygen solutions really help seniors and others living in high places.
“Our goal is to make moving to high-altitude living easy and comfy for our residents,” says the CEO of Altitude Control Technologies. “With our custom home oxygenation solutions, we help seniors enjoy mountain living without risking their health.”
Conclusion
Thinking about retiring in the mountains brings up a few important points. The idea of living an active life surrounded by nature is very appealing. But, there are also big challenges that seniors need to think about.
One big worry is the lack of places for assisted living and medical help in the mountains. This can be a big problem for older people who need extra support or medical care. Also, we don’t know much about how living high up affects aging, so there’s some uncertainty about health in the long run.
But, some studies show that living at moderate heights can be good for seniors. It might help with breathing and getting more active. Using oxygen at home can also make it easier for seniors to live in the mountains and enjoy their life there.
So, deciding to retire in the mountains depends on your health, what you like, and how well you can handle mountain living. The idea of a lively, nature-filled retirement sounds great. But, it’s important to think about both the good and the bad to make sure your retirement is happy and lasting.
FAQ
Can seniors retire in high-altitude areas?
Yes, some seniors choose to retire in the mountains. They trade city life for mountain peaks. About 15% of people over 65 live above 6,000 feet, says the U.S. Census Bureau.
What are some stories of active seniors thriving in high-altitude living?
Carol Faust, 87, loves cross-country skiing in Summit County, Colorado. Norb Chehak, 76, teaches skiing there. Alfred Vigil, 69, retired in Colorado for its dry climate and outdoor fun. Joan Newby, 84, lives in Leadville, the highest U.S. city, and does her own chores and snow shoveling.
What are the population statistics for senior residents in mountain areas?
About 15% of those over 65 live above 6,000 feet, says the U.S. Census Bureau. This shows mountain towns draw seniors for their outdoor activities and quality of life.
What are the challenges of mountain living for seniors?
Mountain towns lack assisted living and nursing homes within 50 miles. Seniors needing care might move to cities. Medical specialists and treatments can be hard to reach when passes are closed.
What are the ongoing research efforts on the impact of altitude on aging?
Dr. Benjamin Honigman leads the Healthy Summit Project at the High Altitude Research Center. This study looks at how living at 8,000-10,000 feet affects heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and sleep disorders. It will follow over 3,000 people to understand altitude’s effect on aging.
What are the potential benefits of living at moderate altitudes for seniors?
High altitudes have been linked to a lower death rate and a 50% lower Alzheimer’s risk. People over 65 might find moderate altitudes beneficial, with less heart disease and some cancers.
How can seniors adapt to high-altitude living?
Altitude Control Technologies (ACT) offers home oxygen solutions for seniors. Their systems help people adjust to high altitudes, making breathing easier.
Source Links
- Navigating High Altitude Elderly Living & Travel: 7 Essential Tips for Seniors
- Best Places to Retire in 2024: The Annual Global Retirement Index
- 8 of the Cheapest Countries to Retire Around the World
- Mountain Communities
- MorningStar Senior Living Community Blog
- Longevity Project Part 1: Senior citizen wave coming to Garfield County
- 20 Great Places to Retire Near the Mountains
- 6 Places to Retire to Escape Extreme Heat
- The Longevity Project Part 2: An unclear correlation — Colorado clinicians and researchers talk Alzheimer’s risk, care in mountain communities
- What’s it like to retire at altitude? Colorado seniors weigh in
- Altitude and Aging | Vail Valley Partnership
- Mountain States Make You Happier and Healthier | The Ridge
- Seniors and high elevation (vacations, relocating, gift, vacation) – Retirement -Social Security, age, moving, relocation, finance, savings, early, hobbies, nursing homes – Page 4
- 5 Reasons Why Elderly Travellers Should Acclimatise While Travelling to High Altitudes
- Older Americans Act | ACL Administration for Community Living
- Effects of Acute Exposure and Acclimatization to High-Altitude on Oxygen Saturation and Related Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Health and Disease
- Vacation at Moderate and Low Altitude Improves Perceived Health in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome
- High-Altitude Medicine
- Limitations to Thermoregulation and Acclimatization Challenge Human Adaptation to Global Warming
- Climate Change Clouds Picture for Retirement Moves
- Physical Activity and Transitioning to Retirement: A Systematic Review
