Posted: December 9, 2022
From independent living to retirement communities and everything in between, there are plenty of options for seeking a new place to call home as you get older. Two of the most popular choices are 55+ residences and independent living communities.
Choosing a community designed to enrich your life is essential to make the transition as enjoyable as possible. Before making a decision, it’s vital to understand the similarities and differences between your options so you select the best place for you.
A 55+ community is a community for active adults with at least one resident living on each property being over the age of 55. Many people opt for these communities to take advantage of an active lifestyle with people their own age. These specialized communities are designed with a target market in mind to those over the age of 55. Locations and amenities cater to these individuals.
The types of homes you’ll find in 55+ communities often offer apartments, condominiums, and townhouses for rent or for purchase. Many adults this age are ready to downsize and do less home maintenance.
With 55+ communities, residents can enjoy a sense of belonging to a community. They offer residents the opportunity to connect with others of a similar age, providing them with a safe and peaceful environment to enjoy their retirement years.
Amenities and activities are typically provided and may include the following:
Locations are typically chosen based on beauty and convenience, often within walking distance from everything residents need, including parks and recreation areas, department stores, grocery stores, and and restaurants.
Independent living apartments are typically located within a senior living community. Residents can choose floor plans based on their needs and whether they plan to live with a spouse or friend—much as you would choose in a typical home.
More expensive than 55+ communities, independent living communities generally require significant buy-in fees from residents, but this also provides them with additional care as they get older and find they need more help.
Like the 55+ Apartments, Independent living offers older adults who want to maintain their independence the opportunity to build relationships with like-minded people and enjoy a lovely community with a rich array of amenities and services.
Some independent living communities host events and classes such as arts and culture, history, literature, music, and more. In addition to keeping seniors engaged in activities they enjoy community events are a great way to foster relationships. Socialization has been shown to be particularly important for aging adults’ physical and mental health.
But not everyone is ready for that level of commitment, in that case a 55+ apartment community can be the perfect fit. You get all the independence without the home maintenance. You get like minded neighbors without the expensive buy in. Whether you’re looking into senior living options for yourself or a loved one, do your research. Consider your lifestyle and future care requirements, and weigh the cost differences to find the best fit possible.
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