HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. -- Bill and Maggie Giesenhagen are taking control of their future. They are voluntarily downsizing into their retirement years.

This is a trend communities like Classic Residence by Hyatt are seeing more often.

"We have seen an increase. A lot of people had to go through that decision process with their parents and because of that decided that they wanted to make their own decision and not put that burden on their children in the future," said Deann Daniel, the executive director at Classic Residence by Hyatt in Highlands Ranch.

The Giesenhagens are still very active. Maggie continues to work full time and both travel often. They decided to move into a senior living community that will grow with them if their assistance needs change in the years to come.

Classic Residence by Hyatt offers independent living apartments and a fully assisted community. Knowing they have the option to receive more care is important to the Giesenhagens.

"Move so you can go to a nice place with lot of great people and enjoy it for a while and then if you get sick, they'll take care of you," said Giesenhagen.

Their new apartment is equipped with emergency pull switches in each bathroom and a motion detector that will alert the community if there has not been any movement in the apartment.

Within the past few months, much has happened in their lives. They sold their Lone Tree home for near-asking price and eliminated many belongings. Organization made the process easier than they had expected.

"You really start analyzing things. Do I really want this? You find out that you really don't want it," said Giesenhagen on moving day. One surprise was finding out that their children really did not want many family heirlooms.

"The big thing that I have learned is that I thought my children would want a lot more things than they took. But, they are living in a different age," said Giesenhagen.

Their children have thanked them for one gift. The burden of making this life changing decision for their parents will not be in their future.

"I don't think the children should have to take care of you unless they are forced to. They certainly aren't going to have to with our situation," said Giesenhagen.

For more about Classic Residence by Hyatt and tips to help you downsize into retirement, visit Classic Residence by Hyatt