For older adults today, a great life is not about slowing down. It’s about finding new ways to stay active, engaged and healthy. That’s driving the increasing popularity of 55+ active adult communities, which continue to pop up or expand, especially in sunny California, Arizona, Texas, Florida and along most of the East Coast.
Those vibrant communities attract older adults by offering a mix of amenities, services and social connections that allow residents to live an active, low-maintenance lifestyle among like-minded peers. From resort-style pools and state-of-the-art fitness centers to clubhouses hosting a variety of social events and activities, active adult communities aim to make it easy for residents to pursue their passions and discover new ones.
Today’s “55-and-better” communities are not a one-size-fits-all. The baby boomers and Gen Xers moving into these communities have diverse interests, making each community unique. Some focus on golf and wellness, whereas others prioritize resort-style living. Homeowners have more options than ever to find a community that fulfills their vision for their lives.
In response to the broad age ranges moving in, many active adult communities have significantly expanded their offerings in recent years. Pickleball facilities with stadium seating are becoming commonplace, as are enhanced fitness centers with diverse class offerings such as yoga, dance and strength training. Walking trails, community gardens, art studios and workshop spaces give residents ample opportunity to cultivate their hobbies.
Aside from amenities that promote wellness and creativity, programming is crucial to fostering a sense of community. Developers and property managers are bringing dining, shopping, wellness and social events to the community to allow residents to engage and connect with like-minded neighbors over shared passions such as wine tasting, fine dining and fitness.
Beyond amenities and programming, many 55+ communities are adapting their services and operations to better meet modern resident expectations. Technology solutions such as mobile apps, electronic voting and digital communications make it easier for residents to stay informed and participate in community governance.
More communities also are establishing partnerships with third-party providers to offer supplemental services such as house cleaning, personal training, home repairs and more through vetted, trusted vendors. That can include transportation to medical and other wellness appointments, convenient services such as pet walking and grooming, and assistance with grocery deliveries to support residents with limited mobility or recovering from a medical procedure.
It’s all about empowering residents to live their best lives on their own terms by giving them access to all the amenities and services they want without the hassles of home maintenance, landscaping or other burdens.
With developers continuing to launch new communities geared to active adults, the lifestyle promised by these 55+ communities is only becoming more attractive. We’re seeing that these communities are more than a neighborhood. It’s about creating a place to live, play and thrive.
Michael Mendillo is president, East, FirstService Residential.
The opinions expressed in each McKnight’s Senior Living marketplace column are those of the author and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Senior Living.
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