BABY BOOMERS ARE REACHING THE TRADITIONAL RETIREMENT AGE of 65 at a rate of about 8,000 each day. Many surveys suggest this generation that has redefined many aspects of American life also will redefine retirement, or perhaps not retire at all. Some studies suggest that as many as 28 percent plan to never retire, and as many as 46 percent who plan to retire also plan to work part-time in retirement.

So what will “retirement” look like for this generation? What lifestyles do they anticipate, and where do they plan to live? There is certainly no shortage of opinions, and no shortage of companies lining up to cash in on this group of approximately 77 million born between 1946 and 1964.

According to a recent Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate survey, most boomers don’t plan on moving very far: 72 percent plan to stay in the same state. Asked where they most likely would relocate, 39 percent stated they plan to move to small towns or rural communities, and 27 percent said they plan to move to an over-55 retirement community.

Over-55 communities are changing to accommodate and attract the boomer generation. These communities that used to be just a bunch of homes clustered around a golf course are evolving to accommodate all aspects and needs of the aging process.

Nursing homes traditionally were thought of as warehouses where old people went to die. My own mother has often told me that she does not want to end up in a nursing home. Certainly my own childhood memories of these places are very negative.

Nowadays, there is a new type of community for folks who may require some assistance but who generally are perfectly capable of taking care of themselves. These new senior living communities are downright amazing. I have toured a couple and found them to be vibrant communities, where seniors typically live in individual apartments ranging in size from studios to two bedrooms. Most have kitchens, even though meal services may be offered.

In fact most of these properties offer excellent dining options. In one community that I visited, the residents ordered off menus in a restaurant-style dining area.

One key feature is a calendar of activities — there is more than enough to keep the average resident busy. One property that I toured had a social area complete with pool tables and a poker room. The residents gathered each afternoon for complimentary wine and happy hour treats. I am told their Tuesday night poker and bunko games are quite lively.

As residents age and their needs increase, these communities offer additional services. Some residents simply desire housecleaning and some meals. But as folks get older, additional basic living needs may be necessary, and these communities offer services through all life stages — including, in many, dedicated memory care facilities.

This type of lifestyle may not be for everyone, but it certainly is not a bad choice for many.

Guy Benjamin (CAL BRE License #01014834, NMLS 887909) writes a weekly column for The Herald, offering general information on real estate matters. As it is impossible to address all possibilities and variations, he will try to answer individual questions by readers who contact him at 707-246-0949 or gbenjamin@rpm-mtg.com.

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