Many people reach a point in their lives when their current home feels like a chore to maintain. Your neighborhood may start to feel too loud, children playing in the street may annoy you, and the lack of community spirit affects your day-to-day life. At this point, many 55+ individuals don’t require skilled care like an assisted living community or nursing home. Instead, 55+ communities bridge the gap for older adults. Here we define what 55+ communities are and how they benefit seniors.
Defining 55+ communities
Designed for older adults, 55+ communities (also known as senior lifestyle communities) don’t offer on-site medical treatment or personal care assistance. Instead, they provide a lifestyle adjustment for older adults looking to live independently. The main appeal for many is that you will be living amongst adults of similar age and typically the same lifestyle as yourself.
55+ communities handle exterior maintenance for residents. They may also offer assistance with some interior work, relieving pressure off individuals who feel that looking after their home has become too hard a task. In addition, adult communities are frequently outfitted with senior-friendly features like grab bars, single-floor living, and wheelchair access, resulting in residents feeling safe and comfortable, without the need to modify their homes.
The different types of 55+ communities
There are two main types of communities for 55+ adults, namely:
Senior apartments
Senior apartments are rental units restricted to adults over the age of 55. These dwellings usually have limited amenities, besides common areas for residents to socialize, or maybe even a fitness center. Nevertheless, the resultant close-knit living still encourages people to form friendships with neighbors. Moreover, it can motivate seniors to engage with others and create a network, for example, arranging transport for shopping trips or partaking in planned group outings.
Senior lifestyle communities
This type of community contains a mix of housing styles, from single-family homes to condos. Senior lifestyle communities may span over a large area instead of occupying a single building. They usually have recreational facilities such as pools and tennis courts, well-lit sidewalks, and wheelchair ramps. These units are typically larger than apartments and therefore attract a higher rental/ownership cost.
Is a 55+ Community a good fit for me?
If you want a low-maintenance way of life and think you would enjoy being surrounded by people of the same age, a 55+ community would be a good choice. If you don’t yet require personal care assistance, then this type of community is for you. However, like any decision in life, some pros and cons need to be investigated when making a significant lifestyle change. My Life Site has an in-depth look at The Pros & Cons of 55+ Active Adult Communities.
What amenities do 55+ communities provide?
Amenities at each senior lifestyle community differ. The most common ones are:
- Social groups and clubs
- Game room
- Golf course
- Tennis courts
- Library
- Clubhouse
- Pool
- Jacuzzi
- Gym
- On-site fitness classes
The cost of living in a 55+ community
Costing would resemble the average housing costs in the area, perhaps with added community fees. If you are assessing costs, look at the specific housing you are interested in, in the same area of your chosen community. (Condo, townhouse, apartment, or single-family home). The prices will be in the same region, excluding any community fees.
Takeaway
If you’ve decided to move into a 55+ community, do your research. It isn’t necessary to rush this decision as most adults interested in this lifestyle aren’t in an emergency situation and have the luxury of time. Instead, schedule tours with your favorite spots and speak with community representatives. It is also advisable to question current residents. It will help you determine if you fit in with other residents and determine what day-to-day life is like in the community.
If you need help with locating a suitable community and planning your move, please connect with us. Senior Resource Connectors will direct you to the right resources at no cost to you.
Reference: Caring.com’s post 55+ Communities
