There's a lot to consider when you're trying to choose an active-adult community for your new or vacation home. One thing you should always look closely at is their social programs. After all, you're moving into a 55-plus community to make new friends and stay mentally and socially active.
So, while whittling down your list of potential 55+ communities, don't fixate solely on the amenities like the resort-style pool, fitness center, and sports facilities. They're important, but they're only part of the equation. Get a good sense of how well the social program will keep you satisfied—not just for a few months or a year, but for the long haul.
Here are 10 important questions for evaluating the social programs at active-adult communities:
1. Is the social calendar always full?
A strong social program has stuff going on all the time. For example, you don't want a 55+ community where there's a major lull in activity during the winter, or where residents only do things on the weekends. Boring! Look for a calendar with a variety of entries through the week and all year long.
2. Is there a social program coordinator?
Many thriving age-restricted communities have volunteer or staff social coordinators. It's a promising sign that things are organized and diverse. It's nice to have a resource person to approach with questions or suggestions, too. Also, like a full calendar, a dedicated coordinator points to an involved community that regularly takes advantage of social offerings.
3. Is the community active in the social program?
Again, if the answer to the previous two questions is “yes,” then the community is probably quite involved. But make the effort to get a better picture of just how involved they are. Most people who opt for an active-adult community are eager to take part, but inquire about participation rates, and specifically about involvement in the clubs and activities you're most interested in.
4. Are there clubs, groups, and events related to your hobbies and interests?
Obviously, you want chances to be involved in your favorite pursuits, so make sure they're offered. It's not just about doing the things you enjoy; it's also about meeting people with similar interests. Groups and events devoted to your interests are important for making new friends in this new phase of life.
5. Are there clubs, groups, and events dedicated to things you want to explore?
Learning new things is one of the best ways to keep up our mental acuity as we age. But beyond that, discovery helps keep life interesting and fun! Don't just review the social program with an eye for the familiar—see what new and exciting games, hobbies, creative pursuits, and subjects it can introduce you to.
6. Are there continuing education offerings?
Classes, seminars, workshops, and other types of instruction are another way to keep your mind active and sharp. The best 55-plus social programs have educational opportunities that can range from basic computer skills classes to courses on highly academic subjects to presentations from expert guest lecturers. A social program that facilitates learning is an engaging, rewarding one!
7. Are there creative activities?
Creative pursuits are a great way to spend some time every week, or even every day. Find a social program that affords plenty of opportunities to take part in art, crafts, and other forms of creative expression. These might include drawing, painting, knitting, pottery, fiction or poetry writing, playing an instrument, scrapbooking, or cooking. Being creative keeps your mind active and your mood elevated, and it's an all-around gratifying way to use your time.
8. Are there organized sports and fitness activities?
Staying physically active is another important part of the active-adult lifestyle. Sometimes it's hard to keep up the motivation though. And sometimes we get bored with fitness routines. If your community has sports teams, fitness classes, group hikes, and other organized ways to move, you're far more likely to get your exercise.
9. Are there regular special events?
A well-rounded social program frequently hosts community-wide events. These may be dances, happy hours, craft fairs, farmers markets, film screenings, or anything else. They're important because they provide diversity in the social calendar and they're broadly inclusive, creating opportunities to meet and mingle outside the circles that form around smaller, more specific gatherings like clubs.
10. Does the community arrange day trips for the residents?
Traveling and experiencing new environments is another key to staying engaged. And it's tons of fun when you do it with a group of friends and neighbors. Seek out social programs that regularly organize get-aways, complete with the convenience of transportation, and you're sure to love your active-adult lifestyle all the more.
