The Pros and Cons of Senior Communities?

Answer 1

Increases in the desires of seniors to expand their horizons physically and intellectually well past retirement have led to new senior communities catering to active living. Gated neighborhoods that were commonly associated with a senior population have long boasted clubhouse rooms and perhaps Swimming Pools or a banquet hall. Nowadays, senior communities may be built entirely around a Golf course, wellness center or nature preserve with an abundance of outdoor activities and recreation. Research promoting healthy living well into old age and the benefits of learning new things beyond professional life spawned many communities with organized activity itineraries to complement other options for activity.

Golf course communities are especially popular among seniors who move to warmer climates. Golf is a sport enjoyed by men and women alike, allowing retirees in a senior golf course community to play golf with their spouses. Many of the courses integrated into senior living developments boast restaurants and bars. All the amenities offered by a country club or golf club are available without the intrusion of a general public that could detract from the senior’s enjoyment. Senior living developments that offer luxurious amenities are often far more expensive than those with shared residential arrangements and less options for recreation. Golf communities may offer their residence a lifetime of free greens fees with the purchase of a lot or home. Discounts are common for residents of any gated community.

Senior communities are available with differing levels of service from the staff and any onsite healthcare. Depending on the demographic of its residents, a senior living community may staff a full-time nurse for medical emergencies and assisted living situations. More often than not, seniors who require assistance from any medical personnel will be placed in a multi-unit building for ease of treatment from the staff. Communities with free standing condominiums or dual-residence arrangements may have a nurse who roams the premises from home to home on a regular basis offering service and inquiring about well-being. Golf carts are usually common in the senior communities with many different buildings, offering an easy method of transportation with low-risk for those seniors who no longer drive automobiles.

Answer 2

Pros of senior communities: social activities, safety and security, access to on-site amenities like fitness centers and dining facilities, maintenance-free living.

Cons of senior communities: potential for high costs, limited independence and privacy, restrictions on pets, may not be able to easily customize living space.