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.

Our Community
Our elegant continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offers distinctive amenities and services designed to exceed your expectations for luxury senior living. We have an indoor, heated swimming pool and spa, an auditorium for performances and events, fitness centers and a wellness center. Freedom Village Bradenton offers both rental and Life Care programs. 
CCRC: Life Care and Rental Programs
Our community offers a full continuum of care for seniors, including independent living, assisted living, Alzheimer's and dementia care, and skilled nursing care.  

The rental program operates on a monthly rental fee basis – with no buy-in fee. Assisted living and Alzheimer's and dementia care are available through the rental program. With assisted living you’ll have the best of both worlds with independence when you want it and day-to-day help if you need it. At Freedom Village Bradenton you can also enjoy a laid-back lifestyle with a fun social calendar. 
The Life Care program is secured with an entry fee purchase that covers both the cost of your future accommodations as well as discounted healthcare services, if or when needed. You must initially move into independent living, but if you need more care you’ll benefit from significant  savings and your costs will be stabilized. Our Life Care program empowers residents to enjoy a dynamic lifestyle with choices to meet their changing needs. We also have our wellness clinic, which offers physician and pharmacy services, plus educational seminars. Best of all, our Life Care program comes with a Life Care guarantee* promising your accommodations are guaranteed for life, even if your assets are exhausted through no fault of your own.

Freedom Village at Bradenton

Enjoy life with A Strong Foundation for Your Future
We know you'll be happy with your options in active living, services to enhance your lifestyle, choices in residences, and the assurance of a strong partner — Westminster Manor
Enjoy life at Westminster Manor, where your new home is just the beginning. Set on quiet neighborhood streets, our community offers something for everyone, all at a wonderful value. We’ll take care of all your home maintenance while you enjoy great dining with restaurant-style service, go to a wellness class, play tennis or take a dip in the pool. And with a great location in the heart of Bradenton, Southwest Florida is at your fingertips: From beautiful beaches at Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, to the arts and fine dining in Bradenton and Sarasota, theatrical and musical performances in the new Manatee Performing Arts Center, and even spring-training baseball at McKechnie Field.

Let us make you smile every day – we’ll take care of all the upkeep like maintenance and lawn care for you. Best of all, at Westminster Manor, active living enhances your lifestyle through amenities and services like our exclusive My W Life wellbeing program, fitness center, 24-hour security, scheduled transportation and more, all at a great value.

You’ll also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have A Strong Foundation for Your Future in place. Rest easier with the assurance of comprehensive supportive and healthcare services, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and therapy, and pharmacy services, all conveniently available on campus.

Whatever it is you most enjoy, we know you’ll find something to smile about at Westminster Manor.

Westminster Manor

Active waterfront senior living awaits
With choices in spectacular residences, gorgeous waterfront views and services and amenities to enhance your lifestyle, what’s not to love?
At Westminster Point Pleasant, you’ll find something for everyone. Our community is located on the shore of the Manatee River where it meets Wares Creek. Choose apartment residences on the waterfront or just steps from historic Downtown Bradenton. No matter what choice you make, every apartment features spacious, open floor plans. You’ll be just a short distance from Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and the gorgeous beaches of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. 

Kick back and let us take care of all the upkeep like maintenance and lawn care for you. Instead you can catch the breeze, enjoy a wellness or lifelong learning class, in partnership with USF Sarasota-Manatee, or enjoy delightful, restaurant-style dining in one of our waterfront venues. At Westminster Point Pleasant, active living enhances your lifestyle – and is a great value, too! Every residence comes with access to fantastic amenities and services like our exclusive My W Life wellbeing program, fitness center, 24-hour security, housekeeping, scheduled transportation, and so much more.

Whatever it is you enjoy, we’re here to help you pursue your own happiness through Gracious Waterfront Living. You’ll also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a plan for your future in place at Westminster Point Pleasant. Rest easier with the assurance of comprehensive supportive and healthcare services, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and therapy, and pharmacy services, all conveniently available on campus.

Westminster Point Pleasant

Water’s Edge of Bradenton is a rental senior living community situated on 37 acres of picturesque landscaping surrounding an exquisite apartment home neighborhood. Best yet, many of our apartment homes in our Florida retirement community feature stunning water views.

We offer both senior apartment homes and assisted living options that allow you to live your life the way you want. Apartments start at $3,125 per month, with no entrance fee!

With numerous senior apartment homes and nine floor plans to choose from, we make sure you have the apartment that truly fits your needs.

Our apartments feature a wide variety of amenities, including an early response system, a screened lanai, and individually controlled heating and air conditioning units. Also, unlike other Bradenton retirement communities, we provide a washer and dryer in each apartment.

In addition to our senior apartment home options, we also offer assisted living services to our residents.

You still get to enjoy the freedom of having your own apartment home, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of assistance with daily living activities, such as eating, medicating, transferring and dressing. A licensed practical nursing staff oversees each activity to ensure you receive the best care possible at our senior housing community.

Water's Edge of Bradenton

Bradenton

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

Independent Living in Bradenton, FL - Kithward

Enjoy a rich and relaxing retirement in Bradenton. Its communities host a strong culture, while having access to many pristine beaches along the picturesque waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

If you’re looking forward to a retirement mixed with culture and relaxation, the best place to go is Bradenton, Florida. North of Sarasota on the Manatee River, at the headwaters of the Gulf of Mexico, Bradenton is home to many smaller communities that showcase some of the fine sand beaches the Gulf Coast is known for, such as Bradenton Beach and Ellenton. It’s a short drive to Tampa, and only a bit further to visit Orlando. When you want to relax, you can easily find a nice spot on the shore. It’s also great for deep-sea fishing and dolphin watching.

Bradenton is an esteemed home for culture. The Village of the Arts is a unique artist community, with over 200 restored homes that also function as art galleries and studios. It’s the base and home of many artists-in-residence, specializing in painting, sculpture, weaving, and more. You’ll not only be enamored by the works on display, but also have the chance to pick up a hobby.

Find your perfect senior independent living community in Bradenton, FL

Enjoy a rich and relaxing retirement in Bradenton. Its communities host a strong culture, while having access to many pristine beaches along the picturesque waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Living in Bradenton

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What Makes Retirement Communities? Activities, Of Course!

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