Retirement for our grandparents and parents usually mean the end of the road for them. They had worked hard and it seemed all they really wanted was to enjoy their families or some of the activities or hobbies that they never really had enough time for since they were working.
But the Baby Boomer generation is different. Because of improvement in medicine, in working conditions, and improved lifestyles, Baby Boomers are living healthily twenty, thirty, or forth-plus years beyond their retirement ages. And we want to do more with this time. That’s where Active Adult Communities come into play.
The Baby Boomer generation is huge – almost 70 million strong – with thousands of this group retiring every day. Many are shedding their large family homes and moving to areas of the country with better weather and with taxes that are more favorable retirees. They are also looking for places to have fun, be entertained, eat well, socialize, and learn and grow. Communities that offer these options are in high demand and are growing around the country. Let’s look at those options and what they entail.
Having fun. The biggest factor in having fun is the weather. That’s why places with good weather – meaning more warm and sunny days and less cold, snow, wind and rain – are in demand. Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California have always been in demand because of their favorable weather. But retirees are finding more active communities in moderate locations like the Carolinas, Tennessee, and states in the South and Southwest. Communities by Del Webb and even Jimmy Buffet.
Fun means outdoor pools, where seniors can socialize, soak up the sun, swim, and relax. It also means Pickleball Courts, Tennis Courts, Bocci Ball Courts, walking trails, and parks. It can also mean Fitness Centers where members of the community can participate in different exercise classes, or work-out on their own. And we do work out. Baby Boomers are very active and fit.
Sun also means socialization. Getting together around the pool, playing sports, joining exercise classes, having pot-luck dinners, playing games, dancing, or just visiting your neighbors in their home. Boomers enjoy being around people and socializing.
Pets are important parts of Boomer’s lives, so having access to Parks or Dog Parks and walking trails is important. Boomers are the third largest group of pet owners and they want their pets included in their lives and activities.
Boomer communities or cities also need to have great restaurant options. Most Boomers have been preparing meals all their lives, and now they want someone else to do the cooking. This means eating out regularly and they want to eat well and have options. Options that include not only great food but a pleasant or enjoyable ambiance.
Boomers are for the most part, still curious and anxious to learn. They want access to libraries, bookstores – brick and mortar or online – and colleges and universities. They want to stay active mentally and will seek-out people and places to help them continue to learn and grow.
And one other need of this generation is the need to do less maintenance. This includes grass cutting, leaf blowing, hedge trimming, house painting, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, home repairs and maintenance, and other house and yard care. We have done this all our lives and now we want to spend our time having fun, socializing, and learning and growing.
Not all of the 70 million Baby Boomers are selling their family homes and moving to Florida. Many have already down-sized and are living comfortably and happily close to family and friends. But for those of us who are looking for a place with like-minded people, similar in age, who want to socialize and have fun, an active adult community could be the answer.
