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.

The Lock-and-Leave Lifestyle: How Apartment Living Makes Travel Easier

Imagine this: It’s Thursday, and you see a flight sale for a trip to Cabo or get the sudden urge to drive across two states to surprise a loved one on their birthday. Whether you can toss some clothes into a suitcase and go for it depends on your living arrangements. If you own a single-family home, you’ll need to arrange for someone to pick up the mail, check in on the house, and maybe take care of yard maintenance while you’re away, all of which takes time to plan.

If, however, you live in 55+ apartments, you can just lock the door, tell people where you’re going, and hit the road (or the airport). This type of “lock-and-leave” lifestyle makes travel easy and is very popular among residents of Overture communities.

Defining the Lock-and-Leave Lifestyle

The lock-and-leave lifestyle is the ability to leave home without the burden of maintenance responsibilities holding you back. You can travel and still own a single-family home, but it’s complicated by lawn care, snow removal, security concerns, and the risk of frozen pipes and HVAC issues.

To really adopt a lock-and-leave lifestyle, you need the type of freedom that maintenance-free living brings. 55+ apartments let you travel without worrying about whether the neighbor will remember to turn off the water, the garden, or what could happen if the furnace dies during a cold snap. You just turn the key and go.

Less Upkeep, More Life

Maintenance-free living frees up time you would otherwise have to dedicate to the care and upkeep of your home. Residents of Overture communities have more time in their day, allowing them to pursue hobbies, interests, and travel. They have the freedom to pursue an active adult lifestyle without spending their time mowing lawns, cleaning out gutters, or arranging HVAC services — the apartment staff takes care of all of that.

Less upkeep means more energy and less risk. Let’s face it, the demands of home maintenance can deplete all your energy and even lead to injuries. A fall from a ladder while cleaning gutters is serious, no matter what your age. Many seniors prefer to leave home maintenance and its risks behind them and spend their energy more intentionally.

Travel Without the Baggage

55+ apartments remove many of the barriers that stand between you and travel, allowing you to spontaneously say yes to trips you might once have had to turn down. Even a week-long trip requires planning when you’re a homeowner. Someone needs to check on the house (which means you need to trust someone with a key), and the yard needs care (or you're coming back to a jungle where your lawn used to be). You may need to teach house sitters how to access and monitor your security system, and even after all that, you could still spend the trip worrying that this is the week that severe weather floods your basement. Often, it feels less stressful not to travel.

With maintenance-free living, these concerns vanish. You can enjoy spontaneous getaways when the mood strikes, or plan extended trips. The freedom afforded by active adult living is especially beneficial if you’re a snowbird, as you can leave for as long as you want, secure in the knowledge that your apartment is safe and in good hands.

Travel as One Piece of a Bigger Lifestyle Shift

Of course, an active adult lifestyle is about more than just travel. Maintenance-free living gives you back your time, so you can focus on your hobbies, special interests, or spending more time with loved ones. When you choose a 55+ apartment, you're not just downsizing into a comfortable new home — you're choosing to embrace a flexible, active adult lifestyle where you prioritize what you want to do and experience. It's an exciting journey to take, so why not get started? Arrange to visit one of our Overture communities and see what the future holds.