What is the average age of people over 55 in communities?

According to senior living industry data, the average age of residents in a senior living community is often around 84. This statistic highlights why answering the question 'What is the average age of people over 55 in communities?' is more complex than it might seem, as it varies significantly by community type.

Quick Summary

The average age of residents in 55+ communities is typically not 55, but rather a spectrum that depends on the type of community. Residents in active adult communities tend to be younger, often in their mid-70s, while those in assisted living and other senior care communities are often in their mid-80s, reflecting diverse lifestyle and care needs.

Key Points

• Community Type Determines Average Age: The average age in a 55+ community is highly dependent on its primary focus, whether it's an active adult community, independent living, or a more intensive care facility.

• Not Everyone Moves at 55: The 55-year minimum is a starting point, not the average. Residents of most communities, even active adult ones, are typically in their mid-to-late 70s or older.

• Active Adults are Younger: For active lifestyle communities without heavy care services, residents tend to be younger, often moving in around the mid-60s to mid-70s to enjoy social amenities.

• Assisted Living Residents are Older: The average age in assisted living facilities is significantly higher, often in the mid-to-late 80s, as residents move in when they need help with daily tasks.

• Factors Beyond Age Matter: Health, social needs, finances, and family circumstances are all critical factors in the timing of a move to a 55+ community, alongside age.

• Aging in Place Affects Demographics: The trend of older adults aging in place means those who do move to senior communities often do so at an older age and require higher levels of care.

The Nuance of “Average Age” in 55+ Communities

When people hear of a “55 and over” community, they often assume the residents are all in their mid-50s or 60s. However, this assumption is often incorrect. The minimum age of 55 simply acts as a floor, allowing a wide demographic range of residents who are still active and independent. The true average age is influenced by a variety of factors, including the specific type of community, its amenities, and the level of care it provides.

Defining Different Types of Retirement Communities

To understand the average age, it's vital to first distinguish between the primary types of communities available to people over 55:

• Active Adult Communities: These are typically age-restricted housing developments designed for independent adults. They focus on providing a vibrant, social, and amenity-rich lifestyle rather than healthcare services. Amenities often include golf courses, clubhouses, fitness centers, and planned social events.
• Independent Living Communities: These are apartment-style communities that provide a maintenance-free living experience. While residents are still independent, services like housekeeping, meals, and transportation are often available, making life more convenient.
• Assisted Living Facilities: For individuals who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. The average resident here is significantly older and requires a higher level of care.
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs): These communities offer a full spectrum of care on a single campus, from independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing care. The average age can be deceptive, as residents may move in at a younger age (55-70) and stay through all stages of aging.

Average Age in Active Adult and Independent Living

For active adult and independent living communities, the average age is substantially older than the 55-year minimum. Industry reports indicate that for active adult communities, the average resident age is often around 76, with a significant portion of residents still under 70. Many choose to move into these communities to enjoy a specific lifestyle, not because they require care.

Independent living communities, which provide more services, see an average age that skews older. Reports suggest that many residents of independent living communities make the move between ages 75 and 84, aligning with a later retirement timeline.

Average Age in Continuing Care and Assisted Living

The demographics shift significantly when moving into communities that offer higher levels of care. The average age for assisted living residents is higher, typically around 87 years old. This is because residents typically wait until they need help with daily tasks before making the move. The average move-in age is often between 75 and 84 years old, with the average age at move-in for all senior care being 83. Women, who often have a longer life expectancy, make up a larger percentage of residents in these facilities, especially the older cohorts.

Comparison of Community Demographics

Community Type	Typical Average Age Range	Primary Lifestyle Focus	Primary Care Level	Gender Distribution (Typical)
Active Adult (55+)	Mid-60s to mid-70s	Recreation and social engagement	Independent Living	Varies, but tends to be more balanced initially
Independent Living	Late 70s to mid-80s	Convenience and maintenance-free	Independent Living	More women than men
Assisted Living	Mid-to-late 80s	Supportive daily living assistance	Assisted Living	Significantly more women
CCRC	Wide range (younger upon entry, older overall)	Continuum of care	Varies, from independent to skilled nursing	Varies, depending on the care level

Factors That Influence When to Move

The decision to move into a senior living community is not solely based on age. Several other factors play a crucial role:

1. Lifestyle Goals: Many people seek out active adult communities in their 60s to downsize, travel, and enjoy social activities without the burdens of home maintenance.
2. Health Changes: A sudden health event, such as a fall or a new diagnosis, often prompts a move to a community with more supportive care, leading to a later entry age for assisted living.
3. Social Needs: Loneliness and a desire for social connection can be a powerful motivator for moving, driving individuals to communities at varying ages.
4. Financial Planning: Planning for retirement and having the means to afford a community is a major factor. As retirement planning becomes more sophisticated, some may move earlier to maximize their retirement investment in their lifestyle.
5. Family Influence: The decision is often a collaborative one involving adult children, particularly when health issues arise. Family support or lack thereof can be a significant catalyst.

The Rise of 'Aging in Place' and Its Impact

Another modern trend influencing the average move-in age is the desire to 'age in place,' or remain in one's current home for as long as possible. Innovations in home care, delivery services, and transportation have made this increasingly feasible. Consequently, those who do move into communities with supportive care often do so at an older age and with higher care needs, pushing the average age in these facilities upward. This trend has also put pressure on senior living communities to adapt their services and appeal to the evolving demands of older adults who are accustomed to modern conveniences and a degree of autonomy.

Conclusion: The Average Age Is a Broad Spectrum

Understanding what is the average age of people over 55 in communities requires moving beyond the minimum age requirement and considering the wide range of housing options available. From the vibrant, younger-skewing demographics of active adult communities to the older, more care-focused populations of assisted living facilities, there is no single average. Instead, the data reveals a diverse and evolving landscape where the average age is a spectrum reflecting an individual's unique health, lifestyle goals, and needs at a particular stage of their retirement journey.

An excellent source for further demographic information and senior living trends can be found at the National Center for Assisted Living.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the average age in a 55+ community actually 55?

No, 55 is just the minimum age requirement. The average age is typically much higher, with active adult communities often having residents in their 60s and 70s, and senior care facilities averaging in their 80s.

How does an active adult community differ from a senior living community in terms of average age?

Active adult communities focus on lifestyle and amenities for healthy, independent adults, attracting a younger average demographic (mid-60s to mid-70s). Senior living communities, such as assisted living, cater to older individuals needing daily care, pushing their average age into the mid-80s.

What age do most people move into a 55+ community?

The age of move-in varies, but many people make the transition into an independent or assisted living community between the ages of 75 and 84, often prompted by a change in health or personal situation.

Are there more women or men in 55+ communities?

In many types of senior care communities, there is a higher proportion of women, particularly in the older age brackets, which can be attributed to longer female life expectancy.

Why do people move to a CCRC at a younger age?

Some people move to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in their 60s or 70s to proactively secure a full continuum of care, ensuring they have access to independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing on one campus as they age.

Does the average age in a community change over time?

Yes, as residents age, the demographic of a community can shift. A community that starts with a younger average age may see it increase over time as initial residents continue to live there and new, often older, residents move in.

What is the key takeaway about the average age in 55+ communities?

The most important takeaway is that the 'average age' is not a single number but a dynamic figure that reflects the specific type of community and the residents it serves. It's a spectrum based on lifestyle needs and care requirements.