Still thriving at these retirement communities
Activities and amenities help residents stay social
If your impression of retirement is sitting around all day with little to do, you might be surprised at what retirement is looking like for the latest generation of seniors who are flocking to the many active lifestyle communities popping up in southern Ontario.
The average baby boomer is now either retired or about to retire — and they aren’t slowing down. In fact, this new stage of their life affords them the time and opportunity to finally enjoy their pastimes and passions. They’re moving into communities of like-minded individuals who share their interests and want to live full, active lives.
Bridget and Rick McBrien are residents at Stonecroft, a community in New Hamburg, west of KitchenerWaterloo.
“Today I played badminton in the morning, bridge in the afternoon and I’ll be playing pickleball tonight,” says Bridget. “There are so many things to do every day: cards, tennis, golf, yoga, choir, book clubs. We’re never bored.” She says her neighbours are mainly empty nesters looking for a life that’s active and social. It’s a comfort, she says, to know that “if something happens to your spouse, you’ll have the support of your friends in the community.”
After Dianne Low lost her husband, she made the move to Baldwin Place in Tillsonburg, a community she had looked at with her husband before he got sick. “I decided I wanted to spend my days with people around me,” she says. “At Baldwin Place, you feel protected by your friends. My kids and grandkids live nearby, but I know that my neighbours are looking out for me, too.” She keeps busy with various pastimes, from bocce ball and line dancing to cards and darts. “You can do as much or as little as you want.”
Every community offers activities that cater to its residents. “The list is endless when it comes to lifestyle amenities,” says Angela Greenway, vice-president of real-estate marketing for adultlifestylecommunities.ca. “Whether you enjoy golf, boating, fitness, reading, playing cards, crafts, theatre, gardening or watching movies, there’s a community for everyone.”
While there are a wide variety of home styles and ownership options, lifestyle is the main attraction. “At this stage in our lives, we can have it all — a beautifully designed, easy to maintain home and a lifestyle that makes everyday living more enjoyable. When Arlene and Ken Murray decided to downsize, they wanted to establish themselves “in an area with a genuine sense of community, as opposed to purchasing a smaller home in a standard subdivision,” says Arlene. They chose Hunters Pointe in Welland. They are living in their retirement “dream home” in the Niagara region, an area in which they had roots.
Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities’ sales director Brad Dykeman ex- plains that adult lifestyle communities are focused on creating strong social connections through clubs, events, activities and a population of like-minded people. “We build the amenities and provide the foundation, but as our customers are becoming younger, more tech savvy and more diverse in their interests, we let the homeowners take the lead.”
As they were approaching retirement, Julie Brown and Jim Wendland were looking to move to a community that helped them stay active. They chose Inverlyn Lake Estates in Kincardine. “The fitness centre, pool, 23-acre lake and trailed woodlot provides us with the opportunity to run, swim, cross-country ski and workout, all within a few minutes of our home,” says Brown. “The clubhouse also has a games room, cards, a library and media room. It’s a community that really supports an active lifestyle.”
Looking for more information? View maps, home options and designs, amenities and more at adultlifestylecommunities.ca.