What Is an Active Adult Community?

Active adult communities are sometimes referred to as age-restricted retirement communities, independent living communities, or 55-plus housing, but they all offer community living, amenities, and some non-medical care. Living situations in active adult communities can range from apartments to condos, and single-family home subdivisions to mobile home parks.

Active senior living communities typically have:

• Senior-friendly amenities. Many communities offer extensive perks, such as resident clubhouses, activities and events, pools, tennis courts, spas, and recreation centers. These amenities are often outfitted to be senior-supportive. Pools may have lifts, zero-depth entry, or extra grab bars, while fitness center classes focus on low-impact exercises, like yoga and tai chi.
• An adults-only environment. The Fair Housing Act requires at least one member of each household in an age-restricted community to be older than 55. Also, 80% of total residents must meet that age threshold. Most of these communities allow younger spouses, but they usually don’t allow children.
• Accessibility. It can be difficult to age in place without significant home safety modifications. Units in senior living communities are sometimes outfitted with supportive features such as widened doorways for wheelchair accessibility, walk-in showers, single-floor living, and flat thresholds. For communities that don’t have these features, many allow residents to make these modifications on their own.

Who’s a good fit for an active adult community?

Active adult communities are best for people who are independent, can take care of themselves and their homes, enjoy senior-focused amenities, and don’t have young people living with them.

Generally, people with the following traits are a poor fit for active adult communities, and should consider assisted living or memory care:

• Need assistance with activities of daily living
• Need medication management
• Cannot complete household duties by themselves
• Have young people living with them
• Have Alzheimer’s or another memory-related illness

Retirement communities and independent living communities both cater to active seniors who wish to age in place in a private residence. The key differences between retirement communities and independent living communities are how their fees are structured and the lifestyles they support.

Let our care assessment guide you

Retirement communities

Many retirement communities are age-restricted gated subdivisions of homes that are individually owned and maintained by residents who are at least 55.

• Retirement communities generally require standard rent or mortgage payments, as well as monthly homeowner association (HOA) fees, to cover community upkeep like public landscaping and amenity use.
• Services such as yard maintenance and home repair can be performed by the resident or by the retirement community for an extra charge.
• Most retirement community homes have full kitchens, though there may be on-site cafés or restaurants for à la carte dining.

Independent living communities

Independent living communities usually offer maintenance-free apartments rather than single-family homes, and their fee structure tends to be all-inclusive.

• Rent at independent living communities is generally higher than mortgage or rent payments at retirement communities. However, the HOA, housekeeping, and maintenance fees are included.
• Since transportation to appointments and events is often provided by the community, independent living is a great option for active seniors who prefer not to drive.
• Some independent living communities may have partnerships with — or are located on the same grounds as — assisted living and memory care communities, allowing residents to more easily transition if they require higher levels of care down the road.

Active adult communities don’t typically provide non-medical or medical care on-site, though they may allow third-party home health services. If your loved one is interested in a retirement community or in independent living but needs extra care now or may need it soon, consider the following questions:

• Is in-home care an option? Seniors who already require assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living) but don’t yet want to move into assisted living may choose to combine retirement or independent living options with third-party home care or home health services.
• Are there medical providers nearby, and do they provide house calls? As people age, easily accessible health care is key. Seniors with preexisting conditions should always check the proximity of their potential community to nearby hospitals and medical centers, especially when specialists or specific doctors are needed. Independent living communities often partner with medical providers so that residents can receive regular checkups and other home health services.
• Should you look into a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)? CCRCs provide a continuum of health care levels. Active seniors can first move into an independent living community, and then transfer to on-site assisted living or memory care as needed. This is an option for seniors who aren’t interested in in-home care and think they may require additional support down the road. CCRCs often require significant payment upfront, so it’s best to consult a senior financial planner before deciding.

Talk with a Senior Living Advisor

Once mostly located in Southern or Southwestern states,  55+ communities and independent living communities are becoming increasingly popular across the country. Many seniors will live in active communities for decades, so it’s important to consider these questions and senior living facts when choosing an active adult community.

• Which amenities are most important?  If your loved one is an avid gardener, look for full-size yards that allow resident gardening. If they’re a golfer, search for a community with transportation or access to golfing hot spots.
• Are they happy with nearby health care providers? Since medical care isn’t typically offered by active adult living communities, make sure to check out the specialists, doctors, or home care services in the area.
• Where do they see themselves growing old? Retirement is a time for new adventures. Would they prefer to live in a beachfront community, in manicured suburbs, or in the heart of a bustling city?

If your loved one is interested in an active adult retirement community or independent living program, contact A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors to help find the best fit.