Can Active Adult Retirement Communities Truly Make You Happy?

John wanted to have a happy, fulfilling retirement.

But what would he need to make this dream a reality?

Financial security would help. At least, according to all the financial advisors. Luckily, John had not only worked for 40 years but also invested in his company’s 401K from the start. Financial security alone wouldn’t make for a happy retirement—but it would certainly help.  Thankfully, he had that covered.

But wait!

There’s more.

What Else Makes for a Happy Retirement?

John also knew a happy retirement could only happen if he was in good health. After all, healthy people are usually happy people. In order to be healthy, one needs to be active.

John had a friend who was happy living in an active adult living 55+ community. He was active in his walking club and made good use of the clubhouse gym. Additionally, his friend had really gotten into a game called pickleball and played for one and a half hours two or three times a week.

John’s friend also said there was a hospital and plenty of medical office buildings nearby.

John considered these as some of the things that could lead to a happy retirement.

But you’ve got to have friends…

New to retirement life, John was already having social withdrawals. He missed his friends from work. The people in his subdivision weren’t exactly age-appropriate, either too young or too old. Where could John make new friends at his age?

John’s friend also mentioned all the new friends he made in his active adult community. All the activities introduce this friend to others who shared his interest. They shared meals, stories, laughter, and even vacations! John made a mental note of this.

Perhaps this is the way he can make new friends and be more active.

Location, location, location

John has a 4-bedroom, three-level home. Unfortunately for John and his wife, this made it very difficult when she had a medical procedure last year. It was impossible to carry her to their bedroom upstairs. She spent a whole week sleeping in the living room, with only a half bath on the main level. Obviously, his home was no longer ideal for their needs.

Worse still, home repairs were also getting expensive. Mature trees shed old, dead limbs at an alarming rate. Not to speak of the high property taxes! Traffic was a nightmare, and the road warriors wouldn’t hesitate to run somebody over.

John had visited his friend in his active adult retirement community on the outskirts of the metro area.  It was close enough to restaurants and shopping outlets, but the traffic had not gotten bad yet. Nearby were community theaters, putt-putt golf, movie theaters, and really anything else you can imagine.

The residents really had a good social lifestyle and seemed to enjoy the people, even more than they did the amenities. John’s friend had just turned 70 years old and no longer had to pay school taxes, which saved him a lot of money.

The homes were ranch-style and came in different model sizes, ranging from 1450 square feet to over 3,000 square feet. Some had basements; others had lofts. John’s friend had a Cumberland Hall model, with 2,777 square feet, including a nice sunroom.

John considered how a one-level ranch house with no steps, energy-efficient appliances, and livable floor plans with a universal design would accommodate his needs.

He liked what he saw.

Purpose after retirement

Ever since he quit working, John had been missing waking up with purpose and passion. However, with so many things to do in an active adult community, John might not have to miss that feeling for long.

John also considered his age. He was entering his 70s. The average life expectancy of an American man was 77. Understandably, John was concerned about how his death would affect his wife. He heard good things about the support system in his friend’s active adult community.

Yes, John wanted a happy retirement.

He finally decided that moving to an active adult community could make that dream come true.

Stay tuned for future articles bout John…and how he approached finding a home in an active adult community.