By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    How Not to Become a Victim of Medical Scams
    How Not to Become a Victim of Medical Scams
    December 22, 2021
    11 Ways You Can Care for Your Elder Family Members Health
    11 Ways You Can Care for Your Elder Family Members Health
    April 6, 2022
    How Can Brain Injury Lead To Dangerous Long-Term Effects?
    How Can Brain Injury Lead To Dangerous Long-Term Effects?
    August 30, 2022
    Latest News
    6 Easy Healthcare Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every Day
    September 10, 2025
    7 Most Common Healthcare Accreditation Programs: Which Should You Use?
    August 20, 2025
    Hospital Pest Control and the Fight Against Superbugs
    August 20, 2025
    Hygiene Beyond The Clinic: Attention To Overlooked Non-Clinical Spaces
    August 13, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Why are Girls Being Abandoned and Battered ?
    August 20, 2012
    biopharma beat innovation and imagination
    BioPharma Beat: Imagination Is More Important Than Innovation
    August 5, 2014
    HIPAA Compliance Breaches Higher Than Ever: What Are You Doing About It?
    April 26, 2016
    Latest News
    Healthcare at a Crossroads: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever
    September 9, 2025
    How Social Security Disability Shapes Access to Care and Everyday Health
    August 22, 2025
    How a DUI Lawyer Can Help When Your Future Health Feels Uncertain
    August 22, 2025
    How One Fall Can Lead to a Long Road of Medical Complications
    August 22, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Retirement Communities: Not Your Momma’s “Old Folks Home” Anymore
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Specialties > Geriatrics > Retirement Communities: Not Your Momma’s “Old Folks Home” Anymore
Geriatrics

Retirement Communities: Not Your Momma’s “Old Folks Home” Anymore

Lauren Hill
Lauren Hill
Share
8 Min Read
SHARE

There is a common misconception about retirement homes and communities. People think of them as old folks homes, just one last stop on your way out. That may have been the case in the past, but is certainly is not the case anymore! Today’s retirement communities are vibrant places where retirees can live the lifestyle they want and truly enjoy the next stage of their lives. Let’s take a look at some of the many benefits to living in a retirement community.

Neighbors are peers

There is a common misconception about retirement homes and communities. People think of them as old folks homes, just one last stop on your way out. That may have been the case in the past, but is certainly is not the case anymore! Today’s retirement communities are vibrant places where retirees can live the lifestyle they want and truly enjoy the next stage of their lives. Let’s take a look at some of the many benefits to living in a retirement community.

Neighbors are peers

More Read

Woefully Unprepared: America and the the Mental Health Needs of the Elderly
The Best iPad and iPhone Apps for Seniors
Tips for Working with Older Adults Who Hoard
Restricting Diet of People 75+ May Not Make Them Healthier
Predictors of Hospitalization in Congestive Heart Failure Patients

Retirement neighborhoods and homes generally have minimum age requirements, typically 55 and up. This has two benefits. First, your neighbors are likely to be of a similar age group to yourself and often times have like interests too. This is a great way to meet new people and to make new acquaintances. Maintaining social interactions is important in retirement, so having friends in your neighborhood will help you to be active and involved! Second, retirement communities tend to be quieter, more leisurely neighborhoods because of the age requirements. There aren’t younger people or families, which can sometimes make neighborhoods louder and more active than you may be looking for.

No more home and lawn maintenance

One of the largest benefits to living in a retirement community is that you no longer have to worry about maintaining your yard and home. The majority of retirement communities keep up the grounds and buildings, similar to an apartment complex. Many also offer cleaning services, usually at an added cost. Not having to worry about keeping your home and lawn in order will allow you the freedom to enjoy your retirement and do the things that you want to be doing!

Things to do

Often retirement communities offer a variety of activities and outings for residents throughout each month. This is a great way to try different things, enjoy hobbies or see new places. Most of the time the community will offer all different types of activities so that individuals of all activity levels can find something to interest them. Common activities include BINGO nights, going to the movies, book clubs or shopping excursions. Many of the tips for retirees recommend planning activities and events to give you things to get excited about and look forward to. Participating in the various events and going on the different outings not only does that, but it is an excellent way to stay socially, mentally and physically active!

Amenities

More and more, retirement communities are offering great amenities to their residents. These neighborhoods are including features such as golf courses, recreation rooms, pools, gyms and more. This gives you the ability to choose a community based on your lifestyle and interests so you can spend your retirement living the life you want to lead. It also cuts out the need for additional memberships and costs if your community already gives you access to those types of facilities.

Transportation

If you no longer are able, or don’t want to drive, retirement communities generally offer transportation. Some groups schedule regular group transportation to local stores and shopping centers for residents. There are often options for scheduling private transportation as well for things like doctor’s appointments.

Dining facilities

Some retirement communities offer dining halls for their residents. This is nice for those who cannot cook for themselves anymore, or those who just don’t like to cook. Nutrition is an important factor in staying healthy. By eating meals at a community dining facility, you can rest assured that you’re eating nutritious meals and you get interact with others.

All types of accommodations

Resident communities are increasingly being developed and remodeled to accommodate the needs of all types of residents and potential residents. There are usually a variety of housing options for people of all activity and care levels. Many communities will not only have villas or apartments for those who are able to live on their own and care for themselves, they will also have assisted living homes and lodgings for individuals who need to be monitored or who need more help with their care. This is great because if residents should develop a need for more help in the future, then they can easily get the care they need without having to be uprooted and leaving the community they have grown to know and love.

Security

One of the more overlooked benefits to living in a retirement community is the security these neighborhoods typically offer. Many retirement living communities are gated and/or have security guards that monitor the area. This helps to keep out riff raff and keep crime down. In addition to the exterior security, sometimes residences in these neighborhoods are equipped with panic systems. These systems are put in place so you can easily call for help in case you are injured or have some other type of medical emergency.

There have been many changes and developments made to retirement communities all over the US. As people are living longer, they are also staying active for longer. This has created the need for a different kind of retirement living. Gone are the sterile, institutional feeling homes of the past. In their place are accessible, secure, lively communities where you can enjoy your time, hassle-free. Retirement living doesn’t have to be boring and mundane. It should be the start of a whole new chapter of your life, filled with new memories and adventures and finding a retirement community that fits your needs can be the right place to start!

TAGGED:retirement home
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

a woman walking on the hallway
6 Easy Healthcare Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every Day
Health
September 9, 2025
Clinical Expertise
Healthcare at a Crossroads: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever
Global Healthcare
September 9, 2025
travel nurse in north carolina
Balancing Speed and Scope: Choosing the Nursing Degree That Fits Your Goals
Nursing
September 1, 2025
intimacy
How to Keep Intimacy Comfortable as You Age
Relationship and Lifestyle Senior Care
September 1, 2025

You Might also Like

How to Handle Criticism When You’re a Caregiver

February 14, 2013

What Does a Geriatric Social Worker Do?

July 19, 2012

Elder Care Acronyms, DEBUNKED!: Your Pocket Guide to Confusing Healthcare Terms

August 16, 2012
Image
eHealthGeriatricsTechnology

Person-Centered HealthCare: Envisage Visual Rehab Project Promotes Independence

February 8, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?