Active adult communities offer the best retirement living, creating a community of like-minded people while removing many of the everyday burdens of living in a specific community or suburb. It is retirement that matters. Active adult communities or retirement livings represent Canada’s most significant and attractive retirement living trend. You live in a community with people who share your interests and expose you to new and exciting opportunities and become great friends.
As you explore senior living options, you may come across the term active senior communities. You need to know what they are and how they differ from other senior living communities.
Definition of active adult communities
These are communities that offer relatively maintenance-free independent residences for the over-55s. There are two types of active adult communities:
• Age-restricted: According to the Fair Housing Act, at least 80% of residences must have at least one person over 55.
• Age Target: These communities are marketed to the over-55 age group but are not limited to the over-55 age group.
Homes in this +55 community can be single-family or patio homes, townhomes, apartments, or mobile homes. These communities are often close to shopping centers, restaurants, and local attractions.
Benefits of active adult communities
Retirement communities make it easy for active adults to enjoy life every day because of the following:
• Less maintenance. Maintenance-free living can be attractive if you are tired of lawn care, painting, and outdoor maintenance. No more mowing the lawn, shovelling snow, or calling the plumber.
• Functional living space. Many people only use a few rooms in their homes regularly. Having a residence with a smaller footprint means less to worry about.
• Surrounded by your peers. In an active adult community, your neighbours are your peers, so you are at similar stages in life with similar interests. In these communities, you can welcome children and grandchildren, but in most cases, the neighbourhoods are relatively quiet and suitable for retirees.
• Appropriate amenities. You’ll usually have easy access to amenities like fitness centers and swimming pools. Many senior communities have or are close to golf courses, tennis courts, and walking trails. You’ll also find social opportunities through events, clubs, and volunteer groups.
Other considerations
As you weigh your options, it’s just as important to consider what active senior communities don’t offer.
They need more services and facilities. Availability of housekeeping, laundry, and transportation varies. Residents may be responsible for their meals.
Care services are not included. There are no care facilities in the 55+ communities. You can arrange home care services if needed. Some communities may have agreements with home care providers, but you must pay for those services.
Tips for Choosing an Active Adult Community:
• Prioritize location. Some of you may want to stay close to a neighbourhood you already know or experience a whole new city. Maybe you want to be close to your children and grandchildren, or perhaps you are looking for the scenery or mild weather of the Niagara Falls area. Once you know where you want to live, you can start looking for active adult communities there.
• Be honest about your lifestyle needs. If you’ve never played golf, you don’t need to pay extra to live in a community with a golf course. Do you need a large plan, or is a smaller one better for you?
• Look at the financial situation of the community. Ask for the most recent audit or annual report to determine how financially healthy the organization is.
• Find out what the rules are. Ask to see regulations or restrictions that may affect your lifestyle. If it concerns you, find out if swimming pools are open to under-18s.
• Assess your transportation needs. If driving is or may become a problem, ensure you have easy access to transportation alternatives.
• Know your budget. Ask what is included in the monthly fees and if there are any additional fees. The more amenities, the more expensive it may be.
• Visit several forums in your area. Compare accommodations and amenities and programs, classes, and general culture. You should feel right at home and have plenty to do.
Active Adult Community: What to Expect?
Active adult communities are designed to make life easier and more enjoyable for older people. Most changes are lifestyle-based.
Some common factors to consider when moving to an active retirement community include the following:
• Miniaturize. Although active retirement communities offer large apartments and cottages, many new residents move from larger homes and adjust to living in smaller spaces. Familiarize yourself with the new area and community before moving. It helps determine what items to keep at home, what to put in storage or donate, and predict new experiences! For a tour of the area and a better understanding of the various facilities and features of the larger community, contact Cavendish Manor Retirement Residence.
• Society. Once you move into an active retirement community, you’ll be surrounded by people your age and likely with similar interests and values. Many active adult communities have resident-led interest groups, volunteer opportunities, on-site restaurants for dining with friends, exercise classes, and more. People living in active retirement communities report feeling much younger than their actual age due to improved social and physical lifestyles.
• New Opportunities Active adult communities aim to simplify and improve residents’ lives through services and amenities. Many communities, including Cavendish Manor Active Retirement Communities, offer the following services:
- Nutritious meals prepared by the chef
- Maintenance services
- Housekeeping services
- On-site banking, convenience store, post office, and library
- Fitness centers with personal trainers
- Art studios
- Large rooms and lounges
- Resident-led excursions, including trips to museums, theatres, restaurants, shops, and more
- Continuing education classes and lectures
Active retirement communities offer seniors the chance to simplify their lives and join a community of peers with similar interests and goals. They’re also ready to accept the active lifestyle of adults.
Ready to accept the active lifestyle of adults
Don’t wait to activate your new lifestyle! There are many active adult communities in the Niagara Falls area. Take the time to explore the options below. Choose somewhere with a warm climate near the beach or somewhere close to family and friends elsewhere. It’s up to you to choose your ideal place to get active!
Browse the Cavendish Manor adult community in Niagara Falls and contact our representative after viewing and using the information request form. You can see the community up close, chat with someone who lives there, and get a feel for the activities you can do there.
