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.

Aberdeen Village in Olathe has developed a variety of senior care options that support you in the way you want to live throughout your lifetime. Our commitment to you is to provide individualized person-centered care so that when making choices, it truly is based on the way you want to live.

Unlike all the fluctuating costs you incur as a homeowner — taxes, maintenance, repairs, utilities, etc. — one set monthly fee at Aberdeen Village covers almost everything.

Independent senior living at Aberdeen Village is all about you. It's all about choices. Enjoy day trips to various shopping districts, peruse through art galleries and museums, or have friends over for coffee at our cappuccino bar. Whatever you choose to do next, you'll find it's easier and more convenient from here.

Customized with a patio or balcony, plus your choice of personalization options, each of our independent living community floor plans has the space you need to feel right at home.

Aberdeen Village

The trusted capability of Olathe Medical Center and the caring tradition of The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society have joined to create Cedar Lake Village, an exciting senior living community in Olathe, Kansas. 

The senior living units offer residents 55 and older the benefits of a personalized lifestyle combined with the security of community living. 

The Good Samaritan Society Communities of Olathe – Cedar Lake Village, Hoeger House, Olathe Towers and College Way Village – is a Christian, not-for-profit organization that depends on the generous gifts of donors.

Since the founding of the Good Samaritan Society in 1922, your donations have helped us continue providing quality Christian care for seniors in the community.

As part of The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, we are a 501(c)(3) organization so donations are tax deductible within IRS limitations.

Cedar Lake Village

Cedar Lake Village opened its doors in 2001 with 36 assisted living apartments and 48 senior living apartments. In 2006, CLV added another 54 senior living apartments. In 2007, the Villas began to take shape. CLV started out with four villas and have now grown to 22.  In 2016, CLV opened a new addition housing 24 memory care assisted living apartments and a new Worship and Life Center.

The 184-unit senior housing complex is designed to provide seniors with some supportive services. The senior living units offer residents age 55 and over the benefits of a personalized lifestyle combined with the security of community living. Those desiring a maintenance-free lifestyle may be interested in our Villas.

A higher level of care is offered in Cedar Lake Village’s assisted living units. These combine housing with supportive services for seniors who want personalized attention but do not require traditional 24-hour skilled nursing care. Our memory care is designed to provide care and supportive services for individuals living with irreversible dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and can benefit from a smaller residential environment, trained staff, and supportive programming.

Also on our campus, Cedar Lake Village’s Hoeger House (pronounced "Hey•ger House") provides short-term rehabilitation for physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. It is focused on each person's needs for recovery and healing from hospitalization for surgery, injury, stroke or illness.

Cedar Lake Village is on the campus of Olathe Medical Center, and is one of only a few campuses in the country providing access to a full continuum of care. The campus currently includes acute and non-acute health care services, home health and hospice services, the Kansas Cardiovascular Center, The NEW Birth Place and Level II NICU, the Kansas Joint Specialty Center, the Olathe Regional Oncology Center, 24-hour emergency services and Good Samaritan Society - Olathe, a skilled nursing facility with specialized dementia/Alzheimer’s unit.  Construction is also underway on campus to build the new Olathe Health Cancer Center.

The Olathe Medical Center campus is a one-stop shop for all aspects of senior wellness, and it is conveniently located near shopping, restaurants and hotels.

This Olathe senior living community might remind you of a resort vacation. It can seem like a comfortable club where you meet your friends. And it will probably delight you with world class dining, fascinating events, and an array of activities, services and amenities.

But above all, you sense the spiritual depth of Residents, whose faith – plus their enthusiasm for sharing the joys of life – transforms the community into a special place.

As a CCRC (continuing care retirement community) in Johnson County offering Life Care, the Tuscan-inspired Santa Marta is a senior living community near Overland Park that includes private villas, luxury apartment homes, assisted living apartment homes, memory care suites and skilled nursing suites on a 45-acre campus. It’s a combination that gives you peace of mind, and you can relax, knowing you’re in control and have taken care of your future.

At Santa Marta, the Olathe senior living community, we like to say that the big picture is made up of many small brushstrokes. No detail is too small, from perfectly placed silverware to daily fresh flowers. While our service and surroundings are impeccable, we strive for a friendly family atmosphere that will make you feel right at home in a senior living community near Overland Park.

Independent living near Overland Park, KS doesn’t get any better than our Life Care retirement community. Live as you please, with plenty of choices, because when you’re seeking independent senior living near Overland Park, KS, Santa Marta welcomes you home.

Choose either a one- or two-bedroom apartment home. These convenience-rich senior apartments in the Olathe, KS area are an ideal choice for independent senior living near Overland Park, KS.



Santa Marta

Olathe

Search for the perfect senior independent living community in Olathe, KS and explore communities in its neighborhoods.

Independent Living in Olathe, KS - Kithward

For those living in Olathe, Kansas, there will be much to love about your retirement years. 

Throughout the seasons, you’ll be able to enjoy the Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center, a 115-acre nature preserve, offering ample hiking trails and an education center. A little further from the center of town is Cedar Lake Falls, a beautiful waterfall to explore and a great place to take the grandkids.

Due to its geographical location and low cost of living, Olathe is a great option for retirees. There are plenty of retirement communities in Olathe, Kansas for any budget and desire. Living in Olathe gives you the chance to enjoy a peaceful and quiet place while still having the opportunity to visit many interesting cities and towns within a 2 or 3-hour drive.

Find your perfect senior independent living community in Olathe, KS

For those living in Olathe, Kansas, there will be much to love about your retirement years.

Living in Olathe

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What Makes Retirement Communities? Activities, Of Course!

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