There are basically three types or categories of retirement communities.  Active communities provide no long-term healthcare facilities.  Active/supportive communities are a combination of residential and healthcare facilities.  Supportive communities provide all long-term healthcare units such as assisted living and nursing care.

The type of retirement community that appears to give you the best benefit for your lifestyle now as well as in the future are active/supportive communities, more popularly known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs).  These communities allow retirees to "age in place" with accommodations designed to meet health and housing needs as those needs change over time.  Ideal candidates for a CCRC can be independent and able to take care of themselves or a senior who may need some assistance with daily living or skilled nursing care.  You may no longer want to maintain your own home and have a desire to live among your peers – CCRCs are a perfect combination.  This type of retirement community is generally a large complex with a combination of independent living units such as studio, one, two or three bedroom apartments, cottages, cluster homes, townhomes, as well as assisted living apartments and full nursing home accommodations.  CCRCs also offer a wide variety of services such as recreational, social and educational activities, housekeeping, transportation, meals and special diets, personal assistance and emergency help.

If this sounds like what you've been looking for, do as much research as possible.  If a particular retirement community offers a few nights stay – take advantage of this to see what your life would really be like living there.  Consider the financial costs and the types of contracts you would be signing.  Your ultimate goal is to live a long, healthy and happy life!