| The experts now agree - the term 'retirees' can no | | | | saying, and room for a desk, printers, computers etc |
| longer encompass one homogenous age group. Within | | | | comes high on their list. |
| this demographic are people with differing needs and | | | | They also want to be able to accommodate their |
| wishes, whose plans for their retirement years are | | | | fellow traveling friends. A one-bedroom apartment will |
| very different from those of their parents. | | | | not do. Two bedrooms with study is the minimum |
| While they may not be competing in marathons or | | | | for this group. |
| climbing Mount Everest, most of these folks are | | | | Convenience rates very highly with the group, as |
| looking towards an active retirement. They see | | | | does resort-style living. Complexes that are built |
| themselves taking hikes, riding bikes, traveling to | | | | alongside golf courses are very popular, as are those |
| exotic locations, playing tennis and going on | | | | near universities, above shopping centers and close |
| adventures. Even those in today's 75 plus group are | | | | to transport. |
| not the stereotypical TV watching, wheelchair bound | | | | Many retirement village developers make the mistake |
| - they are alert and involved citizens. | | | | of ignoring the needs of single (by choice) women. |
| The good news is that even retirement villages now | | | | Professional women who have led independent lives |
| acknowledge these changes, and are providing more | | | | are more educated and better informed than their |
| 'active' options to entice residents to their centers. | | | | mothers and can sometimes view retirement villages |
| Because these complexes are built to last, anticipating | | | | as socially isolating. |
| the needs of the now 55 plus age group is a dilemma | | | | Since 1990 this older-lifestyle industry has doubled, |
| for their designers. These baby boomers are a | | | | and is continuing to grow as baby boomers retire. |
| diverse and demanding group who will expect some | | | | Whether they are looking for a sea-change, a |
| fairly high-tech solutions to their needs. | | | | tree-change or a tee-change, it would be wise |
| Many of them intend to continue to work part-time | | | | property developers who kept their finger on the |
| in retirement, so a home office or workshop will be a | | | | pulse, and made sure they were in tune with the |
| 'must have' in any downsized accommodation. The | | | | changing needs of the group. |
| need for internet connectivity really goes without | | | | |