Retirement communities, on the other hand offer a far greater array of amenities, and e-mail, the Internet and telecommuting are are making it possible for people to move into such communities at an ever younger age. Many retirement communities are experiencing a growing influx of younger people. Boomers are 'retiring' at a younger age, taking advantage of technologies that allow them to pursue a second career from home. Telecommuting is also making it possible for businessmen to move to less stressful, rural communities. Whatever their ages, people do become ill from time to time, or need some help while recovering from surgery, or chemotherapy.
All residents are eligible, and there are no entrance or enrollment fees.
Because of volunteer involvement, operating costs are minimal and can be met by local fund-raising efforts and private subscriptions. Should the program expand to a point that requires professional administration, some sort of fee structure will have to be developed. But except for the latter, the organization does not provide the services, it simply identifies the providers and leaves the choice to the resident. For non-medical services it also maintains a list of contractors and providers, recommended in writing by the residents that have been pleased with their work. In fact it is but one of eight local agencies providing such services, and it is included in our listing.