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.

Choosing a 55+ Apartment Community

Choosing the right 55+ apartment community is all about finding a home that fits your lifestyle. Active adults have diverse personalities, passions, and life goals that go far beyond an apartment’s square footage or rent. Some want a quiet environment where they can focus on their hobbies. Others want a vibrant, exciting social scene with plenty of activities, while still others value resort-level spas and fitness amenities.

When evaluating active adult apartments, the following factors tend to be most important:

Maintenance-Free Living

55 and older apartments free you from the drudgery of yard work, house repairs, and seasonal chores. Who wants to be shoveling snow or cleaning the gutters when they could be doing something fun? At Overture, our professional maintenance crews keep the grounds and public areas in tiptop shape so residents can focus on living.

Amenities That Match How You Live

While there are many different amenities in active adult apartments, they fall into two general categories: the ones you’ll use, and the ones you won’t. Which category each amenity falls into is a matter of personal choice. You might get daily use of a fitness center or heated pool, in which case these are essentials. If, however, you prefer to relax in a cafe or spend your day chatting and crafting in a hobby room, that fitness room will have less appeal. Make your apartment choices with your personal preferences in mind.

The best 55+ apartment communities offer a wide range of resort-style amenities, so residents always have something to do that matches their lifestyle choices, passions, and hobbies.

A Vibrant Social Scene & Community Events

Social connections play an important role in healthy aging, combating loneliness, strengthening immune systems, and helping preserve cognitive function. Choose a 55+ apartment community with a robust activity calendar that includes clubs, classes, planned outings, and informal get-togethers. Overture excels in this arena; each of our active adult living communities includes curated programs that bring neighbors together for fun new experiences.

Location & Accessibility

When choosing 55-and-older apartments, consider how close they are to dining, shopping, and medical care facilities. The neighborhood's accessibility and access to transit make it easier to run weekly errands and attend your favorite activities and events. At Overture, we carefully select the locations of our active adult living communities so residents are always close to the conveniences and experiences they want and need.

Pet-Friendliness

Pets are an important part of many people’s lives. A 55+ apartment community may have some policies limiting the type of pets you can have, so be sure to ask about breed restrictions and weight limits. Many active-living apartments include dog parks, pet spas, and other pet amenities for animal lovers.

Safety & Peace of Mind

Active adult living must include adequate security. Look for elements like controlled gate access, well-lit common areas, and on-site management teams. Ask about emergency protocols and maintenance issues that impact your security and comfort. For instance, how often and how quickly is ice and snow removed from walkways?

Every aspect of a 55+ apartment community should give you confidence and peace of mind. Built-in grab bars in bathrooms, open floor plans, and other aging-in-place amenities keep you safe while enhancing your quality of life and independence.

The "Right Fit" Factor

Ultimately, the best 55+ apartment community isn’t the one with the most amenities or the largest floor plans: it’s the one that fits your lifestyle. Does the community support the kind of life you want to live, with amenities you’ll use and a social scene where you’ll feel at home and comfortable?

There's no right answer here: the apartment that’s perfect for you might be a poor fit for someone else. So take your time when choosing active adult apartments. Arrange for an on-site visit, ask if you can attend an event, and talk to current residents. Do your research and trust your gut. After all, you know what you need better than anyone else!

Ready to find 55-and-older apartments that match your wants and needs? Check out an Overture active adult living community today, and discover the joys of life in a 55+ community!