Definition of Retirement Communities

Retirement Communities go by many different names. Here are the most often mentioned:

Definition of Retirement Communities: Over-55 communities

Should quite visibly state and use signage stating they are for over-55 only. These communities will have a large portion of younger seniors. In fact, the communities cater to younger seniors through a wide variety of activities especially physically with pools, golfcourses, tennis courts, etc. These communities are dependent on these seniors to form the huge variety of clubs, activities, and leadership. Ask to be certain it is an over 55 community. They should be certified.

Age-Qualified Community - this is the same as over-55 just a different term.

Definition of Retirement Communities: Active Adult Community

Usually does mean it is an age-qualified, over-55 community, but check to be sure. More appropriate term than calling them retirement communities. Today's retirement communities are not really just for retired persons. Many residents at these communities still work part or full-time and stay active. That's why it seems better to refer to them as active adult communities even though for older adults. These communities focus on amenities for seniors.

Definition of Retirement Communities: Catering to Seniors Community

Probably not certified as over-55 but check to see the percentage of residents over 55 because the activities and amenities at these communities are geared to seniors. If the community is in a rural location with few job opportunities, it probably caters to seniors since job opportunities are not usually the highest priority of seniors.

Private Community or Master Planned Community:

These communities may have a high percent of seniors living there and often infer they are senior communities but usually are not over-55 which adds to the confusion of the definition of retirement communities.

It can be quite annoying when you are searching for over-55 communities specifically and repeatedly receive names of private communities in your search. There are many more of these types of communities than strictly over-55. You can ask for the percentage of seniors at these communities. It can be quite high especially if the community is located in a rural area with little access to employment. The amenities, if offered, are similar to over-55 communities such as being gated and offering beautiful environments and variety of activities. These communities tend to be large, and, therefore, cannot survive if restricted just to seniors for occupancy.

Though similar to over-55 retirement communities, there may be significant differences in the way seniors are accommodated as one may offer more features to make senior living more enjoyable as aging takes place. Check and compare.

Definition of Retirement Communities: Gated Community: These communities may have a high percentage of seniors since seniors put a high priority on the "security" of their surroundings. No place is totally secure but it is a desirable amenity for seniors. Gated can mean anything from an electronic gate to manned gate and manned gate with patrols. It does not infer to over-55 or active adult although it can be. Most over-55 communities are gated but not all. As stated previously, if it is an over-55 community it should be clearly stated somewhere.

Definition of Retirement Communities: Golf Community - As name implies, focused on golf. Usually everything is golf-cart accessible and not just the golfcourse but check with community. These communities may have a large percentage of seniors and may cater to them as seniors have more time for golf and the money to pursue this recreation. May or may not be for over-55. Ask.

Manufactured Home Community - Seniors look for affordability and most of these communities are more affordable and designed for seniors. These communities can be over-55 certified communities for active adults or not. Ask but generally if for over 55, the information needs to be posted.

Mobile Park or RV Community - Seniors pursue travel and many enjoy RV'ing and need a place to store their RV's. These communities can be over-55 or not but usually cater to seniors and snowbirds. They are also more affordable.

Definition of Retirement Communities: College-linked retirement communities: These communities are becoming more well-known and in demand. May or may not have the age requirement. Can also include assisted living and continuing care.

These communities can be located on or off campus but have a definite connection to a college or university. Persons who reside there especially enjoy lifelong learning and there may or may not be a requirement to have graduated from the school. Many combine continuing care and financial arrangements can be quite different so check thoroughly.

Definition of Retirement Communities: Independent Community - This usually refers to an older senior community where the seniors are more active but are beginning to need a little assistance or wish to have it available if it is ever necessary. Often there is assisted living available as well but not necessarily. Usually over age 60 residents.

Definition of Retirement Communities: Assisted Living Community - Usually getting the older seniors here above age 62 and sometimes is a requirement. Many of these communities combine Independent and Assisted, the Independent being for the borderline Assisted-Living seniors. Ages are usually from 60 to over 90 or any senior needing light assistance. Assisted living helps with such things as available meals, dressing, bathing, walking.

Memory assisted communities are becoming more popular and necessary as our population continues to age. Alzheimer's affects more people as they get older.

Definition of Retirement Communities: Continuing Care Community - This type of community has health amenities, active and assisted living available. May require a contract and deposit be made of substantial size. Be cautious and check the financial condition if a large deposit is required.

These communities require you be in good health when you apply since they guarantee life time health care. (verify) Ask to find out exactly what is covered and carefully read all paperwork and especially as regards financial matters as this can be very different from the other types of communities. The main advantage is that you usually do not have to move around if your health care needs change.

Low Income Housing

You need to meet age and financial requirements. These are usually apartment-styled but can be villas or even homes.

Many combinations of the above. - To give more flexibility as persons age, many communities can combine the above. You need to decide what type of community may meet your individual needs by exploring further and asking questions.

There are many types of financial plans and usually differ according to the type of community.

Most active adult communities are usually highly populated with the youngest seniors. Independent, assisted living and continuing care communities are usually for the older seniors, although many are mixed allowing seniors to go from an active adult status to an assisted living or continuing care status. Age is not always an indication of the health status of a person. It depends on what you are looking for, your health status and other factors as to which you will choose. Please consult with your professional advisers.

Retirement communities are great for seniors and depending on your age and health conditions, you may choose one over the other or you may be choosing for an elderly parent.

Seniors are living longer, enjoying more active lives; however, in the current economy many choose to work longer through necessity or desire. It is easier to remain working when living in a low maintenance condo, for instance.

The Basics:

Over 55 communities do allow pets but usually have a size requirement and need to be leashed.

Over 55 communities do usually allow guest stays but usually limit these stays and the most common limit is 3 months. Please check with the individual community as the rules vary.

Over 55 communities must visibly state that they are certified.

Over 55 communities are not all gated or have security measures. Please ask.

Over 55 communities features vary. Get the specifics.

Retirement communities and active adult communities financial arrangements vary greatly. Some are apartments. Some you can purchase. Some require a large deposit and some don't. Some include meals and some don't. Most have monthly fees. You need to check with the community.

Styles vary from single family homes to condominiums to town homes to co-ops and more. They can be mixed. They can also be manufactured homes communities or mobile homes on deeded or not deeded lots.

Please do your own checking and verifying of information given above. It is not intended to advise you but for informational purposes only.

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