Retirement means different things to different people – factors such as age, budget, health status, family dynamics, personal goals, and lifestyle determine a person’s post-working years.
As more people reach retirement age, the traditional picture of what retirement looks like is evolving; as people live longer, many older adults are looking for opportunities to maintain a healthy and well-rounded lifestyle. Moving to an active retirement community achieves those goals and then some.
What is an Active Retirement Community?
Active retirement communities, also known as independent living communities, are designed to offer older adults the freedom to pursue an active and social lifestyle without the responsibilities and maintenance of traditional homeownership.
Active Retirement Communities are not Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living communities are designed to support seniors who need additional help with activities of daily living or require memory care. Active retirement communities are designed for independent people who are looking to enhance their retirement years – most residents are typically healthy and physically active. Some residents even continue to work after moving to an active retirement community and are free to travel, drive, and maintain their own lifestyles.
Another benefit of joining an active retirement community is that it may be part of a larger umbrella of senior living services. For example, SALMON offers a continuum of care – seniors who reside in an active retirement community can seamlessly transition to an assisted living community if ever needed.
What to Expect when Moving to an Active Retirement Community
Active retirement communities are designed to make life easier and more enjoyable for older adults – the changes are more lifestyle-oriented.
Some common factors to consider when transitioning to an active retirement community include:
- Downsizing
Although active retirement communities offer spacious apartments and cottages, many new residents are moving from a larger home and have to adjust to living in a smaller space.
Become familiar with the new space and community before the move – reach out to a sales representative or staff member to tour the space and better understand the various amenities and features of the greater community. This will help determine what home items to keep, what to place in storage or donate, and more excitingly, anticipate new experiences!
- A Community
After moving to an active retirement community, you will be surrounded by others of a similar age and likely, by those with similar interests and values.
Many active retirement communities have resident-led interest groups, volunteer opportunities, on-site restaurants to dine with friends, exercise classes, and much more.
People who live in active retirement communities report feeling much younger than their actual age due to an enhanced social and physical lifestyle.
- New Opportunities
Active retirement communities aim to simplify and improve the lives of the residents through services and amenities.
Many communities, including SALMON’s active retirement communities, offer:
- Chef-prepared fare
- Maintenance services – never change another light bulb again!
- Housekeeping services
- On-site banking, convenience store, postal center, and library
- Fitness centers staffed with personal trainers
- Hair salon and spa
- Art studios
- Spacious community rooms and lounges
- Resident-led excursions, including trips to museums, theaters, restaurants, stores, and more
- Continuing education classes and lectures
Active retirement communities offer older adults the chance to simplify their lives and join a community of peers with similar interests and goals.
Contact us
To learn more about how to join one of our three, premier active retirement communities, click here.
