Many seniors wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible. However, as our needs evolve, we may need to reconsider our living situation after retirement. As you look into options for yourself or someone you love, it often helps to understand what’s out there.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at active senior living, the benefits it can offer, and how to choose the option that fits your unique needs or those of a loved one.
What Is Active Senior Living?
Active senior living is a term for a variety of senior living options, including active adult communities, 55 plus communities, independent living, and more. They’re designed for older adults who want to enjoy retirement with like-minded neighbors in a welcoming, supportive environment without the added responsibility of home upkeep. These communities are sometimes also referred to as 55 plus neighborhoods, and they’re often a great option for older adults who are still able to manage their daily routines on their own.
Most senior living communities for active adults offer convenient access to a wide range of modern amenities and plenty of life-enriching activities and programs to support residents’ well-being and make life more enjoyable.
You’ll also find several layouts and floor plans to choose from. Some communities offer single-family homes, condos, or townhomes that you can buy, while others offer rental options, which are great for those who don’t want the hassle of owning and maintaining a home.
But, it’s worth noting that because residents in active adult communities are typically independent older adults, this option may not be the best fit for those who may need more day-to-day support or advanced medical care.
The Benefits of an Active Senior Living Lifestyle
Many studies show that staying active may help support healthy aging. While every community is different, most offer a wide range of wellness and lifestyle benefits that are especially meaningful as we age.
Here are some of the most common advantages you or your loved one can expect:
- Safety and Security: It’s natural to worry about safety when exploring living options for yourself or someone you love. Active adult communities often include features like secured entry points, thorough employee background checks and training, and other safety measures to help keep residents safe.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Living in an active adult community can help promote a healthy lifestyle. Most communities offer convenient access to amenities like fitness centers, golf courses, pickleball courts, and more to help residents stay physically active.
- Social Engagement: Staying socially connected can have many important benefits at any age. Active senior living can open up fresh opportunities to make meaningful friendships with other like-minded residents.
- Mental and Emotional Engagement: Many experts suggest that keeping the mind active is as important as physical exercise. Active senior living can offer plenty of enjoyable ways to keep your mind sharp. These include opportunities for continued learning, like art classes, tech workshops, mentorship programs, volunteer opportunities, and more.
- Maintenance-Free Living: Home maintenance tasks can become burdensome as we age. In an active adult community, homeownership chores like mowing the lawn, fixing leaky faucets, or handling home repairs are usually taken care of, giving you more time and freedom to focus on what matters most to you.
Amenities That Define Active Living at StoryPoint Group
At StoryPoint Group communities, our active adult communities are thoughtfully designed to help residents rediscover their passions, build meaningful friendships, and focus on what truly brings them joy.
Here are just some of the amenities that help make StoryPoint Group communities a great place to live life for many seniors:
- Fitness centers
- Walking trails
- Group excursions
- Travel clubs
- Learning classes
- Wellness programs
- Nutritious culinary options
- Life enrichment activities
- Hobby and interest-based clubs
- Social events and gatherings
- And more
Types of Active Senior Living Communities
If active senior living sounds like a good fit for you or someone you love, there are many services to choose from, depending on your specific needs and circumstances.
Here’s a closer look at the common types you may come across:
Active Adult at StoryPoint Group
At StoryPoint Group active adult communities, every element is thoughtfully designed to help residents make the most of each day, their way. Our goal is to help you enjoy the retirement you’ve always dreamed of, with the peace of mind that support is nearby if ever needed. You’ll find a fun-filled activity calendar, a variety of accommodation options, caring employees who handle household chores and maintenance, chef-prepared meals, transportation services, and more.
55 Plus and 62 Plus Communities
55 plus and 62 plus communities typically require at least one resident to meet the minimum age requirement (usually 55 or 62). Residents often live in private homes or condos with convenient access to modern amenities, including clubhouses, swimming pools, and walking trails. Most communities offer group activities like fitness classes, social clubs, educational programs, and outings.
Independent Living Communities
Independent living communities are designed for seniors who want to enjoy life on their own terms without the hassles of daily chores and homeownership. Most of these communities are conveniently located near services and amenities like beauty salons, fitness centers, and transportation options to make life more comfortable and enjoyable. You’ll also find a variety of accommodation styles and floor plans to suit different preferences and lifestyle needs.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
Also sometimes known as life plan communities, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) typically offer a full range of support services, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing — all within one community. A CCRC can be an excellent fit for individuals who wish to remain in the same community, even if their health needs evolve in the future. However, it’s important to understand that they can be more expensive than many other options.
Enhanced Living at StoryPoint Group
This living arrangement bridges the gap between independent living and assisted living. With enhanced living, a living option unique to StoryPoint Group communities, residents enjoy the comfort and residential setting of independent living, along with access to personalized support services, like medication reminders, mobility assistance, or help with activities of daily living (ADLs), if needed.
Assisted Living
Assisted living communities are ideal for individuals who need a little more help with their daily routines. In these communities, residents usually live in private or semi-private apartments with access to shared areas and 24/7 caregiver support. In addition to receiving assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), residents also enjoy healthy and delicious meals and snacks, fun-filled activities and events, and plenty of opportunities to make new friends.
Understanding the Cost of Active Senior Living
Cost is often a key deciding factor when considering active senior living. While prices vary quite a bit depending on where you live and what kind of community you choose, most active senior living communities charge a monthly fee. Depending on the community’s location, the size of the home, and the amenities offered, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $4,500 per month.
Some continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) may require an upfront entry fee, which usually ranges from $20,000 to over $100,000, depending on the specific community and type of accommodation offered. These fees often help secure your place in the community and may include future access to additional support services should your needs change.
In many active senior living communities, your monthly fee covers:
- A private home, condo, or apartment
- Utilities (like electricity, water, and trash pickup)
- Interior and exterior maintenance
- Housekeeping or laundry services (in most cases)
- Fitness centers, walking trails, and wellness programs
- Social events, interest groups, and life enrichment activities
- Security and emergency response systems
How to Evaluate and Tour Active Senior Living Communities
Once you’ve decided that active senior living could be a great fit, the next step is finding the right active adult community for your specific needs. This can feel like a big decision, and it’s normal to feel unsure about how to get started.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Assess Your Needs and Budget
Before starting your search, it’s often a good idea to think about what matters most to you. Do you prefer a quiet, relaxed atmosphere or a vibrant community with lots of activities and events to enjoy? Do you have any health needs or mobility concerns to consider? What kind of home feels right — a condo, an apartment, or a single-family unit?
Some active adult communities charge an all-inclusive cost, while others may charge extra for certain services or amenities. Take a good look at your budget and prioritize communities that offer the features you’re looking for within your financial comfort zone.
Step 2: Research and Shortlist Options
Now that you know what’s required, research and compare options in your area. Websites and online reviews are good places to start. You may also ask friends or family about some good options. Pay attention to what each community offers and shortlist a few communities that check the right boxes.
Step 3: Schedule Community Tours
Often, the best way to get a feel for a community is by experiencing it firsthand. During your visit, explore the living spaces, check out the common areas, and, if possible, try the food. Talk to employees and residents, and ask any questions you may have to better understand what living there is like.
Here are a few helpful questions you might ask during your tour:
- What types of accommodations or floor plans are available?
- What activities or programs are offered each week?
- Are meals included, and can dietary needs be accommodated?
- What safety features are in place throughout the community?
- How is maintenance handled, and how quickly are issues resolved?
- What’s the average age of current residents?
- Are there additional fees for wellness programs, transportation, or excursions?
Step 4: Review Contracts Carefully
Once you’ve found a community you love, you’ll likely be asked to review and sign a contract. Before committing, it’s important to read through the paperwork carefully and ensure you understand all the details, including what’s included in your monthly cost, what happens if your needs change, and whether there are any additional fees or long-term commitments.
If you’re unsure about any part of the agreement, it’s a good idea to ask a trusted family member or legal professional to review the details.
How to Know if Active Senior Living Is Right for You
While active senior living offers many benefits that can enhance the quality of life for residents, there are some important factors to keep in mind.
Here are a few key areas to think about as you explore your options:
- Lifestyle and Social Connections: Take a moment to think about your day-to-day life. If you enjoy meeting new friends, joining in on group activities, or simply being around people who share your interests, active senior living could be a great fit.
- Your Health and Independence: While some communities may partner with outside providers to offer health care services when needed, active senior communities are typically best suited for older adults who can still manage their daily routine without much help. Therefore, it’s important to understand exactly what support services your community offers, especially if you have ongoing medical needs or may require more frequent support in the future.
- Home Maintenance: Think about how much time and energy you spend on yard work, home repairs, or daily chores. If these tasks are starting to feel like a burden, active senior living might be a good fit. In these communities, those responsibilities are typically taken care of for you, freeing up more time for hobbies, travel, family, or simply relaxing.
Let StoryPoint Group Be Your Guide
At StoryPoint Group communities, our residents’ needs are at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a wide range of life-enriching activities and programs, build new friendships, or simply find a welcoming place to call home, we’re here to help you make the most of each day, your way.
To learn more about what it’s like to live with us or just to say hello, contact us or call us at 1-844-275-9990.
