They're Not Your Grandparent's Retirement
                               Communities Anymore

There is no getting around the fact that the term “retirement community” scares many people. That particular phrase may bring forth an image of senior citizens playing shuffleboard or withering away in front of the television in a nursing home. 

Many “retirement communities” are anything but that in this new era of baby boomers and active adults. 

In fact, the term “retirement community” is a misnomer as many residents continue to work part or full time jobs, if they wish.  

The truth is that the retirement communities of today come in a wide variety of forms and cater to individuals and couples of differing ages and lifestyles. 

They are known as Active Adult Communities or “55+ Communities” and are intended as havens for baby boomers who simply no longer wish to be saddled with the responsibilities and maintenance that come with owning their own home. 

Then why not simply rent an apartment or home? Typically, people who choose to move to a 55+ community do so for a couple of different reasons: 

• They enjoy the social aspect of living near and socializing with others their own age
• They welcome the Amenities offered by the Active Adult Communities 

It is, however, important to note that in many instances, the terms used by communities to describe themselves can be somewhat confusing. For example: 

·    In a strict sense, “Active” means “Independent,” so some Active Adult Communities provide few amenities. You simply live in a neighborhood or building (albeit one with maintenance, security, and other services) with other adults 55+ and provide for your own meals, housekeeping, and transportation like any younger person would.

·    Other Active Adult Communities view themselves as something akin to a resort and offer a bounty of amenities.

Such amenities vary from community to community and are based on individual residency plans and rates, but they can include things like daily gourmet meal preparation, housekeeping, linen and laundry service, concierge services, and, of course, a wide array of activities, and physical and intellectual pursuits. 

Personal Lifestyles 

Active Adult Communities-in-the-know are personalizing it all by offering classes, outings and activities on their busy calendars that are a direct response to their resident’s requests. This mind-set and approach not only increases levels of interest & participation but is a reflection of its culture and yields a plethora of gratified and content residents. 

Senior Communities & Assisted Living Facilities 

But even as an individual or couple ages and begins to require or want services that are more in-depth like those offered at Assisted Living Facilities (housekeeping, meal preparation, medical assistance, etc.), modern senior communities still offer an array of lifestyle choices designed to stimulate their residents. 

For example, University-Based Retirement Communities are located on, and integrated into, college campuses and offer the ability for seniors to take part in college classes and continue their lifelong learning. 

And, of course, at Assisted Living Facilities and Senior Communities of all types, the opportunity to enjoy daily trips, excursions, and exercise of all sorts is continually available, whether it's a trip to a professional baseball game, art museum, or day at the beach or on the golf course. 

                                                          In Short 

The culture is changing for the modern day senior community. Those who have adapted to market demands and actively facilitate the new and modern 55+ Independent Lifestyle with a balance of: 

·         Affordability

·         Optimized Independence

·         Maximized opportunity for intellectual Stimulation & Self Expression

·         And Exceptional Standards of Care 

are reaping the rewards in terms of happy and satisfied residents. Transcending the norms and exceeding the expectations of its most finicky populace has become the challenge of the twenty-first-century senior community. And many of them are getting it right. 

Terms to Know 

·         An “Age-Restricted” Active Adult Community is one in which 80% of all residents must be at least 55 years of age.

·         An “Age-Targeted” Active Adult Community is one in which they simply market to those 55+.