Posted: July 25, 2022
As we grow older, we get to make several exciting life changes, such as retiring and enjoying more family time. Many people opt to live in active 55+ communities to capitalize on these opportunities.
Active adult communities foster a healthy, active lifestyle for people who want to surround themselves with like-minded people. They typically provide excellent amenities for residents hoping to continue an exciting lifestyle into retirement. If you or a loved one is considering a move, keep reading to learn the pros and cons of these communities.
A 55+ community is an established active adult living community where at least one resident on each property must be over the age of 55.
Aside from their age requirements, active adult communities aren’t much different from other residential communities. They may consist of single-family houses, multi-family homes, condominiums or townhomes. 55+ communities are often near restaurants, shopping, parks and fun local attractions to accommodate a fun and active lifestyle for people entering retirement.
Most 55+ communities will also provide extensive crafts, fitness and social enrichment programming. The number of homes in these communities accommodates a larger population, and the layout often prioritizes common spaces. As a result, these communities tend to have many social areas like walking trails and fun spaces for visiting grandchildren.
The homes in these communities are generally smaller than other apartments, allowing residents to downsize and free up space to continue a new life chapter.
An active adult community is a residential community that accommodates a low-maintenance retirement lifestyle. While people under 55 might live in a 55+ community, at least one of the residents living in the home must be over 55. Age requirement guidelines and regulations will vary depending on the community, so it’s always important to research a community’s rules before moving.
While interior maintenance is the homeowner’s responsibility in the active adult community, residents can often pay for low-maintenance exteriors through their monthly homeowner’s association (HOA) dues. Although it varies by community, no other monthly fees are typically required.
An active adult community also typically won’t require residents to maintain their yard or deal with repairs. People in 55+ communities can enjoy more aspects of their retirement without worrying about these time-consuming tasks.
Living in a 55+ community poses several benefits for older adults. Learn a few of these advantages below:
A sense of community and belonging is one of the most significant benefits of living in a 55+ community. Research continually proves the importance of community and its ability to improve a person’s well-being and quality of life. In an active adult community, neighbors can build long-lasting relationships.
Opportunities to share hobbies and give back to the community can foster a strong sense of purpose and belonging. Residents can work together for specific causes and take pride in where they live. Connecting with neighbors of similar ages allows you to enjoy your retirement years in a fun and peaceful environment.
Active adult living communities are precisely what they claim to be — communities that emphasize activity and fitness, with amenities designed to keep residents physically and mentally active. You’ll find various enrichment opportunities to keep up with your active lifestyle, from pools and fitness centers to classes and clubs to join.
Active adult living communities provide convenience with easy, maintenance-free living. And these services include more than just basic lawn care — they also mean exterior building, street, roof, sidewalk and driveway maintenance, just to name a few! These communities typically take care of the more time-consuming chores so you can focus on the fun aspects of retirement.
Most 55+ communities are conveniently close to shops, restaurants, churches and medical care. These adult living communities will also typically offer walking paths or public transportation to help you reach these places quickly. You can leave the car behind and spend more time pursuing the hobbies you love both within your community and in town.
Many active adult living communities are secluded, only allowing approved residents and guests on the property. You’ll find well-lit common areas, sidewalks and parking lots. They also employ security staff for additional protection and keep emergency evacuation maps posted. These communities can provide peace of mind knowing your safety and security are their number one priority.
Before making your move, it’s essential to consider three potential problems with 55+ communities:
While 55+ communities provide an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, some may be put off by the lack of age diversity. For example, you might want to spend retirement working with youth or providing mentorships. In this case, you might look for areas that offer these opportunities before deciding on a 55+ community.
The right community for you might not be so close to your current living situation. It might require moving to a new city or a completely different state. Over time, you may find that you miss family members, which can be difficult when the distance between your home and loved ones is too vast.
Spending time with our children and grandchildren becomes increasingly important as we age. If you find the distance too much, you may want to consider a living community closer to friends and family members.
Older adults are projected to outnumber the population of children in the U.S. by 2034. More and more people will be searching for care services to help them manage their health and day-to-day living. While 55+ communities provide a safe, low-maintenance and quiet environment, they are not designed as a substitute for a care establishment and do not offer residents medical assistance.
Now that you know the pros and cons, it’s up to you to decide if 55+ communities are worth it. If you’re hoping for a convenient, active, low-maintenance lifestyle, moving into one of these communities might be the best decision you can make.
Bella Vita is an inclusive, luxury adult community in Aurora, Colorado. We provide comfortable amenities and plenty of life enrichment, from game and cinema nights to happy hours and more! Enjoy the convenience of the Havana Street shopping district right next door for all your shopping, banking and medical needs. Residents can expect peaceful living and an all-inclusive monthly rental fee that covers life enrichment, from tennis courts to pools, clubhouses and more.
If you are considering making a move to an active adult living community, we invite you to contact us for more information or to schedule a virtual tour.
© 2024 Bella Vita
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