Active Adult vs Independent Living
Active adult is the new norm in retirement living
Find a list of retirement homes
Active adult communities (also called a variety of other names, such as adult lifestyle communities and others) are a blossoming trend in housing. These are ideal for those who have emptied the nest and are looking to downsize or reinvest the equity in their family home. These are not retirement communities in any traditional sense, and communities have no true age restriction; people may move in in their late 40s, for example. Active adult might also be known as resort communities, 55 plus, bungalow retirement communities and many other names. Homes can be single-family dwellings, mobile or manufactured homes, cluster housing, condo style housing or special subdivisions. Occupants lease or purchase the residence and enjoy an independent lifestyle with their neighbors. These communities have features and activities that older adults find fulfilling and enjoyable. From indoor swimming pools and lush golf courses to onsite shopping and transportation, active adult communities suit the needs of healthy and active seniors.
Independent living facilities, on another hand, are housing units designed specifically for seniors, often with an age limit around 65. Residents of independent living facilities care for themselves and live independently in a secure environment of their peers. These residents usually do not require assistance with day-to-day activities, but may use services of a care provider as required.
The key difference between independent living and other housing options is the degree of overall assistance in daily living activities. While seniors in independent living homes take care of the majority of their own needs, they may be offered meals, laundry services, linen delivery and planned activities. However, if one requires round-the-clock help with eating, dressing, and using the toilet, or requires regular medical assistance, other housing options such as assisted living or nursing homes may be a better option. Active adult living is limited in the type of care options available to seniors and the focus of housing is on seniors who are, as implied by the name, very active.
Independent living offers a good deal of comfort, security and safety but medical care is limited. Meals, housekeeping, transportation, and planned social activities are offered to seniors. There are many types of independent living facilities, from apartment complexes to separate houses. Continuing care retirement facilities provide independent living as well as other types of senior housing with more services at the same facility.
With the aging of the baby boomer generation, both active adult and independent living options are getting equally popular. Many independent adults who do not need care opt for active adult living while seniors who may need some care services can choose from the wide range of homes that offer independent living.
Independent living communities:
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Baycrest's Reuben Cipin Healthy Living Community at 2 Neptune Drive
2 Neptune Drive, Toronto,
Ontario, M6A3E6
2 Neptune Dr. is a unique residential community designed for active adults 65+ who enjoy being part of a large, close-knit community and taking part in various fitness and social programs. Move-in incentives available!
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Wellings of Picton
15 Wellings Drive, Picton,
Ontario, K0K 2T0
The Wellings of Picton is a vibrant new community for adults 55+, in Prince Edward County. Offering 64,one bedroom plus den and two bedroom apartments with all appliances and outdoor balconies, pub, parking and dog park.
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Wellings of Waterford
111 Bruce Street, Waterford,
Ontario, N0E 1Y0
Welcome to Wellings of Waterford, a vibrant villa community for adults 55+. Community clubhouse and parking is included. On-site secured storage is available for an additional cost, all maintenance is included.
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St. Elizabeth Village
1 Yates Gate, Hamilton,
Ontario, L9B 1T8
St. Elizabeth Village is a place where community comes first. The Village is set on an impressive 114-acre natural oasis of parks and ponds. Enjoy a non-stop slate of social activities in a vibrant, active lifestyle.
The Crossing
83 Goosie Loop, Garlands Crossing,
Nova Scotia, B0N2T0
The Crossing is a vibrant active living community in the beautiful Annapolis Valley, an award-winning wine region. Residents will enjoy nearby walking trails, community gardens, golf, skiing & casual or fine dining.
Lynde Creek Village by Esprit Lifestyle Communities
Dabbs Way, Whitby,
Ontario, L1R 2Y9
Lynde Creek Village is a planned 55 years and over adult lifestyle retirement community located in the town of Whitby, and consists of 113 life lease attached, town-house bungalows situated on 21 acres of land.
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Sifton Riverstone Retiree Apartments
1961 Shore Rd., London,
Ontario, N6K 0K5
Riverstone is offering a lifestyle designed just for you. Our energy-efficient retiree apartments boast up-scale interiors that bring the outside in, to create a one-of-a-kind sustainable environment powered by the sun.
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River Crest Estates
2626 Mewburn Road, Niagara Falls,
Ontario, L2J 0G4
Welcome to River Crest Estates, where you will enjoy a higher quality of life, in the heart of the Niagara Region. You will find a community of comfort, simplicity, and freedom for 50+ Active Adults.
Wellings of Corunna
180 Bunker Ave, Corunna,
Ontario, N0N 1G0
NOW OPEN - Wellings of Corunna is a vibrant new community for adults 55+. We are a maintenance free rental community, focused on independent living with amenities designed to make everyday living more convenient.
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Arbutus Ridge by the Sea
600 Fairways Place, Cobble Hill,
British Columbia, V0R1L1
Arbutus Ridge is a 50 + seaside community located minutes from Victoria via a beautiful drive over the Malahat. There are 646 homes distributed over a park like 150 acres interlinked with the Arbutus Ridge Golf Course.
Royal Heights Inc.
30 Adelaide Avenue East, Oshawa,
Ontario, L1G 0B8
Royal Heights is designed with your active & independent lifestyle in mind. Luxury apartments feature en-suite laundry, stainless steel appliances & balconies. On site Fitness room, salt water pool, movie theatre & more!
Gates of Bayview
4003 Bayview Avenue, North York,
Ontario, M2M 3Z8
Welcome to The Gates of Bayview, one of North Toronto's most exclusive rental communities. Offering residents spacious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom suites with unmatched amenities, community events, and stunning floral scenery.
Sts. Peter and Paul Residence
221 Milner Avenue, Scarborough,
Ontario, M1S 4P4
Sts. Peter and Paul Residence offers a modern, efficient, and self-sustaining seniors community operated by a professional and compassionate staff.
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Edgewood Suites
270 Hagan Street East, Southgate,
Ontario, N0C 1B0
Welcome to vibrant, carefree, adult living community, Edgewood Suites, a unique adult lifestyle community located in Dundalk, a place rich in small town charm, natural beauty and superb amenities.
Wellings of Stittsville
2500 Wellings Private, Stittsville,
Ontario, K2S 2R5
Enjoy a vibrant new community for adults 55+ who share a passion for an active lifestyle. Studios,1, 2 bedroom apartments to rent include full kitchens, appliances, laundry, balcony, parking, concierge & onsite dining.
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The Meadows of Aurora
440 William Graham Drive, Aurora,
Ontario, L4G 1X5
The Meadows of Aurora is a Christian Seniors Lifestyle Community that promotes the wellbeing of individuals 65+. Residents experience nature’s green spaces, memorable dining experiences and great times with friends.
