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.

Welcome to the engaging, active lifestyle you’ve always wanted at Crestwood Manor. Our senior housing in Whiting, NJ offers independent living completely maintenance-free, so you can focus on living the peaceful life you deserve.

At Crestwood Manor, our goal is simple: To keep you happy. This means we take a common sense, practical approach to running our community the same way you’d run your home with top-to-bottom annual housekeeping, extended cable TV and concierge services until 8 p.m. and on the weekends. Why? Because higher quality service, pleasure and value just make sense!

As part of the Springpoint family of senior living communities, it’s our mission to ensure residents always come first. We are a nonprofit community, so our earnings are reinvested to benefit the community by enhancing our services and amenities, increase staffing and improve our capabilities. Additionally, we are accredited by CARF, proving we are committed to providing the highest level of care and optimal outcomes, all at the best value.

The moment you step through our doors you’ll be embraced by our welcoming, caring residents and staff. Create wonderful friendships in an inviting, casual environment, enjoy a glass of wine at dinner and participate in all your favorite activities daily, all while leaving the hassle of housework and home maintenance to someone else. To put it simply, at our continuing care retirement community in Whiting, New Jersey, you will want for nothing.

Designed for active seniors looking for an exhilarating life, along with the stability of a plan for future health needs, Crestwood Manor offers the best value with the most amenities. From our onsite indoor pool to our renowned wellness program, our goal is to ensure you’re thriving and enjoy the life you’ve worked for. Make yourself comfortable in our spacious independent living apartments, knowing assisted living services and CARF accredited skilled nursing services are available right on site, all in the location you already call home.

Independent Living Options for the Life You’ve Earned

Enjoy the life you’ve earned, living your dream retirement in the independent living community at Crestwood Manor. Replace your list of things to do around the home with a list of things you actually want to do, like heading to an invigorating fitness class, practicing with the chorale group, playing cards with friends or hopping on Crestwood Manor’s bus to go shopping or dining in Whiting. At Crestwood Manor, life is filled with opportunities to live well, with all the flexibility and independence to enjoy your time to the fullest.

Our comfortable independent living apartments feature spacious floor plans and plenty of storage space, plus beautiful views of our park-like grounds from a private,screened-in porch. You’ll also appreciate that with our full continuum of care, you’ll have access to personal care or skilled nursing services, all from a compassionate staff who quickly becomes your family.

Learn more about the senior independent living apartments at Crestwood Manor in Whiting, New Jersey. Contact us today to schedule your personal tour.

Apartment Floor Plans
Juniper – Junior One Bedroom (504 Square Feet)
Bayberry – Deluxe One Bedroom (624 Square Feet)
Laurel – Deluxe Upgraded One Bedroom (624 Square Feet)
Spruce – Corner One Bedroom (672 Square Feet)
Dogwood – Corner Upgraded One Bedroom (672 Square Feet)
Hawthorne – One Bedroom with Den (1,041 Square Feet)
Cypress – One Bedroom with Den (1,038 Square Feet)
Oak – Two Bedroom (888 Square Feet)
Cedar – Upgraded Two Bedroom (888 Square Feet)
Maple – Deluxe Two Bedroom (1,008 Square Feet)

Crestwood Manor

WE BELIEVE life is a gift that must be lived as fully as we can. And each one of us is living a story that continually unfolds. Every step is simply a new chapter.

Making the decision to join a senior community doesn’t have to mean losing your identity or giving up on your life plans. A great community should enable you to do whatever you are doing, better and more often.

How to live a great story? Easy—just skip the boring parts.

There are so many services and amenities at The Pines, you won’t want to waste your time with chores like housekeeping and linen service. And you won’t have to. You’ll find these amenities and many more included as part of your residence package, which makes The Pines not only a premier retirement community but also a premier value. It all starts when you choose from 13 different apartment styles, from gracious studios to spacious apartments, all designed for maximum comfort, convenience, and style.

Community Features:
24-hour, experienced on-site staff and support
Dining experiences in our three restaurants, from casual to formal
All-inclusive service packages that offer extraordinary value at affordable prices
Educational opportunities, classes, seminars, and programming
Personalized wellness programs
Monthly housekeeping and weekly linen services
Full fitness center and personal instructor on hand to help you stay healthy and active
Several lounges, common areas, libraries, game rooms, and card lounges
Putting green, bocce and shuffleboard court
Courtyard terrace
Beautiful walking trails on grounds
Free parking and storage
Easy access to nearby swimming pool

Senior living at The Pines means living your story, your way.

Everything we do at the The Pines begins with a respect for you. Your story. Your perspective. An environment where you can keep doing the things you love while discovering new interests along the way.

The Pines community is inclusive. Residents and staff come together to embrace the joy of living, with exciting and engaging activities both on and off campus. Pursue life on your terms, every day, knowing that the right amount of help is always available should you ever need it.



The Pines At Whiting

Whiting

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

Independent Living in Whiting, NJ - Kithward

Whiting, New Jersey, is an unincorporated area that is home to various retirement communities. Those living in Whiting enjoy a close proximity to large cities on the Eastern seaboard. Not only that, Point Pleasant Beach is only 30 minutes away by car.

There are plenty of reasons why there are many retirement communities in Whiting, New Jersey. For starters, the median home price is much lower than surrounding cities and towns. If you are retired and want easy access to other larger, and more chaotic, cities you are in luck. Whiting is right in between New York and Philadelphia, and Trenton isn’t too far either.

Whiting isn’t well-known, and that’s to be expected with a population of under 35,000 residents. However, that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do. Not only is the beach not too far, there are also plenty of nature reserves and state parks such as Double Trouble State Park. Simply put, Whiting is a great place to retire if you want an affordable lifestyle near the ocean.

Find your perfect senior independent living community in Whiting, NJ

Whiting, New Jersey, is an unincorporated area that is home to various retirement communities. Those living in Whiting enjoy a close proximity to large cities on the Eastern seaboard. Not only that, Point Pleasant Beach is only 30 minutes away by car.

Living in Whiting

Crestwood Village

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