A Guide to Senior Living Communities for Active Adults

Aging can be an isolating experience without peers who understand what you’re going through. As people grow older, loneliness and social isolation become bigger risk factors, since seniors are more likely to live alone or experience the loss of loved ones. Lack of transportation can also make it difficult to meet up with friends or family and participate in community activities that can reduce loneliness and boredom. 

According to the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging, about 34% of adults aged 50 to 80 report feeling lonely due to social isolation and lack of companionship. Social isolation can significantly increase physical health risks, including premature death, dementia and other mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. 

However, senior living communities can prevent these issues by helping older adults connect with peers and stay active. There are many misconceptions about these communities, such as they’re all institutional settings that lack warmth or comfort. In reality, they offer a lot of benefits, including social activities and premium amenities, to help seniors stay engaged and maintain their quality of life.

This guide explores how senior living communities can be beneficial for active adults and what activities and amenities they may provide. Additionally, you can explore the types of senior living communities and how to find one that aligns with your needs and budget.

Active senior living communities are designed for independent older adults who don’t require the personal care or medical services found at assisted living communities or nursing homes. These communities typically provide resort-style amenities, social activities and maintenance services, making them an ideal living option for seniors looking to downsize or live a worry-free lifestyle. Although some active senior living communities don’t have formal age restrictions, most residents are aged 55 or older and retired. 

Regular senior living communities typically provide assistance with personal care tasks, including dressing and bathing, along with wellness checks and meal plans. At active retirement communities, residents are still independent, don’t require daily living assistance and are more interested in socialization and recreational opportunities. Meals aren’t usually provided, although many communities may offer on-site cafes or general stores and transportation to local shops and restaurants. 

Older adults in active senior living communities are still fairly mobile and want access to amenities and activities that promote physical and social engagement. Because of this, these communities focus more on providing resort-like amenities encouraging movement and independence rather than medical care or supervision. Every community offers its own unique options, but there are a few common features you’ll likely find in most places. 

Common amenities found at active senior living communities include:

• Housing: Seniors have access to private residences with their own kitchens and bathrooms. Housekeeping may be available for a fee, but interior upkeep is primarily the residents’ responsibility.
• Security services: Many communities provide security features, such as a security guard or gate, to help residents feel safe. 
• Fitness center: Residents may have access to group exercise classes and fitness equipment for individual use to stay active. Some fitness centers also have swimming pools and offer aquatic exercises.
• Transportation: For residents who don’t drive, transportation may be provided for medical appointments, errands or social outings. 
• Outdoor maintenance: Many communities provide landscaping and other exterior maintenance services such as lawn care and snow removal.
• Parking area: Active senior living communities provide either a communal parking lot or assigned spaces for residents and visiting guests. 
• Communal spaces: To reduce loneliness, communal spaces, such as an activity room or clubhouse, are provided for residents to socialize with each other.

Common activities found at an active senior living community include:

• Coordinated games: These can include bingo, card games or arts and crafts to help seniors stay engaged and socialize with peers. Many senior living communities provide activity rooms or common areas where coordinated games are regularly held. 
• Outdoor activities: Active senior living communities usually have outdoor courtyards, walking paths or gardens for residents to use. Some may even provide tennis courts or golf courses.
• Clubs or social events: Special interest clubs, such as book or walking clubs, may be offered to help seniors feel less isolated. Many communities also host social events, including ice cream socials, happy hours or movie nights. 
• Social excursions: If an active senior living community provides transportation, it may routinely host social excursions to local restaurants or attractions so seniors who don’t drive can enjoy off-site activities.

There are several types of senior living communities available for active adults, depending on your needs and preferences. Each community offers different features and levels of care to accommodate seniors at various life stages. Here are three common senior living options for active adults. 

From the outside, senior apartments don’t look much different from regular apartments. These complexes include individual rental units for seniors meeting certain age requirements. Some communities are designed for adults aged 55 and over, while others may be restricted to those aged 62 or older. They’re ideal for active adults who don’t require regular skilled nursing services or personal care assistance but wish to live closer to individuals of similar ages. 

Senior apartment complexes don’t provide communal dining or meal plans, but they do have premium amenities and planned activities. Coordinated transportation is also provided for errands or social excursions. The goal is to make life easier for seniors and reduce isolation for those living alone. 

Although similar to senior apartments, retirement communities offer multiple housing options and can span several acres and buildings. Many retirement communities are restricted to adults aged 55 and older and are designed with senior-friendly features, including wheelchair ramps or security gates. Residents have access to recreational facilities with amenities, such as a swimming pool or tennis courts, and outdoor maintenance for a worry-free lifestyle.

Retirement communities also provide social activities and transportation. In general, these communities offer more amenities than senior apartments but in a neighborhood-style environment that’s less formal than independent living. 

Before you commit to moving, it’s important to schedule a tour with each community. You may feel differently about a place after visiting it in person, especially if it doesn’t align with your expectations. It’s good to have a checklist on hand of your wants and needs when conducting tours. If you don’t have a checklist, here’s one you can reference. 

Choosing an active senior living community shouldn’t be an impulsive decision. You want to ensure it aligns with your lifestyle needs since it’ll be your new home. Each community also has its own unique amenities and pricing. Some questions to ask when looking at senior living communities include:

• What housing options are available?
• What services and amenities are included in monthly fees? Are there special add-ons?
• Is there an entrance fee?
• Does the community provide scheduled activities or events for resident socialization?
• What are the fitness center amenities? 
• Is transportation provided for errands or social outings?
• What interior and exterior maintenance services are offered?
• Does the community allow pets?
• What security features does the community have?
• What is the average resident’s age?
• Where is the closest hospital or medical facility?

Active senior living communities typically cost the same as other comparable housing in the area. Since monthly costs don’t include medical or personal care services, prices will likely resemble local housing costs plus community fees for amenities. Pricing structures may vary based on the type of community. For example, some places may charge a yearly or monthly fee in addition to your rent or mortgage to cover maintenance and amenities, while others may incorporate the fee into your fixed monthly payment.

Navigating the financial aspects of active retirement communities can be complex, especially when trying to understand what types of assistance are available. Let’s explore potential financial aid options, including Medicare and Veterans Benefits. 

Medicare doesn’t typically cover active retirement communities because they don’t offer skilled nursing care. However, seniors with low to moderate incomes may be eligible for state or federal programs that offer financial assistance for subsidized senior housing. Some programs also help cover meals and amenities. 

Medicaid coverage will vary depending on your state of residence because it’s jointly funded by each state and the federal government. Housing costs at active retirement communities aren’t usually covered by Medicaid. That said, residents of retirement communities requiring certain services, such as case management, personal care or habilitation, who aren’t ready to transition to assisted living can apply for their state’s Home & Community-Based Services waiver for financial assistance. You can also check your state’s profile through the federal government’s Medicaid database for more program information. 

Veterans meeting certain age or disability and income requirements may be eligible for monthly payments through the Veterans Pension program, which can be used toward retirement community costs. Although VA health benefits don’t cover housing costs, these can be helpful for veterans wishing to live independently who require certain services, including personal care assistance, physical therapy or pain management. 

Most private insurance policies don’t cover retirement community housing costs. However, some policies may cover certain medical expenses such as doctor visits or medications. 

Whether long-term care insurance covers an active retirement community depends on your specific policy. Some may cover necessary services within a community, while others only cover nursing home or home health care. It’s crucial to consult your policy or speak with your insurance provider for detailed information.

Low-income seniors may be eligible for local rent assistance programs to help cover retirement community costs. The exact program and eligibility requirements will vary depending on the state and city. Homeowners aged 62 and older can also consider taking out a reverse mortgage. This type of loan allows you to borrow money based on the equity in your home. 

There are many factors to consider before moving to an active adult senior living community. The biggest one is ensuring the community aligns with your lifestyle. These communities are ideal for active adults who:

• Enjoy physical activity: Staying active becomes increasingly important as people age. At an active adult retirement community, you’ll have access to a fitness center and other recreational activities to stay on your feet. 
• Want more socialization opportunities: Moving to a senior living community can present new socialization opportunities, especially for adults living alone. Residents live in a community with others of similar ages, making it easier to make new friends. 
• Prefer staying busy: Retirement is a time to engage in hobbies and try new things. Retirement communities usually offer social events and activities that can help you stay busy and entertained.
• Don’t require medical care: Retirement communities don’t provide medical services or personal care assistance. If you’re in good health and interested in a community for the socialization aspect and low-maintenance lifestyle, it may be the right fit. 
• Wish to downsize their home: Maintaining a home can become more difficult as you grow older, especially if you live alone. At a retirement community, you can still live in a private residence but with the added benefit of maintenance services. 

It may take time and effort to find a retirement community aligning with your preferences and needs. You can search for communities in your area via zipcode through Caring.com’s retirement community database. The database listings also include community amenities and pricing to help you narrow down your options. 

Once you have a list of potential places, you can start scheduling tours. While many communities offer virtual tours on their website, visiting in person can give you a better sense of the community’s environment and how comfortable you feel being there. It’s okay if you have to tour several communities before you find the right match. You shouldn’t settle for a place that feels anything less than home.