“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.

Badler, head of Newton, MA based Campus Continuum, is a pioneer in a relatively new industry he believes can help graying baby boomers maintain a youthful attitude while keeping their minds and bodies active: 55+ residential communities for lifelong learners on or near college campuses.

And Badler’s not talking about dormitory-type living. He’s talking about one- and two-bedroom condos costing $150,000 – $400,000 or more, he describes as “university-branded, 55+ active adult communities tightly integrated with their academic hosts.”

“Think of it as living at an academic country club,” Badler smiles. “At a certain stage in their lives – often after the kids have grown and moved out – we’re finding that people are drawn to the idea of living in a diverse community of lifelong learners.” His firm is now conducting a nationwide online survey asking prospective residents to identify the colleges at which they’d like to reside and to indicate their preferred amenities.

“The concept is a win-win-win,” says Badler, formerly president of a marketing consulting firm spun off from The Harvard Business School. “People 55+ who choose to live on a college campus are a short walk or shuttle to classes, cultural and sporting events, athletic facilities, tutoring and mentoring opportunities, volunteer and even paying jobs both on and off campus. Being around college students helps you feel younger.”

The academic institution has even more to gain, Badler says. “We do not ask any significant out-of-pocket investment by our college host / partners.” Colleges can earn revenue from the sale of land or long-term ground leases-often more than they could earn from alternative uses of the land. “Early surveys show that people are willing to pay a premium for the fun, prestige, and safety of living on a college campus.” The schools also earn annually recurring fees for providing residents with access to their library, fitness center, and courses. College fundraisers may get a new pool of potential donors to annual and capital campaigns. Planned Giving programs could also benefit as campus residents are inspired to add the host institution to their wills and bequests.

Badler says there are perhaps 20 campus residences of different kinds across the country with a significant connection to a school. Residents are alumni, retired faculty and staff, parents with children living nearby, and local seniors attracted to the lifestyle. Developers have built condos, rentals, and continuing care retirement communities (which include healthcare facilities). What makes Badler’s idea unique is how he plans to expand the approach nationwide by reducing the organizational burdens placed on, and increasing the financial and nonfinancial benefits to, the college.

While each development will reflect local market demand, Badler says the real attraction of the units is not necessarily how fancy they are, but rather they are close to “the action”-classes, library, gym, theater, sporting events, computer center, student center, and the intellectual excitement of an intergenerational environment.

So while most students can’t wait to graduate and get off the college campus, it seems there’s a whole new group willing to pay a premium to move back.

To take Campus Continuum’s survey, please visit their website at www.campuscontinuum.com (no obligation; anonymous if you wish)

After Max passed away, Bertha evaluated her lifestyle options. “My children were married and had their own lives, and I have always been independent. However, I didn’t want to be all alone. At that time, there were very few retirement communities that I knew of. I was riding down Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase when I saw that Classic Residence by Hyatt was under construction. I went in to see what it was all about. I moved in when the community was a few months old in 1990, and I have been really happy here since then.” As one of the original residents, Mrs. Silverman is proud to sing the praises of the community.

In fact, Mrs. Silverman relates that Classic Residence by Hyatt has become more than simply a place to retire; it is truly a home. “I feel that there are a lot of benefits to living in this community. I have met a lot of great people here, and I don’t need to worry about maintaining a big house. I really feel at home here.” Her new lifestyle choice has certainly given Bertha the opportunity to enjoy her retirement to the utmost. After all, it came complete with a worry-free lifestyle and new friends.