As children grow up and leave home, many older adults change their lifestyles. No longer focused on raising children, they often move from their family-oriented community to a smaller home in an area that caters to active adults. There are several benefits to living and aging in a 55-and-over community. Whether they downsize to a small two-bedroom home or a spacious 2,000-square-foot home with enough bedrooms for the grandchildren to sleep over, older adults have different needs than they did when they were younger.
The best active adult communities have equipped houses. The homes are built for the residents to live in for many years, so there are no stairs in the homes. All floor plans are one level and include features such as low step showers, pot and pan roll-out shelves and wide doors. Heated driveways and walkways make getting around the community safer for residents as they age. Energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems help adults save money on their energy bills without sacrificing their comfort in their new home.
Because many adults over age 55 are very active, a good community has a lot of recreational activities. The best communities have a fitness center, a swimming pool and sauna, and a movie room where neighbors can gather to enjoy old and new movies. A spacious clubhouse where residents can host parties, bingo games or ice cream socials allows residents to get to know each other and have fun without leaving the community.
When shopping for an Active Adult Living Community, some adults look for a community with a golf course, basketball court or a dog park. Active adults’ needs change as they age and the best adult communities are designed with that in mind. While younger active adults may enjoy basketball, older seniors sometimes like to take quiet walks along a serene trail through the community. The best developments cater to their younger residents as well as the older seniors who own homes in the community.
There are a number of options for active adults over age 55 but one of the best choices for those who want to live among other active seniors is an Active Adult Living Community.
