| No it's not a contradiction - active retirement is the | | | | that you simply love? |
| wave of the future for today's retirees. Loathe to | | | | -Social Activities: are there organized or community |
| call themselves "seniors," today's 55+ crowd is more | | | | activities? If so, do they suit your interests? |
| dynamic, healthy and involved than ever before. | | | | -Values: does the community have a stated mission |
| Looking for ways to fully embrace this new | | | | and if so, does it mesh with your personal values? |
| hard-earned stage of their lives, our elders are not | | | | -Pets: while a restriction on pets will be a breath of |
| being wheeled complacently into dimly lit retirement | | | | fresh air for those with allergies, pet lovers need to |
| homes. Instead, finally free of the responsibilities of | | | | seek out homes that embrace their furry friends. |
| family and working life, this crowd demands a high | | | | Climate |
| quality lifestyle and a passionately active retirement. | | | | -Demographics: Check the demographics of the area. |
| Drawn by the temperate sub tropical climate, lazy | | | | Chances are that a large 55+ population points to a |
| beaches and a range of innovative golfing | | | | community that not only understands the needs of |
| communities, boating communities, and senior | | | | retirees, but actively meets them. |
| independent living communities that have sprung up all | | | | -Health care: does the community have its own |
| over the SouthWest of the panhandle, Florida | | | | hospital? Where are the local medical centers? |
| remains the number one retirement destination in | | | | -Local government and community life: Does the local |
| America. These new Active Retirement Communities | | | | municipal government support city wide recreational |
| are a far cry from the nursing homes of yore. They | | | | activities and events? Find out! What are the parks |
| typically don't provide health services or any | | | | and public areas like? Cities that put energy into |
| assistance with daily living. They may be age | | | | recreation also foster vibrant and healthy |
| restricted or multi generational, they may also offer | | | | communities. What about local clubs? Is there a |
| community activities, social events, and easy access | | | | chapter of your favorite hobby or service group |
| to personal services such as meals, laundry, and | | | | nearby? |
| housekeeping. People who choose to be part of | | | | -Climate: are you looking for year-round sunshine, a |
| these communities are fully independent, vital and | | | | more temperate climate? You don't have to go far |
| generally enjoy being active. | | | | to find it! For decades North Americans have known |
| Some things to consider when choosing your | | | | that Florida is the perfect climate for kicking back and |
| retirement community: | | | | taking it easy. |
| -Communal Space: how big is it and what services are | | | | What you will find in Cape Coral : |
| offered? communal space can range from a shared | | | | -Leisure activities: golfing, dining, boating, yacht clubs, |
| lounge to an entire community center complete with | | | | city sponsored recreational activities |
| gourmet restaurant. An extensive or elaborate | | | | -Canals |
| communal space with services you appreciate will | | | | -Greenspace |
| enrich your social life, but also impact the overall cost | | | | -Semi tropical climate |
| of your home. | | | | -Cape coral population over 45 years of age: 50% |
| -Personal Services: what services, if any are offered | | | | -Health care: the area is well served by Cape Coral |
| by the community? Meals, spa services, and | | | | Memorial hospital and a range of heath care centers |
| housekeeping may all be part of the package. Decide | | | | in the surrounding area. |
| which services, if any you want access to and make | | | | -Young community established in 1970 |
| this a firm part of your decision. If meals are | | | | -Largest small town between Tampa and Miami, just |
| important to you - make sure to find out how good | | | | 90 minutes --- from Sarasota |
| the food is! | | | | -Great economy with a booming job market. |
| -Facilities: What irresistible extras are built right into | | | | -Wide sandy beach, well maintained parks, free |
| the community itself? Are there fitness and | | | | recreational opportunities |
| recreational facilities, gardens, a marina or golf course | | | | -More canals than Venice. |