(NAPSA)—It seems a growing number of Americans aged 55 and older have made the move to active adult communities, but not away from their jobs. Experts say that represents a split from years past, when the communities were primarily occu- pied by retirees. Many credit the current buyer’s market—which features attractive prices and mortgage rates hovering nearhistoric lows—with luring these adults into a retirementlifestyle, without actually walking away from work. In some cases, that lifestyle means trading home maintenance tasks, external upkeep and chores for relaxation or participation in group activities, kayaking, fishing, golf, tennis, softball, pickleball, community service and even travel clubs. For instance, Del Webb, a com- pany with active adult communities across the country, provides whatit bills as “worry-free living.” It reports that 50 percent of residents at its Sun City community near Las Vegasstill work full- or part-time. That number represents an 8 percent increase from 10 years ago. “People are working longer, but they still want a vibrant lifestyle and to live in a community that supports the work-and-play culture,” says Ken Johnson,vice president of strategic marketing for Pulte Homes, which runs the communities. “The economic environ- ment has definitely caused some to work longer, but it has also prompted many to purchase their retirement home now,for later.” Many homes el Webb communities are outfitted with home offices to accommodate active adults who arestill in the workforce. He notes that the communities now feature many plans with homeoffices, and a number have extended fitness center hours and added more early morning and evening exercise classes to accommodate working residents’ schedules. When Jerry and Sombat Axton purchased their home in the company’s Sun City Festival near Phoenix this year, retirement was the last thing on their minds. “This is a great lifestyle whether you are 35, 55 or 75,” says Axton, 60, who, along with his wife, is involved in a numberof businesses. “The community offers an active lifestyle and the ability to meet your neighbors quickly. That’s a nice thing when you are also working and traveling as we do. It’s important to know that you have a great community to call home.” For more information, visit www.delwebb.com or call (866) 239-1744.
