We hear a lot about assisted living communities these days because it's among the fastest-growing segments of the housing industry. Assisted living offers the best of all possible worlds for seniors: independence that comes with their own residential accommodations, along with the availability of health care and support services tailored to meet individual needs of those who do not require full-time medical care.

Active retirement communities, also called senior apartments, are gaining in popularity, as well. These communities are much like any apartment community you'll find in the United States, except that they have age requirements for residency, and they strive to provide seniors with social and recreational opportunities with others who are similar in age. The theory makes a lot of sense: Seniors, particularly widows and widowers, are sometimes lonely. The closest family members they have may be hundreds or even thousands of miles away. Their family members may have extended the invitation to have their relative live with them, but many seniors want to maintain their independence and their pride. It's a bit of a double-edged sword, but active retirement communities address those concerns in fine style.

Active retirement communities are either "age inclusive" or "age exclusive." Age inclusive communities are designed for retirees of all ages, although more senior-age residents tend to settle in such communities. Age exclusive communities require that their residents be senior citizens -- in other words, ages 55 and older.

Most active retirement communities provide such amenities as tennis courts, fitness centers, golf courses, swimming pools and spas, a clubhouse for large gatherings, and a library. And while such communities strongly recognize the ability of their residents to be independent, they also tend to provide tenants with easy access to local transportation, laundry facilities, meals and regularly planned social activities. Rather than compromising their independence, seniors enjoy convenience.

Before you select the active retirement community that's right for you, create a checklist to carry with you on your search (and make sure you visit multiple communities, which can be vastly different in their approaches, price ranges and available amenities). You'll also want to ask whether the below-listed amenities are included with your rent and/or required fees, or if you're charged additional fees for the privilege of using these services:

• Does the community offer additional storage for its residents?
• What are the parking accommodations -- open parking, a garage or covered parking?
• Are your utilities covered in your rent, and which ones? What are the average utilities each month?
• Are your telephone services provided, or do you have to set them up yourself and assume the charge?
• Are residents provided washers and dryers in their units at no extra charge? If not, is a laundry facility available on premises? Do the washers and dryers seem to be in good shape, and are residents charged to use them?
• Is there a hair salon on premises?
• What types of activities are offered for residents, and how frequently? Are these recreational opportunities diverse, catering to all fitness levels and areas of interest?
• Are exercise programs offered and encouraged at the property? Are residents charged for enrollment in exercise classes?
• Is there a clubhouse on premises, and do you see much activity going on there during your preliminary visit to the property? Do you see a list of planned activities on the wall of the clubhouse?
• Do residents seem active and social? Do you a lot of activity outside?
• Do residents have access to regularly scheduled transportation?
• What kinds of amenities are in the area? Is there a grocery store within walking distance (or would on-site transporation be able to take you there in the event that you don't drive a car)?
• What kinds of kitchen appliances are provided for you?
• Do units have security systems?
• Do all units have emergency call systems?
• Are guest accommodations provided?
• Does the property maintain a 24-hour, round the clock staff who could provide immediate assistance in the event of an emergency?
• If meals are provided on premises, how often, and does the staff accommodate individual dietary concerns and restrictions? Are residents held to set mealtimes, or do they have the flexibility of arriving at any time according to their own schedules and appetites? If for any reason you're unable to leave your residence due to temporary illness, doctor's orders, etc., is tray service provided? Would you be charged for that service?
• Are housekeeping services provided? How much does the service cost, and what does it include? Are you provided linen service? Dry cleaning?
• Are furnished units available if needed?

While running down the above checklist, make a few notes to yourself. While you toured the exercise facilities, did you spot much activity? Were the machines in good working condition? Did the staff seem genuinely pleasant and responsive, and did they know residents' names? If a dining room was on site, and your tour of the room took place during a regularly scheduled mealtime, did you spot much activity, and was it pleasant? Were residents interacting with one another? Was there much activity in the library and other common areas? Within the units, were the appliances clean and in good working order? Did the units seem safely secured? Was the carpeting and all furniture clean, if provided?

Do the common areas seem to accommodate all levels of independence (for example, are they equipped with ramps for those who are physically challenged)?

One of the best indicators you can use is the community's reputation in your city. If you've heard generally positive comments about the community, and if it's a household name aligned with a large company, your chances of being satisfied are probably better. Be sure to ask the community representatives what their occupancy rate is. If there's a waiting list to get into the community, that's a great sign. If there are plenty of units available, and you're spotting more than a few moving trucks (moving residents out as opposed to in) on the day you visit, take that as a possible warning sign. Bring a friend or family member with you on your search for a second opinion. And most of all, trust your instincts; they're the best indicator you've got.

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