HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. -- If you ask Bill and Maggie Giesenhagen, they'll tell you they don't plan to move from their new home, ever.

"Things are fine. Everything's happening like we thought it would happen. We're enjoying it," said Bill Giesenhagen during a recent visit to their new home.

Within the past year and a half, the couple sold their Lone Tree home, cleared out the clutter, and moved into a one-level apartment.

Rightsizing into their retirement years was an easy decision and one with no regrets.

"Absolutely not. I don't think we've missed our home one minute. We just enjoy it here," said Maggie Giesenhagen.

Their new apartment is at Classic Residence By Hyatt, a senior living community that specializes in continuing care.

"It's no longer moving to 'the home.' It's moving to a new place for a new type of life that you can enjoy for the rest of your life," said Bill Giesenhagen.

Maggie still works full time. Bill has more free time to paint and no longer worries about caring for the lawn or cleaning the basement.

"It's actually an economical decision for them. They'll have one predictable monthly fee to cover housing costs, their meals and long-term care down the road if they ever need it," said Deann Daniel of Classic Residence By Hyatt.

The Care Center on the 24-acre campus can provide physical, occupational and speech therapy if Bill or Maggie ever need it.

"In this uncertain economy everyone is worried about everything. But, now people are starting to realize that they need to make some decisions on their care and their future assets. They also need to make sure that they have the lifestyle they need ahead of time," said Daniel.

Easing into retirement took years for the Giesenhagens. They planned extensively. And, now that strategy is helping them survive the changing economy.

"Don't wait until you're infirmed or you don't have the mental capacity to make reason decisions," said Brian Campbell, the Giesenhagens' financial adviser.

Campbell said Bill and Maggie did everything right. They planned early, made smart investments and learned about how pensions, Medicare and Social Security plans work.

"If you had a plan coming into this economic disaster, at least you had a plan. If you have a plan, at least you can readjust. You can change it," said Campbell.

For the Giesenhagens, it’s a working plan and one with which they'll stick.

For more about Classic Residence By Hyatt and tips to help you downsize into retirement, visit Classic Residence By Hyatt or Cornerstone CPA Group.