When you reach a certain age, your needs and tastes may be different than what they may have been in your younger years, and that includes your housing arrangement.
Maybe your current home is getting to be too much for you to maintain, or perhaps climbing up and down the stairs is becoming tiresome and even difficult. Or maybe you’re ready to be surrounded by peers within the same age group and are looking for something to keep you engaged and active when you retire.
If that’s the case, then a 55+ community might be the right move to make at this stage in your life.
What is a 55+ Community?
As the name suggests, a 55+ community is geared towards those who are 55 years of age and older. They’re not designed for young families with children or even middle-aged professionals. Instead, they’re designed with people who are nearing or in their retirement years.
This particular age demographic has many different needs and tastes that those who are much younger, and as such, they’re designed to accommodate these specific requirements.
Here are some of the benefits of 55+ communities.
1. Properties Are Designed Specifically For Seniors
The home that you may have bought when you were younger may have suited you well back then, but perhaps it doesn’t work as well for you today. Rather than making structural changes to your current home to suit your needs or your changing mobility issues, moving into a place that’s already structured to make mobility much easier might be a better idea.
2. Residents Are in the Same Age Demographic
One of the biggest advantages of living in a 55+ active community is that you’ll be surrounded by others in the same age group. If there are no friends or family nearby, seniors can end up becoming increasingly lonely in a neighborhood filled with younger residents or children.
A 55+ community solves this issue by attracting those who are in the same age demographic and who are looking for the same types of amenities and activities.
3. Quiet Environment
As the name suggests, no one under the age of 55 is permitted to live on the premises. While family can visit, no children will be running around on a regular basis, which makes these communities quieter places to live. If you’re looking for a tranquil home and community, these active senior living communities are a great option.
4. Security
Active 55+ communities typically come with on-site security that residents can take advantage of. If you’re on your own, living in a community that offers 24/7 security features can not only make you feel more secure but can help your family ease their worries about you living on your own. If security is an important feature for you, then a 55+ community may be an ideal choice for you.
5. Plenty of Amenities and Events
Active living communities typically implement a number of amenities and events that are designed to keep residents active, engaged, and entertained. These communities usually offer onsite opportunities to socialize, stay physically fit, and even volunteer.
You can expect to have amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, yoga classes, social events and gatherings, and even organized outings. Such amenities and events can help fill your days with enjoyment and can help you stay active and engaged in your community.
6. Less Maintenance to Worry About
No one really enjoys the regular ongoing maintenance that usually accompanies homeownership. But in a 55+ community, the majority of maintenance is taken care of. That means less work and time spent maintaining your property and more time enjoying the company and amenities that your new community has to offer.
7. Medical Facilities in Close Proximity
As you age, having quick and easy access to medical assistance becomes an increasingly important concern. The great thing about 55+ communities is that they’re typically constructed within close proximity to healthcare centers. While there might not be any physicians or nurses on site, you can rest easy knowing that medical help is usually just a quick commute away.
Should You Buy Into a 55+ Community?
There are definitely plenty of perks of buying into a 55+ community, but it may not necessarily be right for everyone. It’s important to note that while these communities are designed for those who are in their later stages of life, they don’t provide onsite medical care or support that assisted living facilities do. Instead, these are active lifestyle communities.
Those who are 55 years of age or over and are relatively healthy would benefit best from communities like these. If onsite healthcare services are not required on a daily basis, this type of investment might be better suited for them as opposed to someone who may require more hands-on medical care and attention.
The Bottom Line
If you’re approaching your senior years and have a penchant for staying active and being surrounded by like-minded peers, then perhaps a move to a 55+ community may be the right one for to you make at some point. Just be sure to ask plenty of questions and find out everything there is to know about a particular community, including amenities and rules. With a trusted real estate agent by your side, you’ll have all the support and guidance you need to choose the community that’s best suited for you.
