A rotary phone. Calling 411 for a phone number – on said rotary phone. Drinking water out of the backyard hose. Standing up in the backseat of a speeding car. Riding a bike with no helmet. Riding a motorcycle with no helmet. Always having a Pez dispenser handy.

If any part of that lifestyle rings a bell, chances are you were born in the late 40s-early 50s. You grew up in the 60s, partied in the 70s, raised kids in the 80s and 90s and are now a full-fledged, 21st century senior/retiree/grandparent.

But Grandma, this is not your, well…Grandma’s retirement. Not even in the ballpark. Forget the proverbial rocking chair. You may be getting older, but you are not about to be old. You are ready to embrace this chapter of life with energy and enthusiasm.

Hey, you might remember burning certain key undergarments back in the day. There is no way you are letting anyone dictate how you spend your hard-earned, well-deserved retirement.

In short, as usual, the Boomers are roaring and the developers are listening. The result is living accommodations designed to focus on your physical, social and intellectual wellbeing and maximize this special phase of life.

There are several excellent options for this growing demographic of the young at heart. As you contemplate jettisoning the family home and moving forward into a community that supports the new footloose and fancy free you, consider these popular choices

Independent Living

Independent living builds services like meals, housekeepers, transportation and planned social activities into the total cost package. It is a worthy option for people who are basically independent but prefer not to cook meals or deal with daily issues like housekeeping on their own. It is not a practical choice for those who only have an occasional need for those services. Also, independent living does not provide the same level of service as an assisted living facility so is not the best option for seniors who require help to manage daily tasks.

Active Adult Living

Active adult living is actually more of an independent lifestyle than independent living. Ironic. Offering the freedom seniors are looking for to enjoy life on their own terms, active adult, or 55+ communities, are ideal for those who are ready to let go of the family home and leap into easy, stress free, convenient turnkey living in an environment that supports an active, social lifestyle.

Active adult communities do not build extraneous services into their expense structure but those services are available for a fee any time through the community concierge. The idea is to keep extra costs to a minimum while including endless opportunities for physical, social and intellectual enrichment in your rental cost.

Known for their resort style amenities, these communities feature lifestyle enhancing spaces that include state-of-the-art fitness facilities, Olympic sized indoor swimming pools, yoga studios, and an endless list of activities ranging from continuing education to cooking classes with world class chefs. These activities are organized by an on-site coordinator and are complementary to residents.

Active adult communities are about creating a new standard of healthy, independent living for seniors. From the pristine grounds to the fun, friendly ambiance, nothing here is reminiscent of the proverbial old age home.

Meals are not provided. However, many apartments have fully outfitted gourmet kitchens with a large prep island, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, glass backsplashes and in some cases, even wine fridges.

Overture Has Your Back

Now that you are an empty nester, and ready to rightsize, your choice of community will pivot on your particular needs and circumstances. If you are looking for the best bang for the buck in a warm and welcoming community of independent, youthful seniors, Overture’s premier senior apartment communities are precisely what you’ve been waiting for. Book a tour at the property of your choice today.

Time to get this active adult party started.