| baby boomers approach retirement, new homes | | | | Many retirement communities and active adult living |
| designed for aging adults are popping up everywhere. | | | | developments have certain philosophies. The question |
| There are numerous housing developments and adult | | | | is, do they match your own? If you love hunting and |
| communities springing up around the country | | | | fishing, you may not enjoy spending your retirement |
| designed for residents over the age of 55. | | | | in a community dedicated to vegetarianism and |
| New facilities and planned communities allow retired | | | | artistic pursuits. |
| residents untethered access to incredible recreation | | | | Some retirement communities have a "green" focus, |
| facilities, restaurants, social clubs and health-related | | | | others have an "active lifestyle" focus, and still others |
| services. In general, these communities are typically | | | | are committed to social activities and recreation. |
| active adult communities or independent living facilities | | | | Make sure you understand the priorities and direction |
| with the privacy and independence of individual units | | | | of your community before you commit and move in. |
| or homes. | | | | Is It Pedestrian Friendly? |
| Some are blended and offer the support and | | | | The reality is that many seniors don't continue to |
| services of on-site health professionals or home care | | | | drive for the duration of their lives. So, finding a |
| workers without forcing residents to give up their | | | | retirement community that is either very pedestrian |
| independence. | | | | friendly or has easy access to public transit is critical. |
| If you're planning to move in your retirement, new | | | | You'll appreciate the easy access to groceries and |
| homes in an active adult community can be very | | | | pharmacies. |
| attractive. However, what should you look for in a | | | | Would I Get Along with the Other Residents? |
| community, and how should you evaluate it? To find | | | | Before you buy into a new retirement or adult |
| out and learn more, keep reading. | | | | community, you should always attend an information |
| How Close is it to the Kids? | | | | session to get a feel for other potential residents. |
| If being close to your family is important, then you'll | | | | Alternatively, if you're moving into an existing |
| want to look for a home or retirement community | | | | community, ask to spend the day at their recreation |
| that's close to your kids. Another consideration is | | | | hall or community lounge. |
| space. Many units are sold as one-bedroom | | | | Look around the room and ask yourself if you could |
| condominiums or two-bedroom homes. If you're | | | | see yourself spending your retirement with these |
| planning to have many grandchildren visit, you may | | | | people? Can you envision yourself sharing years of |
| want to look for a community that offers larger | | | | retirement together? Whether or not your home is |
| units. | | | | new and beautiful, enjoying your neighbors is a critical |
| Do the Philosophies Match Your Own? | | | | part of enjoying your overall community experience. |