The "Boomers" Retirement Community is Different

I live in a retirement community built 15 years ago.  Generally, the accommodations are what I expected. I’m very comfortable.

However. There is a very different community rising on 100 acres across the street, definitely part of our community by name, ownership and management. It’s specifically designed for boomers, who—research shows—want a different style of retirement. And what is that?

I visited the model home for this new section the other day, and can certainly see that these roomy residences are intended for 55-plus residents and up, members of the “boomers” generation; the model had elegance, spaciousness, granite counters and profoundly large closets. The hostess/marketer explained that “these boomer homes are for retirees 55-plus. They are not putting off moving from the homes where they raised their children. They are so ready for no-maintenance, single-level homes with fireplaces and plenty of space. They want to have fun. These customers are looking for ease of living, attractive and versatile space, attached homes, the wave of the future. They feel entitled.”

I came away impressed, not only with the space, but also with a vision of a new lifestyle.

After months and months of grading and building infrastructure, the first 10 of an eventual 200 patio cottages are finished and occupied. A total of 48 will be built and occupied by the end of the year. Then the focus will shift to building the centerpiece, the community center. It will be a 100-apartment building with a gorgeous view of the mountains, full-size swimming pool, a bistro and other eating choices, large special events rooms, plus whatever — as befits the center of this new part of our community.

The first new residents across the street are coming to our dining room, wine-and- cheese meet-and-greet events, entertainment, wellness activities, libraries; they’re meeting new people as well as catching up with those they knew previously. We are invited to use the facilities in the new community center, which will come online in a couple of years.

Suddenly I feel more interested and involved in what’s going on across the street. I like these people, several of whom I’ve known for years. Many are ready to blend right in, in some ways. Others are already moving in whatever direction their interests take them. For example, the leader of a prominent brass band has invited us all to their concerts, and many have accepted, including me. We’re already soaking up each other’s interests.

Yes, they may well be different in their expectations, but they’re just as human as the rest of us: interested, curious, polite, active people with their own views of retirement living, ready to learn about us, just as we enjoy learning about them.

None of us need to have “Silent Generation” or “In Betweener” or “Boomer” stamped on our foreheads. It will be fun watching how all this works out. Carry on!

Ann’s blog appears every Thursday. Your comments are welcome!