50+ Housing In The News

A roundup of 50+ housing coverage

No Hogs on the Putting Green!
Here’s a new demographic for you to court: aging bikers. Myrtle Beach’s Sun News reports that developer Tim Collins, a motorcycle enthusiast who invested $44 million in his Stonegate at Prince Creek community, says they have big money to spend. “Out of my three buddies, one bought a home, one bought a condo and another bought a lot this week," he said. "There's a lot of money, a lot of wealth in the biker community. They have plenty of wealth and are looking to retire. Don't ignore us bikers." No word on how menacing he looked while saying that…

Change Design, Change Lives
Dr. Bill Thomas wants the senior care industry to abandon its traditional nursing home model. In the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Dr. David Lipschitz writes that “Thomas has developed the ‘Eden alternative,’ in which long-term care facilities are seen not as a place to care for the frail and the elderly, but as vibrant, vigorous habitats for human beings. This is called an "elder-centered community" that avoids loneliness, helplessness and boredom by providing residents with a loving, well-trained staff who care for them in an environment filled with plants, animals and children. Here quality of life is more important than a myopic focus on medical care.” The newspaper article requires a subscription, but more information can be found at www.edenalt.com.

Can I Start My Flex-Retirement Now? Please?
This New York Times story cites a 2002 AARP study that showed that 71% of workers age 45 to 56 plan to work into their retirement years. The article profiles a few lucky retirees who work part-time and do what they like with the rest. Kathy Swartout, who works at her job three days a week, says "Working part time balances financial security with family and all the other fun things I want to do."

After 30 years, Husband Finally Does Housework
Instead of retiring, or even flex-retiring, some 50+ folks are starting anew with their own businesses. The Akron Beacon Journal profiles a couple who opened a bed-and-breakfast in Amish Country. Larry Wilgus, the husband, has now learned how to do laundry, set the table, and slice an onion. Talk about a new adventure! Experts cited in the story say that leaving a traditional career often triggers a desire to look for more fulfilling work. [Return to top]