Do you know of any communities that are not designated as a 55 and older community but it just seems they have naturally turned into that?  Those neighborhoods are becoming more and more common and are referred to as Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities or NORCs.  A NORC is community, neighborhood, apartment building, or street where the residents remain for years and “age in place”, allowing a naturally occurring retirement community to develop.  To “age in place” means to grow older in one location without having to move.  NORCs offer familiarity, feelings of independence, feelings of safety, and a comfortable environment  NORCs also tend to foster social gatherings, neighbors helping neighbors, neighborhood crime watches, and more accessible public transportation (as more and more people in the neighborhood utilize the transportation service, it will naturally develop a routine route in the neighborhood).

AARP reports that more than 80% of seniors wish to remain in their own home for the rest of their lives.  To age in place successfully, requires advanced planning regarding the senior's overall health care and well-being, home environment and safety planning, and preparation for aging-related changes.  A professional geriatric care manager can assist you in planning for aging in place.  For more information regarding aging in place, check out http://www.seniorresource.com.