Young at heart: Savvy seniors

Age-qualified communities in Southern Nevada are catering to a new breed of seniors: active people who plan never to wile away their golden years in a rocking chair. After all, there probably is no time to sit and rock, considering that such properties today list not only golf courses, but tennis courts, swimming pools, fine dining, special interest clubs, and fitness centers among their recreational and social opportunities.

The focus, developers say, is on camaraderie, learning, creativity, adventure, fitness, personal growth and, above all, fun.

Several years ago, Del Webb brought its trademark Sun City lifestyle to Summerlin, then soon turned to MacDonald Ranch in Henderson, where the company built a smaller version of its sister properties. The developer's formula again proved popular with the older generation as Sun City MacDonald Ranch remains a winner with residents, including Patrick and Rose Sazari, who moved to the community four years ago.

"We've got loads of friends, more than we've ever had. We're too busy here ... there's always something to do. My daughter kids that she has a better relationship with our answering machine," Patrick Sazari said.

Fellow four-year resident Emilie Karczewski agreed.

"The golfing, activities, social events ... I don't have to go looking for it. It's here at (my) doorstep," said Karczewski, who participates in numerous resident activities while her husband, Richard, plays golf.

Del Webb continues to cater to the growing senior market with the development of Sun City Anthem in Henderson and, most recently, Sun City Aliante in North Las Vegas.

Siena, a Sunrise Colony Co. community in Summerlin, is also open to the 55-plus home buyer. The company is a longtime developer of golf course communities in Southern California, and is also building Red Rock Country Club in Summerlin.

"We cater to a young group," Julie Knepp, marketing director, said. "Not everyone who lives here is retired," although at least one resident per household must be at least 55 years old.

"We took the feeling of a country club and gave it to a community for active adults. Residents get the rich, luxurious lifestyle that comes with country club living without having to pay for a membership. It's included in their homeowners association."

Several studies, including one conducted by AARP, have shown that baby boomers expect to be more active in their later years than were their parents. Boomers are those born between 1946 and 1964, many of whom are planning for their retirements. Both Del Webb and Sunrise Colony are marketing to this generation with specialized amenities, such as cyber cafés and investment clubs.

The latest option for seniors is life care communities, which are prevalent in many parts of the country, but a relatively new concept in Southern Nevada. These "senior resorts" provide top-of-the-line services and amenities, as well as access to quality, on-site health-care services.

Pioneering this lifestyle locally are Las Ventanas at Summerlin and The Springs at Lone Mountain, both of which are planned to provide amenities similar to those at Siena and the Sun City properties plus a few additions: interior and exterior maintenance, housekeeping and meal services, and assisted living and skilled nursing care.

Such communities allow residents to live independently in apartments, and to conduct their normal day-to-day activities. They are also designed to handle the "what ifs" as people age, according to Mary McMullin, a partner in New Life Management and Development, developer of The Springs.

"The health care industry is so far behind. When you look at the number of seniors moving (to Las Vegas) with the number of available facilities, you can see that people will have to leave to get care," McMillin said. "By offering a full continuum of care, residents will have access to assisted or nursing care, when and if they need it, without having to worry about additional costs because they've already bought into the community."

Las Ventanas marketing director Suzanne Caldarello agreed.

"It used to be that after you retired at age 65, you might live another 10 years. Now, people are getting older ... living into their 90s," Caldarello said, pointing out that seniors can fulfill their emotional and physical needs under one roof through life care.

Both life care communities require a one-time deposit plus a monthly fee, both of which are based on the resident's choice of housing and service plans.

Las Ventanas is under construction, and expects its first residents in late 2003. It will feature 198 independent living apartments and accommodate 60 people in both the assisted-living and skilled-nursing facilities. Residents must be at least 62 years old. It will be operated by Greystone Communities, Westport Senior Living and American Baptist Homes of the West.

The Springs is anticipated to open in 2004 with 150 apartments. Its attached health care center will have 20 assisted-living apartments and 40 beds in its skilled-nursing facility. At least one person per household must be 55 years old. It will be operated by Presbyterian Homes and Services of the West.

Carefree Senior Living apartments offer yet another option. With seven locations in the Las Vegas area and three more planned, these complexes for those age 55-plus are "all about a lifestyle," according to developer Templeton Development Corp.

Security gated, these properties range from single-story patios units to two- and three-story buildings with elevators. Residents have access to clubhouses with libraries and computers, exercise rooms, entertainment centers and billiard rooms. Complementary shuttle service is provided as are routine activities such as exercise classes, theater outings, overnight trips and dining clubs.

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