homes in Florida.” Florida, notes Eleazer, continues to be favored by retirees because of its low taxes, good weather and good transportation corridors to the Northeast and Midwest. Central Florida puts out the perfect welcome mat. The highway system provides easy access to other parts of the state, including its beaches, ocean ports and international airports. Taxes may be lower in Florida than elsewhere. Just as significant to today’s active adults are such perks as access to water and other outdoor recreation opportunities, such as hiking and biking trails. Also high on the must-have list are education, culture, healthcare and attractions. “Older adults are experiencing a profound increase in longevity, when compared to their parents and grandparents,” says Dr. Richard Tucker, professor emeritus of Psychology and Aging Studies at the University of Central Florida and the former UCF liaison to the Learning Institute for Elders (LIFE) at UCF. “There are certainly physiological reasons for that increase, such as better living conditions and healthcare,” he continues. “But they’re also much better educated and are becoming more and more aware of the importance of lifestyle on longevity and the quality of life.” Lifestyle is now considered the best predictor of healthy and active aging. One of the largest studies of older adults showed that lifestyle may impact as much as 60 percent of the aging process. Other researchers have clearly shown the importance of activity, social interaction and stress management as the leading contributors to successful aging.
In many cases, Central Florida’s 55-plus communities can provide the tonic for the active adult who wants to live healthy lifestyles. Here are a few examples.
SOLIVITA Single-family homes and villas priced from $174,990 to $374,990, with sizes ranging from 1,295 to 2,840 square feet. Homes have large pantries, open floorplans, gourmet kitchens and entertainment areas. Located in Polk County, near the Osceola County line. taylormorrison.com. With its first home built in 2000, Solivita is one of the oldest active-adult communities in Central Florida. Developed by Taylor Morrison, there are currently 4,600 homes in the gated community. Plans call for 5,600 at build-out. At Solivita, typical buyers are pensioned retirees from the Northeast or locals from Central Florida, says Larry Mull, vice president of sales for the company. Community amenities include resort-style features, a fulltime lifestyle staff, a golf course, spa and fitness centers, tennis and pickleball courts, a softball field, restaurants, a dog park, an art gallery and a ballroom. Mull says residents who move to Solivita find “great value, established amenities and group organizations.” That’s just what the Altavillas found when they relocated in 2016. “Since moving to Solivita, we’ve made many new friends,” says Karen Altavilla. “We are all mostly in the same phase of WINTER 2019
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