Making the move to an active adult community is a big decision. Will you make friends? Does the community feature amenities and activities that can keep you moving, engaged and inspired? When you’re weighing your options, you need to do your homework, visit the communities in person, and take the time to consider which one best suits your vibrant lifestyle.
What Are Active Adult Communities?
Active adult communities are independent living communities for older adults. These communities offer a variety of low-maintenance or maintenance-free housing such as cottages, free-standing homes and apartments.
In addition, they provide a range of amenities and activities designed to foster social engagement and personal wellness.
5 Benefits of Active Independent Living
1. Maintenance-free living. Do you dread the thought of another cycle of raking leaves, shoveling snow and exterior painting? When you move to an active community, you’ll put all these tiresome chores behind you. Your monthly fee typically covers exterior chores like snow removal, landscaping and trash collection, as well as housekeeping and linen services. There’s no more worrying about finding a reliable person to fix a leaky dishwasher. Dedicated teams are available to take care of all the maintenance so you have more time for new adventures.
2. Social connections. Staying socially active as you get older is essential. Social isolation has been linked to anxiety, depression and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. One of the biggest benefits of active adult communities is being surrounded by like-minded people. Your neighbors will become your close friends in no time! You might catch a movie together, debate the latest bestseller at a book club or meet for dinner, all without leaving the community.
3. Convenient amenities. If you’re an active person, you’re likely looking for top-notch facilities to match your lifestyle. Independent living communities make it easy to keep fit with on-site amenities such as nature trails, swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness centers. You could also find your inner Zen at a yoga class or challenge a friend to a game of billiards. Another bonus is not having to cook every meal. Most communities have multiple dining options, with a choice of delicious, nutritious meals prepared by expert chefs.
4. Engaging activities. Whatever your passions, there’s no shortage of events and programs to keep your mind active. From card-playing and game groups to lecture series and seminars, you’ll find plenty to pique your interest. Depending on your hobbies, you might want to choose a community with its own art studio or woodshop, or perhaps you’d love to attend a professional theater performance just steps from your home. Best of all, there’s no pressure to join any activities. Do what you like, when you like.
5. Peace of mind for the future. A life plan community offers a full continuum of care for your future needs. If you ever need assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing, you’ll find it all on your home campus. You won’t have to move away from the community you’ve grown to love so you can continue to benefit from a wide range of amenities and social activities.
Our Active Adult Communities
Are you ready to make the most of your active retirement? We would love to share with you what makes each of our four independent living communities unique:
Fellowship Village, our upscale community in Basking Ridge
Friends Village, our vibrant community in Woodstown
Pines Village, our active community in Whiting
The House of the Good Shepherd, our joyful community in Hackettstown