The shift in views regarding retirement, from that dreadful and forlorn period (implying loss of livelihood or employment and gradual senility) to a welcome phase in maturity propagated by the American culture has prompted a senior lifestyle that caters to the optimum convenience, comfort and enjoyment of retirees.
With freedom from parental responsibilities and work coupled with retirement wealth, enterprising businessmen came up with the concept of adult retirement facilities designed for active senior retirees. These communities consist of family home alternatives like apartments or townhouses with retiree couples or single seniors in mind. Most adult retirement communities impose a minimum age requirement ranging from 55, 60 or 62.
Adult retirement communities essentially promote an active lifestyle for seniors to live life their way, affirming their “usefulness” and vitality despite their age. The facilities offer options for recreation (sports, dining, entertainment), socialization (clubs, associations, support groups, charity groups), communal facility-sharing (golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, game rooms) and even new opportunities (business, joint ventures, networking) that promote productivity for those in retirement age.
Beyond a refreshing change in traditional home-based senior living, adult retirement communities also offer reduced cost and flexible living options for retirees since some of the cost of home maintenance utilities and most of the community services payments are shared among the residents.
These include home repairs, gardening services, cable access, senior-friendly home remodeling, transportation, snow plow, garbage management and home security. The shared use-and-payment options are enforced through a community association.
