| WHAT IS RETIREMENT LIVING? |
Retirement communities are usually oriented toward an active lifestyle, although "active" is not a criteria. However, enriching the lives of residents with choices and opportunities to engage in daily activities may be a critical feature of a retirement community. Most communities have a minimum age restriction of 55 for at least one resident in a married couple. Others have an age minimum of 60 or 62 years old. If age is a concern, one should be certain of any existing restrictions before purchasing or renting in a facility. Retirement communities offer a variety of different purchasing options; ranging from traditional fee-simple ownership to regular month-to-month rental, with many options in-between. Researching all the available options in any area will help one decide which option is best. Many communities offer golf, tennis, swimming pools, hiking and biking trails, exercise rooms, and a variety of clubs and interest groups. Each community has its own style, services, and costs, which can vary widely in staff and services. Therefore, important criteria to consider before deciding on any retirement community is geographic location, family proximity, one's physical condition, health services offered, costs, purchase or rental plans, restrictions, and the choice of lifestyle offered. |
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