“These active adults are the largest, wealthiest and fastest-growing segment in the population and they are searching for products, services and programs that are designed specifically for them,” says Lisa Puma, senior director of Marketing of GHA Community Management. Essentially, these individuals are looking for a maintenance-free, activity-filled, and well-managed community where they can begin their transition into retirement.

An option that perfectly complements the lifestyles of these vigorous individuals””while shifting from the common misconceptions surrounding senior housing””are Active Adult Communities, a unique form of housing where individuals move in at the age of 55 or older to enjoy the perks of various amenities. Many communities offer the option of purchasing a home or renting to further accommodate individual financial needs.

As with any other housing option, it is recommended that individuals speak to residents and the management of prospective communities in order to become familiar with their philosophy. It is also important to understand how the management of active adult communities differs from multi-family management.

“Unlike multi-family, active adult communities are unique because they require more complex management to serve the lifestyle of the homeowners,” says Lisa.”The goal is not only to achieve a successful homeowners association, but to build social involvement, exercise, education, stress reduction and a balanced lifestyle.”

GHA Community Management has a specialty division that provides professional management and lifestyle services to meet the needs of active adult communities. This includes services ranging from in-home maintenance to energy and utility management as well as various consulting services, including those for community lifestyle directors and amenity and recreational building design reviews.

Although many do not offer healthcare services, active adult communities are an appealing housing option with their extensive list of amenities and homes that are low maintenance and easily accessible. The communities are typically adjacent to recreational facilities and golf courses, and often include tennis courts and swimming pools among other perks.

With all of these aspects of a community, it is the responsibility of active adult management and key members of the staff to establish a relationship with residents that ensures the different facets of their home suits their needs and overall lifestyle.

To whom do I owe this welcomed addition to my vocabulary? Andrew Blechman, the author of “Leisureville.”

Blechman tells the story of how his beloved neighbors made the decision to leave his New England neighborhood for the largest retirement community in the nation, The Villages in Central Florida. His neighbors spoke so highly of this community and their decision to leave that it piqued his interest to experience it firsthand.

In “Leisureville,” Blechman introduces you to a wide variety of individuals that have made The Villages their home. Throughout the book, he explores why they made the decision to move and how they feel their life in The Villages is better, worse or challenging. Most importantly though, he challenges the notion that a community should legally be allowed to segregate by age.

I have read countless books written by “aging experts” in my 20-year career. As I reflect on it, “Leisureville” has probably had more impact than any of them. I think this is due to the fact that Blechman approached this book from the simple perspective of someone who was curious about why his neighbor was moving. His objective approach and lack of a previous connection to “aging services” allowed him to be critical of the concept of gated retirement communities which essentially promote the concept of age segregation.

“Leisureville” explores age segregation primarily in housing and community development. Since reading this book nearly a year ago, I have become much more aware that this segregation is widespread in all aspects of our society, and that there is a wall between the generations that is getting dangerously higher. In many ways I have been an integral part of building this wall. I credit Blechman with helping me to see my “industry” through a different lens, and for having the courage to challenge aspects of this business that might be acceptable but don’t make sense.

“Leisureville” is an entertaining book with lots of interesting characters, most notably the “Viagra munching Mr. Midnight!”

Order the book at: http://astore.amazon.com/guidtoretiliv-20/detail/0802144187

To whom do I owe this welcomed addition to my vocabulary? Andrew Blechman, the author of “Leisureville.”

Blechman tells the story of how his beloved neighbors made the decision to leave his New England neighborhood for the largest retirement community in the nation, The Villages in Central Florida. His neighbors spoke so highly of this community and their decision to leave that it piqued his interest to experience it firsthand.

In “Leisureville,” Blechman introduces you to a wide variety of individuals that have made The Villages their home. Throughout the book, he explores why they made the decision to move and how they feel their life in The Villages is better, worse or challenging. Most importantly though, he challenges the notion that a community should legally be allowed to segregate by age.

I have read countless books written by “aging experts” in my 20-year career. As I reflect on it, “Leisureville” has probably had more impact than any of them. I think this is due to the fact that Blechman approached this book from the simple perspective of someone who was curious about why his neighbor was moving. His objective approach and lack of a previous connection to “aging services” allowed him to be critical of the concept of gated retirement communities which essentially promote the concept of age segregation.

“Leisureville” explores age segregation primarily in housing and community development. Since reading this book nearly a year ago, I have become much more aware that this segregation is widespread in all aspects of our society, and that there is a wall between the generations that is getting dangerously higher. In many ways I have been an integral part of building this wall. I credit Blechman with helping me to see my “industry” through a different lens, and for having the courage to challenge aspects of this business that might be acceptable but don’t make sense.

“Leisureville” is an entertaining book with lots of interesting characters, most notably the “Viagra munching Mr. Midnight!”

Order the book at: http://astore.amazon.com/guidtoretiliv-20/detail/0802144187

George met the couple while working on their house as a painting contractor. Lifelong Red Sox and Celtics fans, they were generous philanthropists who never sought credit for their acts. They were especially supportive of the Schwartz Center in New Bedford.

Several years ago, Leonard had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Wanting to remain at home, he asked George if he knew of any architects who could build an addition to their home.

Soon Leonard became very sick, and though the addition planning had paid off, it became very apparent that he needed supplemental care. “Because they were married for 50 years, they wanted to stay together as long as they possibly could,” said George. “Leonard was doing everything he could to stay with Hilda.”

Since the Kaplans did not have children or any relatives nearby, George connected with a consultant who pointed them in the direction of Tom Najjar and CarePlus Home Health, Inc.

During this time, Leonard asked George if he would become his healthcare proxy and make the necessary decisions when he became incapacitated. Unfortunately, Leonard’s condition did worsen and Tom in turn provided him caregivers.

“He was very reassuring and on top of it,” said George. “He was always available and since I was completely new at this, it was quite a security blanket.” With a wife and family of his own, George’s tasks became overwhelming, but he knew where to turn for advice.

Right before Leonard passed away, he asked George to look after Hilda who also became ill. George, however, knew exactly who to contact. “The second time around, I had a little more practice and was more confident about what to expect,” he said.

CarePlus provided Hilda with a 24-hour caregiver as well as another who visits for eight hours. If any situation comes up, George is immediately notified. He also received a referral from Tom for a hospice company that comes over once a week.

“I had no idea how intense it was going to get, but he has been a sounding board for me,” said George. “I know she’s getting all of the possible care she can get and she’s at home, which was the ultimate goal.”

Born a Washingtonian, George lived in McLean, Va. for several years as a Marine engineer and a civilian in the Navy. Through his strong involvement in the Washington Daffodil Society, he reared and displayed beautiful flowers that won him several of his first place blue ribbons.

Eventually, he left his job and sold his house to move up to Wayne, Pa. to be with his current wife, Jean. But there was one thing he could not leave behind – George had brought 3,000 daffodil bulbs with him.

“I was still working at the time and I never knew what he was doing all day,” Jean said with a laugh. “We had an acre lot, so when spring came around, it was obvious what he’d been doing.”

Eight years ago, the couple moved into Meadowood, a community that attracted them with its available gardening areas and overall peaceful atmosphere. “We were delighted to have so much open space here,” said George. “It is more ‘open country’ than most communities.”

In fact, the community prides itself on its extensive walking paths and its two primary lavish gardens. Meadowood’s Horticulturalist, Patti Loughridge, with the assistance of the grounds-keeping crew and several environmentally-active residents, maintains the Resident Garden where picturesque rhododendrons and perennials are grown. “It is located near the health center so that residents, with assistance, can come out and enjoy these flowers,” she said.

The Victory Garden is where one can often spot George and his fellow resident gardeners. As it is divided into individual plots, those interested can grow different vegetables and plants in their designated areas. But according to Patti, more people are taking advantage of the opportunity to garden, causing limited available space.

Those not actively participating in the gardening, however, can maintain their individual patios while taking in their surroundings. “The gardens are nice places to go and forget things and just enjoy what is growing out there,” said George.

And what is growing out there happens to be baskets of produce that are shared freely with fellow residents. One crop in particular has been quite popular among George’s peers. “The tomatoes go very rapidly,” he said, “I make sure to put several baskets at different locations.”

Patti, who recently received her credentials as a Horticultural Therapy Assistant, understands all of the beneficial aspects connecting with nature can have, no matter how active people are. She often meets with a small group from the health center to create different crafts using flowers, pinecones and other natural objects.

“Residents who have spent their lives gardening are thrilled that they can have a plot,” she said. “But there’s something very therapeutic and satisfying about gardening, whether residents are actively participating or just enjoying it.”

And George is just one of these many thrilled residents at Meadowood as he has not only found a new home for his extravagant daffodils, but a place where his friendly peers and staff appreciate all that nature has to offer.

“I am a native Carroll County boy, raised in Baughman’s Valley, northwest of Westminster,” he said. Roy has held several jobs throughout his life including a furniture factory for 20 years. As one of 10 children, his brothers and sisters are very important to him and visit him often.

Hard-working and independent, Roy lived in his own apartment even after a leg amputation. But with other health problems developing, he was eventually advised to look for a nursing home, and he was determined to make the decision for himself.

“My wife worked out here, and I had read an ad about Transitions Healthcare Sykesville,” he said, “I thought it would be a clean, happy place to live.”

Once admitted, Roy realized it would be his home for the remainder of his days, and it has been now for the past six years. “I can do the fun stuff whenever I want to and not worry about going to work,” he said. On any given day, Roy can be seen laughing and joking around with his friends.

His favorite pastimes include taking care of his house plants and putting together 1000-piece puzzles. “I like to keep the pretty ones,” he said. Using puzzle glue, he hangs his completed works as pretty pictures in the hallways.

When the residents take restaurant trips, Roy cannot wait to see familiar faces and invite them to visit. “I like to eat good food and see old friends when I am out and about,” he said.

Roy is an advocate for other residents as well. Not only an active member of the PEER group, he is the current vice president of the Resident Council for which he has been a top seller in fundraisers. As part of his position, he makes daily visits to new residents and discusses all that is ‘happening.’ He was recently nominated for the Outstanding Senior Award for SPIN (Senior Provider Information Network).

When he needs physical therapy, he loves going to the gym, where they help him get his strength back. “I cover more miles in my scooter than some people who can walk,” he said with that familiar smile and giggle, “I’m happy living here.”

Despite physical limitations and health issues, Roy is a familiar, smiling face to visitors and family members.

“Transitions Healthcare is my home and I will continue to live right here at home until my days are gone,” he said.

“We moved to Florida to enjoy the retiree’s life so to speak,” said Joan.

While the couple raised their five daughters, Ed served as part of the metropolitan police department and eventually worked for the Washington Redskins for 25 years. The Allens were enjoying their Florida property and venturing out on their boat, but they soon missed their family. With three daughters living in Warrenton and Gainesville, they knew they wanted a maintenance-free lifestyle near their loved ones.

The couple then did their research and noticed one building in particular that was being constructed in Gainesville. After taking a look, the Allens had found exactly what they had been searching for in a home, an active adult community.

“My husband and I are in our 70s and are still interested in several things,” said Joan. “We didn’t need nursing assistance and wanted to be around people of like mind.”

It has been a year and a half since the Allens moved into that building, now known as The Marque at Heritage Hunt, and they are enjoying every minute.

“I wasn’t sure how I was going to adjust to apartment living since we had always lived in a house, but my husband and I say this is like a five-star resort,” said Joan.

For the couple, there is never a dull moment at this five-star resort. They enjoy using the exercise room and taking advantage of the available massages. Whether it’s glancing through a book in the library, socializing at a poolside cookout or super bowl party or winning a game of Bingo, residents can engage in a variety of activities. “They have everything here,” said Joan. “The staff is wonderful and is always thinking of things to do.”

While one does not even have to leave the community because of all its available amenities, the Allens like the fact that a van can take them on errands.

And as they had intended, the couple is surrounded by others they can relate to. There are different age groups and Joan said some individuals in her building still work.

“We also like the security here, you just lock up your place and go,” she said. “We have passes to get in so it’s a very safe environment.”

With endless social opportunities and a sense of security, the couple can say they truly are living the ‘retiree’s life.’ “We chose this particular area to be near the kids, we were just very fortunate this was here and lucky to find it,” said Joan.

“Art is another medium of communication,” she said. “It enlarges your soul and life. I see much more than other people see when walking down the street. I see all the colors while others just rush by.”

Pat had a busy career working for the CIA for 29 and a half years, but she continually pursued her love for painting wildlife and sculpting. Once she retired and came across Westminster after searching for a place to live, she found that the community’s college campus feel with cottages and apartment homes was a great place for her to retire and continue her love of art.

However, an art-friendly environment wasn’t all that Pat found at her new home-she also met her husband there, and held her wedding and reception at the community’s chapel.

Moving to such an active community also helped Pat gain the opportunity to participate in multiple organizations. She serves on the Westminster Ingleside Foundation board which raises money to help residents who need financial assistance and she is a member of Westminster’s Library Committee.

In addition, Pat attends community lectures and has also taken Tai Chi classes. She also remains involved in her number one hobby, art, through local arts groups and by participating in art exhibits-some of her artwork is even displayed throughout the community.

Pat attended Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts and she majored in Art. She was chosen among the top students in her class to enter the Navy, where she was assigned to Washington D.C. to work on crytoanalysis, or code
breaking. Still, Pat never lost focus of her artistic endeavors and showed a first-prize winning sculpture on the National Mall. She went on to work for the State Department while stationed in Geneva, Switzerland before she retired.

Needless to say, Pat is a woman who has pursued her passion for art during every stage and aspect of her life up through her retirement. Her advice to aspiring young artists? “[Don't] go into it for the money but to do it because you love it.”

“It was love at first sight with my parents.they enjoyed dancing and swimming” said Nina. “Mom was a fabulous cook and liked to sew and do crochet.”

Following in her footsteps, Nina, and her sister, took on the role of caring for Ruth after the passing of their father. But as their mother’s rheumatoid arthritis worsened, they wanted to find a home that could serve as an ideal supportive environment for her.

While at first she was in large assisted living homes, Nina felt as if her mother was just a ‘number’ there. “She was more mobile when she was there as she participated in a lot of activities and trivia games that stimulated her mind,” said Nina. “But she got to the point where she couldn’t stand up on her own and she experienced a major personality change.”

She then looked into a smaller setting for her mother. And it was not long before they found the perfect family for Ruth at The Angels Garden, a residential assisted living home in Rockville, MD. Here, Ruth was not only cared for by others, but she had returned to her old self looking after her fellow residents.

“She was a mother there,” said Nina. “There were five people she just kept checking on, and she would find help if something was wrong.”

But as she watched over others, Ruth had still not recovered from the pain of losing her husband and she passed away in March. “Her heart was very strong, but I think both of their prayers were heard as she was in a lot of pain,” said Nina.

Although she greatly misses her mother, she will always be grateful for the care Ruth received at The Angels Garden.

“The staff always had a smile on their faces,” said Nina, “They were always so careful and were the most wonderful people.”

For Nina, who has been experiencing back problems, it was a relief knowing her mother was in such good hands. She would pick Ruth up for doctor’s appointments as the staff helped her into the car, even escorting her on occasion.

While Nina understands her mother is in a better place, she is thankful for the great place in which her mother spent her final months.

“I can’t give them enough credit,” she said.

However difficult that may be, caregivers can find solace in knowing that their loved ones are being taken care of, and there are ways for them to relax and enjoy themselves despite a hectic schedule. For Katie Magill, who is her mother’s primary caregiver, friendships have helped ease the stress of her demanding schedule.

Katie is a marketing manager with the Navy Federal Credit Union where she focuses mostly on copy writing and annual reports, but she also enjoys creative writing. Her mother, Margaret Cockrell, has been living with her since she moved home and her father passed away. Katie decided to buy a duplex for Margaret and herself at Heritage Hunt, a 55+ retirement community in Gainesville, Va.

I had a friend who moved there and I would go see her and found it very pleasant,” she said. “I liked the way the neighborhood looked. It’s very well cared for.”

Since she commutes to her job in Vienna and works full-time, finding someone to care for her mother while she was away was essential. Her mother became more dependent in the last four years because she can no longer walk. Fortunately, she qualified for Medicaid which has allowed her to have in-home caregivers courtesy of Lifeline Home Care, Inc., located in Centreville, Va.

“The main thing that helps is that my mother had no assets so she qualified for Medicaid,” Katie said. “They give you time so you can have a break away from things. I get almost every Saturday off and a week or two here or there.”

Katie described her mother as a career woman who worked part-time and full-time as a nurse until she retired. Though it can be difficult to get her mother around sometimes, she takes her out on the weekends for drives and she installed a lift in the garage to help her get in and out of the house. She added that Heritage Hunt is “a better physical environment in that the home was accommodating to someone with disabilities.”

Her friends and the people around her have helped Katie manage her time and remain focused. “It’s my support system,” she said. “Relationships between mothers and daughters are packed with emotion. I focus on making sure she’s cared for.”

And thanks to Lifeline, Katie can feel secure that her mother is in good hands.