COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 11A
These are not your grandmother’s retirement homes
Age-restricted, 55-plus communities cater to
what the name implies — people who are age 55
and older. However, these home developments
are a far cry from what they used to be. Now
they rival some of the best resorts in their fea-
tures and are designed entirely around the needs
of a group of active, amenity driven people. Plus,
considering there now are more Americans age
65 and older than in any other point in history,
according to the U.S. Census Bureau, developers
understand the benefi ts of catering to this group
of people. Therefore, there are more high-end
active-living communities now than ever before.
There are many choices with regard to active
adult retirement communities. Many of these
developments boast everything from detached,
single-family homes to villas to condominiums.
These residences are built with the active adult
in mind. Here are some of the benefi ts that these
communities boast.
“Family isn’t always blood, it’s the people in your life
who want you in theirs: the ones who accept you for
who you are, the ones who would do anything to see
you smile and who love you no matter what.” Maya
Angelou
Grove Medical Equipment
Community companionship
Due to the age-restricted nature of active-adult-home-develop-
ments, the residents are all in a similar age range, and may have
similar interests. At a time in life when friendships from work
may waver due to retirement, and older children may be busy
with their own lives, these communities can help foster new
friendships. Whether through community-sponsored activities
or just through home proximity, residents can enjoy one anoth-
er’s company and never worry about feeling lonely into their
retirement years.
Low- or no-maintenance living
One of the biggest attractions to active-adult living is that these
homes are built to provide worry-free living. Included in the
home ownership fees are provisions to take care of much of the
interior and exterior maintenance. That means should a pipe
leak or the lawn needs mowing, maintenance staff rather than
the homeowner will handle the problem. This peace of mind
enables residents to pursue interests rather than worry about the
upkeep on their homes. Many times the community is expertly
manicured, helping to create an aesthetically pleasing environ-
ment.
“B UILDING A H EALTHY C OMMUNITY ”
• OXYGEN • SLEEP THERAPY
• WHEEL CHAIRS
• HOSPITAL BEDS
• WALK AIDS
• SPECIALTY FITTINGS
• SALES AND RENTALS
• INSURANCE BILLING
Owner, Michele Savage
148 Gateway Blvd
541-225-5443
grovemedical@outlook.com
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(Bi Mart Plaza)
Cottage Grove, OR 97424
2730 Bailey Lane, Eugene, OR 97401
541-246-9087 • farmingtonsquare-eugene.com
Activity-based fun
Many communities build activities into the living plan. There-
fore, there may be a workout room, the game center, exercise
classes, movie nights, and many other attractions to keep
residents busy. Active-adult communities may be similar to
all-inclusive vacations and cruises in that they have their own
activities coordinator on staff. Should residents prefer solo
activities, the property on which these homes are built are often
created with recreation in mind. There can be walking paths
or areas for cycling. Pools and spas are often part of the living
package as well.
Security
Individuals who are no longer bogged down with work require-
ments may be more likely to take vacations or go visiting. In a
traditional home, there may be worries about leaving the home
unattended for a period of time. However, in 55-plus resi-
dences, homes may be in gated communities or have security
patrols. Also, the sheer number of homes in a townhouse-style
building can camoufl age homes that are currently vacant, eas-
ing the minds of those who are planning on going away.
Concierge services
Some of the more exclusive communities may have staff who
can help with everything from booking vacations to helping
with moving details. There also are developments that offer
transitional homes, and someone may be available to help with
the transition from an active-style home to one that has nursing
staff or assisted living offerings at that time in life when it is
needed.
Active-living communities offer many of the features that
recently retired people seek in homes that do not compromise
on amenities. Individuals who are looking for comfortable,
maintenance-free homes often seek out these developments for
the convenience and services they offer.