What is an Active Adult Community?

Senior communities are always evolving to address the needs of their residents. For those who value independence, but still want to enjoy resources provided by senior living, there’s a relatively new approach gaining popularity: the “Active Adult Community.”

Active adult communities balance freedom, simplicity, and opportunity for social connection to create a great option for self-sufficient seniors. They put less emphasis on persistent medical support, focusing instead on independent living and community engagement. This makes active adult communities an excellent next step for seniors who are self-sufficient in their daily lives, but may feel isolated or overwhelmed as homeowners.

But. what exactly makes active adult communities distinct from other forms of senior living? And, why are they becoming so popular with older adults?

Common characteristics of active adult communities

While every community is different, there are a few characteristics that set active adult communities apart from other senior facilities.

Independent Living

Residents are free to come and go as they please, interacting with their community however they see fit. They maintain their homes themselves, but don’t have to worry about taking care of an entire building like they might as homeowners. Active adult communities often feature small, simple living spaces that are easy to maintain. Many residents welcome the opportunity to downsize their lives and avoid the complications caused by having more space to care for.

Recreation and Activities

“Active adult communities are communities first and foremost, meaning that residents have plenty of opportunities to make social connections.”

The community becomes their new neighborhood, with classes, speakers, events, parties, and other gatherings arranged by both staff and residents. Residents can make new friends, take up new hobbies, and maintain an active lifestyle within their senior living community.

Less Healthcare Support

Often, active adult communities are not equipped for residents requiring daily medical assistance. They’re designed and staffed for seniors who can care for themselves and move without significant support. It doesn’t mean convenient medical care isn’t accessible. It means residents don’t have someone providing dedicated, ongoing assistance.

Benefits of active adult communities

Freedom and empowerment

Independent living means residents can continue living rich, unique lives.

With convenient access to activities and other events, many residents report feeling much more engaged and active than they did living on their own. Some take up new hobbies or dive into interests they’ve maintained through the years, but never got to fully explore. With many of the stressors of everyday life taken care of, residents are better equipped to enjoy themselves, friends, and free time. 

Downsized, simplified living

With smaller living spaces and common spaces maintained by the community and staff, residents trim a lot of extra tasks and demands from their daily routine. Imagine the free time you’d suddenly have if you didn’t have to worry about lawn or home maintenance.

This newfound time offers even greater freedom, enhancing the well-being of residents.

Access to higher levels of medical care

Some active adult communities are part of broader senior living facilities. Should residents require more intensive medical support, they don’t have to move to another facility. This makes the transition into advanced care less difficult.

Residents can enjoy their lives with complete peace of mind, secure in the knowledge they’ll have access to all the support they might need later in life.

Community

Feelings of isolation are common among older adults, particularly those who live alone. It can be difficult to form meaningful social connections at all stages of life, but especially for seniors without friends or family living nearby.

Active adult communities live up to their name, offering an abundance of social opportunities for residents. These connections can be invaluable, enriching the lives of patients and even making them healthier. Feeling a sense of belonging and friendship can make a profound impact at any age.

Want to learn more about active adult communities? Contact Three Pillars Senior Living Communities today!