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.

This is a place that feels like home, without the work. Where you can enjoy time with family and friends without the worries of home maintenance, housekeeping or laundry. Where there’s delicious dining along with convenient services and amenities to make every day stress-free. Where people are dedicated to making aging easier. More comfortable. More perfectly suited to you!

Where you’ll find a complete range of senior living options, including independent living, personal care and skilled nursing as well as short-term rehabilitation. And where you’ll have peace of mind knowing that compassionate care is close at hand, whenever needed.

Here’s a place that makes aging easy by inviting you to truly make yourself at home. And to truly make it your home.

Welcome to our community…Welcome to Elmwood Gardens!

Elmwood Gardens Of Erie

Located just a few miles from Lake Erie, Springhill is beautifully situated on 45 wooded acres. Cozy and inviting, the campus features winding walkways and gently curving trails, while gardens and meticulous landscaping adorn the campus. Springhill has a natural beauty you won’t find at other retirement communities in the Erie area. But this natural setting doesn’t mean giving up the conveniences of city living. Springhill is just a short ride away from local shopping, restaurants and attractions. At Springhill senior living community, you get the best of both worlds.

With 36 spacious garden homes and 122 beautifully appointed apartment homes available in a variety of floor plans, Springhill offers residential living options to suit any lifestyle. You’ll be surrounded by amenities, conveniences and lots of special people. But what truly makes living in our Continuing Care Retirement Community so exceptional is the security that comes with knowing that you can finally relax and enjoy the present, because your future is assured. And with even more services available through the Asbury Home Services licensed home care program, you can get a little extra help when and if you need it right in your residential living apartment.

Springhill

Ready to leave behind the worries of home maintenance and household chores? Ready to take it easy, but still call a place your own? Then Independent Living at Manchester Commons is the right choice for you.

Let us take care of the cooking, cleaning and laundry while you enjoy life with friends and neighbors as well as hobbies and social events. Plus, you have priority access to our personal care and skilled nursing, if ever needed. Getting older can mean making life easier in ways you want, while enjoying new experiences!

Our Independent Living apartment homes feature:

Convenient, first-floor living
Your own furniture and décor
Full bath with access to whirlpool spa
Wall-to-wall carpeting in living room and bedroom

Manchester Commons of Erie

Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge offers a supportive community that gives residents an opportunity to enrich all facets of their lives. Residents can take advantage of a wide array of services that enable them to maximize their independence in a fulfilling homelike environment. Services include meals, housekeeping, personal laundry and utilities.

Saint Mary's at Asbury Ridge Offers:
74 beautiful spacious suites and apartments with private bathrooms
Kitchenettes with microwave and refrigerator in each Residential room
Individually controlled heating and air conditioning
24-hour nursing supervision
Emergency call system
Attractive lounges on each floor
Available laundry facilities
Enriching activity program
Library with computer access
Senior TV cable service
Local telephone service
Outdoor courtyards and a putting green
Convenient parking

Saint Mary's At Asbury Ridge

Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania in 1884,
Saint Mary’s Home of Erie is a Continuing Care Retirement Community that has served the Erie community for more than 130 years.

Today, Saint Mary’s continues to commit itself to a tradition of “Loving to Care” and remains dedicated to providing a dynamic response to the ever-changing needs of seniors and their families.

Saint Mary’s East provides a supportive community that enables seniors to enrich all facets of their lives. Residents can take advantage of a wide range of services that enable them to maximize their independence in a fulfilling environment.

Saint Mary’s East offers attractive landscaping, beautiful courtyards, a sunroom with a large screen television and VCR, coffee and gift shops, lounges, family visiting areas and a library.

Saint Mary's East

We are an independent nonprofit, located in the City of Erie.  Founded in 1871, and governed by a local board, we provide comprehensive housing, services, and nursing care at one site.

Flexible meal & housekeeping options offer you choice of services. Relax in knowing that nursing and emergency assistance is on site if you need it!

This lifestyle at Sarah Reed is ideal for self-sufficient individuals. Reed Terrace offers studio and one-bedroom apartments, many with kitchenettes.  Reed Manor offers both one and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, spacious closets, and in-unit washing machines & dryers. All apartments are equipped with call bells for emergency nursing response!

A hidden gem for our residents is our indoor parking garage!  Residents who drive are given a reserved parking place and a garage door opener for easy and safe parking at NO additional cost! Farewell to shoveling snow and cleaning off your car!

For your convenience, accommodations, daily meals in the dining room, monthly housekeeping, weekly linen exchange service, utilities, including cable are included in our affordable monthly fee. Phone service is available at a modest charge.

Residents enjoy complimentary access to nursing consultations, a dietician, planned exercise, recreation, and entertainment, a computer room with internet access, interdenominational religious programs, chapel, lounges, library, transportation, and security services. Browse our amenities gallery for a slice of life view of our bustling community!

Sarah Reed Senior Living

Apple Blossom Place apartments is an affordable rental housing community located in Erie, PA. Apple Blossom Place apartments is a Senior affordable housing community with 1 bedroom apartments.

Apple Blossom Place is a HUD Apartment. HUD residents usually pay 30% of their gross income for rent. The rent amount, less approved HUD deductions such as medical and child care expenses, and other allowances, includes a utility allowance. HUD Residents also may choose to pay what is known as flat rent. The HACC works with applicants to determine which rent arrangement is best for them. Apple Blossom Place is a senior low income housing apartment subsidized by the federal governments HUD (Housing and Urban Development Division). 

Apple Blossom Place

National Church Residences is an innovative leader in integrating housing, health care and other supportive services for seniors, families and others who need us.  Thousands of people nationwide come home to the comfortable, affordable housing that National Church Residences offers.

Headquartered in Upper Arlington, Ohio, National Church Residences is the nation’s largest not-for-profit provider of affordable senior housing and services. With over 310 communities in 25 states and Puerto Rico, National Church Residences also provides health care in Ohio and Florida, including the operation of Senior Living Communities and permanent supportive housing for the formerly homeless and disabled.  The National Church Residences model of person-centered care includes adult day services, assisted living, senior housing, rehabilitation suites, memory care, rehabilitation centers, outpatient therapy, home health care and hospice.  

Founded by the Rev. John R. Glenn and four Ohio Presbyterian churches in 1961, National Church Residences is certified as a 501c (3) charitable organization.  Rev. Glenn formed National Church Residences out of a Christian commitment to serve older adults' housing, social and human needs.

His innovative thinking resulted in the purchase of an abandoned company town in Waverly, Ohio, that became Bristol Village, National Church Residences' first housing community.

For more than 55 years, National Church Residences has built a proven track record of excellence based on continuous improvement to its services and standards of care for those we serve.  Our diverse portfolio includes Senior Living Communities, permanent supportive housing communities that serve the formerly homeless and disabled, a Home & Community Services senior home health care agency, Centers for Senior Health that provide adult day services and residential health care facilities that provide assisted living and skilled nursing. 

Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors comprised of a broad mix of people with professional, business and human services backgrounds, National Church Residences' mission extends to more than 3,400 employees and thousands of residents throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

Eastlake Woods

Kearsarge Place apartments is an affordable rental housing community located in Erie, PA. Kearsarge Place apartments is a Senior affordable housing community with 1 bedroom apartments. 

Kearsarge Place is a senior low income housing apartment subsidized by the federal governments HUD (Housing and Urban Development Division).

Kearsarge Place offers affordable housing to Seniors. The rent is subsidized by the government for those who qualify.  The complex features one-bedroom units.   

Amenities include central air, emergency call system, service coordinator, community/game room, library, elevator. 

Kearsarge Place

Erie County

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What Makes Retirement Communities? Activities, Of Course!

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