Activities can define a retirement community. Learn more about the different activities these communities can provide.

What is an active adult community? While we can define it based on age restrictions—home to anyone 55 or older—that’s not what draws people to these communities. Many gated communities can fit that definition easily. The same goes with many other features that retirees like: Low-maintenance housing, nice amenities shared by the community, and a central location. 

Instead, what makes an active adult community is its activities. In other words, the events and such where retirees and seniors can spend time together. While you may be able to just meet your neighbors and get along with them, it takes organized events and activities to really get to know the people around you, especially if they live a little further down the street or may be a little less sociable. With the right activities, you can feel at home living in these communities.

Different Types of Activities for Active Adults

When looking at retirement communities and such, you’ll want programming that fits your active lifestyle as much as possible. But what that means can vary. Sometimes you want to spend your free time being outdoors. Other times, you may want to learn something you couldn’t when you were still in the workforce. Still others, you may want to kick back, relax, and spend time with people in your neighborhood. The ideal active adult community will have programming that suits your needs. Here are some examples of activities you can do.

Music is a great way to connect with other retirees such as yourself. If you have a knack for singing or playing an instrument, some communities will have active choirs and bands for you to join. You’ll get a chance to perform like you always have to a crowd that will support you. Never got the chance to start playing? It’s never too late to learn, with many communities offering music classes. Of course, if you’d rather watch than play, retirement communities will offer regular concerts, including cover bands that will play some of your favorite songs.

If you’re looking to join an active adult community close to a major airport, it’s probably because you still want to see the world after retirement. But many communities will support your travel dreams regardless of where you are. They run travel groups that allow you to visit places around the country and the world, often at a discount. It makes it easy for you to see the sights without feeling alone, while also staying affordable. In addition, many places offer on-site travel agents that allow you to plan your next trip, with or without friends in the community.

Retirement’s the best time to learn a new hobby, and what better time to do that than in a community that supports both doing and learning new crafts. Many have hobby centers that include studios for practicing woodworking, pottery, glassmaking, and more. They will also host classes to learn these crafts, allowing you to showcase that creativity to members of the community. 

In life, you never stop learning something new every day. But if you’re more curious about the world, then many active adult communities offer lifelong learning opportunities. These take the form of regular classes on many subjects, whether it’s American history or marine biology. These take the form of structured courses lasting several weeks, though you won’t necessarily get a surprise quiz or exam. Of course, in certain communities, especially those in college towns, they’ll have partnerships with the local university, so you can actually earn credit towards a college degree.

Of course, being active can mean getting physical. But that can also mean doing more than just taking a jog on the walking trails or a daily bike ride. Exercise classes are standard fare at retirement communities, but many go further with sports and strength training. You can join a pickleball club, or spend time with a hiking group climbing a nearby mountain. Of course, if you prefer low-key physical activity, there’s always swimming classes and tai chi.

Benefits of Having Many Active Adult Activities

When you join an active adult community with great programs, your life will feel enriched in many ways. First, you’ll meet and earn lifelong friends within the community, based on your common interests. Second, you’ll feel like part of the community, being more closely connected to those around you. Your neighbors will get to know you better. Next, it’s a healthy way to stay active, as you’ll have something that keeps you going. Finally, you’ll never get bored.

When it comes to finding activities that suit your active lifestyle, the tricky part is finding the right community that suits your needs. Thankfully, Kithward can help with our selection of active adult communities that you can view and book a tour with.

What Makes Retirement Communities? Activities, Of Course!

Is your house feeling too big, cluttered, or expensive to maintain? Learn more about downsizing when you retire.

On the verge of retirement, it’s important to think about what you want to do with your home. While many retirees hope to age in place, that may not always be the best idea. Your home may feel too big, have become cluttered, or is simply a hassle to maintain. Whether you want to stay put, or sell your home and move into a retirement community, it’s important to consider downsizing. It helps make your life easier and makes things less stressful for you and your family, regardless of what you do or where you go.

Downsizing is moving to a smaller home or reducing the amount of space you take up in your home. It’s often tied in with decluttering, where you pare down what you have so it takes up less space than usual. Downsizing doesn’t mean a change in the quality of life you have, merely the amount of space your life takes up.

It’s very common to downsize: According to a Merrill Lynch survey, 51% of retirees who move from their old home downsize, compared to 30% who upsize and 19% who move to a similar-sized home. 

Downsizing becomes important if and when you decide to move to a 55+ community such as a life plan community. Moving can be a stressful time for you and your family, and you have to consider how much you really want to take with you to your new home. It can also be a factor if you need to make an emergency move, especially after a health crisis.

Of course, the reasons you may want to consider downsizing after retirement sometimes may have little to do with where you’re going and what you want to do, and more about what you have now. You may have spent years living in this house, but it may be time to change. The kids are no longer home, and even if you use one of their rooms as a guest room, they’re typically empty. You likely no longer need as many of your possessions as you did years ago. You may keep an active lifestyle, but getting around a big house like yours can be a hassle. On top of all this, it’s expensive to maintain your home, especially now that you’re retired. When you consider all these reasons, downsizing may be the best option.

Of course, downsizing isn’t for every retiree or senior. While there are many reasons to downsize, there are other reasons that will compel you to stay put. You may want to stay close to your family, or you’re still an active part of your community. Regardless, there are questions to ask yourself before you consider downsizing. Even if you choose to stay, asking these questions may help you declutter your home so you can have a better living situation.

When you first bought your home, you probably had a clear vision of what your lifestyle would look like: Raising kids and pets, spending time with your spouse, getting along with the neighbors. But now that the kids are no longer home, it may just be you, your spouse, and/or your pets. Your lifestyle may have changed, and it’s possible your house no longer suits that lifestyle. If that’s the case, then downsizing might be a good idea. 

One of the most important factors about moving for your retirement, let alone downsizing, is your social life. Is your home the host of regular gatherings with friends, family, your community? Or does your house only have an occasional visit from your family or friends? These can not only impact whether you stay put, but also the size of your home should you move. If you love to host parties and events, you may feel less inclined to downsize to smaller homes.

It’s very easy to turn your child’s old bedroom into a storage space. But if you’re doing that, the question you should ask yourself is why. Unused rooms, even those converted to storage, mean more time cleaning and repairing them when you don’t really need. If you have rooms you aren’t using regularly, downsizing may be a good idea.

How Many Of Your Possessions Do You Need?

When we talk about possessions, we’re not referring to keepsakes and heirlooms. We’re talking about everyday items that are simply a part of your home and you could gift to your children or donate to a thrift store. If you have a lot of items you use regularly, you may feel no need to downsize, though there may be opportunities to declutter.

Many people enjoy gardening and taking care of their lawns, others may like doing repairs to their home. But you may not like doing either, and you may find them too expensive to your tastes or too difficult for your body to do. Moving to a smaller home can help reduce the need for maintenance, and moving to a retirement community that takes care of maintenance can be even better.

Depending on how you answer these questions, you may find that downsizing to a smaller home can be the solution. If and when you decide to downsize, Kithward is here to provide you with a variety of retirement communities offering unique floor plans that are just the right size for you.

“Aging in place” is a term used to describe a person’s ability to remain in their home or community of choice for as long as possible, even as their needs for assistance and health care grow and change with age.

According to a recent AARP survey of people aged 65 and over, about 90% of seniors want to age in place. 

For some, this means staying in a home they have resided in for many years. In these cases, seniors and their families must plan thoroughly -- financially and otherwise -- for the home modifications, personal assistance and health care that will become increasingly necessary over time. 

Those who desire to live and remain in a community, however, will need to make sure the community itself can provide the necessary personal assistance and skilled medical care on site. 

While there are some communities that have independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing all together, most independent living facilities are strictly independent. Should a person get sick or fall and require assistance, they will need to move to a different community that offers assisted living or skilled nursing, as the case may be..

There are assisted living facilities that also provide skilled nursing care while others can provide or coordinate hospice care on site. 

One option that allows for aging in place is called a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life plan community. Individuals or couples can enter a CCRC as active, independent seniors and enjoy a campus-like community which often boasts amenities such as pools, tennis courts, golf courses, libraries, lounges and multiple restaurants. Residents have a calendar of activities and events from which to choose so they can stay engaged physically, spiritually, creatively, and intellectually. 

Housing at CCRCs can range from single family homes to studio apartments, all with full kitchens and appliances and where home maintenance is taken care of by the community staff. Should a resident need assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or grooming, or medication management, they can either hire their own private personal aide  or move into the assisted living part of the community. If and when ongoing medical health care is required, they will have skilled nursing available to them as well. CCRCS offer a guarantee that residents will be taken care of as they age.

At Kithward, you can search for CCRCs or explore independent living communities that will allow you to age in place.

Caring people make the difference at Coventry Meadows. You can feel it the minute you walk into our retirement community and meet our team members. Whether it’s in our assisted living apartments or in our Garden Homes, they’re not just doing a job, but following a calling.

Coventry Meadows offers a full continuum of senior living and healthcare solutions designed to accommodate a diversity of lifestyle choices and healthcare needs. Whether you are looking for an independent living Garden Home, a comfortable assisted living apartment, or memory care assisted living, we provide the customized care you need in a safe environment. Plus, you’ll enjoy priority access to our healthcare community, where residents receive just the right amount of care and services needed, from skilled nursing and long-term care to personalized memory support in our Auguste’s Cottage.

At Coventry Meadows, we know that a retirement community should be about just that – a community. That starts with providing ample opportunities for social growth and the best enriching experiences. Coventry Meadows overlooks Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve and is conveniently located with easy access to I-69 and I-469. We’re also just minutes from some of the best medical care in Fort Wayne, Indiana at Lutheran Hospital. You’ll also find Frontier, Village of Coventry and the Jefferson Pointe Mall nearby. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that loved ones are close to important amenities and that family and friends are encouraged to visit often.

Coventry Meadows is proud to be a pet friendly community.

Call to speak with a Senior Lifestyle Specialist or stop by for a personal visit to learn more about assisted and independent living options. We look forward to serving you!

Coventry Meadows

The mission behind Golden Years Homestead's Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is to ensure your peace of mind for today and tomorrow. For decades, our non-for-profit, Christian foundation has allowed us to hold our aging in reverence by providing multiple care options from independent living; short-term rehabilitation stays to long term care and memory care. 

Each living and care option enables residents to age in place while remaining near family and friends in a familiar, safe and loving environment. At Golden Years, we do things a little differently. We have taken great care to combine innovative design and superb care with indulgences and comforts for the ultimate experience.

Neighborhood independent living is designed for people like you, who want to continue to grow and flourish in a social atmosphere. Our Independent living villas give you various living options in order to maintain an engaged and active lifestyle.

Golden Years Homestead, Inc. does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, financial ability to pay for services rendered, disability, or age in admission, treatment or publication in its programs, services, and activities, or in employment.

Golden Years Homestead Inc

Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne, Indiana can offer you everything you need to get the most out of life in every stage of retirement. From the freedom of Independent Living to the additional peace of mind offered in our Assisted Living, Long-term Care and Memory Care facilities, Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne has the ability and resources to serve your needs today and in the future.  We also feature a full state-of-the-art rehabilitation wing for both inpatient and outpatient rehab needs. A variety of carefully selected amenities helps you maintain or return to a fun, active and healthy lifestyle all while forming close, meaningful friendships and relationships. Become a part of Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne, and discover why we believe It’s all About Living.

Live independently in one of our freestanding homes or apartments without the hassle of home maintenance and yard work! Enjoy the comfort and benefits of living in a close, secure community. Many options and floor plans are available.

Heritage Pointe Of Fort Wayne

Caring people make the difference at Heritage Park. You can feel it the minute you walk into our community and meet our staff. They are experts in senior care who are not just doing a job, but following a calling. They are here to help you and your family find answers, solutions and peace of mind. In fact, they become an extension of your family.

Heritage Park offers a full continuum of housing and senior healthcare solutions designed to accommodate a diversity of lifestyle choices and healthcare requirements. Whether you are looking for nursing home rehabilitation, memory care, long-term, respite or hospice care, Heritage Park is able to give personalized senior care to your loved ones.

Conveniently located in Fort Wayne on Hobson Road, just south of East State Boulevard with easy access to I-69, Heritage Park is close to emergency health care, Parkview Memorial Hospital, shopping centers and restaurants. You will have peace of mind knowing that loved ones are close to important amenities such as hospitals. Call to learn why Heritage Park is the ideal senior care community in Fort Wayne.

If you’re looking to downsize your life while maintaining the independent lifestyle you prefer, American Senior Communities has exactly what you need. Our Garden Homes allow you to create a home that’s uniquely yours, with the convenience and safety of additional services and caregiving when you need it. Our Independent Living Apartments provide independent, maintenance-free living with an additional level of care support.

Heritage Park

Welcome to not-for-profit Lutheran Life Villages. Come and learn why we’re the leader in senior living and healthcare in Northeast Indiana. From the welcoming atmosphere at our four campuses in Fort Wayne and Kendallville, to our vibrant independent living community, to our compassionate, high-quality care services, we’re dedicated to helping each individual reach their full potential—and providing seniors and their families with a Better Way of Living.

Lutheran Life Villages—the premier provider of senior residential living, senior healthcare, rehabilitation and other services has been providing compassionate, spiritually connected care to the people of Northeast Indiana since 1931. What started as the “Oak Street Home” has evolved to four thriving senior communities in the Fort Wayne area — The Village at Anthony Boulevard, The Village at Birchwood, The Village at Kendallville and The Village at Pine Valley.

While a lot has changed, our mission to serve the older adults in our community in Indiana has remained the same. And as we continue to grow to serve our 55+ population, we will always strive to provide A Better Way of Living for our residents, our staff and everyone in our community.

Located on a beautiful 42-acre campus, The Village at Anthony Boulevard offers spacious, maintenance-free senior living in the heart of Fort Wayne.  Each day is filled with exciting activities, events, classes and more. A personalized wellness program will keep residents at their best. Of course there are plenty of great amenities to enjoy as well as freshly prepared, chef-inspired meals.

Here you’ll find our widest range of retirement lifestyle options, including: premium senior apartments, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care. Anthony Boulevard residents also have the assurance of a continuum of care, maintaining the same personalized level of care as they transition through life.


Lutheran Life Village at Anthony Boulevard

After 50 years of caring for seniors in our community, Saint Anne Randallia Place has expanded to offer a full continuum of care, including adult day services, short-term rehabilitation suites, independent and assisted-living apartments, memory care assisted living, and 24-hour nursing care.

Saint Anne Communities at Randallia Place offers 153 nursing home beds and 88 residential living apartments. These apartments are all licensed for assisted living care. This especially benefits people who anticipate needing assisted living in the future, or those who may need assistance only periodically. Those needing assisted living receive those services right in their apartment. No moving to another location!

We also offer assisted living area specializing in memory care, with 14 individual apartments surrounding a family room and offering 24-hour staffing and specialized activities for those struggling with the effects of mild to moderate dementia. And don’t forget our Courtyard Club Adult Day Program, which offers a friendly and safe environment for individuals living at home to stay active and enjoy socialization.

Independent Living means that a person chooses to move into one of our apartments because they love the all-inclusive amenities but may not require any day-to-day assistance.



Randallia Place

Located in the heart of Fort Wayne, you can embrace all the city has to offer with countless cultural, entertainment and commercial opportunities. Of course, there’s also much to be enjoyed every day right here at The Towne House. Our incredible campus includes numerous walking paths, shuffleboard courts, a woodworking shop and family gathering spaces like gazebos and picnic areas. There’s also much fun to be had with full social and activities calendars as well as a host of outstanding amenities.

Imagine enjoying the comfort and privacy of your own apartment or of a Chapman’s Crossing home at The Towne House without the concerns of yard work, snow removal or home maintenance. If residents enjoy traveling, they are free from worrying about the safety and security of their home and belongings. Services from The Towne House housekeeping staff keep homes fresh and clean while residents take part in the day’s activities.

The Towne House features many different home styles so that residents may choose the floor plans and features that best fit individual preferences and lifestyles. Choices include one, two and three-bedroom models, as well as two styles at Chapman’s Crossing.

Residents may choose to have breakfast, lunch, dinner or all three in one of The Towne Houses dining venues. The “Dining Dollars” dining program gives residents the ability to plan their meal times as they wish.

The Towne House Retirement Community

Trails Edge is an independent living community for seniors aged 55 and older. We support elders as they live and thrive with one and two-bedroom apartment homes complete with balconies, all appliances, walk-in closets, full-size bathrooms, emergency call systems and an income-sensitive monthly payment that includes utilities. Trails Edge also offers a wide range of community amenities including a computer room, fitness room and laundry on each floor. 

Conveniently located on a bus line and close to grocery stores, shopping and more, Trails Edge is a comfortable and affordable option for seniors ready to downsize after selling a house or for those looking for their next place to call home.

Finding the right kind of senior housing is a long and involved process. There are many factors to consider, from available services and amenities to the location of the retirement community itself. 

At National Church Residences, we understand how much goes into finding the right home, which is why our goal is to offer affordable housing that meets all of our residents’ various needs.



Trails Edge

Allen County

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What Makes Retirement Communities? Activities, Of Course!

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