Retirement Communities

Retirement communities offer independence and social connections for active senior adults. Senior retirement communities include apartment complexes, condominium complexes, subdivisions and even gated communities. They can be found near golf courses and in the middle of a busy city. Retirement community homes are the perfect choice for those whose lives are no longer focused on having a career and raising a family.

Residents:

Retirement communities should not be confused with nursing homes or assisted living facilities , which cater to residents in need of medical and/or physical care. Most adult retirement communities offer services such as health screenings and a dining facility, but they do not have medical personnel available or staff on hand to help with the day-to-day routines of bathing, dressing and eating. More expensive communities may offer housekeeping and landscaping services.

These communities are sometimes referred to as 55 retirement communities because a resident often has be at least 55 years old, with exceptions made for younger spouses. They generally do not allow for children to live on the premises, other than short-term visits.

While a gated community around a golf course is probably what most people think of when it comes to retirement communities, they come in all shapes and sizes. Many people choose a community in a milder climate, but others prefer to stay near family or friends. There are even RV parks geared towards the specific needs of the retirement community.

Recreation

A retirement community is designed for senior adults with active lifestyles. Many communities have a community center that offers a range of activities from yoga to cooking classes. While golf is popular at many retirement communities, there can also be tennis courts, swimming and other water sports, along with hiking and biking trails. Milder climates like Florida and Arizona have more than their fair share of retirement communities, but they can be found in cities all across the country.

The best retirement communities are the ones that create a sense of well being and a system of support as senior adults transition from work and family to retirement and friends. There are services available online that will help you etermine what kind of retirement community is right for you.