What is An Active Adult Community & Who Can Live There?

After dedicating a substantial part of life to raising children, advancing careers and maintaining (and paying for) a house, it’s finally time to embrace an easier lifestyle – a lifestyle offering the freedom to pursue the things you love to do. Whether it’s traveling, exploring new hobbies or forging new friendships, this chapter of life can be full of opportunities!

If you have an empty nest and are considering downsizing or are simply seeking a change of pace and a break from home maintenance and the expense that comes with home ownership, an active adult living or 55+ community might be the perfect fit for an exciting new lifestyle.

Active Adult Living is growing in popularity as evidenced by the number of communities springing up all over the country. But what exactly is a 55+ community? Who is the typical resident, how does it differ from other age-restricted senior living communities, and what impact will they have on the future of aging and seniors housing? Let’s explore …

What is a 55+ or Active Adult Community?

Active Adult communities – also known as 55+ communities – are a fresh take on independent senior living, designed to appeal to the needs and preferences of younger, healthier baby boomers who are self-sufficient. Active adult communities create an environment that promotes a low-maintenance active lifestyle, cultivates social connections and recreation, while advancing over­all well-being.

Active Adult communities can range from privately owned homes in age-restricted neighborhoods to multifamily properties with rental options.

What Do 55 and Up Communities Offer?

These communities often offer smaller, easier-to-maintain living options with exterior maintenance, landscaping, and sometimes housekeeping services, included. They typically provide organized social activities to promote an active lifestyle, and encourage social connections through various clubs, classes, events and shared spaces so residents can interact and form friendships. Amenities may include:

• Multi-purpose Room(s) or Clubhouse
• Indoor Fitness Center
• Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Library
• Gardening Areas
• Media/Movie Room
• Walking Paths/Trails
• Arts & Crafts Studio

What They Don’t Offer

Unlike traditional senior living models, Active Adult communities do not provide on-site medical care or assisted living services, though home health care services by outside providers are okay. Most communities do not offer meals or dining plans.

All communities are different, so it’s important to contact the communities you are interested in to see exactly what they offer … and what they don’t.

Who Can Live in a 55+ Community?

As the name suggests, communities are limited to those 55 years and older, creating a community of peers with similar lifestyles and interests.  Most 55 and up communities allow a second person under the age of 55 to live in the unit if the other occupant meets the age guideline.

Can a Child Live in a 55+ Community?

Most 55+ communities do not allow children under 18 to live there permanently, but adult children (18 and older) may be allowed to live in the community if at least one parent is 55 or older. Some communities follow the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) 80/20 Rule, which allows for 20% of the units to be occupied by a person under 55 if 80% are occupied by a person aged 55 or older. Some exceptions, such as live-in caregivers or adult children with disabilities, may be allowed. Every community is different so it’s important to understand the rules and regulations of the communities you are considering.

While permanent residency for children is often restricted, 55 and up communities eagerly welcome short-term visits from grandchildren or other young family members.

Who is the Typical Resident?

A recent survey with research conducted by ProMatura Group for ASHA and took a deep dive into the active adult lifestyle and found that the typical active adult resident represents a younger demographic than is currently being served by traditional seniors housing prop­erties like independent living communities and others that offer onsite care services or access to them. The survey found:

Demographics

The average age of respondents was 76, appreciably younger than those living in conventional senior living communities where the average age is around 84. Nearly 25% of responders were under the age of 70. Slightly over six in 10 were younger than 79. The average age at the time of moving in was 72.

Three-quarters of our respondents were women. Slightly over a quarter of all respondents were married, 40% were widowed. Most (82%) had at least some college.

Residents are Social

71% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed with the statement “I am a people person” confirming that active adult residents seek the social opportunities, and daily engage­ment community life offers.

They Use Social Media

59% of respondents use social media at least once per week. Most use Facebook (85%), followed by Instagram (19%).

They’re Planners

70% agree or strongly agree that it is extremely important to have a plan in place for the future — 62% believe they do have a plan in place if their health changes. 18% report they are fairly confi­dent they won’t need care later in life.

Finances & Net Worth

Almost two-thirds (62%) of all respondents had annual earnings of between $25,000 and $74,999. A little over one quarter of respondents reported a net worth of be­tween $300,000 and $999,999, 10% had a net worth of $1 million or more, one-third fell into the $50,000 to $299,999 group and the remain­ing third had a net worth of $50,000 or less.

Health Status

When asked about their health, most respondents – over eight in 10 – said their health was either excellent, very good or good, while only 71% of those who had spouses viewed their spouse’s health as good. 36% reported using an assisted device, mostly canes and walkers.

Should their health status change, more respondents would move to a senior living community that offered more assistance than remain in their current community with home health services.

Floor Plan Preferences

The most frequently reported floor plans amongst our respondents were one-bedroom/one bathroom (37%) and two-bedrooms/two bathrooms (35%).

Rental Fees

Survey respondents came from 55 and up rental communities in 37 different states. While rental fees will vary by size of residence, location and the amenities and services offered, just under 50% of our respondents indicated they paid between $1,500 and $2,499 per month in fees for their community. 34% paid between $2,000 and $2,999 per month. 10% paid $3,000+ and only 5% paid less than $1,000 per month.

The Future of 55 and Up Communities

As today’s younger seniors continue to embrace a vibrant, active lifestyle, the demand for 55 and up communities is expected to continue its emergence as a dynamic prelude to traditional senior living lifestyles offering health care and services.

Find A Community

While 55 and older communities really do promote healthy aging and overall wellness, finding the option that’s best for you or a loved one is what counts. Do your research. Talk to friends. Ask your doctors for advice. And most importantly, visit communities in your desired area to discover a community that fits your needs, goals, and budget. A healthier, easier life awaits! Find a community near you.

Where You Live Matters

Where You Live Matters is powered by the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), a respected voice in the senior housing industry. ASHA primarily focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy, research, and educational opportunities and networking for senior living executives, so they can better understand the needs of older adults across the country.