What Does “Active Adult” Mean to You?

Baby Boomers look at retirement a lot differently than their parents or grandparents did. Retiring isn’t a time to slow down, but to put the available time to better use. Staying active and having fun are part of the active adult lifestyle. But there are different ways for a 55+ person to benefit from leaving the workforce and spending free time.

The quality of your retirement years depends on your mindset. When you’re stimulated by ideas, activities, and new experiences, you’ll have a much more fulfilling retirement.

So, what does “active adult” mean to you?

If you’re a golfer, you probably have plans for spending as much time as possible on the course. Some people choose to buy a home on or near a golf course so they can pursue their passion. Or your active lifestyle could involve traveling to other regions and states to get your fill of the sport.

Pickleball is a sport that has grown in popularity among the 55+ population. The game is a combination of ping pong, tennis, and badminton, with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes (like a small wiffle ball). It is played as singles or doubles, on a court, indoors and outdoors, so you can enjoy it in any climate. More and more active adult communities are including a pickleball court in their neighborhood because of the growing demand.

Maybe your vision of “active adult” isn’t physically demanding. You can be active without chasing a ball on a golf course or court. Many retired adults turn their free time into pursuing a hobby—either taking up a new one or getting deeper into a long-standing interest.

Retirement is also a good time to expand your knowledge. Stimulating your brain with classwork is a great way to stay sharp! Take a class at a local university or continuing education program, or take advantage of online learning.

Keeping up your social life is also important for an active adult. When you leave the workforce, you also give up the relationships with co-workers and customers. Replace those connections by staying in touch with people. Join a senior center, for example. Start or join a club that interests you. From reading to cooking to bridge and beyond, the social aspect is as important as the focus of the group itself.

Finally, active adults today are using their newfound available time to volunteer. Help out at your local animal shelter, library, hospital, schools, or non-profit organizations. Groups like Senior Corps and SCORE welcome your time, knowledge, and skills.

RetiredBrain has a list of volunteer opportunities for seniors, from mentoring online to helping MakeAWish and many more great causes! Does your active adult lifestyle change the way you look at your home? Some people move to an active adult community, where people who are 55 or older enjoy living independently and among their peers.

Epcon Communities

Epcon Communities offers an independent, low-maintenance lifestyle, in a single-family home, with new home communities located throughout the country. Our homeowners can lock and leave their homes when they want to travel, confident that their home is taken care of in their absence. Think about your personal definition of “active adult” and then look at the value of living in an Epcon Community to support your vision.