There seems to be a lot more to the success of active adult communities throughout the nation than just some convenient rounds of golf and the fact that at last the "older" set can drive down their streets without fear of demolishing tricycles in their path. And there's probably more to it than the appeal of mostly single-level floor plans geared especially to "mature" adults. The fact is, many people selling their 30-year old family homes and moving into these resort-style communities may want a socially and physically active life at last; one that they don't necessarily have to work so hard to achieve.

In the MacArthur Foundation Study, used in the book "Successful Aging," it is noted that 'engagement with life' is one of the most important elements to growing older happily. They call it 'happy activities' and acknowledge that the concept is a relatively new one.

The book explains that 30 years ago, something called the "disengagement" theory was influential among those studying aging. The theory purported that the main task of old age was one of "letting go." People were expected to give up their jobs, stop taking part in strenuous recreation, and separate themselves from old friends and family members.

But that was then and this is now. Now we have 65-year olds running marathons, people beginning second careers that finally interest them well into their fifties, and women like Sophia Loren redefining growing older "gracefully."

Researchers are finding that close relationships with others and regular activities give excitement to life, and learning never really stops as long as we stay involved and eager for new experiences. In a section talking about relating to others, the study also suggests, "The fact that being connected to others promotes longevity was observed long before it was understood, and much research has tried to learn just what it is about such relationships that is good for us."

In active adult atmospheres, successful aging just plain gets easier for many older men and women. All in one place, residents can find new friends, partially replace paid employment with useful activities, regularly exercise without having to join and pay for a health club, and enjoy leisure as never before. A golf cart ride can take them to a friend's house for dinner. While husbands tee off, wives are learning to surf the 'Net and design web pages. While wives learn gourmet cooking skills, husbands are slugging out base hits on the softball field. Singles can mingle without expectation or stigma. And when grown children visit, residents in these communities can rest assured that no matter what the circumstances, they can't move back in with them.

Developers who take the time to study what people want out of life as they age are finding that these active adult enclaves can be strategically placed all over the country, but don't necessarily have to be located in the heart of things. Self-contained resort-style neighborhoods can become islands in the hills, expanses in the desert, or havens in the prairie, just as long as there is a good-sized metropolitan area within a three-hour drive or so. Why? Because many older adults don't want to necessarily cut themselves off from their grown children, growing grandchildren or old friends. Many may prefer to be within driving distance, but not quite close enough for them to "drop in."

The 55-plus atmosphere is one of almost limitless choices for those who buy in one. It's the option to participate or sit out; the existence of structure and the absence of obligation to work within it. "Successful Aging" uses the analogy of kindergartners who plaintively ask 'Do we have to do what we want to again today?' After we have paid our dues, it's great to have so many decisions to make just for ourselves.

Beyond the current crop of semi-retirees, there is the next wave of empty nesters eager for the good life that active adult communities offer, and builders are poised to grant them their every wish. It's no secret that Baby Boomers will redefine successful aging as no other generation has before. As products of post-war parents, Boomers waged wars with flowers and raged against the "establishment" while pushing the outside of every envelope ever designed to keep them in neat packages. And the word "active adult" will be a badge of honor and a goal to be achieved, while the word "retirement" may eventually become an anachronistic term used to describe yesteryear.