Active Adult or
Retirement Community?
What Are the Choices?
With so many housing options available to Seniors today, it is important to understand the differences between the similar and often-confusing terms for Adult Lifestyles.
Active Adult Communities
In many ways Active Adult communities resemble the master planned community concept which is so popular throughout the United States. The key difference is that only persons aged 55 or over are eligible to purchase or rent the properties in the Active Adult community. This qualifier often causes the misconception that Active Adult Communities, or what are commonly referred to as 55+ Communities, are synonymous with Elder Care or Retirement Living. Since the differences are significant, let's take a moment to define them.
The Independent Lifestyle Can Be Your Choice
Much of the choice to live in an Active Adult Community revolves around choosing a lifestyle. Many of today’s adults in their 50s, 60s and 70s strive to remain active, both mentally and physically, regardless of whether they have retired or still enjoying employment. To provide this lifestyle, Active Adult Communities often include on-site facilities for swimming, biking, walking/jogging, tennis, golf, dance, fitness and yoga. Social activities are frequent, and entertainment facilities for private parties are often found in the Community’s main clubhouse area. They also frequently partner with local colleges and universities to offer classes and seminar series, as well as with local cultural centers to engage in events of the Arts. Often located with easy access to shopping and nearby medical facilities, Active Adult Communities clearly promote an independent lifestyle.
Of note, housing within these communities is typically designed for ease of access. Building styles range from single-family homes, town homes, and villas, to condominiums or even manufactured homes. In fact, Active Adult Communities are on the other end of the spectrum, often catering to those seeking an active lifestyle with amenities resembling those found at vacation resorts! Homes primarily offer single floor living, or feature master bedrooms and bathrooms on the first floor. This building design is adaptable for Aging In Place modifications, should the resident decide to stay in the home for years to come. hese homes will seldom have steps to enter the home, and often feature universal accessibility enhancements such as lever handles, wide doorways, and shower stalls with seats. Aging In Place retrofitters such as Access Built can ensure that these enhancements provide for a comfortable and secure living area.
Access Perfect Homes is Here to Help
Whichever solution seems most appropriate for your needs, the Realtor Team of Access Perfect Homes has been specifically trained in the many housing options and levels of care available to Seniors. Whether you yourself are considering a change of residence or are helping a parent or loved one, our Senior Real Estate Specialists (SRES) and team of legal, financial and logistics specialists are experienced in the complex decisions involved in making the upcoming move and are here to help you.
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