Soon-to-be Boomer Retirees Want Homes to Support Pursuit of Life’s Passions BY JEFF GERSH
oday’s boomers are well-connected online, describe themselves as “full of life” and say retirement is a time to reinvent and discover themselves, according to Trilogy by Shea Homes’ online survey of boomers. The survey drew over 85 percent of participants from Trilogy’s Facebook pages and Twitter feeds. It also found boomers are not only focused on connecting with others and staying near loved ones but also on making a difference, and they are not slowing down anytime soon. Boomers ranked traveling (58%), having a balanced lifestyle (51%), being more active (46%) and having more “me” time (46%) as priorities in retirement.
ON-Site Amenities: General Store, Medical Clinic, Pharmacy, Hair Shop-Unisex, Chapel with Daily Catholic Mass and Interdenominational services. Heated Swimming pool, Transportation to medical appointments and so much more.
Rocky Creek Village is a Full Service Retirement community situated on 45 beautifully landscaped acres. We are located near shopping, churches, banks and public transportation.
Come for a tour or for lunch and Stay A Lifetime.
did not want to put off living our life anymore. We wanted to be around people who are like us. We wanted to be involved in sports and doing lots of things culturally,” said Terri. When choosing where to live, many boomers are actively pursuing plush amenities and benefits, but they should also consider how an active adult club will “feel” when all lots are sold. Active adult communities with established clubhouses or those currently being built out can also provide a good value, since they may have been able to obtain discounts on the land. Those that are just being planned may have to reduce club and home space to accommodate land costs and still compete on price. When considering a new home, resale or staying with an existing
residence, boomers rank green features (which can save as much as 40 percent on energy usage) high on their list of priorities. Today’s boomers are also considering factors many have not before—such as having a space for a home office—as many transition into retirement. Boomers should ask themselves what is important in retirement: Location? Having access to amenities/ activities? Maintaining connectedness with family, friends, others? What do I want to be doing? How important is customizing my home? Have I always had a specific dream or ideal in mind? All of these questions weigh in on determining the best environment to pursue one’s retirement dreams. For info, contact jeff.gersh@ sheahomes.com, or see trilogylife.com.
Serving The Dental Needs of the Community Since 1974
Open Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 5811 E. Broadway Ave. Insurance and Medicaid Accepted
623-1014
Major Credit Cards Accepted
Full Service General Dentist
ALF License #5227
Special MEDICAL SERVICES ON-SITE
24/7 Nursing Service, Personal Care, Medication Supervision and Ordering, Meals and Snacks, Housekeeping/Laundry, Assistance with Bathing/Grooming/Dressing, Full Rehabilitative Program, Home Health Agency, Extended Care Unit, Respite Care and more.
!
T
Having a home to support all of their passions also ranked high—boomers primarily want it to be easy to take care of (59%), followed by the foundation for a vibrant future (40%). But making the leap to a new home is not always an easy decision, especially in the current economy with owners sometimes unable to get as much as desired for an existing home. Though home sales may be down across the country 15 percent year over year, not every development or area is following this trend. Sunshine and beautiful weather are limited, commanding higher prices for homes in areas like Florida. Many boomers, including Terri and Ron Fraser, recent Trilogy homebuyers in the Orlando area, are putting a priority on living the active, engaged life they’ve always wanted. “No one has the crystal ball to know when the best time is, but for us, we
$50.00 off each denture reline In House Lab
New Patient Special $99-includes Exam, Bite Wing and Panorex x-ray
Offer not combined with insurance.
Offer not combined with insurance.
Expires 7/29/11
Expires 7/29/11 Senior Connection • July 2011 • page 19