Where growing older doesn’t mean slowing down

THE boomer retirement wave has prompted retirement villages to place greater emphasis on healthy living.

The trend in 55-plus communities is away from the golf courses, formal clubhouses and cookie-cutter homes, says housing expert Gregg Logan.

Now seniors are being accommodated with fitness facilities, walking trails and casual spaces for gatherings, dining and classes, plus a variety of housing – attached villas, flats and single-family models.

These new homes typically offer open-floor plans, gourmet kitchens, ground-floor master suites and smaller secondary bedrooms big enough for visiting kids. Buyers of these dwellings are spending on average about the same amount or 20% less than the value of their former homes.

About 80% of baby boomers are retiring where they currently live to be near children and grandchildren.

The small percentage who opt to move to local retirement communities are seeking opportunities to exercise, learn and socialise.

“People buy community first. They want access to amenities and educational programmes, and to pursue activities they’ve always wanted to try, like photography, gardening or cooking.”

Essential to senior-centred developments are “clubhouses with exercise and socialising components, walking trails and agricultural amenities that promote health and wellness opportunities,” says William Gerald, vice-president of acquisition at a US development.

“Over the past 10 years, food and cooking has become a much greater social component of retirement communities,” Gerald says.

“Access to nature is important to these communities,” Logan says.

“Trails for walking, jogging and biking are at the top of the amenity list,” he adds.

One clubhouse includes a golf simulation room, yoga studio, pools, game rooms, event venues, demonstration kitchen and exercise spaces for Tai Chi and Pilates.

At classes held in the clubhouse, residents have the opportunity to learn from medical experts about nutrition and health topics.

A community website provides guidance on stopping smoking, increasing exercise and improving food choices, among other challenges.

It would seem that the industry has hit the refresh button and is breaking the stereotypes of the retirement community.

The senior industry is changing to accommodate baby boomers’ demands for healthy living, continuous intellectual growth, cultural diversity and longevity.

For boomers, wellness is a must. – The Washington Post