What is an active adult community?

Active Adult Communities are specifically designed for age qualified, active adults who want to embrace the stress free, turnkey, empty nester lifestyle. Focused on creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere, active adult communities provide state-of-the-art amenities, classes and activities that foster lasting social relationships with peers. You will find fitness, fun and friendship in resort style surroundings. You will not find medical assistance, transportation, or meals but these things can be sourced at an additional fee. Community members want the best of empty nester living, minus the charges for services they do not need.

What are the pros and cons of living in a 55+ community?

The many pros of living in a 55+ community include: Living spaces designed for aging in place with comfort and convenience. A built-in network of like-minded, active adult peers with which to create meaningful social connections. Peace of mind in a secure environment with other community members who support and watch out for each other. Resort worthy amenities that may include state-of-the-art full-service fitness centers, Olympic sized pools, professionally outfitted kitchens for classes and demonstrations, theaters, game rooms and well-manicured outdoor spaces. An unlimited list of opportunities for physical, intellectual, and social enrichment. The best of stress free, turnkey living.

What is Senior Living?

Senior Living is an umbrella term applied to the various different types of communities that cater to older adults.

What is the difference between assisted living, independent living and active senior apartments?

Independent Living: Ironically independent living is for seniors who may need some level of assistance. Services like meals, laundry, linen delivery, maid service, on-site nurse, and planned activities are available as needed or wanted. If a resident needs special care, like an aide to help with daily life, they have to hire from an outside source on their own. Assisted Living: Assisted living may be the right choice for those who need a higher level of support. Assisted living facilities have on-site professionals to help with daily challenges and medical care. Those services are generally included in the overall cost of the facility. Active Adult Living: An active adult community is the gold standard for totally independent active adults seeking to maximize their empty nester chapter. With no hidden charges for services community members do not need, it's a choice that makes sense in terms of both lifestyle and finances.

How do I find the right active adult community for me?

There are important issues to consider when looking for the right community: Where do you want to live? Do you want to stay in your present location or try a new geographical area? Does the community make sense for you financially? Will your pet be welcome? Does the community design and layout meet your expectations? Does the roster of classes, activities and social opportunities accommodate your interests and lifestyle? Now that you have taken a tour, does the community have the right vibe for you?

My loved one is not able to live on their own. What is the best way to start a conversation with them about moving?

Open the communication lines early. Be honest about your concerns. Be sensitive. Be proactive by doing your research first. Be supportive.

How to downsize for a senior living move?

Deal with the clutter a little bit at a time. Set a timer to make sure you don't overdo it. Create a yes, no and maybe pile to decide what is kept, donated or trashed. Get help from family, friends or call in the professionals.

Downsizing Checklist for Seniors: How to Downsize for Retirement

Congrats! You’ve decided to embrace the freedom of Overture active adult living. While selling a home that holds cherished family memories is an emotional experience, you’ve realized it’s not suited to your future. That’s a very big deal.

Now the actual physical task of transitioning into an active adult community awaits, which means you need to downsize. Even contemplating wading through decades of family accumulation can be exhausting. What items do you keep? Which are headed for the trash? What will you donate? Though the process may feel daunting, with a little planning and strategy, it’s a manageable chore – with possibly even some fun involved.

Here's a downsizing checklist for seniors to help make the move to an active-living community as easy as possible.

Plan Ahead: Rome Wasn’t Decluttered in a Day

Time management skills come in handy when creating a downsizing checklist: the job will almost certainly take longer than you expect. Create a checklist that covers the full gamut of downsizing tasks and set realistic deadlines for yourself so you can stay on top of things. Whether it’s decluttering, packing boxes, or gathering important documents, if it’s on the checklist, you’ll get it done!

Give yourself plenty of lead time before the move to properly address every step of the process — about three to six months — and begin taking small steps as soon as you know your target date.

Start Small

Start the project by tackling items that are less important to you and therefore easier to get rid of. Don’t overtax yourself. After a few hours, take a break and do something fun. Designate special days for emotional journeys, like sifting through the kids’ old artwork and old photos. Take all the time you need to stroll down memory lane, then move on!

The One-Year Rule

When you’re struggling with whether or not to get rid of something, apply the one-year rule. Think about whether or not you’ve used this item in the past year. If you haven’t, and if the item doesn’t have significant sentimental value, you can probably get rid of it.

Consider the doubles rule as well. Unless you plan to downsize to a restaurant, you won’t need two ladles or two potato peelers.

Digitizing Saves Space

Who can imagine parting with precious family photos? Unfortunately, boxes of old photos take up space that you may not have in your new location. Keep your memories and storage space by going digital. Scan beloved photos and old letters into a digital device, and they are yours to view at any time, forever! Digital photos are also easier to share with loved ones.

Ask For Help

An extra set of hands from family or close friends can make all the difference when downsizing. Invite people over to help with the heavy lifting. Serve snacks and spend time chatting and reminiscing as you declutter. You may find your loved ones have uses for items you were discarding. If so, let them have them!

The Price is Right!

A good old-fashioned yard sale should be part of any downsizing checklist. You’ll get rid of stuff you no longer need, make a few bucks, and have a chance to hang out with the neighbors. If organizing such an event is overwhelming, there are professional services that can come to your home and take over the process.

Your Go Bag

When moving day approaches, be sure your essentials are readily available and not packed away in a random box that you might not find for days after the move. Put together a go bag of important personal items, including:

Sleepwear
Bedding
Medications
Toiletries
Cleaning supplies
Kitchen and meal supplies

Start Thinking Ahead to Your Fabulous Future

It’s never too soon to transition into your new life. While you’re navigating the downsizing process, contact your Overture active adult living community to familiarize yourself with all available activities and social opportunities. Get your hands on your new home’s monthly events calendar and start planning your social activities. Sign up for fitness classes or outreach courses and be ready to jump in as soon as – or maybe even before – you unpack your boxes. And be sure to share your new address with your friends and family!