| You and I who are in our 60's may find urban | | | | garden on the balcony or patio will do. Indoor plants |
| retirement communities freaky, even scary. But for | | | | for purifying indoor air. Why have 2 gas-guzzling |
| the younger boomers, ages 45-55, on the edge of | | | | cars--don't you know they are harming the planet. |
| their retirement, remodeled and redeveloped areas of | | | | And, young baby boomers may ask more often, |
| a city are popular. For one thing these boomers are | | | | "What energy-saving features does the community |
| more affluent, enjoy food and dining out and are | | | | have." |
| used to having more material things around them. | | | | Golf--not as popular as it once was. |
| Shopping at stores that appeal to the affluent buyer | | | | Walking--definitely in. And bicycling, too. These are |
| in a village-like setting, seeing a movie or play, | | | | easier to do--don't take all day--these boomers would |
| available music or art venues, antique stores, lectures, | | | | rather spend their time on the computer after their |
| walking more, fresh food markets in the city, and | | | | workout, at the fitness center or virtual fitness |
| above all, fresh exciting architecture, furniture and | | | | program. |
| floorplans are some of the amenities of urban | | | | So what amenities do these urban retirement |
| retirement communities. | | | | communities offer. Sophistication, convenience to the |
| The loft style has been with us awhile but the | | | | city attractions, wellness centers and gourmet food, |
| younger boomers are seeking it out in droves. Are | | | | healthy and well prepared. No salt- and sugar-laden |
| traditional wallpaper and floor coverings out--for | | | | buffets here. Cookware and cooking shows are |
| these boomers possibly. Let's just paint the floors | | | | in--the new pastime. What's next: Healthy and |
| and leave it in concrete--same for walls--more | | | | vegetarian recipes are on the rise, too. |
| creative. If you don't have concrete walls, make | | | | Classic retirement communities will always be popular |
| them look that way with paint. No fussiness--clean | | | | because not everyone will aspire to retire in a |
| simple bones. | | | | famous city like Atlanta, New York, Baltimore, |
| Does this mean less is more--and these baby | | | | Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Seattle or San |
| boomers have more and like less. Yes, saving your | | | | Francisco, but these young baby boomers certainly |
| money is in, and above all, green savings. Why mow | | | | do and are redefining cities and finding urban |
| the lawn that uses water, fertilizers, your money and | | | | retirement communities more chic. |
| energy--they don't need a lawn at all--just a small | | | | |